Abstract:
A bracelet worn by a user displays images, including direct advertisements, received from a remote device. Structurally, the bracelet forms a circumference about a void for receiving the user&#39;s wrist. Further, the bracelet includes a wireless communication receiver for receiving signals from the remote device. Also, the bracelet includes a display element positioned along the circumference for displaying images defined by the signals. Typically, the display element will comprise light-emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), liquid crystal display (LCD) panels, and/or fiber optics.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention pertains to fashion accessories such as bracelets. More specifically, the present invention pertains to bracelets which are designed to display images acquired from a remote device through wireless communication. The present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, useful as an interactive display bracelet for presenting images, including direct advertisements, to a user. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    As electronic devices become more prevalent, additional avenues of communication have opened. For instance, email has provided a completely new medium for advertising. Because cellular phones are carried with users virtually all of the time, they provide an even greater opportunity for advertising. Increasingly, cellular phones are replacing the need for multiple electronic devices. Specifically, cellular phones now perform the functions of cameras, video cameras, calculators, web browsers, personal digital assistants, and alarm clocks, among others. Typically, cellular phones are of three designs—smartphones, flip top phones, and candybar phones. Each of these designs provides a planar screen for displaying images to a user. As a result, the viewing angle of the phone screen is quite limited. 
         [0003]    While cellular phones are continually manufactured in slimmer and narrower designs, they nevertheless require the users to carry and hold the phones. Further, due to the copious amounts of personal information stored on cellular phones, they are protected from communication with unknown sources. Specifically, cellular phones do not typically provide for the receipt of unrequested wireless information from local networks. Further, cellular phones generally do not allow for communication to a phone owner based on location. In fact, cellular phones typically display information from a third party to a user only when directly and purposely contacted by that third party through the cellular phone&#39;s dedicated contact number. 
         [0004]    In light of the foregoing, the present invention recognizes the need for a device that is able to display images, including text, received over local open networks. Further, the present invention recognizes the need for such a device that provides a greater than 180 degree viewing angle of the images and that can be seen by others in the area. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an interactive display bracelet for receiving wireless communication from remote devices. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an interactive bracelet that displays images, including text, defined by the communication. It is another object of the present invention to provide a bracelet for displaying images which includes a data input element for receiving local instruction from the user. It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide an interactive display bracelet that includes a sensor and an image rectifier to present the images in an upright orientation regardless of the bracelet orientation. Still another object of the present invention is to provide an interactive display bracelet having a display screen or array hidden among the aesthetic design of the bracelet. Another object of the present invention is to provide an interactive display bracelet which is easy to install and use, relatively easy to manufacture, and comparatively cost-effective. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    In accordance with the present invention, an interactive display bracelet is provided for communicating images, including text, received wirelessly from an authorized remote device. Importantly, the images may comprise personal text messages, push-text messages, or other communications. For instance, a bracelet wearer may be in a restaurant that provides advertisements or specials through push-text messages. Specifically, the restaurant&#39;s computer system or local network may communicate a universal signal carrying a push-text message that is receivable by patrons wearing the display bracelet. In this manner, the restaurant encourages use of the bracelet and can maximize use of its specials sales. At this same time, the bracelet may be used to receive personal messages. 
         [0006]    Structurally, the bracelet is formed by a housing structure that replicates a typical non-functional bracelet. Specifically, the bracelet may comprise a single solid band or may include a latch or hinge as desired. In either case, the housing structure defines a generally cylindrical circumference that bounds a void for receiving the user&#39;s wrist. Further, the structure has an inside surface worn against the wrist, and an outside surface. 
         [0007]    For wireless communication, the bracelet includes a receiver that is mounted within the housing structure. Functionally, the receiver is able to receive wireless communication such as through Bluetooth technology or through infrared communication. Specifically, the receiver acquires signals from remote devices such as cellular phones, computers, and networks. In order to interpret the signals, the receiver is electronically connected to a circuit board. 
         [0008]    Further, the bracelet includes a display means that is comprised of elements such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), liquid crystal display (LCD) panels, and/or fiber optics. Through use of these elements, the display means is able to emit images in a fixed or scrolling manner. In certain embodiments, the display means may show visual images such as photos, or streaming video. Structurally, the display means extends about 180 degrees around the circumference of the bracelet. As a result, the bracelet provides the same viewing angle for the user. Also, the images emitted by the display means may be strobing. Specifically, flashing LEDs may be used to scan a message into the air as the wearer waves his arm. 
         [0009]    In certain embodiments, the circuit board includes a sensor, such as a gyrometer, in order to determine the orientation of the bracelet as it is worn. In connection with the orientation sensor, the circuit board includes an image rectifier. As a result, the circuit board instructs the display means to show the image in a desired “upright” orientation in order to facilitate viewing. 
         [0010]    For operation, the bracelet is provided with a battery that provides power to all of the bracelet&#39;s electronic components. Further, the bracelet includes data entry means such as buttons for activating and deactivating the bracelet, for ignoring messages, for adjusting the display brightness, and for similar purposes. 
         [0011]    Importantly, the display means and other electronic components are blended in with the aesthetic nature of the bracelet. Further, the bracelet may include jewels that are integrated with the display means. Specifically, fiber optics may be used to selectively illuminate jewels to provide an alert, text message, or for non-functional purposes. For instance, an array of jewels can be selectively illuminated to form text. Also, the bracelet may include a vibrator and an enunciator to provide tangible or audio alerts in response to received signals. 
         [0012]    During use, the display means is easily viewed by others in the vicinity of the bracelet wearer. As a result, the bracelet may be used as a viral marketing device. Specifically, after seeing images displayed by the bracelet, others may want a bracelet, or act on the message communicated by the bracelet. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view of the wireless connection between the interactive display bracelet and a remote device in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of the interactive display bracelet of  FIG. 1  in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of the bracelet of  FIG. 2A , illustrating the display of images in an upright orientation; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a cross sectional view of the bracelet taken along line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 2B ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a cross sectional view of a bracelet in accordance with the present invention, with the image displaying means illustrated; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a cross sectional view of a bracelet in accordance with the present invention, including jewels connected to the displaying means for illumination; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the interactive display bracelet in accordance with the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0021]    Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , an interactive display bracelet is shown and designated  10 . In the present invention, the bracelet  10  is adapted for wireless communication with a remote device, such as the user&#39;s cellular phone  12 . Also, the bracelet  10  is adapted to receive data through wireless communication with other remote devices, such as a third party&#39;s cellular phone  14 , a computer  16 , or a local network or Internet  18 . In each case, the bracelet  10  receives signals  20  from the respective remote device  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18  through a wireless transmission. 
         [0022]    As shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the bracelet  10  includes a housing structure  22  which forms a generally cylindrical circumference  24 . Further, the structure  22  can be considered to include a circular midline  25  that defines a plane  26 . As Also, the circumference  24  bounds a void  28  and is centered about an axis  30  perpendicular to the plane  26 . As shown, the structure  22  includes an inside surface  32  and an outside surface  34 . 
         [0023]    On the outside surface  34  of the structure  22 , the bracelet  10  includes a display means  35 . For the present invention, the display means  35  is capable of presenting images  36  in a fixed format, in scrolling format, or in motion strobing format. Importantly, the bracelet  10  is equipped to determine the orientation of the bracelet  10  and to rectify the image  36  so that the image is upright. This can be seen when cross-referencing the image  36  in  FIG. 2A  with the image  36 ′ in  FIG. 2B . As shown in  FIG. 2A , the present invention further provides buttons  38  or other data input means on the structure  22  for operation of the bracelet  10 . Also, a battery  40  or other power source is shown mounted in the structure  22  to provide power for operation of the interactive display bracelet  10 . 
         [0024]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , it can be seen that the bracelet  10  includes a wireless communication transmitter/receiver  46  for accepting the signals  20  from authorized remote devices  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18 . For the bracelet  10 , authorization may occur in one of two ways. First, the receiver  46  may be initially programmed to accept signals from a selected remote device  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18 . For instance, a restaurant or bar may sell bracelets  10  that are set up to receive signals  20  communicating promotions, specials or advertisements from the establishment&#39;s computer  16  or network  18 . Alternatively or additionally, the user may authorize the receipt of signals  20  as they arrive from other remote devices  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18 . For transmission, the transmitter/receiver  46  allows simple communication between the bracelet  10  and a remote device  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18 . As a result, the identity and/or location of the bracelet  10  can be communicated to the remote device  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18 . Further, the simple communication capability allows the bracelet  10  to indicate what messages the wearer would like to receive, or any promotions they have acted on. 
         [0025]    As shown, the receiver  46  is connected to an electronic circuit board  48  for interpreting the signals  20 . Further, the circuit board  48  is connected to the data input means  38  to allow the user to provide instructions to the bracelet  10 . Also, the circuit board  48  is connected to the battery  40 . Importantly, the circuit board  48  is connected to the display means  35  through cables  50 . Also connected to the circuit board  48  is an orientation sensor  52 , such as a gyrometer, for determining the orientation of the bracelet  10 . In response to changes in the orientation of the bracelet  10 , the circuit board  48  determines whether to display the image  36  “laterally” as in  FIG. 2A  or “vertically” like the image  36 ′ in  FIG. 2B . 
         [0026]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the display means  35  extends along the cylindrical outside surface  34  about the axis  30  for a viewing angle  54  of about 180 degrees. In  FIG. 3 , the display means  35  is shown as being cylindrical. Alternatively, it is envisioned that a series of planar panels abutting one another at slight angles could be used. Specifically, the series of panels could replicate the cylindrical nature of the illustrated display means  35  while providing the same viewing angle  54 . Such an embodiment could be used with planar elements such as liquid crystal display panels. Further, the display means  35  can be comprised of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), liquid crystal, and/or fiber optics. 
         [0027]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the components of the display means  35  are shown in detail. As can be seen, the bracelet  10  includes diodes  56  which are electronically connected to the circuit board  48  via cable  50  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). Further, the diodes  56  are connected to fiber optics  58  that form the display means  35 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , light  60  is being emitted from the fiber optic  58   a  to form an image  36 . In this manner, the circuit board  48  may control what images  36  are shown by the display means  35 . 
         [0028]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , it can be seen that the bracelet  10  may include natural or synthetic jewels  62  that are embedded in the outside surface  34  of the bracelet structure  22 . As shown, the jewel  62   a  is connected to a diode  56  via a fiber optic line  58   a.  As a result, light  60  may be emitted through the fiber optic line  58   a  to illuminate the jewel  62   a.  In view of the connection between the circuit board  48  and the diodes  56 , it may be understood that creation of the image  36  on the display means  35 , and illumination of selected jewels  62  is coordinated. Alternatively, LEDs can be positioned directly underneath jewels  62  to provide for selective illumination without fiber optics  58 . In any case, illumination of selected jewels  62  may be used to provide a predetermined indication from the remote device  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18 . 
         [0029]    Also, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the bracelet  10  may include a vibrator  64  that is in electronic communication with the circuit board  48 . As a result, the vibrator  64  may provide a tangible alert to a user in response to a signal  20 . Further, the bracelet  10  may include an audio enunciator  66  for providing an audible alert to a user in response to a signal  20 . 
         [0030]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , the operation of the bracelet  10  upon receipt of a signal  20  is shown. At inquiry block  68 , the signal  20  is analyzed to determine whether it is a push-text message. Specifically, during this determination the circuit board  48  may identify the sender of the signal  20 , or the signal  20  may include an indication that it is a push-text message. If it is determined to be a push-text message, the signal  20  is communicated by the circuit board  48  to the display means  35  and the message is shown by the bracelet  10 . For instance, the push-text message may be an advertisement offer distributed from a local network  18  in a retail establishment. At that time, the user may indicate acceptance of the offer through the data entry means  38 . 
         [0031]    If the signal  20  does not represent a push text message, then it is determined whether the signal  20  represents a personal message at inquiry block  70 . Specifically, the circuit board  48  may recognize the sender of the message as a known contact, or the circuit board  48  may determine that the sender is a personal cellular phone  14 . In any case, if it is determined that the signal  20  represents a personal message, the message is received at action block  72  and the circuit board  48  prompts the display means  35  to show the message. 
         [0032]    If it is determined that the signal  20  does not represent a personal message, then the circuit board  48  determines whether the signal  20  represents an outgoing message from the user&#39;s cellular phone  12  (inquiry block  74 ). If the signal  20  is not an outgoing message, then the signal  20  is discarded at action block  76 . If the circuit board  48  determines that the signal  20  is an outgoing message, then the identity of the addressee is queried at inquiry block  78 . If the address is known, then the message is sent at action block  80 . If the addressee is unknown, then the addressee is confirmed or re-entered at action block  82 . Thereafter, the message is sent at action block  80 . 
         [0033]    While the particular Interactive Display Bracelet as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as defined in the appended claims.