System and method for content management in electronic displays

RELATED APPLICATIONS

0001This application claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/585,684 entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTENT PLANNING IN ELECTRONIC DISPLAYS filed Oct. 24, 2006, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

0002The present invention relates generally to displaying images, and more specifically, to displaying images on electronic display boards and electronic billboards.

BACKGROUND

State of the Art

0003Billboards and large signs have been used for many years to convey information to a passersby such as advertising, traffic messages, and the like. Traditionally these signs and billboards were only capable of delivering a single message or advertisement. This message was generally printed on strips of paper that were then adhered to the billboard. To change the message, new paper needed to be printed and adhered to the billboard.

0004More recently, display boards and billboards have become electronic, using lights, light emitting diodes (LEDS), and other electronic devices to display visual content that can be easily adaptable to display a wide variety of messages in the form of words and images from the same sign without having to physically change the characteristics of the sign. These electronic boards can easily modify a graphic image or message to create video displays and modify the type of message or advertisement that is shown on the electronic board at regular intervals, or at targeted times depending on expected traffic near the sign, or public interest. These possible images are generally referred to herein as media content.

0005For conventional billboards, the visual content is delivered to the physical location and affixed to the billboard. With electronic displays, the visual content must still be delivered to the physical location, but the content delivery may be performed electronically. In addition, while traditional billboards may display the same message for weeks or months at a time, electronic displays enable the message to be changed easily and often. Thus, it may be possible to modify the visual content many times in a single day. Furthermore, electronic displays may be networked together such that the displays may communicate with each other, or with a central computer.

0006With all these new capabilities enabled by a network of electronic displays, there is a need for systems and methods for scheduling and presenting visual content on electronic displays that are configured as part of a network of electronic displays. Furthermore, there is a need for enabling a user to view and select a variety of scheduling options for where and when the visual content may be displayed and enable the user to communicate the visual content to the electronic displays.

SUMMARY

0007The present invention provides systems and methods for presenting media content on electronic displays that are configured as part of a network of electronic displays and enables a user to view and select a variety of scheduling options for where and when the media content may be displayed.

0008One embodiment of the present invention comprises a display network including a computing server, a plurality of electronic displays at a variety of display locations, and a graphical user interface configured for execution on the computing server. The electronic displays are configured for communication with the computing server. The graphical user interface includes a scheduling module configured for presenting a combination of display locations and display times to a user. This scheduling module is also configured for enabling the user to select from the graphical user interface at least one display time correlated to at least one electronic display for presentation of media content on the at least one electronic display.

0009Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a method of scheduling media content on a display network including a plurality of electronic displays at a variety of display locations. The method includes enabling communication of a media content from a computing server to at least one electronic display and enabling execution of a graphical user interface on the computing server. The graphical user interface is configured to include a graphical representation of a combination of the electronic displays and display times. The method also includes enabling a user to select from the graphical user interface at least one display time correlated to at least one electronic display for presentation of the media content on the at least one electronic display.

0010Yet another embodiment of the present invention comprises a computer program product adaptable for storage on a computer readable medium and configured for execution by a computing device. The computer program product is configured to present to a user a graphical user interface including a schedule of times for a plurality of electronic displays at a variety of display locations. The computer program product is also configured to enable the user to select from the graphical user interface at least one display time correlated to at least one electronic display of the plurality for presentation of media content on the at least one electronic display. The computer program product is also configured to communicate the media content from a computing server to the at least one electronic display and display the media content at the at least one electronic display at the at least one display time selected by the user.

0011Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a method of presenting media content on a display network. The method includes providing a computing server and providing a plurality of electronic displays at a variety of display locations and in communication with the computing server. The method further includes communicating a plurality of media contents to the computing server and communicating the at least one media content to the at least one electronic display. The method further includes enabling a user to access a graphical user interface on the computing server to view and plan a schedule of times for at least one media content of the plurality on at least one electronic display of the plurality. The method also includes displaying the at least one media content on the at least one electronic display at the schedule of times.

0012Still another embodiment includes methods for enabling execution of a graphical user interface including a client information module for presenting information about at least one client of the display network and information about the media content on the display network associated with the at least one client.

0013Another embodiment includes enabling execution of a graphical user interface including a content module for presenting a plurality of content elements, for presentation and scheduling at least one electronic display of the plurality. The user may select from the content module at least one content element of the plurality.

0014Another embodiment includes enabling execution of a graphical user interface including a client contract module for presenting information about at least one contract associated with a client of the display network and information about the media content on the display network associated with the at least one contract.

0015Another embodiment includes enabling execution of a graphical user interface on a computer for dynamically editing media content for a display network including a plurality of electronic displays at a variety of display locations. Dynamically editing the media content includes preparing a visual media for presentation on at least one electronic display of the plurality, selecting at least one information overlay for presentation with the visual media, and positioning the at least one information overlay relative to the visual media.

0016Another embodiment comprises a display network including a computing server, a plurality of electronic displays at a variety of display locations and configured for communication with the computing server, and a graphical user interface. The graphical user interface is configured for execution on the computing server and includes a proof of performance module for presenting historical information about media content presented on at least one electronic display of the plurality.

0017In all the embodiments, the media content may include visual content, audio content, and combinations thereof

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0018While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming that which is regarded as the present invention, the advantages of this invention may be more readily ascertained from the following description of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

0019<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a display network in accordance with a representative embodiment of the invention;

0020<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a block diagram of a representative software organization for managing aspects of the display network;

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a representative graphical user interface that may be used for selecting a schedule of times for presenting media content on the display network;

0022<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is another illustration of a representative graphical user interface that may be used for selecting a schedule of times for presenting media content on the display network;

0023<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a representative graphical user interface that may be used for illustrating scheduling details for the display network;

0024<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a representative graphical user interface that may be used for illustrating order details for the display network;

0025<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a representative graphical user interface that may be used for illustrating and modifying information about various electronic displays on the display network;

0026<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a representative graphical user interface that may be used for illustrating order details for various orders for the display network;

0027<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a representative graphical user interface that may be used for illustrating information about various customers of the display network;

0028<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a representative graphical user interface that may be used for illustrating status details of various electronic displays on the display network;

0029<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a representative GUI <b>300</b> that may be used for illustrating information about various clients of the display network and the clients' content;

0030<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a representative GUI <b>300</b> that may be used for displaying content associated with the display network and attributes of the content;

0031<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a representative GUI <b>300</b> that may be used for illustrating information about customer contracts for the display network;

0032<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is a representative GUI <b>300</b> that may be used for entering customer contract information for the display network;

0033<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is a representative GUI <b>300</b> that may be used by a customer or network operator to prepare and edit content that may be communicated to the display network;

0034<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is a representative GUI <b>300</b> that may be used by a customer or network to select information types that may be used by content editing GUI of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>; and

0035<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is a representative GUI <b>300</b> that may be used for illustrating information about performance attributes of electronic displays on the display network.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0036The present invention provides systems and methods for presenting media content on electronic displays that are configured as part of a network of electronic displays and enables a user to view and select a variety of scheduling options for where and when the media content may be displayed.

0037In the following description, elements, circuits, and functions may be shown in block diagram form in order not to obscure the present invention in unnecessary detail. Conversely, specific implementations shown and described are exemplary only and should not be construed as the only way to implement the present invention unless specified otherwise herein. Additionally, block definitions and partitioning of logic between various blocks is exemplary of a specific implementation. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced by numerous other partitioning solutions. For the most part, details concerning timing considerations and the like have been omitted where such details are not necessary to obtain a complete understanding of the present invention and are within the abilities of persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art.

0038In this description, some drawings may illustrate signals as a single signal for clarity of presentation and description. It will be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art that the signal may represent a bus of signals, wherein the bus may have a variety of bit widths and the present invention may be implemented on any number of data signals including a single data signal.

0039Furthermore, in this description of embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.

0040<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates a display network <b>100</b> in accordance with a representative embodiment of the invention. The display network <b>100</b> includes at least one electronic display <b>110</b>, a computing server <b>130</b>, and one or more users <b>140</b>. The display network <b>100</b> may also include an optional remote computer <b>122</b> from which the user <b>140</b> may access the computing server <b>130</b>.

0041In the display network <b>100</b>, the electronic displays <b>110</b> may be located at different geographical locations. For example, the electronic displays <b>110</b> may be roadside billboards that are located at different locations within a city, or they may be located at different geographical locations across a country, or around the world.

0042Each electronic display <b>110</b> includes a display element <b>112</b>, may include a controller <b>120</b>, and may also include an audio element <b>114</b>. Each electronic display <b>110</b> is capable of presenting visual content in the forms of text, still images, animations, video images, and may also be capable of presenting audio content. Furthermore, the visual content may include combinations of visual content in the form, text, still images, animations and video images in the form of adjacent portions of the display carrying different types of media content as well as overlays of different types of content on top of other types of content. In addition, the media content may include both visual content and audio content. In some embodiments including both video and audio, the audio content may be synchronized to video images or various aspects of still images and animations as are known by those of ordinary skill in the art.

0043Electronic displays may take on a number of forms and formats. By way of example, and not limitation, electronic displays may be in the form of billboards, displays on busses, displays on bus shelters, directory signs or kiosks, airport signs, signs in sporting and other event arenas, signs on moving vehicles, and any other place where displays are used by multiple advertisers.

0044The visual content may be formatted in any suitable format for presenting and transmitting video, still-images, and text. By way of example, and not limitation, some of the formats may include ASCII text, graphic interchange formats (GIF), bitmap (BMP) formats, Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) formats, Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) formats, and the like. Similarly, the audio content may be formatted in any suitable format for presenting and transporting audio. By way of example, and not limitation, some of the formats may include MPEG-3 (MP3), wave (WAV) windows media audio (WMA), Advanced Audio Coding (AAC), and the like.

0045Each electronic display <b>110</b> may include a controller <b>120</b> for receiving and storing media content to be presented on that electronic display <b>110</b> at some scheduled time. The display elements <b>112</b> may be configured with lights, LEDS, Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs), plasma displays, and the like. The controller <b>120</b> may include functions such as, for example, formatting the content for its electronic display <b>110</b>, animating the content for its electronic display <b>110</b>, controlling presentation of content on the display element <b>112</b>, controlling presentation of audio content on the audio element <b>114</b>, controlling timing of various content on the display element <b>112</b>, controlling timing of various content on the audio element <b>112</b>, and communicating with the computing server <b>130</b>.

0046The computing server <b>130</b> is configured to control one or more electronic displays <b>110</b> and communicate with each electronic display <b>110</b> across a display communication link <b>125</b>. The display communication link <b>125</b> may be any suitable communication link, such as, for example, any suitable direct-wired communication bus, satellite link, direct telephone line, wireless telephone link, or other wireless data links. The display communication link <b>125</b> may be intermittent or continuous. As a continuous communication example, with sufficient bandwidth a continuous communication link may be established to distribute media content as substantially real-time video directly to the electronic display <b>110</b>. As an intermittent communication example, a communication link may be established between the electronic display <b>110</b> and the computing server <b>130</b> for short bursts of time to communicate information such as display status, media content, scheduling information, new software/firmware for the controller <b>120</b>, and the like. Furthermore, the communication link may be initiated from either the electronic display <b>110</b> or the computing server <b>130</b>.

0047In some embodiments, the electronic display <b>110</b> may not include a controller <b>120</b> and the computing server <b>130</b> may perform, among other things, those functions that would normally be performed by the controller <b>120</b>. In other systems, the electronic display <b>110</b> may include a very simple controller <b>120</b> configured for communication and display control, leaving other functions to be performed by the computing server <b>130</b>.

0048A user <b>140</b> may communicate with the computing server <b>130</b> across a user communication link <b>145</b>. The user communication link <b>145</b> may be any link similar to those described for the electronic display communication link <b>125</b>. In some embodiments, the communication server may be configured to enable user access through the internet via a web page, or similar interface via the remote computer <b>122</b>. In addition, the user <b>140</b> may operate the computing server <b>130</b> directly, such as by keyboard, mouse, joystick, and the like. The user <b>140</b> may provide content to the computing server <b>130</b>, for transmission to one or more of the electronic displays <b>110</b>, in a number of ways. For example, a still or video camera may be connected directly to the computing server <b>130</b>, text content may be entered from a keyboard, or any type of content (e.g., image, video, text, animation) may be supplied through the user communication link <b>145</b>. In addition, content may be supplied to the computing server <b>130</b> on transportable media, such as for example, FLASH memory drive, magnetic tape, magnetic disc, or optical disc.

0049In some embodiments, the display network <b>100</b> may be configured for access by a user <b>140</b> that is in control of the network. In those embodiments, access to the computing server <b>130</b> may be limited to the controlling user or agents of the controlling user. For example, in many cases there may be a number of electronic displays <b>110</b> at a single location. A single premises or business location may include a large outdoor electronic billboard, it may include an electronic display <b>110</b> for viewing by pedestrian or vehicular traffic near the premises, and it may include electronic displays <b>110</b> at entrances to the business or at locations within the business. These electronic displays <b>110</b> may be controlled by the computing server <b>130</b> and access to the computing server <b>130</b> may be limited to the premises owner or an agent of the premises owner.

0050In other cases, there may be a number of electronic displays <b>110</b> at geographically diverse locations that are controlled by the computing server <b>130</b>. In these cases, access to the computing server <b>130</b> may be limited to the controlling user or agents of the controlling user. However, access to the computing server <b>130</b> may also be opened up to other users <b>140</b>, such as, for example, advertising customers to perform tasks on the computing server <b>130</b> such as submitting media content and scheduling times and locations for that media content, as is explained more fully below. In addition, access to the computing server <b>130</b> may also be opened up to a user <b>140</b> such as a government agency for display of media content such as emergency messages or traffic messages.

0051Turning to the software for the display network <b>100</b>, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the software processes illustrated herein are intended to illustrate representative processes that may be performed by embodiments of the present invention. Unless specified otherwise, the order in which the processes are described is not intended to be construed as a limitation. Furthermore, the processes may be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combinations thereof. By way of example, software processes may be configured for execution on the computing server <b>130</b>, the controllers <b>120</b> associated with each electronic display <b>110</b>, or combinations thereof. When executed as firmware or software, the instructions for performing the processes may be stored on a computer readable medium. A computer readable medium includes, but is not limited to, magnetic and optical storage devices such as disk drives, magnetic tape, CDs (compact disks), DVDs (digital versatile discs or digital video discs), and semiconductor devices such as RAM, DRAM, ROM, EPROM, and Flash memory.

0052<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a block diagram of a representative software organization for managing aspects of the display network. The software (also referred to as a computer program product) for use in managing and controlling the display network may be generally described as information modules (e.g., databases) and process modules. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that this organization is useful for description purposes but is somewhat arbitrary and some information and processes may overlap both the information modules and the process modules.

0053The information modules may be generally described as display information <b>210</b>, schedule information <b>220</b>, customer information <b>230</b>, and system information <b>240</b>. Of course, the partitioning of the databases is representative of a specific embodiment of the present invention. Other partitioning solutions, or no partitioning at all, may be used within the scope of the present invention.

0054By way of example, and not limitation, some information is listed to indicate the type of information that may be used in the display network. This listing is intended to be exemplary only, and not an exhaustive list of the information used or stored in the display network. The display information <b>210</b> may include: display location, display properties, display capabilities, schedule info, received content, verification data, and diagnostics. The schedule information <b>220</b> may include: available locations, available times/location, available global times, and scheduled times. The customer information <b>230</b> may include: customer information, contact information, available content, scheduled times, and content history. The system information <b>240</b> may include: network information, communication information, computing server capabilities, access control, and customer visibility.

0055Data in the information modules (<b>210</b>, <b>220</b>, <b>230</b>, and <b>240</b>) may be concentrated in one location, for example at the computing server, or at a specific electronic display. However, the data may also be distributed such that some information is located at the electronic display, some information is at the server, and some information is duplicated in multiple places.

0056The process modules may be generally described as display management processes <b>250</b>, schedule management processes <b>260</b>, customer management processes <b>270</b>, and system management processes <b>280</b>. As with the databases, the partitioning of the processes is representative of a specific embodiment of the present invention. Other partitioning solutions, or no partitioning at all, may be used within the scope of the present invention. Similarly, each process may draw from information from any or all of the information modules (<b>210</b>, <b>220</b>, <b>230</b>, and <b>240</b>) as well as information or results from other process modules (<b>250</b>, <b>260</b>, <b>270</b>, and <b>280</b>).

0057By way of example, and not limitation, some processes are listed to indicate the type of processes that may be performed by the display network. This listing is intended to be exemplary only, and not an exhaustive list of the processes performed by the display network. The display management processes <b>250</b> may include: content scheduling, animation, hardware control, status, diagnostics, communication, compression algorithms, communication protocols, content receipt, display verification. The schedule management processes <b>260</b> may include: schedule presentation, schedule selection, time slot availability, display availability, schedule status, day-part partitioning, time slot partitioning, content selection, and order details. The customer management processes <b>270</b> may include: order details, content management, content communication, and customer information editing processes. The system management processes <b>280</b> may include: content management, content communication, customer communication, data management, report generation, display communication, compression algorithms, and communication protocols.

0058Execution of process modules (<b>250</b>, <b>260</b>, <b>270</b>, and <b>280</b>) may be concentrated in one location, for example at the computing server, or at a specific electronic display. However, the execution may also be distributed such that some of the process is executed at the electronic display some of the process is executed at the server, some of the process is executed at the remote computer, and combinations thereof.

0059Operation of specific processes and use of specific information will be described with respect to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3-10</figref>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 4</figref> illustrate a representative graphical user interface <b>300</b> that may be used for selecting a schedule of times for presentation of media content on the display network. The embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 4</figref> includes a schedule summary view <b>310</b>, a content summary view <b>320</b>, a content preview area <b>330</b>, and a schedule-editing interface <b>340</b>. Within the content summary view <b>320</b>, display identifiers <b>312</b> for each electronic display in the display network are listed as rows of a matrix. Similarly, schedule identifiers for specific days are listed as columns of a matrix. The specific days may be days in the past such that the schedule summary view <b>310</b> indicates content that has been previously displayed, or may be days in the present or future to indicate times and electronic displays that may be available for scheduling. Thus, the summary view includes multiple matrix elements wherein each element indicates a specific day for a specific electronic display.

0060Within each matrix element, a sub-matrix is displayed. This sub-matrix illustrates various scheduling options within the specific day represented by the scheduling options that are selected using the schedule-editing interface <b>340</b> as will be described more fully below.

0061The content summary view <b>320</b> is a listing of media content that is currently on the computing server and available for scheduling. A user may select any of the listed content. The selected content will be displayed in the content preview area <b>330</b> and is available for scheduling through the schedule-editing interface <b>340</b>.

0062The schedule-editing interface <b>340</b> provides a mechanism for selecting specific times when selected content should be displayed on the electronic display. A daily matrix <b>341</b> (also referred to as a day-part summary view) is organized as columns of time segments (also referred to as day-parts <b>344</b>) for which media content may be scheduled. Rows of the daily matrix <b>341</b> define time slots <b>342</b> that are available within each day-part <b>344</b>. Column <b>346</b> indicates what content is currently scheduled in a selected daily matrix element <b>348</b>.

0063Within the daily matrix <b>341</b>, the day is segmented into one or more day-parts <b>344</b>. In the representative embodiments illustrated herein, the day is segmented into four five-hour day-parts <b>344</b> and one four-hour day-part <b>344</b>. Of course, the day-parts <b>344</b> may be segmented in many different ways, or not segmented at all such that there is only one day-part <b>344</b>. Furthermore, the day-parts <b>344</b> may be of different lengths. For example, for a network of roadside billboards, the owner or controller of the display network may wish to include shorter day-parts <b>344</b> during rush hour when traffic is at a peak and the time slots <b>342</b> may be sold for a premium. Conversely, a long day-part <b>344</b> may be defined for the evening to early morning hours, when traffic is light.

0064Each day-part <b>344</b> is segmented into one or more time slots <b>342</b>. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 4</figref>, six time slots <b>342</b> are illustrated. The duration of presentation of a specific media content may be configured as a specific length of time. As an example, perhaps the duration is set at 15 seconds. In that case, at the start time of a day-part, the media content scheduled for time slot <b>1</b> will be displayed for 15 seconds. Next, the media content scheduled for time slot <b>2</b> will be displayed for 15 seconds. This continues up through the last time slot. After the media content for the last time slot is displayed, the electronic display cycles back to displaying the media content in time slot <b>1</b>. This cycling continues throughout the current day-part <b>344</b>.

0065In operation, to schedule content the user would find the particular media content that the user was interested in scheduling in the content summary view <b>320</b>. The user would also select one or more specific matrix elements from the content preview area <b>330</b> to select one or more electronic displays and one or more scheduling days. For example, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> illustrates that matrix element <b>316</b> has been selected, indicating that a schedule editing process may be performed for the electronic display “LasVegasSwens” for the date “Thu 10/5.” Similarly, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> illustrates that matrix elements <b>316</b>′ have been selected, indicating that a schedule editing process may be performed for the electronic display “LasVegasSwens” for the dates “Fri 10/6 and Sat 10/7.” Any other combinations of selection are possible. For example, the user may select “Logan Downtown” for “Wed 10/4” in combination with “LasVegasCamer” for “Thu 10/5” and “Fri 10/6.”

0066With the specific media content, electronic displays, and dates selected, the user can use the schedule-editing interface <b>340</b> to select specific day-parts <b>344</b> and specific time slots <b>342</b> within those day-parts. For example, in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> the user has selected electronic display “LasVegasSwens” on “Thu 10/5” and the media content “duckjpg.” The content preview area <b>330</b> illustrates a visual representation <b>335</b> of the selected content. The user has also selected time slot <b>1</b> for every day-part and column <b>346</b> indicates that the media content currently scheduled for the selected time slots is “duckjpg.”

0067As another example, in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> the user has selected display “LasVegasSwens” on “Fri 10/6” and “Sat 10/7” and the media content “061406_SunsetStrip_—14×18_PM.bmp.” The content preview area <b>330</b> illustrates a visual representation <b>335</b> of the selected content. The user has also selected matrix element <b>348</b>′ comprising time slot <b>3</b> for the day-part between 3 and 6 PM. Column <b>346</b> indicates the media content currently scheduled for the selected time slot.

0068Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a scheduling module may be presented graphically in a number of ways within the scope of the present invention. As examples, the display times and available electronic displays may be shown in a different type of matrix configuration or illustrated in some type of linear fashion rather than a matrix fashion. Furthermore, the GUI <b>300</b> may be configured such that the user selects specific times, which then enables presentation of electronic displays that are available at those selected times. Similarly, the GUI <b>300</b> may be configured such that the user selects specific electronic displays, which then enables display of times that are available for those selected electronic displays.

0069In addition, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the schedule summary view <b>310</b> may illustrate scheduled time slots as un-shaded matrix elements and available time slots as shaded matrix elements. Thus, the user can readily identify that time slot <b>1</b> is scheduled on all the electronic display devices for all the day-parts of Thursday 10/5. In addition, time slot <b>4</b> is scheduled on all the electronic display devices for the first day-part of Thursday 10/5. Of course, the visual indicator may be in many forms other than shading, for example, a color such as red may be used to indicate a scheduled time slot and a color such as green may be used to indicate an available time slot. In addition, icons may be used rather than shading or colors.

0070<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a representative GUI <b>300</b> that may be used for illustrating scheduling details for the display network. The schedule detail interface <b>350</b> is similar to the schedule-editing interface <b>340</b> in that it includes the schedule summary view <b>310</b>, the content summary view <b>320</b>, the content preview area <b>330</b>, and a daily matrix <b>341</b>′. However, the daily matrix <b>341</b>′ is somewhat different in that each element that is represented by a specific day-part and a specific time slot contains the file identifier for the media content that is scheduled. With this view, the user is able to see that for time slot <b>4</b> during the first day-part, matrix element <b>352</b> indicates that “duckjpg” is scheduled and for time slot <b>4</b> during the second day-part, matrix element <b>354</b> indicates that “forestjpg” is scheduled.

0071<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a representative GUI <b>300</b> that may be used for illustrating order details for the display network. The order detail interface <b>360</b> is similar to the schedule-editing interface <b>340</b> in that it includes the schedule summary view <b>310</b>, the content summary view <b>320</b>, and the content preview area <b>330</b>. The order detail area <b>360</b> illustrates information about when and where the selected content will be displayed or has been displayed. As the example of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> illustrates, the user selects a specific day in the schedule summary view <b>310</b> and selects the media content in the content summary view <b>320</b>. The order detail interface <b>360</b> shows a file identifier for the selected content <b>362</b>, the total time slots scheduled <b>364</b> and the total number of plays scheduled <b>366</b>. The order detail interface <b>360</b> also shows total time slots scheduled for each day-part <b>372</b>, total number of plays for each day-part <b>374</b>, total number of time slots for each display <b>376</b> and total number of plays for each display <b>378</b>.

0072Thus, for the day selected, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> illustrates that on Thursday, 10/5 the electronic display located at Logan Downtown is scheduled for six time slots and a total of 2163 plays of the media content duckjpg. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> also illustrates that for the first day-part of Thursday, 10/5 there are a total of eight time slots and 2984 plays scheduled for presentation of the media content duckjpg across all of the display network.

0073<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a representative GUI <b>300</b> that may be used for illustrating and modifying information about various electronic displays on the display network. The display control interface <b>410</b> may include features such as, a window <b>412</b> to illustrate all electronic displays on the display network, and indicators of whether the displays are configured as belonging to a certain group of electronic displays. By way of example, and not limitation, some controls may be: a control to set a fallback media for the selected display if nothing is scheduled for a time slot, a control for setting operating hours of the selected display, a control to get the current status of the selected display, a control to update selected displays, and a control to update all displays on the network. Updating the displays may include operations, such as, for example, transmitting media content to the displays, transmitting schedule information to the displays, transmitting configuration information to the displays, and receiving status information from the displays.

0074<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a representative GUI <b>300</b> that may be used for illustrating order details for various orders for the display network. The customer order interface <b>420</b> may include information about the various orders that have been presented or will be presented on the display network. By way of example, and not limitation, this customer order interface <b>420</b> may include a variety of information about the customers and their orders such as name, identification number, billing status, billing rates, start date for the order, and stop date for the order.

0075<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a representative GUI <b>300</b> that may be used for illustrating information about various customers of the display network. The customer data interface <b>440</b> may include information about the various customers that have presented or will be presenting media content on the display network. By way of example, and not limitation, this customer data interface <b>440</b> may include a variety of information about the customers and their orders such as: name, contact information, and credit terms. A user can select a customer from a customer listing area <b>441</b>. The customer data interface <b>440</b> may also include a content summary view <b>442</b> that lists all content stored on the display network belonging to the selected customer. A user can select specific media content from content summary view <b>442</b> and see a representation of the selected media content <b>445</b> in a content preview area <b>443</b>.

0076<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a representative GUI <b>300</b> that may be used for illustrating status details of various electronic displays on the display network. A display status interface <b>450</b> may list all the displays on the display network and give status of the displays. By way of example, and not limitation, some of the status information may include items such as, display name, group to which the display belongs, last time status was checked, general status, power status, display element (e.g. LED) status, content currently displayed, CPU temperature, cabinet temperature, results of diagnostic tests, and the like.

0077<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a representative GUI <b>450</b> that may be used for illustrating information about various clients of the display network and the clients' content. The client data interface <b>450</b> may include information about the various clients of the network operator that have presented or will be presenting media content on the display network. By way of example, and not limitation, this client data interface <b>450</b> may include a variety of information about the clients and their orders such as name, contact information, address, and note about the client. A user can select a client from a client listing area <b>452</b>. The client data interface <b>450</b> may also include a content list <b>454</b> that lists content stored on the display network. The client data interface <b>450</b> may also include a group area <b>456</b> wherein different groups of clients may be selected. Groups may be defined by different parameters, such as geography, preferred display time, and products.

0078As a non-limiting example, a group may be defined for Las Vegas. When the Las Vegas group is selected, records for all clients belonging to the Las Vegas group are displayed in the client listing area <b>452</b>. As another non-limiting example, a group may be car dealerships. Thus, a client may belong to multiple groups wherein a car dealership in Las Vegas may belong to the car dealership group and the Las Vegas group. The client listing area <b>452</b> also may include navigation buttons <b>458</b> for navigating though the clients listed for the currently selected group.

0079The client data interface <b>450</b> may also include a button <b>459</b> for associating the media selected in the content list area <b>454</b> with the client selected in the client listing area <b>452</b>. Selecting this button may activate another window (not shown) for listing information about the media, which clients the media may be associated with, and other information about the media or clients.

0080<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a representative GUI <b>470</b> that may be used for displaying content associated with the display network and attributes of the content. The content interface <b>470</b> may be used to display information about the content and control scheduling attributes of the content. Thus, with the content interface <b>470</b>, a user can view and manipulate scheduling based on which content is selected. This content interface <b>470</b> is different from the scheduling interfaces of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3-5</figref>, which were more useful for scheduling all times on a given electronic display. With the content interface, the user can readily visualize and select when that specific content is displayed using the schedule selection area <b>472</b>. A user may drag and drop content from the content list area <b>474</b> into a play-list area <b>476</b>. Selecting a content entry in the play-list area <b>476</b>, may display when the content is currently scheduled in the schedule selection area <b>472</b>. With the current schedule displayed, the schedule for the selected content may then be modified by changing the parameters in the schedule selection area <b>472</b>. Also included is a back-up content selection <b>478</b>. If there are gaps in the schedule when all the content in the play-list area <b>476</b> is considered, this back-up content would automatically be scheduled to play during those unscheduled times.

0081As non-limiting examples, the schedule selection area <b>472</b> may include start date and stop date indicators, day of week indicators, and day part indicators that can all be manipulated to define the scheduling for the currently selected content.

0082<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a representative GUI <b>480</b> that may be used for illustrating information about customer contracts for the display network. Any given customer may have many different contracts based on, as non-limiting examples, location, day, week, month, and product being advertised. The contract interface <b>480</b> may be used to display and edit relevant information about the contract. The contract interface <b>480</b> may include a group area <b>486</b> and content list area <b>484</b> as was discussed above with respect to the client data interface <b>450</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>. Other information about the contract, such as, for example, contract number, client, product type, dates, and number of times for the content to run may be displayed in the contract information area <b>482</b>. Selecting the edit contract button <b>487</b> or new contract button <b>488</b> may activate a contract order interface <b>490</b> as is illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>. Various information about the new contract, or contract to be edited, may then be entered or modified in the contract order interface <b>490</b>. Thus, the contract order interface <b>490</b> and contract interface <b>480</b> may be used by the network operator to manage what contracts are currently in force, historical contracts, or contracts for the future. In addition, all or portions of the contract order interface <b>490</b> and contract interface <b>480</b> may be exposed to advertising customers to view existing contracts or generate new contracts.

0083<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is a representative GUI <b>500</b> that may be used by a customer or network operator to prepare and edit content that may be communicated to the display network. The content editing window <b>500</b> may be configured to build media content for presentation on an electronic display. For ease of building the media content, a representation of the final presentation may be illustrated in a presentation window <b>505</b>. The media content may include a visual media <b>510</b> as a background with one or more information overlays over the background. A load button <b>506</b> may be included for activating an add-content window <b>520</b> as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>. Similarly, add and delete buttons <b>504</b> may be included to modify entries in a content list <b>502</b> using the add-content window <b>520</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>.

0084As non-limiting examples, the visual media <b>510</b> may be a blank screen, or may include text messages, still images, animations, video, and combinations thereof. Also as non-limiting examples, the information overlays may be blank or may include text messages, still images, animations, video, Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds, web pages, time of day, temperature, stock quotes, emergency information, eXtensible Markup Language (XML) files, data files, Hyper-Text Markup Language (HTML) files, and combinations thereof.

0085As a non-limiting example, an information overlay (or visual media <b>510</b>) may include information from an advertiser's website or partner's website including content such as financial information, weather information, and the like. This information may be extracted from the appropriate website in various formats, such as, for example, XML, plain text, HTML, RSS, Hyper-Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP), and other conventional website formats.

0086As a non-limiting example, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> illustrates the presentation window <b>505</b> with media content including a still image visual media <b>510</b>, a temperature overlay <b>512</b>, a time overlay <b>514</b>, and an RSS feed overlay <b>516</b>.

0087The content editing window <b>500</b> may also include the content list region <b>502</b> listing various content that may be selected as information overlays. Selecting an entry in the content list may present information about the content in an overlay attributes region <b>508</b>. As non-limiting examples, the overlay attributes region <b>508</b> may include areas identifying text that may be included in the overlay (or a function indicating dynamic content) as well as font type, font size, and font modifications such as italic, bold, and underline. In the time overlay <b>514</b> illustrated, the dynamic media content is represented as [time][ampm], indicating that the dynamic content of time is displayed as found from the functions [time][ampm].

0088The overlay attributes region <b>508</b> may also include a media sizing and positioning section. The overlay attributes region illustrated in FIG. includes a grid for coarse placement of the overlay relative to the background image. Position buttons may be included for fine placement of the origin of the overlay at X and Y positions within the presentation window <b>505</b>. As non-limiting examples, the X and Y position values may be presented in number of pixels, location relative to an origin of the full screen, or location relative to a grid origin. Scale buttons may be included for fine adjustments to scaling of the overlay with X and Y scale values within the presentation window <b>505</b>. As non-limiting examples, the X and Y scale values may be presented in number of pixels, percentage of full screen, of percentage of grid area.

0089The content editor <b>500</b> may be executed at various computers such as from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the computing server <b>130</b>, the remote computer <b>122</b>, or the electronic display <b>110</b>. After the content is prepared, it may be communicated from the remote computer <b>122</b> or the electronic display <b>110</b> to the computing server <b>130</b>. Content on the computing server <b>130</b> may be edited there, communicated to the electronic display for presentation or further editing, or communicated to the remote computer <b>122</b> for further editing.

0090<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is a representative GUI <b>530</b> that may be used for illustrating information about performance indicators of electronic displays on the display network. The proof of performance widow <b>530</b> may be used to present information to a user about each of the electronic displays in the network. The performance widow <b>530</b> may include a group area <b>536</b> and content list area <b>534</b> as was discussed above with respect to the client data interface <b>450</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>. The performance information may be stored in the electronic display and communicated to the computing server, the remote computer, or combination thereof for presentation in the performance window <b>530</b>. Proof of performance indicators may be shown in a presentation window <b>532</b>. As non-limiting examples, proof of performance indicators may include a live video feed showing the currently displayed information, a snapshot of the information presented at a selected time, a play log indicating a history of the content displayed at each change of display for each day part, and diagnostics information showing status of pixel element conditions, display panel conditions, communications conditions and power conditions.

0091Although this invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, the invention is not limited to these described embodiments. Rather, the invention is limited only by the appended claims, which include within their scope all equivalent devices or methods that operate according to the principles of the invention as described.