Patent Document

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to the technological field of electronics in conjunction with network computer systems. Particularly, this invention comprises an improved bill folder with one or more visual devices and a system that allows dynamic information contents updating to a user. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Bill folder devices are commonly known, also identified as a billfold or payment folder, wherein a service provider presents the bill or payment stub with the full account of the service to a customer. For example, some of these services may include restaurants, bars, hotels, and many others. There are some bill folder devices in the State of the Art that include some improvements whose primary purpose is to facilitate the processing and collection of the bill settlement. 
         [0003]    An improved bill folder is described in US patent application US2005/0046172 that includes inside a plurality of compartments configured to accommodate a plurality of cards, debit or credit, together with a built-in calculator in the same folder to facilitate customer calculation of the bill. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,076,079 protects a calculator with a display adapted for tip calculation; wherein said calculator is coupled to a bill folder or payment folder. Further to the electronics usually used in a calculator, the bill folders described in both documents do not exhibit further improvements in the electronics field or integration to information systems. 
         [0004]    Moreover, U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,214 protects a bill folder device that presents a tab type visual indicator which slides on two or more colored areas that allow the service provider to know the payment status of the customer. However, this simple invention does not involve electronic components, which in conjunction with information systems facilitate the payment procedures. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,355,115 shows a bill folder with colored flags type signals, wherein each color indicates to the service provider a payment status of the service bill. In this patent, a lightning control circuit for the flag signal that improves viewing, as well as electronic elements are incorporated. However, this bill folder excludes information systems integration. Also, U.S. Pat. No. 6,796,673 protects a bill folder wherein a lighting signal is turned on by the user to indicate that the service provider may collect the bill folder. Once again, although this invention includes electronic components for lighting and signaling, this does not include information systems integration. 
         [0005]    There are other numerous bill folder devices directed to solve the problem of bill or payment stub viewing per se at the time the service provider is presenting it to the customer. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,409,357, 6,808,208, 7,163,307, 7,270,437, and 7,277,241, describe payment folders with illumination means on the area holding the pay stub or bill. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,808,208 and 7,270,437 also combine the use of lens or magnifying glass to facilitate reading the customer&#39;s bill. Moreover, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,409,357 and 7,163,307, and U.S. patent application no. US2002/0093813 use sensors that detect the opening of the bill folder and automatically turn on the illumination means. 
         [0006]    Additionally, the State of the Art include other bill folder devices which include illumination applied for advertising purposes, such as those described in U.S. patent application 2007/0115650, and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,748. Both inventions describe and illustrate in the exterior and interior of the device one or more panels, illuminated from inside or backlit. The function of these panels is to function as an advertising display or showcase to display any advertising sign, logo, or image. In both documents, the panels are limited to show a single image statically. None of these documents suggests an integration of information systems to improve the content presented to the customer in the panels. 
         [0007]    Also, U.S. patent application no. US2007/0215695 describes a device and system to present and facilitate the settlement of a restaurant bill. This device is embedded into a bill folder, and has an input and display touch screen, a magnetic card reader to enter payment information, and a system with a memory means to execute computer instructions, a processing unit of computer instructions, additional optional memory means, input devices, output devices, and communication links, which can be wired or wireless. The disadvantage of this bill folder is that it is directed exclusively to present payment information and not any other information that may be useful to the customer. Additionally, another disadvantage is that both the tactile and the magnetic card reader are directed to solving the payment problem through data entry which processing is complicated, requires high security connections and authentication processes with financial institutions whose data processing is more complex. Moreover, this device lacks of means for indicating when the device is in use, which will optimize the use of the battery. Moreover, this device also lacks of means for adjusting the information display device automatically under light conditions at the site. Still further, this device has the disadvantage of lacking a mechanism to detect if the device leaves the location area without authorization, such as in case of theft. Finally, this patent document also discloses the charging means for this device. 
         [0008]    Finally, U.S. patent application no. US2002/0194072 describes a device exclusively oriented to perform customer satisfaction surveys. The document describes a device with calculator and data input means allowing the user to introduce the survey responses. Moreover, the document states that these devices can be charged into a base, wherein at the same time extracts the survey data. The disadvantage of this document is that the device does not permit nor considers displaying information of other nature that can be useful to the customer. Moreover, this device lacks of means for indicating when the device is in use, which will optimize the use of the battery. Still further, this device also lacks of means for adjusting the information display device automatically under light conditions at the site. Finally, this device has the disadvantage of lacking a mechanism to detect if the device leaves the location area without authorization, such as in case of theft. 
         [0009]    Therefore, there is a need in the prior art for a bill folder or check bill presenter to facilitate the interaction of dynamic information content relevant to a customer during a service payment process. Likewise, the present invention solves the technical problem of integrating a dynamic information content system to a bill folder by electronic components that allow to interact, to optimize energy use and to maintain safe the bill folder. 
       OBJECT OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The main aspect of the present invention is to provide a bill folder that facilitates relevant information to the customer during a service payment process. 
         [0011]    Another aspect of the present invention is to solve the technical problem of integrating a remote or in situ content updating system in said bill folder. 
         [0012]    Moreover, another aspect is to display this information in a dynamic manner and tailored to each location, regime, level, and type of service. 
         [0013]    Finally, another aspects are the customer interaction, energy use optimization, and keeping safe the bill folder. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    To provide a better understanding of the process of the invention the following drawings are annexed: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  shows a front view of the bill folder in a closed position in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  shows a rear view of the bill folder in a closed position in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  shows a right front perspective view of the bill folder in an open position in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  shows an exploded view in left front bottom perspective of the bill folder in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  shows a left front perspective view of the first enclosure of the bill folder in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  shows a right front perspective view of the assembly housed within the first enclosure of the bill folder in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  shows a left rear perspective view of the assembly housed within the first enclosure of the bill folder in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  shows a front view of the assembly components housed within the first enclosure of the bill folder in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  shows a rear view of the assembly components housed within the first enclosure of the bill folder in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  shows a left front top perspective view of the second enclosure of the bill folder in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  shows a right rear top perspective view of the second enclosure of the bill folder in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 12  shows a right front top perspective view of the charger with a plurality of bill folders in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 13  shows a right front top perspective view of the charger interior assembly in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 14  shows the content updating system in accordance with the first and third preferred embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 15  shows an architecture scheme for the content updating system in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 16  shows a flow chart of the content updating process in accordance with the first and third preferred embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 17  shows flow chart of the content updating process in accordance with the second and fourth preferred embodiments of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0032]    To facilitate understanding of the present invention, Table 1 lists reference numbers, and the elements and steps which are mentioned in the figures. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Reference numbers 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 Reference 
               
               
                   
                 Elements 
                 numbers 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Bill folder 
                 10 
               
               
                   
                 First portion 
                 20 
               
               
                   
                 Lid 
                 21 
               
               
                   
                 Cover 
                 22 
               
               
                   
                 Holding elements 
                 23 
               
               
                   
                 Spine 
                 25 
               
               
                   
                 Second portion 
                 30 
               
               
                   
                 Counter-lid 
                 31 
               
               
                   
                 Counter-cover 
                 32 
               
               
                   
                 Holding elements 
                 33 
               
               
                   
                 Gasket 
                 40 
               
               
                   
                 Coupling means 
                 45 
               
               
                   
                 First enclosure 
                 50 
               
               
                   
                 Front lid 
                 51 
               
               
                   
                 Damping material 
                 52 
               
               
                   
                 Damping material 
                 53 
               
               
                   
                 First visual device 
                 55 
               
               
                   
                 Visual device housing 
                 56, 66 
               
               
                   
                 Printed circuit board or PCB for visual device 
                 57, 67 
               
               
                   
                 Flat wire connector 
                 58, 68 
               
               
                   
                 Connector 
                 59, 69 
               
               
                   
                 Back lid 
                 61 
               
               
                   
                 Damping material 
                 62 
               
               
                   
                 Damping material 
                 63 
               
               
                   
                 Second visual device 
                 65 
               
               
                   
                 Motherboard 
                 70 
               
               
                   
                 Processor 
                 75 
               
               
                   
                 Service port 
                 79 
               
               
                   
                 Second enclosure 
                 80 
               
               
                   
                 Base 
                 81 
               
               
                   
                 Battery 
                 82 
               
               
                   
                 Opening sensor 
                 83 
               
               
                   
                 Charged terminals 
                 84 
               
               
                   
                 Charger 
                 90 
               
               
                   
                 Charger housing 
                 91 
               
               
                   
                 Charger assembly 
                 92 
               
               
                   
                 Charging slot 
                 93 
               
               
                   
                 Charging terminals 
                 94 
               
               
                   
                 Power source 
                 95 
               
               
                   
                 Printed circuit board or PCB for charger 
                 96 
               
               
                   
                 Content updating system 
                 100 
               
               
                   
                 Content server 
                 110 
               
               
                   
                 Internet 
                 120 
               
               
                   
                 Point of access 
                 130 
               
               
                   
                 Data connection 
                 140 
               
               
                   
                 Real Time Clock (RTC) 
                 205 
               
               
                   
                 Independent supply 
                 206 
               
               
                   
                 DC/DC converter 
                 210 
               
               
                   
                 Battery charger 
                 211 
               
               
                   
                 USB interface 
                 221 
               
               
                   
                 Removable USB 
                 222 
               
               
                   
                 Memory card interface 
                 223 
               
               
                   
                 Removable memory card 
                 224 
               
               
                   
                 Communication service interface 
                 225 
               
               
                   
                 Accelerometer 
                 231 
               
               
                   
                 Vibration sensor 
                 232 
               
               
                   
                 Light sensor 
                 233 
               
               
                   
                 Wireless transmission interface 
                 241 
               
               
                   
                 Radio interface 
                 242 
               
               
                   
                 Exiting idle state 
                 301 
               
               
                   
                 Connecting with content server 
                 302 
               
               
                   
                 Receiving dynamic information from server 
                 303 
               
               
                   
                 Deleting previous dynamic information from 
                 304 
               
               
                   
                 corresponding memory 
               
               
                   
                 Overwriting received dynamic information in 
                 305 
               
               
                   
                 corresponding memory 
               
               
                   
                 Entering idle state 
                 306 
               
               
                   
                 Exiting idle state 
                 311 
               
               
                   
                 Connecting to the corresponding interface 
                 312 
               
               
                   
                 Entering idle state 
                 313 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0033]      FIGS. 1 to 3  illustrate the preferred embodiment of a bill folder ( 10 ) of the present invention comprising a first portion ( 20 ) and a second portion ( 30 ) coupled by an intermediate hinged portion that forms a spine ( 25 ) of the bill folder.  FIG. 1  illustrates the first portion ( 20 ) comprising a lid ( 21 ) and a first visual device ( 55 ) whose components and operation will be explained later.  FIG. 2  illustrates the second portion ( 30 ) comprising a counter-lid ( 31 ) and one or more terminals ( 84 ) whose components and operation will be explained later. 
         [0034]      FIG. 3  shows the bill folder ( 10 ) in an open position exposing the interior of both portions ( 20 ) and ( 30 ). The first portion ( 20 ) comprises a cover ( 22 ), one or more holding elements ( 23 ) and a second visual device ( 65 ) whose components and operation will be explained later. In turn, the second portion ( 30 ) comprises a counter-cover ( 32 ) and one or more holding elements ( 33 ). The holding elements ( 23 ) and ( 33 ) are formed from material portions joined by a portion of its contour perimeter to the cover ( 22 ) and counter-cover ( 32 ), respectively, while the other part of its contour perimeter is left without joining, in a superimposed manner. These holding elements ( 23 ) and ( 33 ) allow partially holding pay stubs, invoices, payment card, bills, checks, pen, and other items related to the service that can be partially held. Preferably, the portions ( 20 ) and ( 30 ) have a coating of leather or materials with similar appearance. Note that, in an alternative embodiment, the visual device ( 55 ,  56 ) can also be located in the second portion ( 30 ). 
         [0035]    Now,  FIG. 4  shows an exploded view of the bill folder ( 10 ) showing a first enclosure ( 50 ), which is housed inside the first portion ( 20 ), and a second enclosure ( 80 ), which is housed inside the second portion ( 30 ). Note that, in an alternative embodiment, enclosures ( 50 ,  80 ) can be located in any of the portions ( 20 ,  30 ). 
         [0036]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , the first enclosure ( 50 ) comprises an assembly of electronic components housed inside a housing formed by a transparent front lid ( 51 ) and a transparent back lid ( 61 ), joined by suitable known coupling means ( 45 ). In this figure, coupling means ( 45 ) are illustrated as screws; however, coupling means ( 45 ) may be rivets, glue, resin, plastic elements, pins, staples, etc. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the lids ( 51 ) and ( 61 ) are divided into three sections: upper, middle and lower. The size of each section is suitable for accommodating electronic components. 
         [0037]      FIGS. 6 and 7  show the assembly of electronic components illustrated without lids ( 51 ) and ( 61 ). A gasket ( 40 ) is placed between the two lids to seal the first enclosure ( 50 ). A motherboard ( 70 ) is housed between the lower sections of the lids ( 51 ) and ( 61 ). Damping material sheets ( 52 ) and ( 62 ) are placed between the two lids ( 51 ) and ( 61 ) and the motherboard ( 70 ), respectively. The first visual device ( 55 ) is housed between the upper sections of the lids ( 51 ) and ( 61 ). Similarly, a damping material sheet ( 53 ) is placed between the back lid ( 61 ) and the first visual device ( 55 ), while the first visual device ( 55 ) is easily observable through the transparent front lid ( 51 ). The second visual device ( 65 ) is housed between the middle sections of the lids ( 51 ) and ( 61 ). In the same manner, a damping material sheet ( 63 ) is placed between the front lid ( 51 ) and the second visual device ( 65 ), while the second visual device ( 65 ) is easily observable through the transparent back lid ( 61 ). Preferably, the shape of the damping material sheets ( 52 ), ( 53 ), ( 62 ) and ( 63 ) is adapted to the electronic component to be protected. 
         [0038]      FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate better the electronic components without the gasket ( 40 ) and without the damping material sheets ( 52 ), ( 53 ), ( 62 ) and ( 63 ). The visual device ( 55 ) has a housing ( 56 ) that houses the internal components of said device. Additionally, it has a printed circuit board ( 57 ) with a flat wire connector ( 58 ) and a connector ( 59 ). Similarly, the visual device ( 65 ) has a housing ( 66 ) that houses the internal components of said device, and also has a printed circuit board ( 67 ) with a flat wire connector ( 68 ) and a connector ( 69 ). The printed circuit boards ( 57 ), ( 67 ), the flat cable connectors ( 58 ), ( 68 ), and the connectors ( 59 ), ( 69 ) control and transmit dynamic information that will be displayed in the visual devices ( 55 ) and ( 65 ), respectively. The motherboard ( 70 ) has a processor ( 75 ), a service port ( 79 ), as well as other electronic components to be described later. The processor ( 75 ) is who controls all the electronic functions of the bill folder. 
         [0039]      FIGS. 10 and 11  show the second enclosure ( 80 ) consisting of a base ( 81 ) on which is mounted a battery ( 82 ), a sensor ( 83 ) and a plurality of charged terminals ( 84 ). The charged terminals ( 84 ) are overexposed through the coating as shown in  FIG. 2  in the counter-lid ( 31 ) of the bill folder ( 10 ), and are electrically connected to the battery ( 82 ). The function of the sensor ( 83 ) is to send a signal to the processor if the bill folder ( 10 ) is in open or closed position. 
         [0040]    A collective charger ( 90 ) is illustrated in  FIG. 12  together with a plurality of bill folders ( 10 ) of the present invention. The collective charger ( 90 ) has a housing ( 91 ) on its upper surface there are a plurality of charging slots ( 93 ) where the bill folders ( 10 ) are placed.  FIG. 13  shows the charger assembly ( 92 ) that includes a power source ( 95 ) that is electrically connected to each charging slot ( 93 ) through a printed circuit board ( 96 ) to charging terminals ( 94 ) that are coupled and electrically connected with the charged terminals ( 84 ) of each bill folder ( 10 ). The printed circuit boards ( 96 ) control the amount of electric power that must reach to each charged terminal ( 94 ). Such collective charger ( 90 ) is connected to an external power source, whether public power line or other alternate source. 
         [0041]    As described above, the bill folder ( 10 ) of the present invention comprises a system capable of reproducing dynamic images in one or more visual devices obtained from a content updating system.  FIG. 14  describes the first embodiment of the invention, wherein a content updating system ( 100 ) is located at a remote location. The content updating system includes a content server ( 110 ) wherein bill folder ( 10 ) devices are managed and the information content is selected of each one in accordance with defined variables by the service providers such as: location, regime, level, type of user and type of service. Such content server ( 110 ) is connected via internet ( 120 ) to one or more access points ( 130 ) in the service place. This first embodiment is characterized in that the access point ( 130 ) transmits the information to each bill folder via a wireless connection ( 140 ). 
         [0042]    In a second embodiment of the content updating system of the present invention, the bill folder further includes a port to support an external memory wherein dynamic information has been recorded previously from the content server. 
         [0043]    A third embodiment of the content updating system comprises the first embodiment described above but further includes bidirectional communication, wherein the bill folder ( 10 ) also sends feedback to the content updating system. Preferably, the feedback consists on statistical information regarding the idle time, utilization time, operation time, time with the guest, number of updates, general system status, as well as the number of times that the bill folder ( 10 ) was opened, among many other variables of interest to be measured. 
         [0044]    In a fourth embodiment of the content updating system comprises the second embodiment described above but further includes bidirectional communication, wherein the bill folder ( 10 ) also stores feedback information in the external memory that goes back to the content updating system. Preferably, the feedback consists on statistical information regarding the idle time, utilization time, operation time, time with the guest, number of updates, general system status, as well as the number of times that the bill folder ( 10 ) was opened, among many other variables of interest to be measured. 
         [0045]    The described embodiments may also be combined to form a more complete embodiment of the invention. 
         [0046]      FIG. 15  is a scheme that shows the architecture of the content updating system comprising the various modules that compose the bill folder: 
         [0047]    A power module comprising the charged terminals ( 84 ) that transmit electric energy to a battery charger ( 211 ). The battery charger ( 211 ) applies the received energy to the battery ( 82 ) through a specialized integrated circuit not shown. Then, a DC/DC converter ( 210 ) takes the voltage from the battery ( 82 ) and converts it into a stable and regulated voltage for the rest of the system. Preferably, the battery is a prismatic Li-Ion rechargeable battery. 
         [0048]    Optionally, a USB communication module comprising a USB interface ( 221 ) that controls the communication and enables the power module to couple with any device with this type of interface, such as a USB memory ( 222 ), a computer (not shown) or a peripheral device (not shown). In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the USB is a Micro-USB Type B, however may be other configurations as HOST or OTG. 
         [0049]    Optionally, a communication module for removable memory card comprising a serial peripheral interface or SPI, which interacts with a memory card interface ( 223 ) that controls communication and has means for detachable coupling with a memory card ( 224 ). Preferably, the memory card used in the present invention is a SD type. However, the memory card may be any other type of memory card known, such as: Micro-SD, MMC, CF or even using the USB interface in a HOST or OTG configuration is possible to interconnect “flash drives” type storage means. 
         [0050]    The system may have an internal memory (not shown) in the case of the first and third embodiments. 
         [0051]    A service module comprising a Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter or UART, which interacts with a serial interface, preferably for RS232C signal handling via a service port ( 79 ). The topology of this port will be without hardware communication protocol, and its use is sporadic for service and debugging. 
         [0052]    Optionally, a real time clock module comprising processor internal means for generating a real time clock ( 205 ). Such real time clock ( 205 ) is controlled by an inter-integrated circuit or IIC, and preferably has an independent power source such that in case of power cut, the clock operation keeps working. In accordance with the second and fourth embodiments described above, the clock stands for cases in which the bill folder ( 10 ) does not have access to a communication system that allows to update time automatically, to reproduce scheduled associated images, and to generate usage log. Additionally, real time clock can be external. 
         [0053]    Optionally, an accelerometer module comprising an SPI/IIC interface connected to an accelerometer ( 231 ). The accelerometer ( 231 ) can be employed for detecting vibration and movement of the bill folder ( 10 ), or as means of interaction with the user while detecting certain positions. 
         [0054]    Optionally, a vibration module comprising a vibration sensor ( 232 ) that may replace the accelerometer, but its application is limited to determine if the bill folder ( 10 ) is in use and not in idle. This vibration sensor may replace the accelerometer, or may work together to minimize power consumption. 
         [0055]    Optionally, a light sensor module comprising an SPI/IIC interface connected to a light sensor ( 233 ). The purpose of this light sensor ( 233 ) is to measure the ambient light for contrast adjustment of visual devices ( 55 ,  65 ). 
         [0056]    Optionally, a opening sensor module comprising the sensor ( 83 ) that transmits information to the processor ( 75 ) of when the bill folder ( 10 ) is opened for turning on the visual device ( 65 ) or closed for turning off the visual device ( 55 ). Preferably, the sensor is magnetic of hall effect type. However, the sensor ( 83 ) can be selected from other type of known opening sensors such as: reed type sensors, magnetic-resistances, optical sensors, proximity sensors, and pressure sensors, among others known. 
         [0057]    A visual device module allows the processor to send information to a visual device ( 55 ,  65 ), through the PCB ( 57 ,  67 ). In the preferred embodiment, the visual device module will automatically select the display of information in either the first visual device ( 55 ) when the bill folder ( 10 ) is in closed position, or the second visual device ( 65 ) when the bill folder ( 10 ) is in open position. In another embodiment, such visual device module may display information in both visual devices ( 55 ,  65 ) at the same time. In the preferred embodiment, the visual device ( 55 ,  65 ) are color TFT LCD displays with back lighting means. In an alternative embodiment, the visual devices ( 55 ,  65 ) have an integrated graphics controller. In another alternative embodiment, the visual devices ( 55 ,  65 ) do not have an integrated graphics controller which can be integrated into the PCB ( 57 ,  67 ). Notwithstanding the above options, the visual devices ( 55 ,  65 ) may also comprise other display technologies such as the organic light emitting diode or OLED technology, with or without means to implement a “touch-screen” type interaction or e-ink like technologies. 
         [0058]    Optionally, a radio module comprising a radio transceiver ( 242 ) for providing protection to the bill folder ( 10 ) against theft. The radio module allows establishing a link with a beacon placed on the entrance of the service location to determine if any bill folder ( 10 ) has left the facility. Preferably, the radio transceiver ( 242 ) is 900 MHz for ISM band that will notify the service provider if the product is located outside a predetermined area. The radio transceiver can be calibrated in accordance with each location predetermined area. 
         [0059]    According to the above described first and third, a wireless communication module comprising a SPI interface for wireless communication devices. The wireless communication module enables wireless connectivity of the bill folder ( 10 ) to the remote content updating system ( 100 ) for making modifications to the image files, playlist, as well as the statistics collection available in the log of the third embodiment. In the preferred embodiment is suggested to use WiFi interface. However, the wireless connection may include bluetooth, infrared, radio frequency, satellite link, and GPRS, among other known wireless connections. 
         [0060]    The function of the bill folder ( 10 ) of the present invention is described below. During its operation, the bill folder ( 10 ) remains at idle until the vibration sensor ( 232 ) and/or the accelerometer ( 231 ) indicates to the processor ( 75 ) that the bill folder ( 10 ) is in motion, and therefore in service. When entering service, the bill folder ( 10 ) starts the play application of dynamic information in the first visual device ( 55 ) located at the lid ( 21 ) into the first enclosure ( 50 ) protected by the front lid ( 51 ). Until the opening sensor ( 83 ) sends a signal to the processor that the bill folder ( 10 ) has been opened, the processor disables the first visual device ( 55 ) and activates the second visual device ( 65 ) located on the cover ( 22 ) into the first enclosure ( 50 ) protected by the back lid ( 61 ). If the bill folder ( 10 ) is closed again, the opening sensor ( 83 ) sends a signal to the processor that the bill folder ( 10 ) has been closed so that the processor ( 75 ) disables the second visual device ( 65 ), and activates again the first visual device ( 55 ). If the opening sensor ( 83 ) detects an opening again, the processor disables once again the first visual device ( 55 ), and activate the second visual device ( 65 ). This cycle can be repeated as many times as necessary. Preferably, it is possible to define an activation time where if no motion or use of the bill folder ( 10 ) is detected, then it enters in idle mode. 
         [0061]    In the first and third embodiments described above, the dynamic information, as well as its programming, are housed in the content server ( 110 ) which communicates via internet ( 120 ) and an access point ( 130 ) with the wireless transmission interface ( 241 ) controlled by the processor ( 75 ). The server ( 110 ) provides dynamic information to any memory available on the bill folder ( 10 ), either internal or removable. 
         [0062]    Internally, the processor ( 70 ) is configured to perform the following steps illustrated in  FIG. 16 : exiting from an idle state to an active state ( 301 ), connecting to the content server ( 302 ), receiving dynamic information from server ( 303 ), deleting previous dynamic information of the corresponding memory ( 304 ), overwriting the received dynamic information in the corresponding memory ( 305 ), and entering in idle state ( 306 ). 
         [0063]    In the second and fourth embodiments described above, the dynamic information, as well as its programming, are housed in the content server ( 110 ) which is recorded into a removable external storage medium ( 222 ,  224 ). The removable external storage medium ( 222 ,  224 ) is connected to the corresponding port so that the dynamic information reaches the processor ( 75 ) through the USB interface ( 221 ) or the memory card interface ( 223 ), depending on the case. 
         [0064]    Internally, the processor ( 70 ) is configured to perform the following steps illustrated in  FIG. 17 ; exiting from an idle state to an active state ( 311 ), connecting to the corresponding interface ( 312 ), and entering in idle state ( 313 ). 
         [0065]    Based on the above disclosure, certain embodiments and details have been described to illustrate the present invention and will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Technology Category: 3