WO1999046927A2 - Method and apparatus for conveying audiovisual information - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for conveying audiovisual information Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1999046927A2
WO1999046927A2 PCT/US1999/005171 US9905171W WO9946927A2 WO 1999046927 A2 WO1999046927 A2 WO 1999046927A2 US 9905171 W US9905171 W US 9905171W WO 9946927 A2 WO9946927 A2 WO 9946927A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sheet
speaker
visual image
audiovisual information
conveying
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US1999/005171
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO1999046927A3 (en
Inventor
Michael J. Parrella
Irene Lebovics
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
NCT Group Inc
Original Assignee
NCT Group Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by NCT Group Inc filed Critical NCT Group Inc
Priority to DE69911759T priority Critical patent/DE69911759T2/en
Priority to AU29949/99A priority patent/AU2994999A/en
Priority to AT99911263T priority patent/ATE251327T1/en
Priority to CA002321774A priority patent/CA2321774C/en
Priority to EP99911263A priority patent/EP1070309B1/en
Priority to JP2000536191A priority patent/JP2002530902A/en
Publication of WO1999046927A2 publication Critical patent/WO1999046927A2/en
Publication of WO1999046927A3 publication Critical patent/WO1999046927A3/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F27/00—Combined visual and audible advertising or displaying, e.g. for public address

Definitions

  • the present invention is related to the following United States provisional patent
  • the present invention relates to a new method and apparatus for conveying
  • Audiovisual information is constantly being conveyed in today's society.
  • the device is a poster with a sound generating system incorporated into it.
  • the device is designed to audiovisually
  • the device consists of a poster that projects
  • the present invention is able to provide a combination of visual and audio
  • the present invention is a method and apparatus for conveying audiovisual
  • the invention utilizes a speaker as a visual medium.
  • a sheet of material is
  • a visual image can be projected on to the sheet of material.
  • material or the sheet of material can contain a fixed image. While the visual image is
  • FIGURE 1 is a flow diagram illustrating the method of the present invention
  • FIGURE 2 shows a side view of a visual image contained on a sheet of material
  • FIGURE 3 is a front view of a visual image contained on a sheet of material
  • FIGURE 4 shows a visual image being projected on to a blank sheet of material
  • FIGURE 1 illustrates the method of the present invention. First, a visual image
  • a speaker is selected for use in the invention as shown in block 2.
  • GekkoTM Flat Speakers are so thin, they can easily be hung on a wall.
  • the sheet of material is acoustically transparent, but this is not a
  • the sheet of material can be made of synthetic silk, ScotchPrintTM
  • the visual image is displayed on the sheet of material as shown in block
  • image can be printed or projected on to the sheet of material.
  • the audible information might relate to the visual image
  • the audible information might be a mix of
  • FIGURES 2 - 4 illustrate a few of the techniques that can be used to display the
  • FIGURE 2 shows a sheet of material 6 that has a visual image printed on
  • FIGURE 3 includes a frame 8.
  • FIGURE 4 the sheet of material 6 secured to the speaker 7 is blank.
  • the visual image is
  • the present invention can be used for numerous purposes.
  • the present invention can be used for numerous purposes.
  • the present invention can be used for numerous purposes.
  • the present invention can be used for numerous purposes.
  • the present invention can be used for numerous purposes.
  • the present invention can be used for numerous purposes.
  • the present invention can be used for numerous purposes.
  • the present invention can be used for numerous purposes.
  • the present invention can be used for numerous purposes.
  • the present invention can be used for numerous purposes.
  • the present invention can be used for numerous purposes.
  • invention can be used to convey audiovisual information to consumers in private and
  • the speaker can
  • the speaker can be used in a traditional sense such as to broadcast

Landscapes

  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Illuminated Signs And Luminous Advertising (AREA)
  • Overhead Projectors And Projection Screens (AREA)
  • General Factory Administration (AREA)
  • Alarm Systems (AREA)
  • Diaphragms For Electromechanical Transducers (AREA)
  • Credit Cards Or The Like (AREA)
  • Projection Apparatus (AREA)
  • Studio Devices (AREA)
  • Information Retrieval, Db Structures And Fs Structures Therefor (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention is a method and apparatus for conveying audiovisual information. The invention utilizes a speaker as a visual medium. A sheet of material is secured to the radiating face of a speaker. A visual image is the displayed on the sheet of material. Different techniques can be utilized to display the visual image on the sheet of material. For example, a video image can be projected onto the sheet of material or the sheet of material can contain a fixed image. While the visual image is being displayed on the radiating face of the speaker, audible information is being broadcast over the speaker.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONVEYING AUDIOVISUAL
INFORMATION
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present invention is related to the following United States provisional patent
applications which are incorporated herein by reference:
1. Serial Number 60/070685 entitled "Decorative Speaker Cover" filed January
7, 1998; and
2. Serial Number 60/070686 entitled "Thin Loudspeaker" filed January 7, 1998.
The aforementioned provisional applications and the present invention are owned by
Noise Cancellation Technologies, Inc.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a new method and apparatus for conveying
audiovisual information.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Audiovisual information is constantly being conveyed in today's society. Thus,
it is desirable that more effective methods and devices for conveying audiovisual
information be developed. Preferably, the methods and devices will not detract from
their surroundings.
US Patent Number 5,051,728 entitled Music Poster issued to Wang is an
example of a relatively unobtrusive audiovisual device. The device is a poster with a sound generating system incorporated into it. The device is designed to audiovisually
attract people and induce the interest of customers.
US Patent Number 5,548,272 entitled Talking Poster issued to Clark describes
another unobtrusive audiovisual device. The device consists of a poster that projects
recorded sound using a component that is attached to the poster. The sound producing
component is covered by a material that is painted to match the color scheme of the
poster art.
The present invention is able to provide a combination of visual and audio
capabilities that cannot be matched by the aforementioned devices and other methods
and devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a method and apparatus for conveying audiovisual
information. The invention utilizes a speaker as a visual medium. A sheet of material is
secured to the radiating face of the speaker. A visual image is then displayed on the
sheet of material. Different techniques can be utilized to display the visual image on the
sheet of material. For example, a visual image can be projected on to the sheet of
material or the sheet of material can contain a fixed image. While the visual image is
being displayed on the radiating face of the speaker, audible information is being
broadcast over the speaker.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for
conveying audiovisual information that is more effective than conventional methods. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 is a flow diagram illustrating the method of the present invention;
FIGURE 2 shows a side view of a visual image contained on a sheet of material
secured to a speaker, according to the present invention;
FIGURE 3 is a front view of a visual image contained on a sheet of material
secured to a speaker, according to the present invention; and
FIGURE 4 shows a visual image being projected on to a blank sheet of material
secured to a speaker, according to the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIGURE 1 illustrates the method of the present invention. First, a visual image
is chosen as shown in block 1. If a suitable visual image does not exist, it may be
necessary to design one.
Second, a speaker is selected for use in the invention as shown in block 2.
Because it is very important that the method of the invention does not detract from its
environment, a speaker that is not obtrusive should be used. Gekko™ Flat Speakers
manufactured by Noise Cancellation Technologies, Inc. are especially unobtrusive.
Gekko™ Flat Speakers are so thin, they can easily be hung on a wall.
Third, a sheet of material is secured to the radiating face of the speaker as shown
in block 3. Preferably, the sheet of material is acoustically transparent, but this is not a
requirement. The sheet of material can be made of synthetic silk, ScotchPrint™
perforated vinyl, ScotchPrint™ vinyl film, or other materials. Various methods can be
used to secure the sheet of material to the radiating face of the speaker. Fourth, the visual image is displayed on the sheet of material as shown in block
4. Various techniques can be used to display the visual image. For example, the visual
image can be printed or projected on to the sheet of material.
Fifth, audible information is broadcast over the speaker as shown in block 5. It
is envisioned that the content of the information broadcast at different times will vary
significantly. At times, the audible information might relate to the visual image
displayed on the speaker. At other times, the audible information might be a mix of
music and advertisements that has been recorded onto a compact disc or is being
provided contemporaneously via satellite or cable.
FIGURES 2 - 4 illustrate a few of the techniques that can be used to display the
visual image. FIGURE 2 shows a sheet of material 6 that has a visual image printed on
it secured to a speaker 7. The embodiment shown in FIGURE 3 includes a frame 8. In
FIGURE 4, the sheet of material 6 secured to the speaker 7 is blank. The visual image is
projected on to the sheet of material 6 by a projector 9.
Different embodiments of the invention can be realized by including light
sources, automated features, etc.
The present invention can be used for numerous purposes. For example, the
invention can be used to convey audiovisual information to consumers in private and
public establishments. In this particular context, the audio capabilities that result from
using a speaker in the method of the invention can be used to benefit both an advertiser
and an owner or operator of an establishment. At certain times, the speaker can
broadcast audible information related to the visual image displayed on the radiating face
of the speaker. This allows the advertiser to utilize advertising campaigns that attract
customers both audibly and visually. At other times, the speaker can be used in a traditional sense such as to broadcast
compact discs or radio stations. This allows the owner or operator of an establishment
to satisfy his/her own audio needs while generating valuable advertising income from
the visual image displayed on the radiating face of the speaker.
It is to be understood that every aspect of the present invention has not been
described explicitly. Thus, certain modifications of the invention that are not explicitly
described are fully comprehended by the spirit of the invention and the scope of the
claims set forth below.

Claims

CLAIMSWe Claim:
1. A method of conveying audiovisual information, comprising the steps of:
choosing a visual image;
selecting a speaker;
securing a sheet of material to the radiating face of the speaker; and
displaying the visual image on the sheet of material.
2. A method of conveying audiovisual information according to Claim 1 wherein
the step of displaying the visual image on the sheet of material comprises
printing the visual image on the sheet of material.
3. A method of conveying audiovisual information according to Claim 1 wherein
the step of displaying the visual image on the sheet of material comprises
projecting or transmitting the visual image on to the sheet of material.
4. A method of conveying audiovisual information according to Claim 1 further
comprising the step of broadcasting audible information over the speaker.
5. A method of conveying audiovisual information according to Claim 4 wherein
the audible information is related to the visual image displayed on the sheet of
material.
6. A method of conveying audiovisual information according to Claim 4 wherein
the audible information is music.
7. A method of conveying audiovisual information according to Claim 4 wherein
the audible information is a mix of music and advertisements.
8. A method of conveying audiovisual information according to Claim 4 wherein
the audible information is recorded on a compact disc.
9. A method of conveying audiovisual information according to Claim 4 wherein
the audible information is provided via satellite.
10. A method of conveying audiovisual information according to Claim 4 wherein
the audible information is provided via cable.
11. A method of conveying audiovisual information, comprising the steps of:
choosing a visual image;
selecting a speaker;
securing a sheet of material to the radiating face of the speaker;
displaying the visual message on the sheet of material; and
broadcasting audible information over the speaker.
12. An apparatus for conveying audiovisual information, comprising:
a speaker;
a sheet of material secured to the radiating face of said speaker; and
a visual image displayed on the sheet of material.
13. An apparatus according to Claim 12 wherein said speaker broadcasts audible
information related to said visual image.
14. An apparatus according to Claim 12 wherein said speaker is a flat loudspeaker.
15. An apparatus according to Claim 12 wherein said sheet of material is
acoustically transparent.
PCT/US1999/005171 1998-03-11 1999-03-10 Method and apparatus for conveying audiovisual information Ceased WO1999046927A2 (en)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE69911759T DE69911759T2 (en) 1998-03-11 1999-03-10 METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PRESENTING AUDIOVISUAL INFORMATION
AU29949/99A AU2994999A (en) 1998-03-11 1999-03-10 Method and apparatus for conveying audiovisual information
AT99911263T ATE251327T1 (en) 1998-03-11 1999-03-10 METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DISPLAYING AUDIOVISUAL INFORMATION
CA002321774A CA2321774C (en) 1998-03-11 1999-03-10 Method and apparatus for conveying audiovisual information
EP99911263A EP1070309B1 (en) 1998-03-11 1999-03-10 Method and apparatus for conveying audiovisual information
JP2000536191A JP2002530902A (en) 1998-03-11 1999-03-10 Method and apparatus for transmitting audiovisual information

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/038,571 1998-03-11
US09/038,571 US6147594A (en) 1998-03-11 1998-03-11 Method and apparatus for conveying audiovisual information

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1999046927A2 true WO1999046927A2 (en) 1999-09-16
WO1999046927A3 WO1999046927A3 (en) 1999-12-02

Family

ID=21900686

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1999/005171 Ceased WO1999046927A2 (en) 1998-03-11 1999-03-10 Method and apparatus for conveying audiovisual information

Country Status (9)

Country Link
US (1) US6147594A (en)
EP (1) EP1070309B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2002530902A (en)
AT (1) ATE251327T1 (en)
AU (1) AU2994999A (en)
CA (1) CA2321774C (en)
DE (1) DE69911759T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2209410T3 (en)
WO (1) WO1999046927A2 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2004086811A1 (en) * 2003-03-28 2004-10-07 Otto Richter Project Ii Gmbh Loudspeaker body

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3848090A (en) * 1971-11-18 1974-11-12 J Walker Wall hanging speaker system
US4926962A (en) * 1986-10-10 1990-05-22 Graham Gary T Decorative speaker cover
US4891712A (en) * 1987-12-03 1990-01-02 Nfo Research, Inc. Method of conducting marketing research by using video tape productions
US5051728A (en) * 1990-02-26 1991-09-24 Wang Frank Y Music poster
US5433035A (en) * 1992-09-15 1995-07-18 Bauer; Timothy R. Talking entertainment card
US5463369A (en) * 1993-10-08 1995-10-31 Lamping; George Message emitting device
US5548272A (en) * 1995-03-10 1996-08-20 Inotrend, Inc. Talking poster

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2004086811A1 (en) * 2003-03-28 2004-10-07 Otto Richter Project Ii Gmbh Loudspeaker body

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2321774C (en) 2002-06-25
AU2994999A (en) 1999-09-27
ATE251327T1 (en) 2003-10-15
WO1999046927A3 (en) 1999-12-02
DE69911759D1 (en) 2003-11-06
JP2002530902A (en) 2002-09-17
EP1070309A4 (en) 2001-03-14
CA2321774A1 (en) 1999-09-16
US6147594A (en) 2000-11-14
DE69911759T2 (en) 2004-08-19
ES2209410T3 (en) 2004-06-16
EP1070309A2 (en) 2001-01-24
EP1070309B1 (en) 2003-10-01

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
RU2528418C2 (en) Transmission of criteria-based messages to carriers
US6865830B2 (en) Theatrical advertising display
US20170332144A1 (en) System and method for selecting, capturing, and distributing customized event recordings
WO2004051909A3 (en) Portable device for viewing real-time synchronized information from broadcasting sources
US20030020704A1 (en) Auto-control display device incorporated with lavatory system
JP2006295898A (en) Information communication method by mobile terminal
EP1070309B1 (en) Method and apparatus for conveying audiovisual information
WO2004090715A2 (en) Method of ordering good and services
US20050036640A1 (en) Small-size accessory with audio recording and playback device and transparent wall for holding and viewing an article
US20040150526A1 (en) Method of informational advertising in restrooms
Fraedrich et al. Marketing implications of nonmusical sounds
JP2002027588A (en) Panel type speaker system
US20100180480A1 (en) Talking Yard Sign
JP2000200077A (en) Taxi-A system for providing advertisements and information in transportation media such as in cars
US20110153526A1 (en) Static Ad Frame
JP3102437U (en) Electronic signage device
KR20010093982A (en) advertisement method that use an elevator
CA2344858A1 (en) Acoustically activated marketing device
RU31046U1 (en) SOUND ADVERTISING DEVICE
HUP0103420A2 (en) Device for brosdcasting of picture and voice informations
JP2001083920A (en) Advertising equipment to be used for flights
JP2003043963A (en) Advertising system
MD20000043A (en) Use of portable means for reproduction of audio-visual information as publicity source on the passenger transport
MD20000044A (en) Process for broadcasting the advertising information
WO2006025805A1 (en) Aural and/or visual advertisement or announcement unit

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AU BR CA CN JP KR SG

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): AU BR CA CN JP KR SG

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE

DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2321774

Country of ref document: CA

Ref country code: CA

Ref document number: 2321774

Kind code of ref document: A

Format of ref document f/p: F

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 1999911263

Country of ref document: EP

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref country code: JP

Ref document number: 2000 536191

Kind code of ref document: A

Format of ref document f/p: F

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: KR

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 1999911263

Country of ref document: EP

WWG Wipo information: grant in national office

Ref document number: 1999911263

Country of ref document: EP