Reporting open sign

A store information sign, including a circuit in electrical communication with a lighting and an internet connector configured to send a store data, and a power supply in electrical communication with the lighting and the internet connector.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to providing real time data representing whether a store or shop is open for business.

Many stores display the open or closed status of the store via a sign. For example, the sign may display “closed” on one side and “open” on the opposite side. The sign may be positioned such that passersby may read and determine whether the store may be entered for business. More recently, many powered open signs comprise neon tubing shaped to spell the word “open.” When lit, passersby know the store may be entered for business.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention include a store information sign, including a circuit in electrical communication with a lighting and an internet connector configured to send a store data, and a power supply in electrical communication with the lighting and the internet connector.

Further embodiments of the present invention include a method including providing an electronic store information sign; and providing a map view comprising a street and a marker of a store corresponding to the location of the physical store building having the electronic store information sign.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Several big box stores, such as Walmart are open 24/7. This allows the ultimate convenience for customers to shop at any time fitting for their schedule. On the other hand, most stores have a set closing time. Because the closing times of various stores differ, it becomes necessary for a shopper to determine whether the store is open before wasting traveling time to reach the store. Thus, many stores have begun to post their hours on the store window and online. However, sometimes unforeseen circumstances prevent the store from being open during standard hours. Therefore, many stores still use open signs to indicate whether the store has opened for the day.

These open signs are not synced with hours posted online. Therefore, a store may remain closed during normal operating hours due to sickness, inadvertence, or other unforeseen circumstances. Thus, the shopper may be led to believe that the store is open based on the online posting of the standard store hours. Once the shopper arrives at the store, the shopper may make the disappointing determination that the store was not yet open and that the shopper had wasted time traveling to the store. Thus, need exists to provide a system in which shoppers may be notified in real time whether the store is presently open and when the store will be opened if the store is closed during normal operating hours.

Furthermore, remaining closed during normal operating hours may damage the goodwill of a business due to inconvenience to the shopper. Thus, store owners may derive benefit from a system in which a message may be displayed, for example, explaining that the owner is sick and cannot open the store today. Receipt of this message by the shopper may mitigate any ill will caused by wasting time traveling to the store.

Furthermore, some store owners operate several stores or businesses. Therefore, a system that records when each store was opened would be beneficial for protecting the goodwill of each store. Thus, when a manager or other store representative has failed to open the store during normal business hours, the store owner may quickly arrange with another employee to open the store. Furthermore, the store owner may display a message to shoppers that the store will be open shortly. This may allow shoppers to remain in the vicinity for a short time, thus saving travel time away from and back to the store on another date.

For the purposes of the present application, the term “open” when used to reference the wording on an open sign includes the terms or phrases “open,” “welcome,” “thank you,” “have a seat,” “now” paired with another term, such as “now baking” and “now tanning,” and any other term used to invite customers into a place of business, including colloquial terms and foreign language equivalents of these terms.

For the purposes of the present application, the term “open sign” means any sign positioned on, in, or near a store that is used to communicate to onlookers that the store is open for business at the present time the open sign is looked upon. An open sign may include a simple light that indicates that the store is open, such as a green light communicating to shoppers to enter the store. In some embodiments, the light may be positioned to indicate the status of the store. Thus, when the light is on, the store is indicated to be open and when the light is off, the store is indicated to be closed. This indication may be based on the position of the light relative to the store. As such, the light may be on, in, or near the store or a store sign.

For the purposes of the present application, the term “electrical communication” means that electricity flows between the elements in electrical communication.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “electronic communication” means that a signal comprising an encoded data is transmitted between the elements in electronic communication. The signal may be electrical, electromagnetic radiation, sonic, or any other signal means of transmitting data.

For the purposes of the present application, the terms “and” and “or” are to be construed as conjunctively or disjunctively such that the broadest meaning is portrayed.

For the purposes of the present application, the term “power status” refers to the power status of the lighting, the openable path of the circuit, the on/off state of the switch, or any other power status that correlates to the power status of the lighting. In this manner, any of these power statuses may be used to approximate whether the store is presently open based on the power status of the open light.

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the invention.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable medium that can direct the controller, the computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto the controller, a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the controller, other programmable apparatus or other devices to produce a controller implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the controller or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments described herein. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with each claim's language, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodiments described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for.”

FIG. 1illustrates a view of an embodiment of an open sign100according to the principles of the present invention. The open sign100may comprise a body102. The body102may be any structure having a shape and sufficient strength to support the other elements of the open sign100. For example, the body102may comprise metal, plastic, wood, etc. In some embodiments, the body102may be dark colored such that contrast is created between the body and a lighting104of the open sign100. The open sign100may be hung in a window, hung outside, or may be positioned on a support. Thus the body102must have sufficient tensile and compression strength to support the elements of the open sign100.

Furthermore, open sign100may comprise an electronic circuit (not illustrated inFIG. 1). This circuit may be attached to or contained entirely within the body102. Furthermore, this circuit may power the lighting104and/or an internet connector106. The circuit may also place the lighting104and the internet connector106in electrical communication with one another. Additionally, the lighting104and internet connector106may be in electronic communication.

The lighting104may comprise a neon tube light configured to spell the term “open.” In other embodiments, “open” may be spelled with separate light emitting diodes (LEDs), on a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, a cathode ray tube (CRT), on a flat panel screen or monitor, or any other electronic means of displaying the term “open.” Further embodiments include use of a single light that to signal that a store is open. For example, a green light that resembles a traffic light may be used. The single light may not necessarily spell out any term, but may be positioned and configured such that a shopper recognizes the light to signify whether the store is open. Shoppers may readily recognize a light as signifying whether a store is open when the light is positioned in a store window or door or on the exterior of the store building at about window level. Furthermore, shoppers can recognize a light as signaling that a store is open when the light is positioned near a trademark of the store. As such, the light may be positioned on a billboard or exit ramp sign to signify that a corresponding store is open.

Internet connector106may comprise hardware such as a circuit configured as a wired or wireless internet adapter or other means of electronic communication. In some embodiments, this electronic communication may occur over internet connection. For example, the internet connector106may comprise an Ethernet jack for wired connection to a local router. In other embodiments, the internet connector106may comprise a wireless card. The wireless card may be connected to a local router, a local transmitter tower such as a radio tower, or a satellite. In some embodiments, the internet connector106may wirelessly connect directly to another computer or handheld device, such as a phone, watch, or tablet. In other embodiments, internet connector106may engage in electronic communication with another computer or device by infrared (IR) transmitter and receiver, Bluetooth connection, fiber optic connection, or any other connector for transferring electronic data. For example, the internet connector106may send a store data over Bluetooth connection to a computer or other device. The computer may then upload the store data to the server via internet connection106. Additional embodiments include an internet connector106that is configured to send the store data over Bluetooth, infrared communication, etc. directly to the server.

Internet connector106may transmit data over the internet connection via analog or digital signal, UDP or TCP, http, https, ssh, ftp, sftp, etc., or any other means to transfer electronic data. For example, the internet connector106may comprise data, such as a device id.

In some embodiments, a wire and plug108may be present as a power source110to connect the circuit of the open sign100such that the circuit and elements thereof (e.g. the lighting104, the internet connector106) may be powered. In other embodiments, power source110may comprise a battery, generator, or other portable source of electricity. Power source110may provide alternating current or direct current.

FIG. 2illustrates an electronic circuit200of the open sign100ofFIG. 1. For example, the circuit200may place one or more of the power source110, the lighting104, a controller204, and the internet connector106in electrical communication. Furthermore, the power source110, the lighting104, and the internet connector106may be in serial relationship on the circuit200a. In some embodiments, the power source110may comprise the wire and plug108that may be simply unplugged such that the power is no longer connected. Therefore, the internet connector106may be powered when the lighting104is powered and may be unpowered when the lighting104is unpowered. In such embodiments, the internet connector106may send its device id, a “powered on” signal, and/or a store data to a server or other internet connected computer upon power on of the circuit200. In this embodiment, power on of the circuit200may be used as an approximation of powering the lighting104and the internet connector106. Thus, powering the circuit200may signify that the store is presently open for business. The internet connector106may send the powered on signal to the server at regular intervals, such as every minute, every five minutes, etc. Thus, the server can be configured to determine that the sign100is no longer plugged in when the internet connector106misses the powered on signal after the predetermined interval has passed. For example, the server has not received a powered on signal in five minutes when the internet connector106is configured to provide the powered on signal every minute. The server may request data of the internet connector106via poll, interrupt, or any other known method. Alternatively, the server can send a request to the internet connector106. If the internet connector106does not respond, the server may determine that the sign100is not presently powered.

In other embodiments, a switch202may be placed in series relationship with the power supply110, lighting104, and internet connector106. The switch202may open and/or close the circuit such that the wire and plug108does not necessarily need to be unplugged and replugged. Furthermore, the operation of the internet connector106may send its device id and/or a “power on” signal upon powering the internet connector106. When the switch is deactivated, the internet connector106may send a “power off” signal to the server. The server or other connected computer may then determine that the internet connector106and the sign100is powered off. Alternatively, the server may determine that the sign100is not powered if the internet connector106misses providing the power on data on its regular interval or if the server requests a data from the internet connector106and receives no response.

In some embodiments, a controller204may be present on the circuit200. Thus, the controller204may be in series with the power supply110, lighting104, internet connector106, and switch202, if present, on circuit200a. The controller204may be used to store data, such as the device id for the sign100or a message provided by the store owner. The controller204may also make and/or respond to requests of the server via the internet connector106. In some embodiments, the internet connector106and the controller204may be integrally formed.

FIG. 3illustrates a block-level diagram of an alternative electronic circuit200bof the sign100ofFIG. 1according to the principles of the present invention. Circuit200may provide electrical communication between the power supply110and the lighting104, the internet connector106, the switch202, if present, and the controller204, if present. However, circuit200bmay place the lighting104and the switch202in parallel relationship with the internet connector106and the controller204, if present. Therefore, opening switch202may cut the power to the lighting104while the internet connector106remains powered. In this embodiment, the controller204, if present and/or the internet connector106may be in electronic communication with the switch202. The controller204may remain powered when the switch is off or otherwise positioned in a deactivated position. The switch202may notify the controller204and/or the internet connector106when the switch202is activated and/or deactivated. Furthermore, the controller204and/or the internet connector106may request or otherwise obtain the status of the switch202from the switch202. The controller204and/or internet connector106may then provide the status to the server and/or other connected device after receipt of the status of the switch202.

FIG. 4Aillustrates a block-level diagram of a controller204of the sign ofFIG. 1in accordance with the principles of the present invention. For example, the controller204may comprise a computer similar to the computer illustrated and described inFIG. 8. The controller204may be any device capable of sending and receiving electronic data over an interface. This interface may include a wired or wireless connection over which electronic communication may occur. For example, a microcontroller or a computer could be used. The controller204may also perform operations on and/or modify the data it receives such that the switch status receiver404and internet connector control406may be regulated.

The respective elements (402,404,406, etc.) of the controller204may be embodied on the controller204. The respective controls may be embodied as hardware circuits or may be software embodiments wherein program code, such as java, C++, etc., manipulates the hardware of a general purpose hardware circuit. Software embodiments may be implemented as low-level code or even as high level code operating within an operating system, such as unix, bsd, Microsoft Windows, iOS, etc.

For example, switch status receiver404may comprise a software configured to receive the status from the switch202. This status may be a Boolean, integer, string, character, character, or any other variable, flag, type, or signal representing the power status of the switch202. In some embodiments, power status means the status differentiation between a powered state of the switch202and an unpowered state of the switch202. The powered state may refer to the switch202positioned in the “on” position, wherein the switch202closes the circuit200of the sign100. Thus, the switch202in the powered on state may allow electrical current to flow through the circuit, which may thereby power one or more of the lighting104, the internet connector106, and the controller204. The circuit200may be powered by alternating or direct current. The switch202may open the circuit200or a path of the circuit200. In other embodiments, the switch202may open a portion of the circuit200b. The portion of the circuit200that the switch202may open may be referred to as the openable circuit path300. The switch202may provide the status to the switch status receiver404. Alternatively, the switch status receiver may obtain the status from the switch status receiver404.

In other embodiments, the switch status receiver404may comprise a hardware configured to measure the current, directly or indirectly, in the circuit200or in a portion of the circuit, such as the openable circuit path300. For example, the switch status receiver404may comprise an ammeter on the openable circuit path300. Of course, the switch status receiver404may comprise any hardware, software, or any combination of hardware and software used to determine whether the lighting is powered. For example, the switch status receiver404may comprise a circuit configured to provide the power status of the circuit or the power status of the switch upon the switch status receiver404receiving electricity. In some embodiments, the switch status receiver404may be integrally formed with the controller204and/or the internet connector106.

Furthermore, the switch202may be positioned in an “off” position. This position may open the circuit200or a portion thereof such that electricity does not flow through the circuit200or the corresponding portion thereof, such as the openable path300. Thus, the switch202may prevent electricity from powering one or more of the lighting104, the internet connector106, and the controller204.

Controller204may comprise a processing unit (CPU), local memory, peripherals and interfaces, and a general purpose input/output (I/O) interface. The CPU may further comprise local storage. Local storage may be used to store variables, constants, etc. for complex calculations. Local memory may interface with the CPU via a memory interface. The memory interface may allow the CPU to store calculated values, variables, constants, or any other important electronic signal onto the physical local memory. The memory interface may include one or more direct memory access controllers. Of course, part or all of the local memory may be committed to program storage, in which data relevant to the operation of the program is stored. Program storage may also be organized into useful data structures such as a stack or heap. The peripherals and interface and the general purpose I/O interface may interface to external input or output devices. Examples of external input or output devices include any electronic device capable of sending or receiving an electronic signal such as keyboards, mice, printers, scanners, digital sensor, analog sensors, Ethernet, analog to digital converters, ADC, UART, USB, the internet connector106, the lighting104, the switch202, etc.

Data storage402, program storage, local memory, peripherals and interface, and general purpose I/O interface may be contained on the circuit board of the CPU. In other embodiments, any of these parts may be external to the CPU. Data storage402may store data such as the status of the switch202(activated and/or deactivated), the device id of the sign100, a public internet protocol (IP) address of the sign100, a local network IP address of the sign100, a message, the store data408, and/or any other data disclosed in the present application.

Data storage402may comprise any means of retaining electronic data in storage. Data storage402may comprise a circuit or hardware component, such as a hard drive, memory, compact disk, minidisk, DVD, magnetic tape, or other hardware unit configured for temporary or permanent storage of machine readable electronic data. In some embodiments, data storage402may comprise a software component in which the software component is configured to read, write, and/or edit the hardware of the data storage402.

FIG. 4Billustrates a block-level diagram of a store data408in accordance with the principles of the present invention. For example, the store data408may include one or more of a device Id410, a store Id412, a status414, such as an open status, a message416, a store name418, and/or a message removal date420. In other embodiments, the store data408may contain other information or less information. However, the store data408may include only a store identifier and a status414, in some embodiments. The store identifier may comprise one or more of a device Id410, such as a MAC address, IP address, etc., a store Id412, a store name418, store address422, or any other data that distinguishes the identity of the store.

Transmission of the store data408may include transmission of at least the store identifier and status414. In other embodiments, the store identifier, status414, and other data, if present, may be transmitted independently. For the purposes of this invention, independent transmission of the store identifier and the status414is considered transmission of the store data408.

The store data408may represent the set of associated data that correlates to one physical store. For example, the hardware id, IP address, or any other distinguishing data may be used correlated to the physical store such that a status and store identifier may be used together to indicate which physical store is open or closed. The device Id410may represent a hardware Id specific to one or more pieces of hardware on the sign100. The store Id may represent the physical store in which the sign100is located or represents. The status414may represent the status of the store, such as “open” or “closed” or may represent the power status of the circuit of the sign100such as “power on” or “power off” or any other Boolean or variable that is used to distinguish between these two power states of the power status. The message416may comprise any message set by a store owner or device authenticated as a store representative. The message may be transmitted to and displayed on other computers and/or devices. The store name418may comprise the name of the physical store, such as McDonald's store #1001. The message removal date420may represent the date on which the corresponding message416is to be deleted or made non-accessible to other devices.

The store data408may comprise a store identifier and a status414such that the store data408represents whether a physical store is open for business. In turn, the status414may represent the power status (e.g. on/off) of the lighting104. This power status is a useful approximation of whether the physical store is open for business, because an employee may turn the lighting104on when the store opens and off when the store closes. The store identifier may comprise the store Id412, device Id410, hardware Id, the store name418, etc. However, multiple respective store identifiers may be unique to each physical location, hardware Id, etc. such that the store data408can be differentiated between multiple respective physical stores.

The controller204may receive and/or store the status of the switch202. In some embodiments, “receive” means that the switch202transmits the power status of the switch202electronically to the controller204. In other embodiments, “receive” means that the controller204may detect the power status of the switch202or any portion of the circuit in series with switch202. The status of the switch202may be a Boolean or any variable representation of the powered status and the unpowered status of the switch202. For example, as string “yes” or “no” could be used to represent the power status of the switch202. The controller204may request the power status from the switch202or may detect current in series with the switch, such as using an ammeter or any other detection via the gpio pin powering the lighting104. In some embodiments, the controller204receives the power status of the switch202upon state change of the switch202or lighting104power status. Additional embodiments include generation and/or storage of the store data408on the controller204. Subsequently, the store data408may be transmitted to a server via internet connector106.

FIG. 5illustrates a block-level diagram of the internet connection508of multiple stores500having multiple open signs100, a server502, a computer504, and/or a handheld device506in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Of course, embodiments of the present invention include vacancy signs and gas price signs connected over internet connection508to server502via internet connector106. In fact, vacancy signs and gas price signs may be configured to send a status414comprising a vacancy status and a gas price data, respectively, from internet connector106. In some embodiments, other computers504or handheld devices506may be used to access store data408from the server502. Accessing store data408means accessing the entire store data408or any component thereof as explained above, such as is illustrated inFIG. 4B. The computer504, handheld device506, open sign100, and/or server502may be connected via internet connection508. The internet connection508may be wired or wireless. Internet connection508may occur over an interface similar to the interface of the controller204. Internet connection508may be analog or digital or may have a mix of analog and digital components. Internet connection508may be direct between two devices100,504, and/or506, such as over FTP, SFTP, etc. Internet connection508may have a central server502that relays communication between devices, such as HTTP, HTTPS, SFTP, FTP, SSH, etc. Internet connection508may be continuous or may comprise a series of networks. For example, Internet connection508may include routers, modems, servers, cables, etc. In some embodiments, Internet connection508may be electronic, fiber optic, optical, wired, wireless, IR, Bluetooth, or any other means of transferring electronic data via transfer of a signal.

As depicted, store500amay be open and thus sign100amay be powered. Sign100amay communicate a store data408over internet connection508via internet connector106. The sign100amay push the data to the server502, which may then store the store data408. In alternative embodiments, the server502may request the store data408from the sign100a. The sign100amay then provide the store data408to the server. In this example, the store data408may represent that the store is presently open because the sign100ais powered. As another example, store500bmay be closed. Therefore, sign100bmay be dark. The sign100bmay send a store data408that represents that the store is not open to the server502. The server502or other device may determine that the store data408relating to store500bshould represent that the store is closed if the sign100bbecomes unresponsive. Thus, the server502or other device may alter the store data408to represent the determined closed status of the store500.

A computer504and/or handheld device506may be used to query the server502for the status of the store500. This may be useful to determine whether the store500is open for business at the immediate moment. In some embodiments, the computer504or handheld device506may directly query the store information sign, such as open sign100, vacancy sign, or gas price sign, for its status414. Alternatives include receiving a list of nearby stores from server502and querying each sign for its status414directly from computer504or handheld device506.

If the computer504or handheld device506can be authenticated to represent a store representative, then the computer504or handheld device506may alter the store data408such that a message may be contained. For example, the message may communicate that the store will open one hour late on the present date or a future date. The message may be stored on the server502, such as within the store data408on the server502. If the computer504or handheld device506is not authenticated as a store representative, the message may be displayed when a store data408is queried and obtained from the server500.

The store data408may be stored entirely in the sign100or entirely in the server502. In other embodiments, the store data408may be stored relationally over multiple devices and/or multiple locations. The computer504or handheld device506may request all or part of the store data408from the server502and/or the sign100.

In some embodiments, internet connector106may engage in electronic communication with another computer504or device506by infrared (IR) transmitter and receiver, Bluetooth connection, fiber optic connection, or any other connector for transferring electronic data. For example the internet connector106may send the store data408over Bluetooth connection to a computer504or other device506. The computer504may then upload the store data408to the server via internet connection106. Additional embodiments include an internet connector106that is configured to send the store data408over Bluetooth, infrared communication, etc. to the server502.

FIG. 6illustrates a block-level diagram of an example screenshot600displayed by a computer504and/or handheld device506when accessing the store data408ofFIG. 4Baccording to the principles of the present invention. In some embodiments, the handheld device506is similar to the computer504as described with regard toFIG. 8. In other embodiments, the handheld device506is similar to the controller204. A user type602may be displayed, for example in the greeting602. The user type may indicate that the computer504or device506is accessing the store data408as a customer or as a store representative. The customer may be limited in that messages416may not necessarily be edited by the customer. The store representative may create, modify, and delete messages416as well as set the message removal date420. The current time604may be displayed. The store name606may be displayed from the store data408. The operating hours608may be displayed to represent the standard operating hours of the business. The present status of the store610may be displayed. The present status of the store610may be obtained or determined from the store identifier and the status414of the store data408. The message from the owner612may be displayed on screen.

FIG. 7illustrates a block-level diagram of transmitting the store data408according to the principles of the present invention. In step700, the store information sign is powered. Of course, the store information sign may be an open sign100, a vacancy sign, a gas price sign, etc. Powering may occur by plugging the store information sign into an electrical socket. Alternatively, powering may occur by activating the switch202. In step702, the status414of the store information sign may be sent to the server502or other device504,506. This status414may comprise an open status, a vacancy status, or a gas price data. Alternatively, the server502or other device504,506may request the status414from the store information sign in step702. The power status of the store information sign may be sent directly to the server502, to the computer504, or to the handheld device506. In step704, the store data408may be updated. Thus, the server502may update the status414or other information stored in the store data408. Alternatively, another device504,506or multiple devices may be used to update the store data408wherever the store data408may be stored. In step706, the device504,506may be used to request the store data408. This request may be made to the server502or any other device504,506that stores the store data408. In step708, the store data408, or any portion thereof, can be transmitted to the requesting device504,506. In some embodiments, the store data408is transmitted from the server502to the requesting device504,506. In step710, the store data may be displayed on the requesting device. This may occur by screen, physical printing, or any other display means. In some embodiments, the store data408may be transmitted directly from the store information sign to the computer504or handheld device506. Transmission of the store data408may occur via http, https, ssh, tcp, ftp, smtp, sms, text etc., email, browser, or other client, etc., whether the transmission is to the server502or the computer504or handheld device506. Furthermore, this transmission may occur over a phone call or by text message. Additionally, store data408may be transmitted to the server502, computer504, or handheld device506before a corresponding request is made using a device. Thus, step706is not required in every embodiment.

FIG. 8illustrates a block-level diagram of the computer504ofFIG. 5in accordance with the principles of the present invention. In some embodiments, the computer504may comprise a device as described with regard toFIG. 8. The computer504may have a computer readable storage medium for implementing functions comprising aspects of the method detailed above. Computer504may comprise a symmetric multiprocessor (SMP) system or other configuration including a plurality of processors802connected to system bus804. Alternatively, a single processor802may be employed. Also connected to system bus804is memory controller/cache806, which provides an interface to local memory808. An I/O bridge810is connected to the system bus804and provides an interface to an I/O bus812. The I/O bus812may be utilized to support one or more buses and corresponding devices, such as bus bridges814, input output devices (I/O devices), storage, network adapters, etc. Thus, a network adapter may be coupled to the system to enable the data processing system to become coupled to other data processing systems or remote printers or storage devices through intervening private or public networks.

Also connected to the I/O bus812may be devices such as a graphics adapter816, storage818and a computer usable storage medium820having computer usable program code embodied thereon. The computer usable program code may be executed, e.g., by the processor(s) to implement any aspect of the present invention, for example, to implement any aspect of any of the methods, processes and/or system components illustrated inFIGS. 1-7. For instance, the computer usable program code can be utilized to implement any or all aspects of transmitting a store data408as inFIG. 7. Moreover, the computer usable program code may be implemented in the local memory808or other suitable storage medium.

The storage818may store resources useful in implementing the features previously described. For instance, the storage818can store the computer instructions which, when executed, implement the functions of transmitting a store data, as inFIG. 7, which may comprise program data for communicating with the server502, other devices504,506, the store data408, as well as any useful libraries for manipulating the storage of this data.

Computer504or handheld device506may request the open status of a store from the server502. In some embodiments, the computer504or handheld device506may display a map indicating the power status of the respective corresponding open signs100of stores on the map organized by address. For example, the store address from the store data408may be used to coordinate the display of a marker of the location of the store on the map. This marker may further display the power status of the corresponding open sign100as an indication of whether the corresponding store is open or closed. For example, open stores may be indicated on the map by a green marker at the representative location on the map based on the address of the store and closed stores may be displayed as a red marker on the map. Alternatively, the store status may be displayed on screen when the marker is selected. The map view may be set to view an area having a one mile or less radius, a five mile or less radius, a ten mile or less radius, a 30 mile or less radius, or a 50 miles or less radius based on a selected location. In some embodiments, the selected location may be the location of the computer504or handheld device506that is requesting the store information, such as open status.

FIG. 9illustrates a view of an embodiment of a vacancy sign900according to the principles of the present invention. The vacancy sign900may be similar to the open sign100, but may further represent the vacancy status of a lodging. The lodging may comprise any store or other location open for rent, such as by night or by week. Examples of a lodging include hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, condos, timeshares, etc. The vacancy sign900may comprise a body902. The body902may be any structure having a shape and sufficient strength to support the other elements of the vacancy sign900. For example, the body902may comprise metal, plastic, wood, etc. In some embodiments, the body902may be dark colored such that contrast is created between the body and a vacancy sign lighting904. The vacancy sign900may be hung in a window, hung outside, or may be positioned on a support. Thus the body902must have sufficient tensile and compression strength to support the elements of the vacancy sign900.

Furthermore, vacancy sign900may comprise an electronic circuit (not illustrated inFIG. 9). This circuit may be similar to any respective circuit of the open sign100as depicted inFIGS. 2 and 3. Thus, the lighting904may be in serial circuit relation or parallel circuit relation with the controller901or internet connector106. The vacancy sign circuit may be attached to or contained entirely within the body902. Furthermore, this circuit may power the lighting904and/or an internet connector106. The circuit may also place the lighting904and the internet connector106in electrical communication with one another. Additionally, the lighting904and internet connector106may be in electronic communication. Internet connector106may be in electronic communication with server502via internet connection508. Optionally, the vacancy sign900may comprise a controller901that is similar in all respects to controller204. Additionally, controller901may compile and/or upload store data408and/or lodging information to the server502over internet connection508. In some embodiments, a vacancy status of the lodging may be sent from the sign900to the server502.

The lighting904may comprise one or more neon tube lights configured to spell one or more of the terms “vacancy” and “no vacancy.” In other embodiments, the term “no vacancy” may be spelled using a first light904ato spell the term “no” and a second light904bto spell the term “vacancy.” In other embodiments, “vacancy” or “no vacancy” may be spelled with separate light emitting diodes (LEDs), on a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, a cathode ray tube (CRT), on a flat panel screen or monitor, or any other electronic means of displaying these terms. Further embodiments include use of a single light that to signal that a room is vacant in a hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, or other lodging arrangement (referred to as a lodging herein). For example, a green light that resembles a traffic light may be used. The single light may not necessarily spell out any term, but may be positioned and configured such that potential lodging seekers recognize the light to signify whether the lodging has a vacant room. Lodging seekers may readily recognize a light as signifying whether a room in a lodging is vacant when the light is positioned in a lodging window or door or on the exterior of the lodging building at about window level. Furthermore, lodging seekers can recognize a light as signaling that a lodging has available rooms when the light is positioned near a trademark of the lodging. As such, the light may be positioned on a billboard or exit ramp sign to signify that a corresponding lodging is open and/or has available vacancies.

Some embodiments of the present invention include the vacancy sign900configured to update the server502according to the status presented on the sign900. In these embodiments, the server502is configured to receive and update store data408from the vacancy sign900. Furthermore, when the physical store comprises a lodging, such as a hotel, the corresponding store data408may comprise a lodging information. This lodging information may comprise a vacancy status, a number of vacancies, a rental price per available room, etc. For example, if the sign900displays “vacancy” on the lighting, the server502may store or update the lodging vacancy status of the corresponding lodging in the lodging information. The sign900may interrupt the server502at predetermined intervals to update the lodging information, may interrupt the server502upon power on of the lighting904, the first light904a, or the second light904b, or the server502may request the lodging vacancy status from the sign900. The store data408may comprise one or more of the name of the lodging, the lodging store number, the lodging vacancy status, the lodging address, a message from the lodging owner, etc. For example, when “No Vacancy” is displayed, the lodging vacancy status can be updated to “no” or any other Boolean or representation that no rooms are available in the lodging. When “Vacancy” is displayed, the lodging vacancy status can be updated to “yes” or any other Boolean or representation that rooms are available in the lodging. In this manner, computers, laptops, cellular devices, controllers, etc. may request the lodging vacancy status from the corresponding lodging information as stored on the server502. Other values, such as number of vacancies or prices, may be manually updated via computer504or handheld device506upon authorization.

In some embodiments, “No” (first light904a) and “Vacancy” (second light904b) can be on the same circuit or on separate circuits. If on the same circuit, first light904aand second light904bcan be in series or in parallel. In embodiments with first light904aand second light904bon separate circuits, respective switches may operate power to first light904aand/or lighting904. In some embodiments first light904amay be on a parallel circuit to second light904b. Thus, first light904amay not necessarily be in series with second light904b. For example, first light904amay be in series or parallel with internet connector106and/or controller901and may be in parallel with second light904b. In another example, second light904bmay be in series or parallel with internet connector106and/or controller901and may be in parallel with first light904a. Thus, when second light904bis powered and first light904ais not powered, the lodging information may be updated such that the lodging vacancy status is true. However, when first light904ais powered, the lodging information may be updated such that the lodging vacancy status is false.

Computer504or handheld device506may request the lodging information from the server502. In some embodiments, the computer504or handheld device506may display a map indicating vacancies in lodging on the map. For example, the lodging address from the lodging information may be used to coordinate the display of a marker of the location of the lodging on the map. The map view may be set to view an area having a one mile or less radius, a five mile or less radius, a ten mile or less radius, a 30 mile or less radius, or a 50 miles or less radius based on a selected location. In some embodiments, the selected location may be the location of the computer504or handheld device506that is requesting the lodging information.

FIG. 10illustrates a view of an embodiment of a gas price sign1000according to the principles of the present invention. The gas price sign1000may be similar to the open sign100. However, the gas price sign may be used to represent the available fuel prices for stores comprising a fuel dispenser. The gas price sign1000may comprise a body1002. The body1002may be any structure having a shape and sufficient strength to support the other elements of the gas price sign1000. For example, the body1002may comprise metal, plastic, wood, etc. In some embodiments, the body1002may be dark colored such that contrast is created between the body and a gas price lighting1004. The gas price sign1000may be hung in a window, hung outside, or may be positioned on a support. Thus the body1002must have sufficient tensile and compression strength to support the elements of the gas price sign1000.

Furthermore, gas price sign1000may comprise an electronic circuit (not illustrated inFIG. 10). This circuit may be similar to the circuit of the open sign100as depicted inFIGS. 2 and 3, with lighting1004corresponding to the lighting104in the respective circuits ofFIGS. 2and3. The gas price sign circuit may be attached to or contained entirely within the body1002. Furthermore, this circuit may power the lighting1004and/or an internet connector106. The circuit may also place the lighting1004and the internet connector106in electrical communication with one another. Additionally, the lighting1004and internet connector106may be in electronic communication.

The lighting1004may comprise one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a flat panel screen or monitor, or any other electronic means of displaying these terms. Further embodiments include use of the lighting1004to signal the price of gas sold at a corresponding fueling station. Lighting1004may be positioned and configured such that potential gas purchasers recognize the light to signify the price of gasoline at the corresponding fueling station. Potential gas purchasers may readily recognize a lighting1004as signifying the price of fuel at a fueling station when the lighting1004is positioned in a gas station window, door, on the exterior of the fueling station building at about window level, or on a sign outside the fueling station that is visible from the road, or near a trademark of the fueling station that is near the road. As such, the lighting1004may be positioned on a billboard or exit ramp sign to signify that a corresponding fuel station is open and/or is selling gas for the displayed price. Furthermore, gas price sign1000may depict the price of multiple fuel prices, and therefore titles1006aand1006bmay be placed near the corresponding lighting1004aand1004bthat depicts the price of the corresponding fuel.

Of course, lighting1004may be provided a display price information via electrical communication with the optional internal controller1001. This controller1001may be similar in all respects to controller204and may additionally communicate electronically the currently displayed price information via interrupt or upon request. The lighting1004may then display the corresponding numbers representing the price information. Furthermore, the price information may be electronically communicated from server502or from another computer504or other handheld device506. Controller1001may compile and provide store data408to the server502over the internet connection508via electronic communication with internet connector106. In embodiments wherein the store comprises a fueling station, the store data408may further comprise one or more fuel prices.

Some embodiments of the present invention include the gas price sign1000configured to update the server502according to the fuel price presented on the sign1000. In these embodiments, the server502is configured to receive and update the store data408from the gas price sign1000. Additionally, the store data408of a fueling station may comprise gas price data. Alternatively, the server502may receive gas price data separately from the store data408. In further embodiments, the gas price sign1000may send gas price data to the server502separately from the remaining store data408. For example, if the sign1000displays a gas price on the lighting1004, the server502may store or update the gas price status of the fueling station in the fueling station information. The sign1000may interrupt the server502at predetermined intervals to update the fueling station information, may interrupt the server502upon power on of the lighting1004or change of the number presented by the lighting1004, may interrupt the server502upon change of the display price of the lighting1004, or the server502may request the gas price status from the sign1000. This fueling station information may comprise one or more of the name of the fueling station, the fueling station store number, the fueling station gas price status, the fueling station address, a message from the fueling station owner, etc. For example, when a gas price is displayed, the fueling station gas price status can be updated to the corresponding displayed price of the lighting1004. In this manner, computers, laptops, cellular devices, controllers, etc. may request the gas price status from the corresponding fueling station information as stored on the server502. For example, the fueling station information may be selected by querying the address, name or other fueling station information.

Computer504or handheld device506may request the fueling station information from the server502. In some embodiments, the computer504or handheld device506may display a map indicating gas prices of fueling stations on the map. For example, the fueling station address from the fueling station information may be used to coordinate the display of a marker of the location of the fueling station on the map. This marker may further display the gas price of the corresponding fueling station. Alternatively, the gas price may be displayed on screen when the marker is selected. The map view may be set to view an area having a one mile or less radius, a five mile or less radius, a ten mile or less radius, a 30 mile or less radius, or a 50 miles or less radius based on a selected location. In some embodiments, the selected location may be the location of the computer504or handheld device506that is requesting the fueling station information.

FIG. 11represents a diagram of an embodiment of a map view1100as may be displayed on a computer504or handheld device506. The map view1100may display a map representation of a physical location, such as part or all of a city, via an electronic screen or monitor. The map view1100may be sized to display a one mile map, a five mile map, etc. or a smaller area, such as a city block. In some embodiments, the location of the map may be determined by the physical address of the computer504or handheld device506as determined by GPS or IP address location of the device. Furthermore, embodiments may also allow input of a physical address, such as a street address, city name, etc. and subsequent view of the input address. The map view1100may depict a street1102wherein the street1102represents a corresponding street of the physical street within the depicted area. The map view1100may depict non-roadway areas1104as well. Furthermore, the map view1100may depict several markers, which may represent corresponding stores within the depicted area. As explained above, the marker may be chosen based on the corresponding store data408or other information in the server502. For example, open store markers1108aand1108bmay be presented as green, white, or any other color or any shape. Closed store marker1106may be presented as red, black, or any other color or shape that is different than the open store marker1108.

Furthermore, stores such as lodging may comprise store data408that comprises a vacancy status. Thus, lodging marker1110that is similar to the open store marker1108may be used to indicate that the main office of the lodging is currently open. However, when the main office of the lodging is currently closed, lodging marker1110may be depicted as the closed store marker1106. Furthermore, lodging tag1112may be displayed to indicate the vacancy status of the lodging. The lodging tag1112could further include the number of vacancies and/or the asking rate for renting a room within the lodging. Thus, whether vacant rooms are available at the corresponding lodging may be conveyed.

Additionally, fueling stations, such as gas stations, propane stations, diesel stations, etc. may be depicted with fueling station marker1114aand1114b, which may appear as the open store marker1108when the convenience store of the fueling station is open. However, when the corresponding convenience store is closed, the fueling station marker1114may be depicted as the closed store marker1106. Furthermore, fueling station tag1116may display the current price of one or more fuels provided by the fueling station. A selection may be provided to request the price of a different type of fuel.

Of course, multiple respective store data408may be stored on server502, such as in a database, a file, a linked list, an array, a vector, etc. These may be stored on the hard drive or in memory or any other storage of the server502. The respective store data408may correspond to respective store information signs, open signs100, vacancy signs900, and/or gas price signs1000. An individual store data408may be selected from the server502by query based on one or more components of the store data408. The components of the store data408may comprise the device Id410, the store Id412, the status414, the message416, the store name418, the message removal date420, the store address422, the vacancy status, the lodging information, one or more components of the lodging information, the gas price data, and/or one or more of the fueling station data. The status414may comprise any of the open status, the vacancy status, and the gas price data of the corresponding store information sign. Thus, the store data408may be selected by the store address422.

Searching and selecting one or more store data408may be accomplished by geofencing. For example, the position, location, or address of the computer504or device506may be determined by IP address, GPS, or any other means of determining an electronic data representing location. Alternatively, the position, location, or address may be provided by the computer504or handheld device506. This position and a predetermined radius may establish an area (e.g. a geofence). This predetermined radius may be supplied by computer504, handheld device506, server502, etc. The predetermined radius may be supplied by computer504or handheld device506or by server504. Each of the addresses of the set within the geofence may be respectively queried from the multiple store data408of the server502. The server502may return one or more components of the respective store data408corresponding to the selected address. The returned components of the store data408may be used to compile and present a representative map (e.g. the map view1100) on the computer504or handheld device506. As such, the returned store data408may be used to place the respective markers on the map view1100, to determine the color of the markers1106,1108,1110,1114, and to determine the placement and information within the tags1112and1116. In this manner, a map view depiction of a physical location corresponding to the store information of one or more stores within the map view1100may be established.

For the purposes of the present application, “store information sign” comprises the open sign100, the vacancy sign900, or the gas price sign1000.

For the purposes of the present application, “store map data” refers to an open status marker, a fueling station marker and/or tag, or a lodging marker and/or tag.