WO2007101315A1

WO2007101315A1 - System and method for production, sending and display of information

Info

Publication number: WO2007101315A1
Application number: PCT/BR2006/000040
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marcelo Alvarenga De Almeida; Hugo Marcelo Mendes Rodrigues
Original assignee: Marcelo Alvarenga De Almeida; Hugo Marcelo Mendes Rodrigues
Priority date: 2006-03-06
Filing date: 2006-03-06
Publication date: 2007-09-13

Abstract

A system for production, sending and display of information is described, particularly digital information, for sending of information from at least one distribution station (3), to at least one final display for visualization (8), the information flow from the production of digital information up to the visualization of the information in the display (8), it being made viable through a four-layer structure, a fist layer (10) being for production of information, the second layer (20) for transmission of information produced, the third layer (30) for reception and correct forwarding of information and the fourth layer (40) for diffusion of information. A method for production, sending and display of information is further described.

Description

"SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRODUCTION, SENDING AND DISPLAY OF INFORMATION"

The present invention refers to a system and a method for production, sending and display of information, particularly digital information for display or diffusion in specific receiving locations. Description of the prior art

Systems for sending of information are widely known, particularly video information, aiming at distribution thereof and a number of image and sound distribution points, thereby making possible to diffuse information de- sired (such as advertising and others) only to some spectators in particular (segmentation). All of these systems aim at the distribution of this information with dynamism, low cost and contents renewal facility.

A relevant previous technique is revealed in North-American patent US 5,983,069, regarding an audio and video signal distribution system, particularly in the manner of advertising, distributing this programming to several users from only one point. Particularly, these users are sale points of goods spread along a large area (e.g., the territorial extension of a country).

Audio and video programs (preferably advertising) are transmitted from a central station and received by a series of receiving elements, preferably in the manner of TV monitors.

Programs to be transmitted are customized in function of the establishment in which receivers (video monitors) are located and, due to the location of monitors with product's sale points, persuasive power of publicity messages is higher, as it reaches the consumer when he/she is already shopping and, therefore, more receptive to consume any other type of product.

The system revealed in this US patent comprises an information distribution station transmitting the programming to be diffused, a number of receivers which receive the information transmitted, means for listing pro- grams or information to be displayed to message addressees and displays (preferably TV monitors and projectors) enabling to visualize either information or messages transmitted. Control of information transmitted is performed from the distribution station.

In the preferential realization of the invention, preferably promotional and commercial films are transmitted through a means of communication to a series of commercial establishments positioned, for example, around a country.

Signal transmitted is received in each of these establishments and visualized thereafter in one or more monitor positioned therein.

An interesting resource of this system is the possibility of the user located in the distribution station to request a transmission of some par- ticular programs, as he/she desires or deems convenient (there is a manager that can form program lists for each establishment, in function of parameters such as audience to be reached, location where the programming is diffused, etc).

Finally, the document mentions that, even though any means of communication may be used, the system preferably uses at least one satellite for sending of digital information and, due to this characteristic, it presents a high technical complexity compared with the system now developed.

Another previous technique which is reasonably relevant is described in the patent application PCT/US93/07449, and corresponds to a sys- tern for sending of messages, which is generically similar to that mentioned above, except that it is able to generate customized programs in function of each specific user, aiming to fit the program generated into the consuming audience who attends each commercial establishment where the program will be diffused. Thus, little or no direct intervention is necessary in each commercial establishment to control the programming transmitted. Objectives of the Invention

The present invention has for objective a system for production, sending and display of information, particularly digital information for display and diffusion in specific receiving locations, which enables adequacy of diffu- sion of a large programming to a wide range of commercial establishments, each of them with particularities of location, attending audience etc. Additionally, all of this information should be transmitted with facility, speed and low cost, without requiring any infrastructure installation, specially for such information (use of satellites, implementation of a dedicated network etc.), which would significantly increase implementation and operation costs of that system. Moreover, a method for production, sending and display of digital information, particularly for use in above-idealized system is further targeted. Brief description of the invention

Objectives of the present invention are reached by a system for production, sending and display of information, particularly digital information, for sending information from at least one distribution station to at least one final display for visualization, the information flow from the production of digital information up to visualization of the information at the display being made feasible through a four-layer structure, comprising a first layer for information production, a second layer for transmission of information produced, a third layer for reception and correct forwarding of information and a fourth layer for information diffusion.

Further, the objectives of the present invention are reached by a method for production, sending and display of digital information, particularly for use in a system for production, sending and display of messages as de- scribed above, comprising the following stages:

- stage (i): production of at least one digital information;

- stage (ii): transmission of this digital information from the place where it is produced up to the place where it will be displayed;

- stage (iii): reception of the digital information by the place where it will be displayed; and

- stage (iv): display of the digital information.

The present invention has the advantage of enabling a system for production, sending and display of information such as video/audio etc., allowing diffusion of advertising in a segmented manner, in function of the type of location in which it will be diffused, and considering consumer's / spectator's profiles, presenting a low cost of installation, maintenance and operation, as it uses equipment operating according to PC platform and using Internet as the preferred network for transmission of digital information.

Therewith, a system with a high performance is obtained, with a reduced cost of installation, mainly in comparison with previous systems which are already known and commented, which represents significant ad- vantages for those who install, operate and use its services. Brief description of drawing

The present invention will be hereinafter described in more details based on an example of execution represented in the drawings, where:

Figure 1 is a first schematic view of the system for production, sending and display of information under the present invention, where its main constituting elements can be clearly seen;

Figure 2 is a partial schematic view of the system for production, sending and display of information under the present invention, where the components necessary for generation and sending of information are de- tailed; and

Figure 3 is a schematic view of the four operation layers of the system for production, sending and display of information under the present invention.

Detailed description of figures According to a preferred realization and as it can be seen from figure 1 , the present system for production, sending and display of information 1 is primarily suitable to transmission of information (such as publicity messages, announcements, varied programming, motion-pictures, sounds etc.) from a distribution station 3, parameterized in function of characteristics of each location in which it will be diffused, as well as the spectators it search to reach.

Firstly, it should be pointed out that today state-of-art technologies are required, which meet distribution and renewal of the contents with dynamism, low cost and segmentation, mainly in case of diffusion of publicity news or advertising in sale points. At the present, this operation requires an expensive and slow logistic, as it depends on people, physical transport of materials and administrative structure, in addition not to reach its target audi- ence, either in an individual or a segmented manner. Solutions tried so far and previously mentioned in this specification present disadvantages, such as high prices for implementation and operation, or limitation as to variability of possible information to be diffused, in function, for example, of the type of consumer to be reached (age group, income, cultural habits etc).

Another factor which potentializes this market even more is the integration of two categories, namely: (i) category of electronic appliances intended to standing means of communication, such as radio, television sets etc (called AV) and (ii) category of computing-age communication equipment, such as equipment connected with Internet and other networks etc. (called IT).

Until recent days, big manufacturers of AV and IT operated in parallel, without having any trend to development of equipment belonging to these two categories. However, since some time ago, software has been de- veloped to integrate these two worlds. Other confirmations of that worldwide trend are the recent launching of TVs and DVD Players from varied manufacturers by running the Microsoft^® Windows Media Player^® software, projectors and monitors with IP addressing, and even the significant investment by Microsoft ® in digital cinema. Moreover, the growth in the production of electronic displays, which today serve to the two AV and IT industries (mainly liquid crystal and plasma monitors) should be pointed out.

In analyzing production figures in the recent years it can be noted a consistent increase in production and consequent drop of prices for this type of equipment, thereby benefiting even more the enhancement of such a trend.

Another confirmation as to the potential of this market is that the cost of PC hardware necessary to meet our solution (decoding video in MPEG-4 format) is quickly becoming lower, as well as the costs for network bands (Internet and WAN), thereby confirming once more the direction of market for video and image transmission/distribution.

Additionally, another important aspect to be considered is that, although a reduction in the publicity allowance of companies for most vehicles have been observed all over the world, two sectors of this segment presented a growth in publicity allowances, namely: CATV and sales point.

Therefore, it was found that the advertiser is tired of spending money in an ineffective manner, by sending publicity messages to wrong people in wrong circumstances and, thus, cable TV and sale points got to absorb an increased allowance due to their segmentation characteristics. Additionally, besides being segmented, sale point acts at the time the consumer is making a decision for a purchase and looking for additional informa- tion regarding the product and, traditionally, with a cost lower than that of other communication vehicles.

Each company or place having a poster, billboard, radio, TV, board, display, folder, kiosk etc., which needs to distribute or renew contents is, therefore, a potential customer for the product. Some segments where the present system 1 is applied include: retail shop networks, supermarkets, banks, cinema networks (advertising), shopping centers, drugstores, video- cassette rental shops, bookshops, airports, airline companies, bus companies, schools, hospitals, clinics, clinical analysis labs, stadiums, playhouses, churches, museums, road signaling, federal police, police stations etc. These places being hereinafter called "establishments".

Generically speaking and as previously mentioned, the present invention refers to a system for production, sending and display of information, having for objective to transmit images and sounds to be displayed or played in a set of receiving locations. This system is based on a four-layer structure where a first layer

10 is for production of digital information, a second layer 20 has the function of transmitting digital information produced, a third layer 30 for reception and correct forwarding of information and a fourth layer 40 for diffusion of information. A schematic view of the layers, which will be conceptually explained in details herein, can be found in figure 3.

In order to be functional, it is necessary that the system for production, sending and display of information 1 comprises essentially one hardware and at least one software which are able to encode information in the manner of video, audio or text, converting it into computer files to be distributed through physical means of a network (preferably Internet, a LAN, WAN or any other network configuration being allowed as well) according to criteria directing files to specific points of this network which are identified by an IP (Internet Protocol) number. And, thereafter, according to a programmed agenda, the system 1 decodes the files received, converting them into information again, with the same format as that of the origin, to be displayed or played in electronic devices, such as TV or CRT Monitor, TV or Plasma Monitor, TV or LCD Monitor, TV or LED Panel, or any other device able to display or play original information.

Essentially, the system 1 comprises at least one distribution station 3, which is operatively associated with at least one digital information generating unit 2 and at least one final display for any visualization 8 (e.g.: a television set, projector or monitor).

Connection among these components is carried out through an information network 5 which, as mentioned above, is preferably but not man- datorily the Internet.

Yet in a preferred manner, as it will be hereinafter explained, at least one information receiving unit 6 is provided, which is operatively associated with the distribution station 3 and the display 8, operating as a connecting link among them.

Finally, still in a preferred manner, at least one converting element 7 is provided, enabling conversion of digital information into a format which may be reproduced by display 8. Converting elements will not be required only when the own display 8 has said elements or if it does not need any conversion to enable information to be reproduced.

Detailed explanation of all elements constituting the system 1 is described below. Digital information generating unit 2

Digital information generating unit 2 has the function of receiving images and sounds to be transmitted, convert them into digital information files and send them via network to the distribution station 3. Physically, unit 2 corresponds to a set of peripheral equipment for audio/video reproduction and a computer provided with at least one specific software for digitizing and sending of digital information. Therefore, digital information preferably refers to audio and/or video digitized signals, which often can represent any other types of signals, as required or desired.

Also in a preferred manner, the computer is basically a PC microcomputer with operating system (preferably but not exclusively Microsoft Windows XP® or higher) having a board installed for image capture. Preferred configuration of an unit 2 is:

^■ 1 Pentium IV 3.0 GHz Processor

- 1 Gb RAM

^■ 2 HD (hard disk) 120 Gb ^■ 10/100 Mbps network card

- CD/DVD Record Unit

^■ 64 Mb video card

^■ Video capture card

^■ Audio card ^■ 2 SVGA monitors

^■ Keyboard

^■ Mouse

^■ 0,5 KVA No break

In order to be functional, the unit 2 should comprise at least one software to enable digitalizing of information. Preferably, Microsoft^® Windows Media Encoder 9 Series ® or higher is used, but obviously any other necessary or desirable software can be used, provided that it is functional.

Varied equipment for audio/video reproduction is connected with this computer through connectors at video inlets of the capture board, which may operate in the following formats: Beta Digital, Beta SP, DVD, VHS, Mini-

DV, DVCAM, HDCAM, HDPRO, DVCPRO and all the other formats having the function of storing audio and video contents or which occasionally may exist and exercise this function. Such equipment can be connected through several types of interfaces and protocols which usually are provided in it: composed video, S-video, component video, SDI, DVI etc.

Above-mentioned equipment is schematically illustrated in figure 2 under number 4.

When a digital Beta tape or a DVD disk, for example, containing a video is inserted and played in the respective reproduction equipment, the capture board, together with the Windows Media Encoder® software, encode the frame-to-frame contents, converting it into a computer file. This process is called encoder or encoding.

Once the video has been converted into file through an encoding process, it has to be sent to the distribution station 3. In order to allow the file to be sent, the unit 2 is connected with the network 5 (preferably Internet). When the system 1 uses Internet, unit 2 should be connected with a 10/100 Mbps Switch or Hub network, which in turn is connected with some Internet service (DSL or cable) through a modem cable.

In order to transfer the file containing the video resulting from the encoder process, an executable program which also is part of unit 2 is used. Preferably, the "MediaUpload.exe" program is used, written in 6.0 Borland Delphi programming, which uses FTP (File Transfer Protocol) protocol and a TCP/IP network (LAN, WAN or Internet) to make the file transfer up to station 3. However, obviously other software can be used, provided that it is functional.

This software is preferred as it uses a user-friendly "drag'n drop" type interface, simply dragging the file to be transferred and release it in the white rectangle inside the window. At this moment, users are requested to give information regarding the file to be sent. After filling this information, the file transfer process is automatically initiated. The file selected is then copied to the station 3 inside a folder indicated in the configuration screen (not illus- trated).

In order to facilitate operation of the system 1, forms are supplied allowing to record companies which use the system (customers), name of the person, telephone and e-mail of the person who is sending the file etc.

At the completion of the sending, should the entire process have occurred with no error, the program creates automatically in station 3, inside the same folder, a text file (.txt extension) with the same name of the file transferred. This file contains reference information on the contents, one in each line, in the following order:

1 ) Name of unit 2 that performed the sending

2) Name of contact person responsible for the sending

3) Telephone of the contact person 4) E-mail of the contact person

5) Size of the file sent

6) Date and time of arrival (end of copy) of the file

7) Name of the campaign

8) Reason of the campaign 9) Name of file sent

Obviously, however, software used may suffer variations in such a way that the reference information is divergent from those mentioned above, without excluding the invention from the protecting scope of claims. To this effect, the objective of the present invention is not to specify any of the softwares used, as they serve only to provide interrelation among all hardware elements of the system 1. Distribution station 3

The distribution station 3 is the main component of the system 1 , and constitutes a hardware (microcomputer) and at least one, but preferably a set of software having as objective to control the operation of the system 1. From the record of distribution points (where displays 8 are located), passing through the schedule of programming of the content in each point/display to the management of the display confirmation by point/display.

Describing the physical part, the microcomputer of the distribu- tion station 3 should be able to manage the entire process of generation and sending of digital information and, for such a purpose, it should have the dimensioned capacity by considering several factors: number of information reception units 6 and displays 8 connected and the contents renewal flow (that is, of digital information sent).

The repeated display of certain information content at the same point/display, even though in different days ant times, does not encumber the circuit, since the converting element 7 has a memory and maintains stored the contents which have already been displayed or played.

Distribution station 3 should be located in a region provided with wide bands, as the entire content is transmitted by using a network (Internet, LAN or WAN) as a physical means. Preferably, its microcomputer is based in PC platform and has the following configuration:

^■ 2 Xeon Dual 3 GHz processors

■ 2 Gb RAM

^■ 120Gb disk

^■ 1 Gbps network board ^■ DVD RW unit for backup

^■ Dual source

^■ Dual cooler

^■ SVGA monitor

^■ Keyboard ^■ Mouse

Obviously, computer hardware and software evolve in a quick manner and new technologies and models will arise and remain meeting requirements of this invention more effectively. Thus, they can be replaced with any other ones, if required or desired, provided that they enable the correct operation of the system 1 , without excluding the resulting system from the scope of claims attached herewith.

Preferably, computer of the distribution station 3 is located in a safe place and provided with unlimited network bands (called Data Centers), due to importance thereof. Regarding softwares of the distribution station 3, those which are typical for servers are chosen, such as Windows 2003 Server ®, or any other subsequent version, or further another equivalent system. It is indispensable that the "FTP server" service is installed and duly configured, since the operation of the circuit is based on this protocol. Other highly important service is the "terminal server". This technology allows the remote access for operation and maintenance of the distribution station 3 computer without being physically present in the Data Center where it is installed.

Regarding applications, this invention module basically requires at least one computer program enabling the correct operation thereof.

Preferably, two programs are used, namely. The first program is called "MediaScanner.exe" and it is a software written in Borland Delphi 6.0 programming language which operates as a service and monitors on a permanent basis, if "Temp" folder, a subfolder of the folder configured for FTP service upload received any new text file (figure 6). It should be pointed out that all files sent by the unit 2 come in a tempo- rary folder of the station 3 called "Temp".

In monitoring this folder, the program immediately detects the arrival of a new content file. At this time, the corresponding file text is read and the system identifies the unit 2 responsible for the sending, as well as the campaign or reason of the contents. For system 1 security, the text file appears in above-mentioned folder "Temp" only if the content file has came in full. Finally, the program moves both the text and the content files, from the temporary folder to the upload folder.

Concurrently to this process, people responsible for the content diffusion programming (digital information) in the circuit send a grid or programming with the same via e-mail, fax or file on a periodical basis.

Once the contents have been sent, received and identified by "MediaScanner" operating users of station 3 record or import the file containing the grid, using the second computer program, which preferably is the "Manager.exe" software (written in Borland Delphi 6.0 programming language as well).

"Manager" is a data bank application with remote access via Terminal Server customer software (such as the Microsoft^® "RemoteDesk- top.exe" application). The Manager is basically composed by the following modules:

^■ Recording of Units: this record is performed whenever a new display unit (place where one or more displays 8 will be installed) has to be included in the circuit.

^■ Record of locations: each display unit (establishment) can further have several display locations (places where displays 8 are installed - as a rule, each place contains one display 8). In this module, display locations associ- ated with a certain display unit are recorded.

^■ Record of sessions: for each display location, schedules for beginning of programming display (digital information) are communicated, in addition to inform whether it should be repeated when reaching the final or not. In case of repetition, define the time of completion. ■ Schedule or remove insertions: in this screen all inclusion of the programming grid is performed pursuant the following criteria: display unit, display location, period, time, day of week and reference. Once the criteria are determined, contents to be sequentially added in that grid are chosen.

^■ Programming and Availability Control: this report serves as a verification of the programming grid, in addition to informing the remaining availability in each programming grid.

^■ Diffusion Confirmation: this report indicates to each time of each display location if the grid content has been displayed or not. If negative, the reason is listed for statistic purposes. During the record of the grid, "Manager" software can work in two manners: on-line or off-line. In on-line mode, so far as the grid is recorded the entire process of grid diffusion by the circuit is initiated. In the off-line mode, nothing happens while the content programming is recorded. After the completion of programming, simply change into the on-line mode in order to have the entire circuit updated at once.

For each schedule performed in the "Manager", in on-line mode, a text file is generated within the upload folder of station 3, such as "Units" subfolder, "999" subfolder (where 999 is the unit number to which the content is being scheduled). The name of text file created is a 8-digit sequential number completed with leading zeros, with ".txt" extension. Configuration of this file is preferably the following: 1) Number and name of display unit to which the content has been scheduled

2) Number and name of the location to which the content has been scheduled

3) Date in which the content will be diffused (MM/DD/YYYY) 4) Time in which the content will be diffused (HHMMSS: hour, minute and second)

5) Type of schedule (N - New, A - Alteration or E - Exclusion)

6) Mode of display (N - Normal or S - Continuous)

7) Time of completion, should the mode be continuous (HHMMSS: hour, minute and second)

8) Name of the reference

9) Duration of the reference (HHMMSS: hour, minute and second)

10) Limit time for diffusion of contents (HHMMSS: hour, minute and second) 11) Sequential number

12) Programming grid containing: a. Duration of contents (HHMMSS: hour, minute and second) b. Size of file in bytes c. File name Thus, the more programming is launched in station 3, the more text files are created in above-mentioned Upload folder. The mere generation of text files containing information regarding the programming grid within FTP server Upload folder makes them available to download whenever some information receiving unit 6 (described below) so requests. Obviously the "Manager" program can be replaced with any other program which, regardless of particularities, enables operation of the system 1 as required and sufficient. Information receiving unit 6

Information receiving unit 6 is the system 1 module that is physically located in the display unit (establishment) to where one desires to transmit the content (digital information). Its main function is to route the con- tents and programming sent by the station 3, directing them to reach the receiving locations.

Analogically to the station 3, the information receiving unit comprises a microcomputer hardware (preferably, but not mandatorily based on PC platform) and a software having for objective to receive and resend to receiving locations both the contents and its respective programming of dates and times of display.

Unit 6 computer can be much more simplified in comparison with that presented by station 3 and, preferably, its realization is as follows:

^■ 1 Celeron 1.7 GHz processor ^■ 512 Mb RAM

^■ 60Gb HD

^■ 10/100 Mbps network board - CD/DVD unit

^■ AGP 32 Mb video board ^■ SVGA monitor

^■ Keyboard

^■ Mouse

^■ 0,5 KVA No break

As mentioned above, computers evolve in a quick manner and new technologies and models will arise and remain meeting requirements of this invention more effectively, in such a way that they can be replaced with any other ones, if required or desired, provided that they enable the correct operation of the system 1 , without excluding the resulting system from the scope of claims attached herewith. As to basic software installed, unit 6 uses preferably the Windows XP Professional® operating system or any other subsequent version. It is indispensable that the "remote access to the desktop" service is installed and duly configured. This technology allows the remote access for operation and maintenance of unit 6 without needing to be physically present in the unit where the contents will be displayed.

Regarding the application, this invention module basically needs a program, such as "UnitServer.exe" in order to operate. This is a software written in Borland Delphi 6.0 programming language, operating as a service that periodically monitors if any new text file (figure 10) has appeared in FTP service folder of station 3 corresponding to the current unit. Aiming to facilitate the identification, each unit 6 has a sole identification number, which must have been previously recorded in station 3.

When the unit 6 detects new text files containing programming grid in its folder monitored in station 3, then it immediately requires the download of this file to FTP server of the station. After completion of the download, the text file is received in the own unit 6, in a temporary folder (called Temp), which in turn is within the folder configured in the field "Local Folder" in "Configurations" tab, subtab "FTP Server".

Within this tab all data is configured in order that the unit 6 may establish a connection with FTP server of station 3.

Other important configurations of unit 6 are performed through accessible menus.

Once the text file containing the programming grid has been saved in the local HD disk temporary folder, unit 6 reads this file with the purpose of identifying which digital information (video, audio, etc.) are included in this programming and in which date and times these video/audio etc. should be played. For each video/audio identified, unit 6 searches in the local HD within the "Local Folder" and checks (i) if the same already exists, (ii) if it has the same size and (iii) if it has the same date/time of creation and the last modification (controlled by the operating system of the computer). If positive, the text file is moved from the "Temp" folder to another sequence of subfold- ers of the "Local Folder" referenced as "Locations/999" (where 999 is the number of the location to which the content is being scheduled).

Should it do not exist, download of this video/audio (digital infor- mation) is immediately requested to FTP server of the station 6. After completion of the download, the file received is saved in unit 6 HD, directly in "Local Folder". Then, it should be checked once more if video/audio etc. already exist, if they have the same size and the same date/time. Then, the text file which specified this file in the programming is moved from the "Temp" to a definitive folder, which is also a subfolder of above-mentioned "Local Folder" and addressed as "Locations\999" (where 999 is the number of location to which the content is scheduled). Converting element 7 Converting element 7 is the system 1 module which is physically installed near the place where the exhibition display 8 is found, as it needs to be connected therewith, which is performed preferably by means of a cable. Its main function is to generate the image corresponding to video/audio etc., which was transmitted via FTP in the manner of file by the previous layers of the invention. One or more converters 7 may be present in the receiving locations (establishments), depending on the necessary number of display devices with different contents and programming.

The converting element further comprises a microcomputer, preferably based on PC platform. In system 1 , now revealed, the several converters 7 (corresponding to the number of displays 8) are locally interconnected through a Switch or Hub type network equipment, with a 10/100 Mbps speed. Once the local network is formed, converter 7 uses a software having as objective to search, in unit 6, both the content and its respective programming of dates and times of display. Describing the physical part, the microcomputer used in converter 7 needs a processor which is sufficiently rapid to search both programming and content in unit 6 and play the video/audio etc. which may be in Standard Definition or High Definition format, at the pre-established dates and times. This hardware is preferably composed by: ^■ 1 Pentium IV 2.4 GHz processor - 512 Mb RAM ^■ 40Gb HD ^■ 10/100 Mbps network board

^■ CD/DVD unit

^■ AGP 64 Mb video board

^■ Audio board ^■ SVGA monitor

^■ Keyboard

^■ Mouse

^■ Acoustic boxes

^■ 0,5 KVA No break Should the videos be encoded in High Definition format, the hardware should be:

^■ 1 Pentium IV 3.0 GHz HT processor

- 512 Mb RAM

^■ 40 Gb 10.000 RPM HD ^■ 10/100 Mbps network board

- CD/DVD unit

^■ AGP 64 Mb video board

^■ Audio board

^■ SVGA monitor ^■ Keyboard

^■ Mouse

^■ Acoustic boxes

^■ 0,5 KVA No break

Once more, it should be noted that computers evolve in a quick manner and new technologies and models will arise and remain meeting requirements of this invention more effectively, in such a way that they can be replaced with any other ones, if required or desired, provided that they enable the correct operation of the system 1 , without excluding the resulting system from the scope of claims attached herewith. As to the basic software installed, converter 7 needs an operating system, and preferably Windows XP Professional® or any other subsequent version is used. It is indispensable that the "remote access to the desk- top" service is installed and duly configured. This technology allows the remote access for operation and maintenance of converter 7 without having a technician physically present in unit where the contents will be displayed.

Regarding the applications, this invention module basically needs a computer program in order to become functional. Preferably, the program used is the "Plaver.exe", which is a software written in Borland Delphi 6.0 programming language, whose main objective is to store the programming sent to it by previous layers in order to display it thereafter. For such a purpose, it presents in the interface a window with three important divisions: ^■ The first portion of the converter 7 window presents dates and times which have already a programming stored;

^■ The second party presents a playlist of video/audio etc. to be played at the date and time selected in the first portion;

^■ The third division of the window presents a time line detailing the play- list in execution and offers controls to initiate a playlist manually, in order to interrupt the exhibition of a video/audio, etc., and also controls to advance to the next video/audio etc,, or return to the previous video/audio etc.

Another characteristic of the converter 7 is that it has two modes of operation, namely: Automatic and Manual. In automatic mode, the own converter 7 triggers the video/audio etc. display when the internal clock (figure 14) reaches some preprogrammed date and time.

The internal clock is updated on a periodical basis with atomic clocks available from Internet, thereby maintaining all converters 7 in synchronism. In manual mode, a video/audio etc. is triggered only when the user intentionally commands by pressing the button "Play" located in the command bar of the program.

Another important resource of the converter 7, in its preferred realization, is the capacity of controlling other devices connected with it through serial, parallel or network interface gates. The most usual control is to switch on and switch off displays 8 connected therewith. But it is also possible to control specific functions of each equipment, provided that said equipment has one of the interfaces mentioned above, and it is duly docu- merited in its manuals.

Aiming to explain in detail the operation of the converter 7, it is important to note the configuration window, which can be driven through the button "Configure". Should the "Plaver.exe" program be used, the "Folder at Unit

Server" field which is present in operator's computer screen of the system 1 should be filled with the full name of the folder of the unit 6 where video/audio etc. are located, and where the subfolder "Locations\999" is located which in turn stores TXT files containing the programming. In the field "Updating", the time interval that converter 7 uses to monitor the new TXT files which may be from time to time programmed in station 3 and transmitted up to the unit 6 is configured. This monitoring consists in detecting, through reading of folders in the local network, if some new programming has appeared in the folder "Locations/999" of the unit 6. If this is so detected, then the converter 7 im- mediately will move the new TXT files from this monitored folder to a folder named "99-99-9999" (where 99-99-9999 is the date in which the video/audio etc. should be played, obtained by the reading of the third line of TXT file) located within the folder configured in "Local Folder" field. In the sequence of the same algorithm, the converter 7 also checks if any video/audio etc. scheduled within the TXT file moved is not present in its "Local Folder". Should any file be missing, the converter 7 triggers immediately a copy of the file present in unit 6 folder to the "Local Folder" of converter 7, thereby assuring the full operation of the circuit.

Finally, the converter 7 further performs a register to confirm that the playlists programmed have been displayed. That is, whenever the converter 7 executes a playlist, either in automatic or manual mode, and the display occurs in full, it records a TXT file containing the date and time the display began. This file is recorded through local network, directly in "Confirmed" folder of the unit 6. This folder is a subfolder of the folder configured in the "Folder in Unit Server" field. Unit 6, in turn, monitors this folder and periodically sends, via FTP, to the station 3 the confirmation files which occasionally appear therein. When receiving these files, the station 3 identifies in the data bank the corresponding schedule and registers the diffusion confirmation, making it available for occasional future consulting.

Preferably, the invention comprises one unit 2 and a station 3, with which several receiving units 6 are associated. And one or more sets of converter and display (7,8) can be connected with each receiving unit. Additionally, any other number of such equipment can be provided, without excluding the resulting system 1 from the protecting scope of claims attached herewith.

As previously mentioned, the system for production, sending and display of information 1 under the present invention, which has already been described in details above, is based on a structure operating in four layers, in respect of digital information worked out (they make viable its production, sending and display).

In other words, the first layer 10 is that in which the content pro- duction and programming occur, the second layer 20 has the function of transmitting both the content and the programming grid (digital information) between station 3 and unit 6, the third layer 30 has the function of receiving all digital information and route it up to the receiving location (establishment) and the fourth layer 40 is responsible for displaying the contents according to programming received in display 8.

Essentially, the first layer 10 is the layer of production of digital information, such as video/audio, etc., which is performed by the digital information generating unit 2, managed and received by the distribution station 3. Therefore, unit 2 and station 3 corresponds to the first invention layer. The second layer 20, which as mentioned above corresponds to the transmission of digital information produced in the first layer 10 to the unit 6, occurs in the distribution station 3. Particularly, the second layer 20 corresponds to the procedure of monitoring a folder in station 3 and triggers download of information up to unit 6 whenever required. The third layer 30, which has the function of receiving all digital information and route them up to the receiving location, typically corresponds to the procedure of reading the programming text file, check to see if videos exist, identify the location where they will be displayed and move the programming text file to a folder identified by the location number ("999"), thereby configuring a routing function.

Finally, the fourth layer 40 is the diffusion of the contents (video/audio, etc.) according to the programming performed.

In order that the invention may be functional, it is necessary that layers (10, 20, 30, 40) be scaled, i.e., a certain layer can exist only if the previous layer exists.

Moreover, the present invention refers to a method for produc- tion, sending and display of digital information, particularly for use in the system 1 now defined, comprising the following stages:

- Stage (i): production of at least one digital information;

- Stage (ii): transmission of this digital information from the place where it is produced up to the place where it will be displayed; - Stage (iii): reception of the digital information by the place where it will be displayed; and

- Stage (iv): display of the digital information. in this method, stage (i) is performed at the first layer 10 of the four-layer structure of the system 1 , stage (ii) is performed at the second layer 20, stage (iii) is performed in the third layer 30 and stage (iv) is performed at the fourth layer 40.

After describing an example of preferred realization, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention covers other possible variations, it being limited only by the contents of attached claims, possible equivalences being included therein.

Claims

1. System for production, sending and display of information, particularly digital information, for sending information from at least one distribution station (3), to at least one final display for visualization (8), characterized in that the information flow from the production of digital information up to visualization of information at the display (8) is made viable through a four- layer structure, the first layer (10) being for production of information, the second layer (20) for transmission of information produced, the third layer (30) for reception and correct forwarding of information and the fourth layer (40) for diffusion of information.

2. System according to claim 1 , characterized by the fact that it comprises additionally at least one digital information generating unit (2), operatively associated with the distribution station (3).

3.2. System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that it comprises additionally at least one information receiving unit (6), operatively associated with the distribution station (3).

4. System according to claim 1 , 2, or 3 characterized by the fact that it comprises additionally at least one converting element (7) operatively associated with the display for visualization (8).

5. System according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the digital information unit (2) and distribution station (3) are associated by means of an information network (5).

6. System according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that the information receiving unit (6) and the distribution station (3) are associated by means of an information network (5).

7. System according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by the fact that the information network (5) is the Internet.

8. System according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the production of information corresponding to the first layer (10) occurs at the digital information generating unit (2) and distribution station (3).

9. System according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the transmission of information produced corresponding to the second layer (20) occurs in the distribution station (3).

10. System according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that the reception and correct forwarding of information corresponding to the third layer (30) occurs at the information receiving unit (6).

11. System according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that the diffusion of information corresponding to the fourth layer (40) is performed by the converting element (7) and by the display for visualization (8).

12. Method for production, sending and display of digital information particularly for use in a system for production, sending and display of information as defined in claims from 1 to 12, characterized by the fact that it comprises the following stages:

- stage (i): production of at least one digital information;

- stage (iv): display of the digital information.

13. Method according to claim 12, characterized by the fact that stage (i) is the first layer (10) of the four-layer structure of the system (1 ).

14. Method according to claim 12, characterized by the fact that stage (ii) is the second layer (20) of the four-layer structure of the system (1 ).

15. Method according to claim 12, characterized by the fact that stage (iii) is the third layer (30) of the four-layer structure of the system (1 ).

16. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that stage (iv) is the fourth layer (40) of the four-layer structure of the system (1 ).