U.S. patent application number 10/872342 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-09 for interactive electronic system for attaching to a vehicle.
This patent application is currently assigned to Advanced Information Systems, L.L.C.. Invention is credited to Ambrose, Alan S., Baker, Glwynn R., Ferguson, James D., McDonald, William S..
Application Number | 20040249716 10/872342 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32592836 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040249716 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ambrose, Alan S. ; et
al. |
December 9, 2004 |
Interactive electronic system for attaching to a vehicle
Abstract
A novel point of sales systems for vehicles. The systems are
comprised of a housing attachable to the exterior of the vehicle
which contains components of the system which are interactive with
regard to the customer. Another embodiment of the invention is a
two housing system in which one housing is attachable on the
exterior of the vehicle and the second housing is placed inside the
vehicle. Examples of an interactive system are an interactive game,
coupon request and receipt, participation in a survey, and the
like.
Inventors: |
Ambrose, Alan S.; (Midland,
MI) ; Baker, Glwynn R.; (Frankenmuth, MI) ;
Ferguson, James D.; (Mt. Pleasant, MI) ; McDonald,
William S.; (Saginaw, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JAMES D. STEVENS
REISING, ETHINGTON, BARNES, KISSELLE, P.C.
P.O. BOX 4390
TROY
MI
48099
US
|
Assignee: |
Advanced Information Systems,
L.L.C.
Midland
MI
|
Family ID: |
32592836 |
Appl. No.: |
10/872342 |
Filed: |
June 18, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10872342 |
Jun 18, 2004 |
|
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09289311 |
Apr 9, 1999 |
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6760706 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60Q 1/503 20130101;
G06Q 20/20 20130101; G09F 21/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/016 |
International
Class: |
G06F 017/60 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A point of sale system for vehicles comprising: (I) a housing
containing therein: (i) at least one activatable system; (ii)
systems control equipment; (iii) connections for connecting the
systems control to the activatable system; (iv) at least one means
of powering the point of sale system; (v) at least one data input
system and, (vi) at least one means of triggering the operation of
the point of sale system; (II) a means of attaching the housing to
the outside of a vehicle.
2. A point of sale system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the
activatable system includes any combination of: (i) alpha numeric
key pad, (ii) symbolic key pad (iii) electronic display screen,
(iv) electronic display system displaying information, (v)
electronic display system displaying an interactive game, (vi)
microphone, (vii) coupon printer, (viii) equipment for vending
coupons, (ix) audio recording and playback system, (x) video
display system, (xi) video recording and playback system, (xii)
survey system, (xiii) an interactive game, (xiv) a coupon
dispenser, (xv) a camera, (xvi) an illumination system, (xvii) an
information area, (xviii) a speaker, and (xix) a
microcontroller.
3. A method of providing a point of sale system for a vehicle, the
method comprising: (A) utilizing: (I) a housing containing therein:
(i) at least one activatable system; (ii) systems control
equipment; (iii) connections for connecting the systems control to
the activatable system; (iv) at least one means of powering the
point of sale system system; (v) at least one data input system
and, (vi) at least one means of triggering the operation of the
point of sale system and, (II) a means of attaching the housing to
the outside of a vehicle and, (B) energizing the point of sales
system.
4. A method as claimed in claim 3 wherein the activatable system
includes any combination of: (i) alpha numeric key pad, (ii)
symbolic key pad (iii) electronic display screen, (iv) electronic
display screen displaying information, (v) electronic display
screen displaying an interactive game, (vi) microphone, (vii)
coupon printer, (viii) equipment for vending coupons, (ix) audio
recording and playback system, (x) video display system, (xi) video
recording and playback system, (xii) survey system, (xiii) an
interactive game, (xiv) a coupon dispenser, (xv) a camera, (xvi) an
illumination system, (xvii) an information area, (xviii) a speaker,
and (xix) a microcontroller.
Description
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 09/289,311
filed Apr. 9, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. ______
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The invention disclosed and claimed herein deals with novel,
portable, point of sales systems for vehicles. The systems are
comprised of a housing attachable to the exterior of the vehicle
which contains components of the system which are interactive with
regard to the customer. Another embodiment of the invention is a
two housing system in which one housing is attachable on the
exterior of the vehicle and the second housing is placed inside the
vehicle. Examples of an interactive system are an interactive game,
coupon receipt, participation in a survey, communicating with a
salesperson, or the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] This invention deals with novel, portable point of sales
systems for vehicles. The most fundamental use for systems of this
invention are as a direct customer contact opportunity. The
invention's primary but not exclusive function is to better inform
customers who browse or shop for vehicles. This is most important
when a dealership for the vehicle is closed. The systems, in
addition to providing valuable information about the vehicle to
which they are attached, provide for additional interactivity,
provide audio and video playback, recording, data storage or
transmission, and games, or the like, in which prizes may or may
not be awarded.
[0004] Thus, the customer would activate the system for the purpose
of gaining more in-depth information on the vehicle, or other
salient information with regard to special pricing, incentives, or
service promotions. Further, the system allows the customer to
input audio, video, numeric or symbolic information.
[0005] Systems for point of sales activity can be found in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,984,098, which issued Jan. 8, 1991 to Buntsis in which a
point of purchase advertising device is disclosed which generates a
pre-recorded audio message automatically whenever a person is
nearby, and then the device resets itself automatically to prepare
for the presence of another person. This system does not appear to
be interactive, but only activated by the customer.
[0006] Another system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,264,822,
which issued Nov. 23, 1993, to Vogelman et. al. in which there is
disclosed a system for delivering audio advertising messages to
people pushing shopping carts moving through a plurality of
spatially defined transmission zones arranged in the aisle of a
store. This is accomplished by having shelf transmitters in each
aisle of the store and such transmitters respond to the presence of
a shopping cart residing in its own spatially defined transmission
zone. Upon detection of the person with the shopping cart, an audio
message is delivered within that aisle. This system does not seem
to be interactive either.
[0007] One other disclosure can be found in U.S. Pat. No.
5,504,675, which issued Apr. 2, 1996, to Cragun et al. There is
disclosed therein a sales promotion program similar to the Buntsis
approach, in which information is given to a person that is sensed
in the immediate area of the system, by the system. There does not
seem to be any interactive portion to the system.
[0008] An additional U.S. Patent that deals with a point of sales
system is U.S. Pat. No. 5,630,071, which issued May 13, 1997 to
Sakai et al in which there is disclosed a purchased commodity
accommodating and transporting apparatus having a self scanning
function such that the purchaser will not exceed a certain amount
of predetermined purchase monies. There does not appear to be any
interactive mode to this system.
[0009] A pump top advertisement is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,642,484, which issued on Jun. 24, 1997, to Harrison, et al, in
which a point of sale information distribution and presentation
system which is centrally controlled, is used to distribute and/or
display audio and/or visual information selectively from the top of
a gasoline pump. This, and the Sakai, et al reference do not seem
to be interactive.
[0010] A display device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,657,004,
which issued on Aug. 12, 1997 to Whittaker, et al in which an
electronic display device provides both an audio message and a
visual message. This device does not appear to be interactive.
[0011] Finally, there is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,671,331,
which issued on Sep. 23, 1997 to Croley, a vending apparatus for
printed publications which includes a programmable announcement
capability to be triggered when the door of the apparatus is
opened. This device does not seem to employ an interactive
system.
[0012] The systems and devices of the prior art as discussed supra
do not seem to have the benefits of the systems described
herein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The invention disclosed and claimed herein deals with novel,
portable, point of sales systems for vehicles. In the broadest
sense, this invention deals with a point of sale system comprising
a first housing containing an activatable system housed in it.
There is a means for affixing the first housing to the outside of a
vehicle.
[0014] There is a second housing containing systems control
equipment housed in it and a means of connecting the systems
control to the activatable system. There is also a means of
powering the systems control and the activatable system, and, a
means of triggering the operation of the point of sale system in
addition to a data input and/or output system.
[0015] In addition, there is provided a method of providing a point
of sale system for a vehicle wherein the method comprises (I)
utilizing a first housing containing an activatable system housed
in it and wherein this housing is mounted on the outside of a
vehicle. There is utilized a second housing containing a control
system for the activatable system. The second housing is contained
within the vehicle.
[0016] There is provided a second component of the method, (II),
which provides for at least one connecting means between the
components of the first housing and the components of the second
housing, which, for example, can be electrically hard wired such as
through wire or cable, or wireless, such as through electrical
connections, such as radio, or infrared links, and the like, any of
which have the requirement of stimulating and activating the
components of either housing using the means from the other
housing.
[0017] There is also provided a third component, (III), which is
providing at least one means of powering the point of sale system.
And, in addition, there is provided a fourth component, (IV), which
is providing a starting means to start operation of the components
of the first and second housing. There is a fifth component, (V),
which is powering the systems, and finally, there is a sixth
component, (VI), which is a data input and/or output system.
[0018] "Vehicles" for purposes of this invention includes any
vehicle that can be displayed for sale and includes, but is not
limited to, automobiles, trucks, snow machines, all terrain
vehicles, water vehicles such as jet skis and boats, and the
like.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a basic point of sale system of
this invention.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a more complex point of sale
system of this invention.
[0021] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a vehicle in which the
inventive point of sale system has been installed using the two
housing configuration.
[0022] FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view of a window of an automobile
door showing the first housing and second housing.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a full side view of a window of an automobile door
showing the first housing and second housing and a touch
screen.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a full front view of a housing containing a
portion of a point of sale system of this invention.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a side view of another configuration of a portion
of a point of sale system of this invention.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a full front view of another configuration of a
portion of a point of sale system of this invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] Turning now to FIG. 1, which is a block diagram of a basic
point of sale system of this invention, there is shown five boxes
illustrating various components of this invention. Box A is a power
supply for the system and can be, for example, from the power
supply of a vehicle, such as the DC battery, or it can be a means
of solar to electrical energy conversion, or it can be, for
example, AC or DC electricity from a nearby source. The power
supply A is connected directly to the control system, box B, for
the point of sale system. The control system can be for example, a
microcontroller which is commercially available, and can consist of
various elements such as EEPROM/RAM, a clock, telephone input
and/or output ports, Serial multi-pin input and/or output cable,
and Parallel multi-pin input and/or output ports. Box C is an
activation source such as an alphanumeric key pad, a symbolic key
pad, a video touch screen, or a simple touch button, which can
activate the system and with which, the customer can become
interactive with the point of sale system. There is further shown
Box D, which is a data input and/or output system, and which for
purposes of this invention can be any means by which data is input
to the system, or output out of the system.
[0028] One simple means of data input and/or output is, for
example, a wireless radio or infrared data link to receive and
transmit certain data.
[0029] Reference should be made to FIG. 2 which illustrates many
more input and/or output means, such as for example, those
described infra.
[0030] Finally, the fifth Box, Box E, is the activatable system of
this invention. Such an activatable system is for example, an
electronic display screen, which displays information or an
interactive game, a microphone, a coupon printer, such as a thermal
coupon printer, coupon vending equipment, audio recording and
playback systems, video display systems, video recording and
playback systems, survey systems, interactive games, coupon
dispenser, cameras, an illumination system, an information area, a
speaker, and a microcontroller. Interactive games include for
example, quizzes, board games, games of chance, and other such
games that exist or can be created. Examples of board games are,
for example, checkers, dominoes, and chess. Other useful games
include roulette, dice, poker, and the like. These games can be
powered electrically or they can be powered mechanically.
[0031] The exact electronic configurations of the electronic games
are not complex, and can be found in many marketed entertainment or
recreational products. They can also be readily assembled from
component parts that are commercially available. There is also
provided such electronics in the form of kits which enable one to
build a roulette game or the like. Further, it is contemplated to
include simulated sports games, for example, baseball, football,
basketball, and those types of games found in hand held electronic
systems currently in commerce and/or games created especially for
the system.
[0032] It is contemplated within the scope of this invention to
illuminate the display area, or to use alternate means of
illuminating the display or information area, such as back
lighting, edge, side, or perimeter lighting, or any combination of
them.
[0033] An enhanced point of sale system schematic configuration can
be found in FIG. 2, wherein there is shown one arrangement, for
example of a more complex point of sale system of this
invention.
[0034] Thus, with reference to FIG. 2, there is shown a power
supply A, associated with a voltage regulator B, which supplies and
controls power to the microcontroller C, and other components of
the system, for example, the interactive game H. As indicated
supra, the power can be AC, DC, or Solar in source. For example,
the DC source can be the battery of the vehicle that the point of
sale system is mounted on. The direct connection would be, for
example, through the cigarette lighter receptacle or other
accessory power sockets of the vehicle.
[0035] In addition, there is shown the microcontroller C, into
which the various components feed, in order to control the entire
system. "Microcontroller" for purposes of this invention means
micro- controllers, such as, for example, a COP 8, and
microprocessors such as the 486 manufactured by Intel, or such
microprocessors as part of a larger, more complex computer system.
Such microcontrollers are commercially available, and can be
purchased from Motorola, NEC, or Texas Instruments. Associated with
the microcontroller C, are the various components of a sub-system,
D, for electronic time stamping, which are, for example, an
EEPROM/RAM, a clock, telephone input and/or output ports, Serial
multi-pin input and/or output ports, and Parallel multi-pin input
and/or output ports.
[0036] There is also shown a specific data input/output sub-system
comprised of E, an antenna, and F, a receiver, transmitter, or
transceiver, which receiver, transmitter, or transceiver is
connected into the microcontroller C. This specific data input
system can be either internally mounted in the equipment of the
system, or can be mounted externally of the system.
[0037] There is further illustrated a triggering sub-system G, for
the point of sale system. The triggering sub-system G can be, for
example, a keypad, keyboard, video touch screens, or a simple push
button. Such key pads and keyboards are well-known to those skilled
in the art and can be for example, a seventeen key keypad, or a
QWERTY full keyboard.
[0038] Finally, there is shown a variety of the activatable
systems, namely, an interactive game H associated with the graphic
text display J, which can be for example a liquid crystal display
or an eight segment light emitting diode configuration, which is
connected to the video/graphic driver I' directly to the
microcontroller C, a video display I, such as a (CRT) display
(typical television style tube), which is also associated with the
video/graphic driver I', a microphone K, which can be connected to
the microcontroller C by a sound chip or chips K', which can also
include an audio amplifier K" and a speaker K'", a game of chance
L, such as a lighted roulette game, interactive survey M, an
illumination source N, such as color light emitting diodes or mini
strobes, a camera or cameras, or video/closed circuit television or
a circuit board with a camera lens O, which is associated with a
color driver O'; which is connected directly to the microcontroller
C, a coupon dispenser P, which may be for example a thermal printer
with spool paper, which is associated with a print driver P' and a
printer P". It should be understood by those skilled in the art
that these are just a few of the illustrations of a system of this
invention and that other more or less complex systems can be
combined to produce the point of sale invention disclosed and
claimed herein.
[0039] Turning now to FIG. 3, which is an illustration of a vehicle
1 with which the inventive point of sale system 2 can be used.
There is shown a vehicle door 3, with a door window 4, to which the
first housing 5 of this invention is attached. One means of
attachment of the first housing 5 is illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0040] There is shown in FIG. 3 an electrical connection 6 between
the first housing 5 and the second housing 7. Further, there is an
electrical connection 8 between the second housing 7 and an
electrical source 9, which in this Figure is a cigarette lighter
socket within the vehicle 1. The cigarette lighter socket is, in
turn, electrically connected by a standard electrical lead to the
car battery 10. As shown, one of the convenient places to store the
second housing 7 is under the seat 11 of the vehicle 1, however, it
should be understood that there are other places within the vehicle
1 that such storage can take place. The electrical connection 6 is
shown in phantom behind the car door 3, as is the second housing 7,
the electrical connection 8, the electrical source 9, and the car
battery 10.
[0041] It is contemplated within the scope of this invention to
utilize a first housing 5 which is mounted on the exterior of the
vehicle 1 and a second housing 7 as is illustrated in FIG. 3, for
security purposes.
[0042] Turning now to FIG. 4, there is shown an enlarged side view
of a window 4 of an automobile door 3 showing the first housing 5
and second housing 7. There is shown a portion 40 of the window
frame 22 as shown in FIG. 3 and a portion 41 of the door 3. Shown
as part of the first housing 5 is an interactive system 43, which
may be essentially similar to that shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. The
second housing 7 contains, for example, a video screen 44 with an
associated power source 45, such as a battery. In addition, there
is a clear screen 46 which forms a part of the holding device 47
for the point of sale system. The holding device 47 not only holds
the first housing 5 and the second housing 7 together, but also
provides any electrical and data connection means required for the
point of sale system in connecting the components of the first
housing 5 with the components of the second housing 7. The clear
screen 46 provides a clear view of the video screen 44 located
behind the window 4.
[0043] Turning now to FIG. 5, there is shown a full side view just
as in FIG. 4, with the exception that the component 46, the clear
screen, is substituted with a touch screen 48. Otherwise, all like
components have like numbering.
[0044] It is further contemplated within the scope of this
invention to utilize only one housing for the containment of the
entire point of sale system.
[0045] The first housing 5 can have as one of its configurations,
the format set forth in FIG. 6. There is thus shown in FIG. 6, an
exterior and interior housing wire lead connector 12 that connects
the first housing elements to the second housing 7. There is
further shown an activation switch 13, which is available to the
customer for activation of the system.
[0046] In addition, there is shown a speaker 14, a numeric key pad
15, an electronic display area for video or game use 16, a
microphone 17, a printer or coupon delivery system 18, a printer or
coupon ejection port 19 for delivery of the coupons, a receiver,
transmitter, or transceiver 20 shown in phantom, and a coupler 21
for the exterior and interior housing wire lead connector 12. It is
preferred for this invention that this coupler 21 be of the quick
disconnect type.
[0047] A further illustration of a point of sales system which
includes an electronic roulette game 36 is shown in FIG. 8.
[0048] There is shown an the exterior and interior housing wire
lead connector 12, a quick disconnect coupler for exterior and
interior housing wire lead connector 21, an activation switch 13,
an alpha numeric key pad 37, a receiver, transmitter, or
transceiver 20, shown in phantom, a microphone 17, a printer or
coupon delivery system 18, a printer or coupon ejection port 19, a
speaker, and the game 36.
[0049] The top of the roulette game 36 is shown in the center of
the Figure, and also shown are a clear cover or shield 38, and the
lights 39 of the roulette game 36. As a practical matter, the
roulette game 36 is powered by a battery (not shown) through an
electrical lead (not shown) and controlled by a circuit board (not
shown) for the lights 39.
[0050] By way of example therefore, the roulette game 36 utilizes
electronic lights 39 to simulate a ball on a roulette game. The
individual lights are electronically controlled such that when
stimulated electrically, each light is illuminated momentarily in
quick sequence and in so doing simulate the ball's position and
final stationary position on the roulette game 36 surface. In
addition, a dice game can be simulated in the same manner by
providing a light configuration in which there are only six lights,
and the electronics of the game controls certain lights at random
and fixes them such that they emulate the dots on the face of a
die. That is, if two lights remain lighted, then the die shows a
two, if six lights remain lighted at the end of the game, then the
die shows six. In this manner, a programmer can select certain
numbers that will be associated with a prize or prizes, or
merchandise specials that are reduced in price for the game. The
exact electronic configurations are not complex, and can be found
in many marketed entertainment or recreational products.
[0051] Another configuration for the point of sale systems can be
found in FIG. 7 in which there is shown a side view of a first
housing 5 in which there is illustrated: an exterior and interior
housing wire lead connector 12, a quick disconnect coupler for
exterior and interior housing wire lead connector 21, a power lead
for AC, DC, or solar electrical source 23, an audio recorder and
playback system 24, a video recording and playback system 25, a
game system operation 26, a numeric keypad data storage unit 27, a
graphics display system 28, a printer and coupon control system 29,
a receiver, transmitter, or a transceiver 31, a playback speaker
audio volume control 32, an access panel 33 for the battery 34, the
battery being shown in phantom. There is finally shown a cap 35
which covers the components.
* * * * *