Patent Publication Number: US-2018047317-A1

Title: Smart Banner Display

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     It may be desirable to display a banner, flag, or other signage on certain occasions. For example, it may be desirable to display a country flag to celebrate national holidays. During a local sporting event, it may be desirable to display a sports team banner and support the local team. For marketing purposes, stores may want to display signs for special sales. 
     It may also be desirable to conceal a banner. When inclement weather is approaching or the sun is setting for the day, one may want to conceal a banner that is on display. Also, after a special event is over, a banner is no longer needed to be on display and therefore the banner may be concealed. 
     For purposes of control for occasions and events, a need exists for improvements on banner displays. 
     SUMMARY 
     A smart banner display includes a home base and a scroll shaft located within the home base. The scroll shaft is configured to rotate around an axis relative to the home base. A banner is removably attached to the scroll shaft so that the banner is raised and lowered as the scroll shaft rotates. A motor rotates the scroll shaft in any rotational direction based upon communication from a controller. 
     A method for controlling a smart banner display includes displaying on a user interface one or more input controls related to control of the banner display. Upon receiving a selection of the one or more input controls, the method includes providing the selection to a controller. Based on the selection, the controller performs a banner display action which may include positioning the banner, lighting up the banner, or other banner display action. 
     Another method for controlling a smart banner display includes monitoring, through an application, external event information. Upon detecting a trigger condition based on one or more events, the method includes performing a banner display action. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an exemplary smart banner display. 
         FIG. 2  shows a front view of an exemplary smart banner display. 
         FIG. 3 a    shows a perspective view of a home base and scroll shaft. 
         FIG. 3 b    shows a perspective view of a home base. 
         FIG. 4  shows a side view of a home base and scroll shaft. 
         FIG. 5 a    shows an extruded view of a home base and scroll shaft. 
         FIG. 5 b    shows an extruded view of a home base and scroll shaft. 
         FIG. 6 a    shows a bottom view of a home base and scroll shaft. 
         FIG. 6 b    shows a bottom view of a home base and scroll shaft. 
         FIG. 7 a    shows a side view of a home base and scroll shaft. 
         FIG. 7 b    shows a top view of an interior of a home base. 
         FIG. 8 a    shows a top view of a solar panel on a home base. 
         FIG. 8 b    shows a side view of a solar panel on a home base. 
         FIG. 9 a    shows a cutout view of a banner housing. 
         FIG. 9 b    shows a cutout view of a home base and scroll shaft. 
         FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of a motor. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a diagram of an exemplary networked environment used to implement features presented herein. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a diagram of exemplary components used to implement features presented herein. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a diagram of an exemplary networked environment used to implement features presented herein. 
         FIG. 14 a    illustrates an exemplary user display interface for controlling features of a smart banner display. 
         FIG. 14 b    illustrates an exemplary user display interface for controlling features of a smart banner display. 
         FIG. 14 c    illustrates an exemplary user display interface for controlling features of a smart banner display. 
         FIG. 14 d    illustrates an exemplary user display interface for controlling features of a smart banner display. 
         FIG. 14 e    illustrates an exemplary user display interface for controlling features of a smart banner display. 
         FIG. 14 f    illustrates an exemplary user display interface for controlling features of a smart banner display. 
         FIG. 15 a    illustrates an exemplary flow chart of a method for controlling features of a smart banner display. 
         FIG. 15 b    illustrates an exemplary flow chart of a method for controlling features of a smart banner display. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application 62/374,975 filed Aug. 15, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     A smart banner display includes a home base and a scroll shaft located within the home base. The scroll shaft is configured to rotate around an axis relative to the home base. A banner is removably attached to the scroll shaft so that the banner is raised and lowered as the scroll shaft rotates. A motor rotates the scroll shaft in any rotational direction based upon communication from a controller. 
     A method for controlling a smart banner display includes displaying on a user interface one or more input controls related to control of the banner display. Upon receiving a selection of the one or more input controls, the method includes providing the selection to a controller. Based on the selection, the controller performs a banner display action which may include positioning the banner, lighting up the banner, or other banner display action. 
     Another method for controlling a smart banner display includes monitoring, through an application, external event information. Upon detecting a trigger condition based on one or more events, the method includes performing a banner display action. 
       FIG. 1  depicts an exemplary smart banner display  100  including a home base  2 , scroll shaft  4 , and flexible planar member  3 . The home base  2  is a protective shell that holds the scroll shaft  4 , planar member  3 , and components that control the display of the planar member  3 . Such control of the display may be done manually or automatically and may further  100  utilize smart wireless technology that is established in the art. 
     The banner display is used to raise and lower the planar member  3 . A lighting component may be included to light up the display at nighttime or to shine extra light on the planar member  3  and make it stand out. Also, sensory components may be used to sense weather conditions of the  105  display environment and provide weather data to control the display of the planar member  3 . Also, various power sources may be utilized to power the device and save energy. 
     The smart banner display may be hung or attached by the home base to a house, building, or other structure. For example, ropes may tether the  110  home base to a structure. Brackets, bolts, rivets, and other mechanical fasteners may also be used. As shown, the display  100  may be hung underneath an awning of a house. 
     The planar member  3  may be a banner, flag, signage, or other display unit that is housed in the banner housing. The planar member  3  may be made  115  of cloth, plastic, a plastic-coated fabric, or other material, and of a shape that is typically oblong, square, rectangular, or other shape. The planar member  3  is typically flexible so that it can be rolled or folded or otherwise arranged so as to be concealed within the banner housing. As shown, a sports team banner is used for the display. The scroll shaft  4  and  120  components, including electrical components, motors, sensors, etc. may be operatively connected to the scroll shaft  4 . Components may be used to display the planar member  3  as shown. 
     Turning to  FIG. 2 , a smart banner display  200  is shown that includes flexible planar member  3   b  having an RFID tag and reader system  5  and a weighted bar  6 . The RFID tag  5  is attached on the planar member  3   b  or within the material of the planar member  3   b . The RFID tag  5  is used to identify the planar member  3   b  and may further be used to track the location of the planar member  3   b . Identification of the planar member  3   b  may include the type of banner, dimensions, display settings and configurations for the type of banner, and other type of information. In this manner, planar members may be exchanged for other planar members and the reader can read the RFID tag  5  to determine the current planar member  3   b  and/or its settings and configurations being used in the display. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 2  is a weighted bar  6  attached to the planar member  3   b . The weighted bar  6  is attached along one side or edge, and in this example, along a bottom edge of the planar member  3   b . Other locations are readily observed. The weighted bar  6  serves to pull the planar member down so that it resists bending and makes the planar member more taut which can add to the appearance. An additional weighted bar may be used at or near the top edge, at or near side edges, or at other locations on the member. 
     An exemplary banner display includes a home base and banner housing that are separable from each other.  FIG. 3 a    depicts a smart banner display  300  with home base  2   a  and scroll shaft  4   a , but no planar member.  FIG. 3 b    depicts the home base  2   a  with the banner housing removed. 
     A mechanical fastening structure may be used to attach the banner housing to the home base.  FIG. 4  shows an exemplary mechanical fastening structure in the form of a bolt  7   a  that is used to attach an end of the scroll shaft  4   a  to the home base  2   a . The bolt  7   a  is attached to an end of the scroll shaft  4   a  and may be inserted or slidably engaged into an insertion opening of the home base  2   a  to hold the banner housing in place. The other end of the scroll shaft  4   a  includes an end that fits within a recessed structure  7   b  of the home base  2   a.    
     The scroll shaft and home base may be an integrated unit, as shown in  FIG. 5 a   . Included are exemplary elements including control box  11 , home base  12 , scroll shaft  14 , baffles  15   a  and  15   b , spring housing  16 , spring  17 , and motor  18 . The scroll shaft  14  includes an elongated cylindrical member that is affixed at one end to the home base. 
     For positioning, the home base  12  and scroll shaft  14  are typically oriented substantially horizontal, i.e., substantially parallel to a ground surface. At one end of the home base  12 , a motor is attached to the home base  12  and rotates the scroll shaft  14  around its central lengthwise axis. The scroll shaft  14  holds the planar member in a rolled manner. Rotational movement of the scroll shaft  14  in one direction unrolls the planar member for display. Rotational movement of the scroll shaft  14  in the opposite direction rolls up the planar member for concealment. 
     On the opposite end of the home base  12 , the spring housing  16  houses a spring  17  which applies a force to one end of the scroll shaft  14 . The force of the spring  17  holds the scroll shaft  14  in place within the home base. By applying a force that compresses the spring  14 , the force of the spring  14  against the scroll shaft  14  is loosened or removed to provide the scroll shaft a space to be pivoted away, or otherwise disjointed, from one end of the home base  12 . The other end of the scroll shaft  14  remains affixed to the home base  12 . With one end pivoted away from the home base  12 , a planar member attached to the scroll shaft may be slidably disengaged, or otherwise removed, and a new planar member may be inserted. A side view of the banner housing with spring  17  and motor  18  are shown in  FIG. 7   a.    
     Alternatively, the scroll shaft  14  and planar member together may be completely removed from both ends of the home base  12 . This would allow a new scroll shaft  14  and planar member together to be inserted into the home base  12 . 
     The control box houses control and power components. Turning to  FIG. 5 b   , exemplary control components are indicated by reset button  21 , manual buttons  22   a  and  22   b , sensor input  23   a  and  23   b , and DC input  24 . These indicate manual entry points at which changes can be made to the banner display and receive input by a user. For example, reset button  21  may be used to reset a set time and/or day for displaying the banner. Alternatively, it may be used to reset the position of the banner. Manual buttons  22   a  and  22   b  indicate other manual entries that may be used to control various features and aspects of the banner display described herein (e.g., raising and lowering the planar member, etc.). Sensor input  23   a  and  23   b  indicate manual entries that may be used to control features such as lighting. Sensor input  23   a  and  23   b  indicate manual entries that may be used to control sensory input related to data such as moisture, wind, external light, etc. DC input  24  indicates manual entry for using DC power such as using DC power to power the device. Note that manual buttons and other control features may be located elsewhere in the home base. 
     A bottom view is shown in  FIG. 6A  and includes LED light bars  30   a  and  30   b  on either side of a home base  22  to essentially light up both sides of a planar member. Alternatively, only one LED bar could be used. Also, an RFID reader  29  may be used, as shown attached to the home base  22 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 6 b   , exemplary sensors are shown in control box  25 , namely, wind sensor  26 , DC input or solar power input  27 , and rain sensor  28 . 
       FIG. 7 b    depicts a top view of an interior of the home base  12   a , including a solar panel/cell  31 , controller  32 , and WiFi Interface  33 . Not shown but that may also be included is a photocell, weather sensor, temperature sensor, wind sensor, and various other components. A lid or other protective covering may cover the interior and thereby protect the components. While shown in the interior of the home base  12   a , the components may be located in other locations on the home base  12   a  or scroll shaft. 
     An exemplary solar power panel that may be used for the banner display is shown in  FIGS. 8 a  and 8 b   .  FIG. 8 a    illustrates a top view of a solar power panel  31  and  FIG. 8 b    illustrates a side view of a solar power panel  31 . As indicated by arrows, the panel can be rotated 60 degrees for right and left and 80 degrees for up and down for optimal solar sourcing. Other angles are also anticipated. 
       FIG. 9 b    illustrates a cutout side view of the home base  42  with scroll shaft  49 , banner insert  44 , inlet  46 , and recess  45 . The home base  42  and scroll shaft  49  provide openings in which an end of a planar member may be slidably inserted on the open side of the home base, or in other words, the side of the scroll shaft that pivots away from the spring, as discussed previously. The home base  42  includes the recess  45 , which may be a slotted opening or other opening. The opening allows further entry to the banner insert  44  which holds the planar member to the scroll shaft. The banner insert  44  itself is a generally rounded member that is offset from a central axis of the scroll shaft  49  and which extends lengthwise along the length of the scroll shaft  49 . The banner insert  44  includes an inlet  46  which has a narrow opening that leads to a larger inner opening. An edge of a planar member is inserted through the inlet  46  and along the length of the banner insert  44  so that it generally spans the length of the scroll shaft. The planar member has a thicker end so that it is held in place by the larger inner opening of the inlet  46 . After being inserted within the banner insert  44 , the scroll shaft is pivoted to the side of the home base and the pivoting end is pressed against the spring to be held in place. Other structures, including structures with locking means and adjustment means, may be used to attach the planar members to a scroll shaft. 
     Note that variations include that multiple planar members be used together. This may be accomplished with one scroll shaft or multiple scroll shafts. It is also possible that multiple banner displays be connected together in a manner that allows for simultaneous control. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates an exemplary motor  51  used to rotate the scroll shaft. Any standard motor is contemplated for use. As shown, the motor includes a position sensor  52  by which the rotational movement may be monitored to determine the position of the planar member. 
     With reference to software related aspects, terms will now be defined to provide clarification. The term “server” generally refers to a computing device designed and/or configured to execute computer instructions, e.g., software, that may be stored on a non-transient computer readable medium. For example, but without limitation, the server may comprise a server including at least a processor, volatile memory (e.g., RAM), non-volatile memory (e.g., a hard drive or other non-volatile storage), one or more input and output ports, devices, or interfaces, and buses and/or other communication technologies for these components to connect to and communicate with each other and with other devices. Computer instructions may be stored in volatile memory, non-volatile memory, another computer-readable storage medium such as a CD or DVD, on a remote device, or any other computer readable storage medium known in the art. Communication technologies, e.g., buses or otherwise, may be wired, wireless, a combination of such, or any other computer communication technology known in the art. The server may alternatively be implemented on a virtual computing environment, or implemented entirely in hardware, or any combination of such. The server is not limited to implementation on or as a conventional server, but may additionally be implemented, entirely or in part, on a desktop computer, laptop, smart phone, personal display assistant, virtual environment, or other known computing environment or technology. A server may comprise a plurality of servers in connection with each other. 
     “Computing device” may refer to one of, or a combination of, a number of mobile or handheld computing devices, including handheld computers, smart phones, smart watches, tablet devices, and comparable devices that execute applications. In addition, “computing device” may refer to a device that has limited or no mobility, such as a laptop computer or a desktop computer. 
     “Platform” as used herein, may refer to a combination of software and hardware components that enables features herein, such as capturing information from online sources. Examples of platforms include, but are not limited to, a hosted service executed over a plurality of servers, an application executed on a single computing device, and comparable systems. 
     A user interface on or coupled with the computing device is capable of presenting information to a user and receiving input from a user. The computing device may be in communication with a server via any communication technology known in the art, including but not limited to direct wired communications, wired networks, direct wireless communications, wireless networks, local area networks, campus area networks, wide area networks, secured networks, unsecured networks, the Internet, the cloud, or any other computer communication technology known in the art, or any combination of such networks or communication technologies. 
     While some embodiments may be described in the general context of program modules that execute in conjunction with an application program that runs on an operating system on a personal computer, those skilled in the art will recognize that aspects may also be implemented in combination with other program modules. 
     Generally, program modules used to carry out features herein include routines, programs, components, data structures, and other types of structures that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments may be practiced with other computer system configurations, including hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and comparable computing devices. Embodiments may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices. 
     Embodiments may be implemented as a computer-implemented process or method, a computing system, or as an article of manufacture, such as a computer program product or computer readable media. The computer program product may be a computer storage medium readable by a computer system and encoding a computer program that comprises instructions for causing a computer or computing system to perform example processes. The computer-readable storage medium is a physical computer-readable memory device. The computer-readable storage medium can for example be implemented via one or more of a volatile computer memory, a non-volatile memory, a hard drive, a flash drive, a floppy disk, or a compact disk, and comparable hardware media. 
     To “present,” as used herein, includes but is not limited to, providing data through interface elements or controls, e.g., through a web page, application, app, audible interface, or other user interface known in the art. For example, “presenting” may comprising providing visual display elements or controls through a web browser on a computer display or smartphone display. “Presenting” may also include providing input controls or elements. 
     A user may interact with the application by one or more of touch input, gesture input, voice command, sound input, eye tracking, gyroscopic input, pen input, mouse input, and keyboard input. An application programming interface (API) may be a set of routines, protocols, and tools for the application or service that enable the application or service to interact or communicate with one or more other applications and services managed by separate entities. 
     Turning to  FIG. 11 , an exemplary networked environment is shown for implementing features discussed herein. The environment includes an exemplary computing device in the form of a mobile device  320  in connection via a software application over a network  330 . The environment further includes a smart banner display  340  that is also in connection via a controller or other device over a network  330 . Communication by the mobile device  320  and the smart banner display  340  is accomplished through respective communication modules  321  and  343 . Communication modules  321  and  343  enable communication, such as sending commands, receiving input, and performing any kind of exchange of information via communication technology, such as Bluetooth or Wifi technology (e.g. radio or chip). The mobile device  320  and banner display  340  may also be directly in connection with each other using respective communication modules  321  and  343 . 
     The banner display  340  further includes a controller  341  for controlling actuation of the display features and a sensor module  342  for receiving sensory input and providing it to the controller. The controller  341  may be a microcontroller or other controller. Sensor module  342  receives sensory input described herein, such as moisture data, lighting data, wind data, motor position data, etc. Sensor module  342  provides the sensory input to the controller  341  and the controller  341  performs a banner display action (e.g. actuating the scroll, turning on the light bar, etc.) or modification (e.g. updating an event trigger) based on the sensory input. 
     The participant interacts with the application through a touch-enabled display interface of the mobile device  320 . The computing device may alternatively include a monitor with a touch-enabled display component to provide communication to a user. 
     Turning to  FIG. 12 , a diagram is shown of exemplary components used to implement features presented herein. The components include controller module  420 , power module  440 , sensor module  442 , input module  443 , and light source module  444 . 
     The controller module  420  communicates with, and may be controlled by, the application on the mobile device  320 . In addition or alternatively, the controller is controlled by any connection described herein, manually, or by automatic functionality. The controller  420  receives data from the sensor module  442 , which may be a wind sensor, light sensor, temperature sensor, moisture sensor, motor position sensor, or any other relevant sensor. For example, the controller  420  receives sensor information related to a measurement of wind. For rain and snow, the controller  420  receives moisture information. For discernment between daytime and nighttime, the controller  420  receives light information. For determining the extent of the banner display, such as being full display, partial display, or full concealment, the controller receives information from the position sensor. For the actuation of the scroll shaft, the controller module  420  turns on and off the motor. 
     The controller module  420  may control lights via the light source module  444 , which may be one or more lights, light bars, LED light sources, etc. The controller may turn on and off the light source module for illuminating the banner display. The controller may further have advanced functionality of dimming the light source module to create various degrees of lighting. 
     The banner display including the controller and components may be powered by a variety of sources represented by the power module  440 , including for example, solar power input, electrical input, and battery power. 
     Turning to  FIG. 13 , an exemplary networked environment is shown including server  540 , network  530 , and mobile device  520 . Content may be stored in or received from one or more sources, including but not limited to, server  540 , or online sources  562 ,  564 ,  565 ,  567 , and  568 . Online sources may comprise servers, network resources, or Internet resources as understood in the art. Online source  562  may provide information for any condition or event relevant to banner display control. Online source  564  may provide weather information. Online source  565  may provide sports event schedule information. Online source  568  may provide clock or timer information. Online source  567  may provide holiday or event schedule information. 
     Content may be found in various sources like websites, emails, documents, messaging, texting, conferencing, and other forms used for communicating content. The application monitors one or more of the various sources for specific information related to a trigger event, such as a date, a time, a location, and/or a title, among others. Monitoring may include gleaning, scraping, analyzing, parsing or otherwise processing the content to detect the specific information. The resulting information may be stored on the server and presented to the user through the interface so that the user may control and/or trigger banner display actions. 
     The user may have the option of entering or selecting the type of information to be used as the specific information to be obtained from a given source. Specific information may further be generated by the software. 
     For example, weather information may be obtained from online source  564 . Temperature, humidity, wind, and other weather conditions included in the obtained weather information may be used to trigger a banner display action. 
     Clock/timer information obtained from online source  568  may be used to monitor times or durations of times during which the banner should be displayed. 
     Sports information, such as game days and special events, obtained from online source  565  may be used for display action. 
     Holiday information obtained from online source  567  may be used to monitor holidays and national events for display action. 
     Other information may be obtained from online source  562  for display action. This information may be modified by the user. Also, the information may be entered by the user directly instead of being obtained online. 
       FIG. 14 a    shows an exemplary touch-enabled user display interface  600   a . The interface  600   a  includes touch-enabled controls that actuate features of the display banner. For example, the ‘On/Off’ switch control  602  turns the display features on and off. The ‘Display Banner’ control  603  actuates the scroll shaft to unroll the banner or otherwise activates the display so that the banner is visible. ‘Hide Banner’ control  604  actuates the scroll shaft to roll the banner up or otherwise activates the display to conceal the banner. ‘Lights On’ control  605  turns on the lights that illuminate the banner. ‘Lights Off’ control  606  turns the lights off. 
     The input controls shown are in no way limiting. Further capabilities are readily anticipated. For example, capabilities may include the options of lowering and raising the banner to variable heights. Also, lights may include LED lights or other lights that may be dimmed. Capabilities may thus include dimming. Other capabilities are also anticipated. 
       FIG. 14 b    illustrates an exemplary touch-enabled user display interface  600   b . The interface  600   b  includes input controls for enabling or disabling features of the banner display. For example, ‘User-Defined Events’ control  614  allows a user to control whether the manual entries by the user are turned on or off. For example, user-defined dates, times, weather sensor thresholds, wind sensor thresholds, and lighting times may be turned on or off. Similarly, on/off control may be had for ‘Source Events’  615  such as online calendars, sports events, and other resources utilized outside of the user for special dates. On/off control may also be had for ‘Lighting Control’ for online daylight/nighttime services. On/off control may also be had for a ‘Weather Response’ provided by an online weather reporting services or other service. Other controls may be presented as well. 
       FIG. 14 c    illustrates an exemplary touch-enabled user display interface  600   c . The interface  600   c  includes a listing of conditions that will trigger the display to show the banner. Conditions may comprise one or more events, dates, or other inputs as described herein, or any combination of such. Exemplary special events include ‘Wildcats v. Bulldogs’  622  on ‘Jan. 31, 2017’ 623 and Mar. 4, 2017’  624 , and ‘New Year&#39;s Day’  625  on ‘Jan. 1, 2017’  626 . A selection for a ‘New Entry—Click here’ control  627  may be selected to manually enter a new event and date. Also, a ‘Search Web—Click here’ control  628  may be selected to search the web or enter a web address to use an online resource or other resource that will allow the user to manually or automatically locate and retrieve or parse events and dates which will be stored and displayed on the display interface and used to trigger the display to show the banner. 
       FIG. 14 d    illustrates an exemplary touch-enabled user display interface  600   d . The interface  600   d  lists selections of online sources that are being used to generate trigger conditions, e.g., events and dates. Example selections include ‘Google Calendar’  632 , ‘Holiday Calendar’  633 , ‘High School Calendar’  634 , and ‘Sports Event Calendar’  635 . The user may click or otherwise select a selection and make modifications to the selection. For example, the ‘Google Calendar’  632  can be selected and the user provided with options to choose certain months, certain shared calendars, or other selections that tailor the types of events and dates that will be used as trigger events. ‘Holiday Calendar’  633  control can be selected to allow the user to select which holidays and which timeframes can be used as trigger events. ‘High School Calendar’  634  control may be selected to allow the user to select which school sports or which dates to track for trigger events. ‘Sports Event Calendar’  635  control may be selected to allow the user to select which professional sports teams or which dates to track for trigger events. These selections are mere examples of the capabilities envisioned to allow the user to tailor the display of the banner. 
       FIG. 14 e    illustrates an exemplary touch-enabled user display interface  600   e . The interface  600   e  includes examples of controls available for lighting. For example, ‘Threshold Light Sensor’ control  642  allows the user to vary the threshold amount of light that may comprise a trigger condition to turn on the lights. In this manner, as the sun sets, the lights may be turned on to illuminate the banner. 
     Also shown is an exemplary color palette control  643 , that allows colored lights to have a user-defined hue to be selected. Also shown are time ‘On’ control  644  and time ‘Off’ control  645  which indicates the times that the lights are on and off. 
       FIG. 14 f    illustrates an exemplary touch-enabled user display interface  600   f . The interface provides user-defined settings for ‘Temperature Threshold’  652 , ‘Humidity Threshold’  653 , and ‘Wind Threshold’  654 . Each threshold setting may be modified so that banner display is modified based on the value(s) of one or more parameters or inputs. So, for example, a temperature sensor that receives a threshold data temperature would indicate that the weather is too extreme to allow the banner to be displayed and the controller receiving this information would thus activate the scroll shaft to conceal the banner. 
       FIG. 15 a    illustrates a flow diagram of a process  700   a  used to perform a banner display action according to embodiments presented herein. The process  700   a  may be implemented on a computing device, such as mobile device  320  and  520 , and other devices discussed herein. 
     The process  700   a  begins with step  720 , in which an application on the mobile device  520  monitors event information. This step includes monitoring calendars, weather reports, sporting events, emails, documents, and other information. This step  702  may include processing data to identify an event, time, duration, or other condition. This step may further include storing data and forming structures to handle the data. 
     At step  720 , the application processes received display conditions to determine when one or more trigger conditions have occurred. At step  740 , the controller performs a banner display action based on the identified trigger condition. The banner display action may comprise displaying, concealing, partially displaying, partially concealing the banner, or turning lights on or off or brighter or dimmer, or any other banner display action disclosed herein or known in the art. 
     In  FIG. 15 b   , a flow diagram is presented of a process  700   b  used to apply user-defined settings to modify banner display. In step  722 , input controls for user-defined settings, such as the user-defined settings in  FIGS. 6 a - f   , are provided to the user. At step  724  the application receives a user defined setting. At step  728 , the controller determines, based on the user-defined settings, to modify display of the banner. 
     The processes may be implemented with fewer or additional steps, as well as in a different order. Also, the processes may be executed by one or more processors operated on one or more computing devices, one or more processor cores, specialized processing devices, and/or general purpose processors, among other processing environments. 
     While this invention has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments and examples, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that many variations are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention, and that the invention, as described by the claims, is intended to cover all changes and modifications of the invention which do not depart from the spirit of the invention.