Patent Publication Number: US-10783546-B2

Title: Color and symbol coded display on a digital badge for communicating permission to approach and activate further digital content interaction

Description:
RELATED U.S. APPLICATIONS DATA 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of provisional patent application No. 62/603,163 filed on May 17 2017, entitled “Non-verbal Person to Person Line of Sight Electronic Communication Protocol Standard”, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an interactive digital badge, and more particularly, relates to a symbol and, or color-coded display cue and protocol for communicating between badge wearers a permission to approach and to further activate a digital interaction. 
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     Badges have long been a mainstay in public gathering situations as a way to identify the people engaged in the public gathering. It has also been a primary way of communicating to others a level of credential to facilitate access or a professional process. While the badge has long been simply a name card, with title, and possibly a photo, they have recently morphed into digital versions. Digital badges may be operatively coupled to networked devices and be enabled to reconfigurably display items. According to one embodiment disclosed and claimed by Identity Systems, Inc. (US20150348498), the digital badge device may include a mounting means, power source, microprocessor, memory, and display to receive and display digital content from a network device according to a pre-defined rule Identity Systems badge may be associated with an individual or employee, and then automatically display at least the name of the individual or employee based on the association and the pre-defined interaction rules between the digital badge and networked device. 
     Identity Systems digital badge does not disclose or claim for any digital interaction between digital badges. In other words, the badges are not configured to communicate between badges or share digital content between badges or from badge to networked device. Therefore, the badges are simply contemplated as being a visual display of identity or group/brand association—that may be dynamically displayed according to a pre-defined rule. However, it is not envisioned to serve as a true digital communication tool, that may interact with other badges, and push digital content from one badge to another badge—in a dynamic and targeted fashion. Additionally, badge-displayed content or badge-badge shared content is not enabled for social media sharing or inclusion into a running virtual footprint of a badge wearer. What&#39;s more, without tracking of such a virtual footprint, behavior or influence ratings cannot be accurately identified in order to dynamically push targeted content. 
     Aside from a lack of badge-badge or badge-device interactivity or footprint tracking for targeted content delivery, digital badges lack a system or protocol for communicating an approach or further engagement of digital content interaction. More specifically, badges, such as Invent Systems, lack a symbol or color-coded display cue between users who are in their ‘line of sight’ (or groups of people) for communicating a permission to approach, and more particularly, further sharing of content messages, emotions, feelings, wellbeing, states of mind, general interest, marketing and advertising, and interactive behavior for likeminded people. 
     Digital badges need a form of universal standard language which would transcend normal language and enhance it for the digital communication between at least two badges or at least between badge and receiver. The communication protocol would also need to take this language into account to enable humans to act on the language interaction. Conventionally, people cannot transmit a message directly to another person who is in their line of sight without talking, signaling or using a facial expression to communicate with them. There is currently no method for a person to send an electronic signal to person in their line of sight directly. There is currently no method for an individual to display and instantly transmit their willingness to be approached, feelings, emotions, state of mind, state of like-mindedness, social media footprint, general interests and digital information or online dashboards. Furthermore, there is no global standard or universal symbol language to communicate non-verbal approach messages via badge devices. Currently, there is also no way for two likeminded people to share non-verbal content messages between badges and, or static devices. 
     SUMMARY 
     The non-verbal line of sight electronic communication protocol (NVP) described herein allows the viewer to instantly understand the symbol and, or color-coded display cues of the interactive badge and understand whether the individual displaying the visual cues can be: (1) approached and (2) whether an information exchange can take place immediately or in the future. It also allows the user to send and receive information that could not previously be exchanged through normal human communication means. 
     Generally, the non-verbal line of sight electronic communication protocol (NVP) includes a standardized set of symbols, colors, and electronic communication protocol standards that enhance human communication to a new level. The NVP allows individuals to create new human behaviors and send messages beyond the natural  5  senses. The NVP allows individuals to build their own window of their life, display it on a personal digital display, and then have others interact with them. The NVP allows individuals to ‘think’ by creating their life window, ‘act’ by uploading to their personal digital display, and ‘do’ by using the interactive communication protocol. 
     The NVP allows communication between humans to take place while in their line of sight over and above their normal senses. The NVP can be implemented on any personal digital display that is running the NVP protocol. This protocol allows a signal to be passed between NVP devices only when certain combination of symbols and colors are displayed. This communication can trigger the transfer of information from one individual to another. Preferably, this NVP interaction guided by the standardized set of symbols and, or colors may be displayed on a center and, or surround visual display of an interactive badge worn by a first user, and in the line of sight by at least a second user. 
     It is one object of the invention to disclose a non-verbal line of sight electronic communication (NVP) system, comprising an interactive badge device with a line of sight device visual display. The device visual display being at least one of a surround device display and, or a center device display. Additionally, the device may have an interface module housed within the interactive badge device and configured for causing an event state change between at least one of a mobile device, surround device display and, or center device display. Moreover, the system may have a processor; a non-transitory storage element coupled to the processor; and encoded instructions stored in the non-transitory storage element, wherein the encoded instructions when implemented by the processor, configure the system to: (1) upload NVP interaction rules and curated NVP content for display on any one of a first user&#39;s device based on the first user&#39;s interaction rules and scheduler criteria; (2) send at least one of an interaction and, or content message based on the first user&#39;s interaction rules and scheduler criteria to at least one of a second user&#39;s device within range and contingent on the second user&#39;s interaction rules; and (3) based on the second user&#39;s interaction rules, accept or deny the first user interaction message, and if accepted, decode a unique tag to trigger a unique digital event, wherein the digital event may be at least one of an image, video, sound, vibration, flash, signal, symbol, color, text, upload, sequence, download on any one of the user&#39;s device visual display, and, or over a network. 
     It is another object of the invention to disclose a non-verbal line of sight electronic communication protocol. The communication protocol comprising a non-verbal symbol language for communicating wirelessly over electronic devices, including interactive badges and, or displays, between users and, or static receivers, who are in one another&#39;s line of sight; and the symbol language displayed on the interactive badge and, or display and, or static receivers communicate whether a first user can approach at least a second user or not for further digital interaction. 
     It is yet another object of the invention to provide for a device-centric, non-verbal line of sight electronic communication protocol. The device-centric, non-verbal line of sight electronic communication protocol comprising a non-verbal symbol language for communicating wirelessly over electronic devices, including an interactive badge with a line of sight device visual display, between users who are in one another&#39;s line of sight. The symbol language further comprising a set of any shaped and, or colored symbols that are programmably displayed on the device visual display, wherein the device visual display is at least one of a surround device display and, or a center device display. Furthermore, based on the programmably displayed set of shaped and, or colored symbols on the device visual display, communicate whether a first user can approach at least a second user or not for further digital interaction. 
     Aspects and advantages of this invention may be realized in other applications, aside from the intended application of interactive badge device-mediated communication and a communication protocol thereof. Other pertinent applications that may exploit the aspects and advantages of this invention are: digital advertising and digital commerce platforms integrated into the NVP communication system and protocol. For instance, an activity footprint of a user&#39;s displayed NVP content and, or replicated digital or virtual NVP content may be tracked for advertisers to target the most influential users for a brand display-for-hire. Moreover, a plurality of advertisers may bid for the most influential user&#39;s using a bidding module within the advertising platform, creating upward pressure on the brand display-for-hire fees. What&#39;s more, tracking of a user&#39;s NVP line of content displayed or virtually replicated, may enable a commerce platform or participants of the platform to push suggested digital content that is personalized to the user based on the user&#39;s running NVP content. Yet another digital event that may be triggered: may be the interaction of the badge device with other badge devices or fixed-access devices near access-gates, wherein the symbol and, or color-coded display on badge or fixed-access devices invite for approach; once approached and interacted with, uploading an authentication tag over a network to a remote server; validating the authentication tag against a library of authenticated tags; downloading the validated tag and using the symbol and color-coded display on the badge device or fixed-access device to communicate permission to access. Additional digital events may include enabling the same interactive badge devices or fixed-access devices to process payment transactions, over a network, via an intermediary payment system. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES 
       The drawings illustrate the design and utility of embodiments of the present invention, in which similar elements are referred to by common reference numerals. In order to better appreciate the advantages and objects of the embodiments of the present invention, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings that illustrate these embodiments. However, the drawings depict only some embodiments of the invention, and should not be taken as limiting its scope. With this caveat, embodiments of the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a network diagram of the NVP communication system in accordance with an aspect of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a block diagram of the NVP communication system in accordance with an aspect of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a block diagram of the NVP communication system in accordance with an aspect of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a symbol and, or color-coded NVP communication protocol in accordance with an aspect of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a symbol and, or color-coded NVP communication protocol in accordance with an aspect of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a symbol and, or color-coded NVP communication protocol in accordance with an aspect of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an NVP content programming process flow in accordance with an aspect of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a screen shot of a scheduler criteria in accordance with an aspect of the invention. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an interaction rule process flow in accordance with an aspect of the invention. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a screen-shot of an NVP content display in accordance with an aspect of the invention. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a badge-to-badge interaction in accordance with an aspect of the invention. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates an NVP content flow in accordance with an aspect of the invention. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates an NVP influence map for ad-targeting in accordance with an aspect of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the invention can be practiced without these specific details. 
     Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments. 
     Overview: 
     The present disclosure relates to a new non-verbal language that has been developed for the emerging electronic line of sight badge communication. The language will be referred to in the document as NVP which an abbreviation of Non Verbal person to person line of sight communication protocol standard. NVP is both a language and a communication protocol and this document initially describes both and then gives examples of how this is programmed and then examples or actual uses in the identified markets. 
     Exemplary Environment: 
     Now in reference to  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary system environment  100  in which various embodiments of the non-verbal line of sight communication protocol system (NVP) can be practiced. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the NVP system  100  comprises: an interactive badge device  101   a ,  101   b  with a line of sight device visual display; the device visual display being at least one of a surround device display and, or a center device display; a processor; a non-transitory storage element coupled to the processor; encoded instructions stored in the non-transitory storage element, wherein the encoded instructions when implemented by the processor, configure the system  100  to: upload NVP interaction rules and curated NVP content for display on any one of a first user&#39;s interactive badge device  101   a  based on the first user&#39;s interaction rules and scheduler criteria; send at least one of an interaction and, or content message based on the first user&#39;s interaction rules and scheduler criteria to at least one of a second user&#39;s interactive badge device  101   b  within range and contingent on the second user&#39;s interaction rules; and based on the second user&#39;s interaction rules, accept or deny the first user interaction message, and if accepted, decode a unique tag to trigger a unique digital event, wherein the digital event may be at least one of an image, video, sound, vibration, flash, signal, symbol, color, text, sequence, upload, download on any one of the user&#39;s device visual display and, or over a network. 
     The network  103  may be any suitable wired network, wireless network, a combination of these or any other conventional network, without limiting the scope of the present invention. Few examples may include a LAN or wireless LAN connection, an Internet connection, a point-to-point connection, or other network connection and combinations thereof. The network  103  may be any other type of network that is capable of transmitting or receiving data to/from host computers, personal devices, telephones, video/image capturing devices, video/image servers, or any other electronic devices. Further, the network  103  is capable of transmitting/sending data between the mentioned devices. Additionally, the network  103  may be a local, regional, or global communication network, for example, an enterprise telecommunication network, the Internet, a global mobile communication network, or any combination of similar networks. The network  103  may be a combination of an enterprise network (or the Internet) and a cellular network, in which case, suitable systems and methods are employed to seamlessly communicate between the two networks. In such cases, a mobile switching gateway may be utilized to communicate with a computer network gateway to pass data between the two networks. The network  103  may include any software, hardware, or computer applications that can provide a medium to exchange signals or data in any of the formats known in the art, related art, or developed later. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the line of sight interactive digital badge device (badge device)  101   a ,  101   b  is worn on one or more body parts of the user, such as chest, wrist, waist, neck, arm, leg, abdomen, thigh, head, etc. Further, the badge device  101   a ,  101   b  may be a wristband, a watch, an armband, a necklace, a headband, an earring, a waist belt and, or a ring. Alternatively, the badge device may be any reconfigurable display that may be temporarily or permanently affixed onto a garment of a user. In yet other alternative embodiments, the reconfigurable display may be a flexible OLED tube or screen interwoven into the fabric of the garment. Badge devices  101   a ,  101   b  may have a device visual display that is situated in any one of a person&#39;s line of sight. The device visual display may be a single center display, wherein the symbol and, or color-coded visual display cueing a permission to approach and further interact is displayed on the single, center visual display. The same single, center visual display may also display the NVP content. The same display may also be enabled for touch-screen interactivity. In other embodiments, interaction with the display contents may be controlled by controls disposed on a side, top, or bottom wall of a (circular or square) device casing. In yet other embodiments, the device visual display may be comprised of a dual display: a center device display and a surround device display. Each display sharing display functions or having unique display functions. For instance, in some embodiments, the surround device display may display the symbol and, or color-coded visual cues encoding for a permission to approach and interact, while the center device display may strictly display the actual NVP content (a static or a rolling line of user-content images). 
     In some embodiments of the badge device  101   a ,  101   b , sensors may be disposed within the (domed) device housing, or on the (circular or square) device casing, to capture at least one of a user environmental or contextual data to further inform a user mood, emotion, physical condition, mental well-being, and, or willingness to be approached by other digital badge users for further interaction. The digital badge device  101   a ,  101   b  is first sent to the mobile communication device  102  and thereby, sent to the processing unit over the network  103 . The digital badge device  101   a ,  101   b  communicates with the mobile communication device  102  over a short range wireless communication medium, such as Bluetooth, etc. In other embodiments, sensor input may be derived from devices other than the badge device  101   a ,  101   b . Device input may also encompass the sensor-captured raw data input or transduced and processed data input from any other device associated with the user, such as devices worn, mobile devices, and, or fixed-access devices, such as Internet-of-Things devices (e.g. smart thermostat, home automation consoles, etc.). The plurality of device inputs provides additional input for aggregation and behavior profiling, thus layering the behavior profile with additional context for generating a higher fidelity of user mood, emotion, well-being, etc. This higher resolution of user profiling may update the user interaction rules and, or policy for determining access for approach and activating further digital event/content interaction. 
     In continuing reference to  FIG. 1  and the exemplary environment of the NVP system, a mobile communication device  102 , such as a smart phone, is a portable device that has the capability of communicating over the network  103 , presenting dashboard provisioning based on a respective digital badge device  101   a ,  101   b  pairing. Examples of the mobile communication device  102  include, but are not limited to, a smartphone, a tablet, a personal digital assistant (PDA) and a mobile phone. The mobile communication device  102  may be paired with a respective digital badge device  101   a ,  101   b  over a short range wireless communication medium. Examples of the short range wireless communication medium include Bluetooth, ZigBee, 
     Infrared, Near Field Communication (NFC) and, or Radio-frequency identification (RFID). Likewise, the digital badge device  101   a ,  101   b  may interact with other digital badge devices  101   a ,  101   b  using a short-range communication protocol, such as Infrared, Bluetooth, ZigBee, NFC, and, or RFID. 
     Preferred embodiments may include the addition of a remote server  105  or cloud server to further provide for back-end functionality and support. The server  105  may be situated adjacent or remotely from the system  100  and connected to each system  100  via a communication network  103 . In one embodiment, the server  105  may be used to support user behavior profiling; user history function; predictive learning/analytics; alert function; network sharing function; digital footprint tracking; e-commerce/advertising platform support, etc. The remote server  105  may be further configured to authenticate the user and retrieve data of the user, device, and, or network and applies the data against a library of validated user information for enabling a payment or ticket transaction at a fixed-access point deploying an embodiment of the interactive badge device  101   a ,  101   b.    
     Now in reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 .  FIGS. 2 and 3  both illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the NVP system.  FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrate an exemplary processing unit  202   g ,  302   g  used for displaying a visual cue for permission to approach and, or a content display for exchange between interactive badge devices  201   a ,  201   b  or sharing over a network  203 . As shown, the processing unit  202   g ,  302   g  may be communicatively coupled to at least one of an interface module  202   a , display module  202   b , input module  202   c , replicate module  202   d , a logic module  202   e , a context module  202   f , an interface module, a timeline module, a tracking module, an advertising module, a notification module, and a commerce module. The processor  202   g ,  302   g  may also communicatively coupled to a remote database  205 ,  305  and a memory  202   h ,  302   h.    
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the processor  202   g ,  302   g  includes a notification/alerting module. The notification/alerting module is configured to generate reports at regular intervals (such as daily at 12:00 PM, weekly and monthly), on-demand (when the user requests for a report corresponding to the user), or when triggered by a digital event. Typically, a digital event may be defined as any digital display for badge-badge display or network sharing or server authentication. The notification/alerting module may double up as a tracking module, wherein a user may keep track of his or her physical displays and interactions, as well as his or her virtual displays and interactions. In an embodiment of the present invention, the notification/alerting module may also be configured to send a notification to the user of the growing social influence of a user. In other words, an influence metric may be pushed quantifying how may people I have interacted with, and how many times my virtual NVP line of content been shared with other users on social media. The notification may be a message, a phone call or any other communication means. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the processor  202   g ,  302   g  includes a timeline module. The NVP line of content may be displayed or pushed in at least one of a static, dynamic, and, or scheduled fashion on at least one of the user&#39;s center device display based on at least one of the user&#39;s scheduler criteria. The line of static, dynamic, and, or scheduled images and, or video NVP content from at least one of the user&#39;s to be displayed on at least one of the user&#39;s center device display may be curated by the user, pre-set, or dynamically pushed based on any one of user parameter. In some embodiments, the timeline module enables the displayed line of static, dynamic, and, or scheduled images and, or video NVP content to be further replicated on at least one of a digital and, or virtual presence of at least one the users. In other words, the timeline module enables the displayed line of NVP content to be further shared with social media and digital media outlets, over a network. In some embodiments, an Application Programming Interface may be integrated and configured for enabling transfer and, or further interaction of the replicated line of static, dynamic, and, or scheduled images and, or video NVP content. 
     The processor  202   g ,  302   g  may include an advertising module and, or a commerce module, enabling advertisers to target users for NVP content display based on NVP activity or influence of said users. The advertising module may further comprise a bidding module, wherein the advertisers bid among each other for engaging a user for incorporating a winning bid advertisement into the NVP content display of the user. The processor  202   g ,  302   g  may further comprise a commerce module, wherein users may purchase digital downloads of NVP content for NVP content display. The commerce module may further be coupled to a distributive digital ledger, wherein each NVP exchange among any user is represented as a unique node in the digital ledger. Each node tagged with meta data facilitating at least one of a transaction, validation and, or registration for each NVP exchange. 
     In some embodiments, any one of the processor functioning mentioned above may be off-loaded to the processor of the mobile device and, or the remote server. The device display may simply be used for display function—for both symbol and color-coded display cues on any one of the surround display and, or center display, and NVP line of content on the center display. 
     Exemplary Communication Protocol 
     The NVP language is made up of symbols, shapes, colors and images that when combined form a language specifically for the person to person or groups of people interactive badge or screen market. This language is the only language that allows individuals to communicate with the interactive badge in a visual sense. The NVP may be displayed on a surrounding of the interactive badge device and, or on device center display. In some embodiments, the surround display and center display may be combined in unison, or in a sequential manner, to express the NVP language. 
     The NVP Language Components 
     The first component of the language is a shape such as but not limited to a square, circle, triangle or star. These shapes indicate to the viewer a behavioral welcoming state of the person viewing them. One such behavioral state might be a welcome to communicate or not as the case might be. An example of these shapes and their uses are shown in  FIG. 4 . This first component forms the frame of all the communication symbols to follow. It is programmed by the NVP wearer at the start of a badges or screen or display wearing session. 
     The second component of the NVP is the color of the first component. This color signifies the rules of communication and engagement with the wearer and the receiver. The color signifies whether a person is willing to accept a communication and what type of communication from the viewer. The color can be part of the symbol or a color displayed on or around the badge An example of this is shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     The third component of the NVP is the symbol within the colored shape. These symbols can be anything which conveys a message to the viewer from the wearer but can only be shown using the NVP programming protocol described later. These symbols can be programed to be shown for a certain amount of time using the NVP programming software scheduler and these symbols can also flash based on that scheduler. These symbols can be different colors based on the person&#39;s mood. Some examples of the symbols for NVP are shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, disclosed is a non-verbal line of sight electronic communication protocol, the protocol comprising a non-verbal symbol language for communicating wirelessly over electronic devices, including interactive badges and, or displays, between users and, or static receivers, who are in one another&#39;s line of sight; and the symbol language displayed on the interactive badge and, or display and, or static receivers communicate whether a first user can approach at least a second user or not for further digital interaction. 
     For instance, the interactive badge or display that is displaying a blue square  402 ,  502 ,  602 , which indicates that it&#39;s ok to approach me. Inside of which a green square  606  indicates its ok to talk to me and send me a NVP communication and a lonely face  610  from the symbols show that I am lonely. This symbol is programmed to the badge using the NVP programming language software which allows for timing and scheduling. The color of the symbol is the open or closed gateway to the receiver. If the color is not correct the communication will not pass. Alternatively, in other embodiments, any combination of shapes and, or colors may be arbitrarily chosen to signify a permission to approach or activate a further digital content interaction. For instance, a green circle might suggest permission to approach, and a blue square contained therein may suggest a permission to exchange an NVP line of content. Choice of colors, symbols, and the interaction with each, may be purely arbitrary. 
     The NVP Programming Interface 
     To allow a wearer to program their interactive badge or personal digital display, a programming interface is required which allows the wearer to set up the language on the badge and run it throughout a day as a timeline. This requires a process which is described in detail in  FIG. 7 . In a preferred embodiment of the process, the wearer decides to program the badge or display with the NVP language; the program which runs on the connected device (smartphone or PC) is opened and the language variables are displayed; the NVP language components  1 ,  2  and  3  can be selected; the ability to send a communication to another wearer can be selected; and the ability to send the entre NVP wearers timeline can be selected. Additionally, the NVP program allows the wearer to select images from their own images, from the NVP store, feeds from interfaces with social media applications, from adverts selected from the NVP advertising platform, from health devices, from games, music and programming from a specific GPS location. Additionally, the amount of time an image is displayed may be programmed with the resulting timeline transmitted from the device to the wearable badge ( FIG. 8 ). The process for setting the rules of interaction and engagement is further set out in  FIG. 9 . Once the NVP time line is set, this is transmitted to the badge and can be altered in real time. An example of this in vertical format is shown in  FIG. 10 . Alternatively, the line of NVP content may be depicted or scrolled in a horizontal fashion. 
     The NVP Communication Protocol Standard 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the NVP communication system allows one individual who is wearing an interactive badge or screen—in the line of sight of another individual wearing the same—to send messages wirelessly based on the NVP displayed. The message can only be sent if the NVP is set to the correct parameters set out in the NVP language section of this document. The NVP protocol has a unique number attached which allows the receiving interactive badge or screen to decode it and activate an event such as but not limited to an image display, a sound played, a vibration, or a signal sent back to the sender or a signal being sent to the parent smartphone, which in turn activates an event. 
     This NVP signal is defined as a unique wireless signal sent from one interactive badge or screen to another over a certain physical distance in line of sight. Using the NVP signal, the interactive badge can send an NVP signal to any number of badges or receivers and the badge can accept an NVP signal from any number of badges. The NVP signal can only be accepted if the correct NVP symbols are being displayed. By accepting an NVP signal this can trigger the interactive badge or screen to display anything it&#39;s been programmed to by the NVP app running on the smartphone or PC. If accepting the NVP signal this can trigger a sound or vibration or cause a device to trigger a sound or device. On accepting the NVP signal this can trigger the NVP app running on the smartphone to activate an event or process. On accepting the NVP signal, this can trigger the interactive badge or screen via the NVP app to display a set of offers, images, videos or sounds. 
     In a preferred embodiment, a non-verbal line of sight electronic communication protocol is disclosed, the protocol comprising: a non-verbal symbol language for communicating wirelessly over electronic devices, including an interactive badge with a line of sight device visual display, between users who are in one another&#39;s line of sight; the symbol language further comprising a set of any shaped and, or colored symbols that are programmably displayed on the device visual display, wherein the device visual display is at least one of a surround device display and, or a center device display; and based on the programmably displayed set of shaped and, or colored symbols on the device visual display, communicate whether a first user can approach at least a second user or not for further digital interaction. 
     The technology used to send and receive the NVP signal can be at a specific frequency with a unique number. This has the effect of making any other device not able to recognize the NVP signal or be able to manage the events that have been set by parameters with in the App. This unique number and encryption method makes the NVP interactive badge or screen only recognizable with another NVP interactive badge or screen or receiver or a licensed piece of hardware and software from the NVP group of products. This will be a critical area of protection for the NVP language and protocol—as without it—other manufacturers will not be able to enter the market as people will not be able to interact with their badge. The NVP language is the standard for interactive badges and devices. In short, the NVP signal can be a visual equivalent of a click through. 
     The Virtual NVP Line 
       FIG. 12  illustrates the transition from badge 1 display; share with badge 2; and digital media share of badge 1 display with tracked footprint (badge 2 share). Virtual NVP is the digital version of the visual NVP line shown on the interactive badge or screen that can be made available to NVP badge users so they can see what others are displaying on their NVP badges that day. There are two uses for the Virtual NVP line: 1) to allow NVP badge wearers to transmit their NVP line from one user to another; and 2) to allow NVP badge wearer to attached their own. 
     The pre-defined presentation of the content message on at least the interactive device visual display and, or virtual profile may be configured for network or digital sharing. Furthermore, the virtual profile may, via an Application Programming Interface, be configured for transfer and, or further interaction—such as geo-location, site check-in, etc. In other embodiments, the NVP system has been developed so there is a very low entry point for integration to the program. In fact, as the user is only taking a screen shot of their phone for any media there is no integration with 3 rd  parties necessary. By way of an example, a user could construct a NVP line of their Facebook post, Twitter post, dashboard from Fitbit, images from their phone and a mood image. All of these can be taken directly from screenshots with no outside integration from developers needed. These screen shots can be real time based on the time of NVP line creation. 
     In some embodiments, live data feeds from monitoring devices would be image related, so rather than display on the device, a mirroring program would allow the device display to be shown on the NVP badge via Bluetooth. This NVP ‘Llego’ block is a universal interface to all monitoring and real time feed devices. 
     As each person is responsible for their own NVP line they are responsible for the content that is published. However, the NVP system has a safe guard to ensure that inappropriate and copyright content is not displayed. Each time an NVP line is created it must pass through the NVP ‘Llego’ Block server to pick up any illegal images. If this happens, the NVP line will be rejected and the user asked to review the images. The NVP ‘Llego’ block interface allows media channels to display their content on the NVP badge if the user so wishes. These channels are passed through the NVP Llego block centrally and are available for users to connect to if they so wish using the NVP line creation software. There are many markets for the NVP interactive language and its communication protocol. The application that follow are just some examples 
     Application 1: 
     Advertising Targeting 
     The groups are based not on where you are digitally i.e. Facebook or Twitter but where you are physically i.e. on a train, at a concert, at a bar or at work. We will be able to count how many NVP signals were sent to individuals and what they reacted to. In this way new physical influencers will emerge, i.e. those who are the most popular. These peoples virtual NVP lines will be the most desirable from an advertising perspective as they will enhance their online profile with that running on their interactive badges or screens. The diagram in  FIG. 13  shows what might typically happen to a person wearing and actively using the NVP language on a daily basis. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , girl A has collected 43 NVP signals and had 16 conversations about the NVP line she is displaying. If she has configured her NVP line correctly each person who has sent an NVP signal will have received her Virtual NVP Line. which was reacted to. 
     Note that girl A had configured two NVP lines for different parts of her day. So different people will see different NVP line. What is clear is that as the NVP language and communication protocol becomes established the number of transactions will grow exponentially as each of the above people will have their own NVP badge and their own NVP line We will quickly see the emergence of the top real life influencer in a daily basis. Advertisers will be able to target the most popular real time influencers based on NVP sharing activity. 
     In other embodiments, the advertising module or platform may further comprise a bidding module, wherein the advertisers bid among each other for engaging a user for incorporating a winning bid advertisement into the content message display of the user. Advertisers will be able to use the NVP Real Time Bidding Network to get access to the NVP line of targeted individuals if they have given their consent to take advertising in their NVP Line. These adverts will be clickable on the Virtual NVP line so they can be transferred from one user to many in the Real Life Network®. This potentially gives advertisers a major new network of people to target based on their location. 
     Application 2: 
     The NVP Store or Shop Controlling the NVP Content 
     Images will be able to be taken from a person&#39;s phone and shown on the NVP badge. As these are put onto the NVP line through the NVP App, we have control over the content and can manage any indecent, or inflammatory content. However, the final say will be with the NVP badge wearer. We will have complete control over the Virtual NVP line and be able to stop the distribution of any indecent or inflammatory content. Additionally, there will be a place to purchase widgets that link directly to apps such as Facebook, Twitter and other apps that have integrated with our NVP Llego Block. Brands, Apps and advertiser will have to pay to be allowed on the portal and be subject to our terms and conditions. We expect this fee to be a % of any purchase price or a fixed fee based on an individual&#39;s use. i.e. if the wearer wants to buy a specific logo or album cover, they can buy this for a one-off fee from the supplier. We would retain 10% of the retail revenue. This logo would be allowed to be used on the individuals NVP badge, but not be transferrable to another person NVP Line via the virtual NVP line which is read only. 
     The payment transaction system may incorporate block chain technology, wherein each NVP exchange or digital content purchase transaction among any user is represented as a unique node in the digital ledger, each node tagged with meta data facilitating at least one of a transaction, validation and, or registration for each NVP exchange or digital content purchase transaction. Alternate payment systems may be used, including linking directly to a credit card, debit card, and, or bank account. In yet other embodiments, payment systems may include an intermediary or 3 rd  party system providing payment processing between users or between user and the NVP store. An intermediary account or escrow-type account may also be used, whereby funds are disbursed from a user 1 account to a user 2 account, or from a user 1-linked intermediary account to a user 2 account—upon full satisfaction of transaction or bidding obligations. The intermediary account may be viewed as a pre-paid account. In other embodiments, digital sellers may target users who have pre-paid an intermediary account for a specific item, thereby competing over a particular purchaser for a specific items. 
     Moreover, in some embodiments, the NVP communication protocol standard may be incorporated into the payment transaction system coupled to the commerce platform or NVP store. For instance, a yellow square on the surround display or center display of the interactive badge may signify that the user is willing to purchase a digital content for download or a physical item. In other embodiments, the yellow square displayed may signify that after scanning a physical item tag, the user&#39;s account or intermediary account has a sufficient balance to afford the item. Contrastingly, a red square may indicate that the item may not be purchased based on available balance. In yet other embodiments, a green circle may signify that a payment transaction is confirmed. 
     To run through a potential scenario, two individuals have bought an interactive badge which runs the NVP language, communication protocol and programming language. Each one has programmed their badges to run a 6-image timeline changing every 30 seconds. They both get on a train in the morning and find themselves sitting opposite one another. Individual 1 sees that individual 2 has a green square framing their timeline of images and knows that this signifies that the person is open to a conversation, is open to receiving an NVP signal and is open to receiving a virtual NVP timeline from this person. Individual 1 decides to send a NVP signal which causes the individual 2&#39;s badge to display a ‘Hi’, beep a sounds and flash once as this is standard for the NVP badge. 
     Individual 1 approaches Individual 2 and starts to discuss their images. Individual 1 also decides to send their virtual NVP timeline to individual 2. At the end of the day Individual 1 and 2 are able to read how many people have sent them a message, from whom and about what. This scenario can happen at any time of the day and the individuals can change the NVP components in real time through their App. Furthermore, individual 1 or 2 can purchase specific digital content from a coupled commerce platform to be displayed on their NVP line or virtual NVP. What&#39;s more, advertisers may target either individual 1 and, or 2 for advertising display based on individual 1 and, or 2&#39;s tracked activity. 
     Moral and Legal Implications: 
     What happens if a person approaches another person in direct contradiction to the symbol being displayed? There needs to be method of creating sanctions or no-go areas. One component of the moral code is to set a rule saying that if a person is reported more than 3 times for infringing the person space their badge and account will be suspended. But what happens if the person does not have a badge and approaches the person with the approach symbol anyway. 
     What can be done in this circumstance? This is where a moral code needs to be created or at least set out. An unwritten rule which adheres to normal law is that a person has the right to tell the person that they do not want to talk even though they have that symbol displayed. 
     Additionally, how much personal information can be displayed on the interactive badge without it causing someone offence and who is monitoring, censoring and controlling this content? Through the app, we are able to control what is displayed on the device, but this requires monitoring at the server side and will require human intervention. Again, this is where the moral code component of the ecosystem comes into play. The alternative is to let the general public publish what they like on their own badges or displays. If this is offensive, is it covered under the relevant laws of the country? How much control should we exercise over the content displayed in public? Every badge sold should have an ethics card included which states our ethic culture and what can and cannot be displayed. If anyone is shown to be contravening, it would be seen as contravening badge sub-culture or badge mores. 
     Embodiments are described at least in part herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, systems, and computer program products and data structures according to embodiments of the disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the illustrations, and combinations of blocks, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the block or blocks.