SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING AN RSS FEED ON AN ELECTRONIC DISPLAY

An electronic billboard comprises at least one processor, at least one computer-readable tangible storage device, and program instructions stored on the at least one storage device for execution by the at least one processor. The program instructions comprise first program instructions configured to receive media content comprising text and at least one image. The program instructions further comprise second program instructions configured to separate the text and the at least one image. The program instructions further comprise third program instructions configured to cause the electronic billboard to display the text on a first predetermined portion of the electronic billboard. The program instructions further comprise fourth program instructions configured to cause the electronic billboard to display the image on a second predetermined portion of the electronic billboard.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following includes definitions of selected terms employed herein. The definitions include various examples, forms, or both of components that fall within the scope of a term and that may be used for implementation. The examples are not intended to be limiting. Both singular and plural forms of terms may be within the definitions.

“Computing device,” as used herein, refers to a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a smartphone, a personal digital assistant, a cellular telephone, a tablet computer, or the like.

“Computer-readable medium,” as used herein, refers to a medium that participates in directly or indirectly providing signals, instructions, or data. A computer-readable medium may take forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media may include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, and so on. Volatile media may include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, dynamic memory, and the like. Transmission media may include coaxial cables, copper wire, fiber optic cables, and the like. Transmission media can also take the form of electromagnetic radiation, like that generated during radio-wave and infra-red data communications, or take the form of one or more groups of signals. Common forms of a computer-readable medium include, but are not limited to, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, other magnetic media, a CD-ROM, other optical media, punch cards, paper tape, other physical media with patterns of holes, a RAM, a ROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, or other memory chip or card, a memory stick, a carrier wave/pulse, Phase Change Memory, and other media from which a computer, a processor, or other electronic device can read. Signals used to propagate instructions or other software over a network, like the Internet, can be considered a “computer-readable medium.”

“Software,” as used herein, includes but is not limited to, one or more computer or processor instructions that can be read, interpreted, compiled, or executed and that cause a computer, processor, or other electronic device to perform functions, actions, or behave in a desired manner. The instructions may be embodied in various forms like routines, algorithms, modules, methods, threads, or programs including separate applications or code from dynamically or statically linked libraries. Software may also be implemented in a variety of executable or loadable forms including, but not limited to, a stand-alone program, a function call (local or remote), a servelet, an applet, instructions stored in a memory, part of an operating system, or other types of executable instructions. The form of software may depend, for example, on requirements of a desired application, the environment in which it runs, or the desires of a designer/programmer or the like. Computer-readable or executable instructions can be located in one logic or distributed between two or more communicating, co-operating, or parallel processing logics and, thus, can be loaded or executed in serial, parallel, massively parallel, and other manners.

Suitable software for implementing the various components of the example systems and methods described herein may be produced using programming languages and tools like Haskell, Java, Java Script, Java.NET, ASP.NET, VB.NET, Cocoa, Pascal, C#, C++, C, CGI, Perl, SQL, APIs, SDKs, assembly, firmware, microcode, or other languages and tools. Software, whether an entire system or a component of a system, may be embodied as an article of manufacture and maintained or provided as part of a computer-readable medium. Another form of the software may include signals that transmit program code of the software to a recipient over a network or other communication medium. Thus, in one example, a computer-readable medium has a form of signals that represent the software/firmware as it is downloaded from a web server to a user. In another example, the computer-readable medium has a form of the software/firmware as it is maintained on the web server. Other forms may also be used.

“User,” as used herein, includes but is not limited to one or more persons, software, computers or other devices, or combinations of these.

Some portions of the detailed descriptions that follow are presented in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on data bits within a memory. These algorithmic descriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled in the art to convey the substance of their work to others. An algorithm is here, and generally, conceived to be a sequence of operations that produce a result. The operations may include physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, the physical quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated in a logic and the like.

A system for displaying a Really Simple Syndication (“RSS”) feed on an electronic billboard is described herein. An image and text are created with an application enabled device such as a smart phone or tablet computer, and published to a web site for approval. Once approved, the image and text are combined into a single RSS feed and scheduled for transfer to a billboard. After the RSS feed is transferred to an electronic billboard, the combined RSS feed is split into two feeds and loaded into predefined template placeholders at the billboard. This system seamlessly allows for updating a billboard from a mobile device in near real time.

FIG. 1illustrates an example system100for displaying an RSS feed on a digital billboard102. The example system100enables a user104to update a digital billboard102with both text and graphics using a mobile computing device106such as a mobile phone, via a network108. Display server110enables a systems administrator to configure digital billboard102to display content received via the RSS feed. Thus, user104is able to quickly update digital billboard102with time sensitive advertising material to better target an audience at precise moments. For example, user104may decide to have a last minute lunch special at a restaurant and offer a 50% discount on hamburgers for the next one hour time period. Using the example system100, user104is able to create the advertisement to promote the special by describing the discount and including an image of the hamburger, using mobile device106. User104is then able to feed the new advertisement to the digital billboard102to communicate the special to potential customers. After the hour passes, user104is able to immediately update the digital billboard102to reflect a new special or to simply revert the display a standard default advertisement. In another example, the user104is able provide a new advertisement to the digital billboard102and set a time period for the new advertisement to be displayed. At the end of the time period, the billboard can revert the display a standard default advertisement.

The example system100also enables user104to generate multiple marketing campaigns to target different audiences or markets. For example, an auto dealer may utilize two marketing channels, one to target new car buyers and one to target used car buyers. Using the example system100, the auto dealer may target either channel with a custom message according to current market conditions or market needs. For example, if the market experiences an increase in new car sales, the auto dealer can display messages using the example system100that are directed to new car buyers. Conversely, if the market experiences an increase in used car sales, the auto dealer can display messages using the example system100that are directed to used car buyers.

It should be understood that, although some of the example systems and methods described herein refer to displaying an RSS fee on digital billboard102, similar systems and methods may be used to display an RSS feed on other suitable digital display devices such as a kiosk, a monitor, and so on.

With continued reference toFIG. 1, mobile device106is configured to enable user104to create an advertisement, a marketing message, or other suitable message using an application on a mobile device106. It should be understood that although the example system is described to include a mobile device106for user104interaction, other suitable client devices such a personal computer, a laptop computer, or a tablet computer can be used as well.

An application on the mobile device106is configured to enable user104to enter text as well as graphics.FIG. 2illustrates an example screen shot200of an example application configured to be executed on mobile device106. User104may download and install the application for creating content via any suitable means. For example, user104may download the application from display server110, from a third party server via network108such as Apple's App Store, or from a CD.

The application includes a Title field202for entering text to be displayed on digital billboard102. The application also includes a Content field204for attaching an image to be displayed on the digital billboard102. An image can be selected as an existing image file previously saved on the client device or otherwise accessible by the client device. If mobile device106has a built-in camera, the graphic may be captured in real time. This may be beneficial if, for example, user104wants to display on digital billboard102a picture of a happy customer who won a jackpot at a casino. User104may take a picture of the happy customer with mobile device106and prepare an advertising message including the picture of the happy customer for display on digital billboard102immediately following the event.

The downloaded application requires user104to add URL information and other appropriate information necessary to configure the application to communicate with display server110. Once properly configured, user104may proceed to create content and transfer the content to display server110for approval.

After the marketing message is generated by user104, the application on mobile device106generates a notification to be sent via network108to a systems administrator for approval. In one example, the notification is an email. It should be understood that approval may be performed by a human, or automatically by display server110. For example, display server110may be configured to review the notification to ensure that content created and submitted by user104meets certain technical specifications. Predefine specifications may require a picture to have a minimum resolution, or for text to include fewer than a maximum number of characters, for example. Display server110may also be configured to review the submitted content to ensure that the content meets other standards. For example, display server110may have a policy against profanity or against copyright infringement. Display server110may also proofread the text of the submitted content. Approval may be based on any standard, and the scenarios stated above are not intended to be limiting.

In one example, display server may provide an interface for enabling an administrator to approve content. For example, an administrator may approve the submitted content by changing a category, or a status, of the message from inactive to social, or active. In another example, the administrator may approve the message by clicking an approve button in an application interface or by other suitable means.

Display server110is further configured to convert the marketing message or other media content submitted by user104into an RSS feed. The submitted content may include text only, a graphic only, or both text and a graphic. In the latter case, display server110is configured to combine the text and the graphic into a single RSS feed. Specifically, display server110is configured to combine text and an image into a single RSS feed using a <media> tag. The <media> tag is an HTML tag that indicates that an image has been embedded within the text of the RSS feed.

It should be understood that, although display server110is described herein as being configured to perform various functions, display server110may comprise one or more software application servers or other suitable software applications for performing the described functions. In one example, display server110comprise one or more computer servers. Accordingly, display server110may be configured to receive the submitted content either before or after the content is approved. In an alternative embodiment, display server110may be configured to process the submitted content without requiring approval and without performing automatic approval.

Display server110is further configured to publish and share the RSS feed via a social web site. The social web site may be a custom branded web site designed specifically for the advertiser to deliver messages to targeted audiences. From the social web site, the message can be linked to the advertisers primary web site, or used as an advertisement on any web site. The message can also be shared by the advertiser or by customers on social network websites such as Facebook.

Display server110is further configured to deliver the generated RSS feed to digital billboard102. In one example, display server110is configured to deliver the RSS feed to digital billboard102via a channel corresponding to a marketing theme. The channel may be one of a plurality of channels and the marketing theme may be one of a plurality of marketing themes. Digital billboard102includes logic configured to subscribe to and receive the RSS feed. Digital billboard102further includes logic configured to divide the combined RSS feed into text and an image and to displayed both accordingly. Specifically, digital billboard102is configured to receive the single RSS feed and split the feed into two separate feeds, by identifying the <media> tag, before incorporating the message into the billboard template. In one example, the functions of receiving the RSS feed, splitting the feed, and populating a template are performed by display server110.

Example categories of messages that digital billboard102is configured to display include; live updates that allow advertisers to get messages to consumers in near real time, including announcements; images of satisfied customers as events are unfolding; time sensitive alerts and contests; various marketing and branding messages; and news or other information.

FIG. 3illustrates an example block diagram of display server110. Display server110includes notification logic302configured to receive a notification indicative of data submitted for approval. Display server110further includes approval logic304configured to automatically approve submitted data. Display server110further includes RSS logic308configured to automatically publish the data to an RSS feed responsive to the data being approved.

Prior to receiving an RSS feed, digital billboard102must be configured appropriately. Accordingly, display server100includes display configuration logic308configured to enable a systems administrator to configure digital billboard102. Display configuration logic308enables an administrator to designate a digital billboard shell type and add a template with fields, or place holders for receiving dynamic content, to the digital billboard shell. A place holder is a space reserved on digital billboard102for displaying the content received via the RSS feed. A template may include a single placeholder configured for displaying text. The template's single place holder may also be configured to display an image. In another example, as illustrated inFIG. 1, the template may include two placeholders112,114, where a first placeholder112is configured to display an image, and a second placeholder112is configured to display text. In another example, the template can include two or more placeholders, where each placeholder112,114can be configured for displaying either text or an image. Thus, digital billboard102may be configured to receive and display an RSS feed containing multiple images and multiple text strings.

User104may decide whether to create an advertising message containing text, an image, or both. RSS logic306automatically routs the RSS feed containing the content to a proper channel associated with digital billboard102based on the content, once the message is approved. In one example, user104authoring the content for display on digital billboard102may also administer digital billboard102via display server110and may also approve the content for publishing.

Display configuration logic308is further configured to enable an administrator to create a web site for the advertiser and establishes an RSS/XML feed for the web site. Display configuration logic308is further configured to enable an administrator establish a user role, granting the advertiser proper credentials to access the system. Display configuration logic308is further configured to enable an administrator to configure digital billboard to receive the established RSS feed.

Display configuration logic308is further configured to enable an administrator to design the look of digital billboard102and to enable user104to determine how digital billboard102displays the RSS feed. For example, display configuration logic308enables an administrator to adjust various settings, such as color and font, before previewing and finalizing the billboard display.

Display configuration logic308is configured to enable an administrator to create a shell, including basic artwork for digital billboard102. A shell includes dynamic content placeholders which can be customized for specific users. Display configuration logic308is further configured to enable an administrator to schedule or assign the shell to a designated digital billboard102for displaying submitted content. In one example, digital billboard102may also be associated with a customer's website.

In one example, digital billboard102may have multiple shells or templates associated with multiple channels. A website can be associated with multiple marketing channels for a client. Each channel is associated with a single marketing theme. Within the channel, an advertiser can run numerous messages or marketing campaigns for that theme.

FIG. 4illustrates example design shells501A-C for channels 1-3502A-C. In the examples illustrated, channel 1502A is used by an advertiser for an ad campaign including a custom image only. A corresponding design shell501A includes basic artwork and a placeholder for receiving a custom image. Accordingly, in an example ad campaign for a golf course, user generated content500on channel 1 may include an image of a golf course. Chanel 2502B is used by an advertiser for an ad campaign including custom text. A corresponding design shell501B includes basic artwork and a placeholder for receiving custom text. Accordingly, in an example ad campaign for a retailer, user generated content500on channel 2 may include the text “EXTRA 20% OFF FRIENDS & FAMILY SALE WED.-SAT., JUNE 6-9”. Channel 3502C is used by an advertiser for an ad campaign including both a custom image and custom text. A corresponding design shell501C includes basic artwork and a placeholder for receiving a custom image as well as a placeholder for receiving custom text. Accordingly, in an example ad campaign for a restaurant, user generated content500on channel 3 may include the text “Today Only! ½ Off Wings” as well as a picture of the chicken wings.

FIG. 5is a flow chart illustrating the steps of an example method for displaying an RSS feed on a digital billboard. At step502, a user creates media content including text and an image for display on a digital billboard. At step504, the user submits the content for approval. At step506, once the submitted content is approved, the image and the text are combined into a single RSS feed and published to a website. At step508, a digital billboard subscribed to receive the RSS feed receives the feed and separates the feed into a text portion and an image. At step510, the text and the image are populated in respective fields of a template associated with the digital billboard and displayed on the billboard.

FIG. 6is a block diagram of an example computing system600for implementing an example system for displaying an RSS feed on a digital billboard. The example computing system600is intended to represent various forms of digital computers, including laptops, desktops, handheld computers, smartphones, tablet computers, servers, and other similar types of computing devices. As shown, computing system600includes a processor602, memory604, a storage device606, and a communication port608, operably connected by an interface610via a bus612.

Processor602processes instructions, via memory604, for execution within computing system600. In an example embodiment, multiple processors along with multiple memories may be used.

Memory604may be volatile memory or non-volatile memory. Memory604may be a computer-readable medium, such as a magnetic disk or optical disk. Storage device606may be a computer-readable medium, such as floppy disk devices, a hard disk device, optical disk device, a tape device, a flash memory, phase change memory, or other similar solid state memory device, or an array of devices, including devices in a storage area network of other configurations. A computer program product can be tangibly embodied in a computer readable medium such as memory604or storage device606.

Computing system600may be coupled to one or more input and output devices such as a display614, a printer616, a scanner618, and a mouse620.