Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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PROMOTIONAL HAND-HELD
COMMUNICATION DEVICES
Cross-Reference to Related Application
This application is based upon United States
Prcvisional Patent Application entitled "Interac=ive
.. Cards and Other Hand-Held Devices for Receiving ~:'eiled
Optical Data and Other Signals", Serial No.: US
60%,~51,84C, Filed 1 September, '999 by Edward ~. K:oplar,
United States Utility Patent Application entitle:
"Interactive Optical Cards and Other Hand-Held Devices
with Increased Connectivity", Serial No.: US 09/:89,373,
Filed January 2i, 2000 by Edward J. Koplar and Daniel A.
Ciardullo, United States Provisional Patent Appl,_cation
entitled "Interactive Hand-Held Promotional Communication
Devices", Serial No.: US 60/195,542, Filed April ., 2000
by Edward J. Koplar and Daniel A. Ciardullo, and United
States Provisional Patent Application entitled "Method
and Hardware fcr Redemption of a Multi-use Smar~ Card",
Serial Nc.: US 60/207,460, Filed May 25, 2000 b_: Daniel
A. Ciardullo and Jim G. Withers all of which are herein
incorporated by reference and continued preservation. of
which is requested.
Background of the Invention
The present invention relates to interactive hand-
held devices, and more particularly to methods and
apparatuses for receiving and decoding modulated signals,
fcr use by a hand-held devices and receiving benefits
from receptions of the signals.
The hand-held device of the present invention
receive modulated video signals for purposes including
enjoyment, promotion, transfer cf information, data
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collection, commercial verification, security, education,
and transactions or verifications at points of sale, as
well as other commercial, personal, entertainment, or
amusement purposes. Data may be sent to t::e hand-held
device by optical or electrical means. Data may be
received by the hand-held device by utilizing a sleeve,
cradle, or doc;:ing station; through an optical lens, by
use of a PCMCI__ or alternate computer port, or by FM, AM,
or other radio frequency means. Use of the device may
allow users to receive, process, and/or store other
information and promotional opportunities including
access to hotel_ rooms and facilities and interaction in a
movie theater.
U.S. Pa~e~= 4,807,031 Broughton et a-~. (~~Brouahton")
titled ~~Interao~ive Video Method and Apparatus" relates
generally to ;~n-band video broadcasting of commands and
other encoded information to interactive devices. The
invention described therein relates generally to
interactive educational and entertainment systems, and is
described in ene embodiment in the context of television
program control of toys located where there is a
television receiver, as within a residence.
To encode control data capable c' providing a
benefit to a ~.:ser, Broughton discloses a novel method of
luminance or chrominance modulation of a video signal
that creates a composite video signal, whereby the
control data is created by modulating the video signal.
The novel modulation method alternately raises and lowers
the luminance%chrominance of adjacent horizontal scan
lines to create a video subcarrier t:na~ contains the
control data.
Under Broughton, the video signal is not being
replaced with other data, nor is the data being added as
a separate signal along with the video signal, rather,
the video signal itself is modulated to subsequently
create the control data. Therefore, the control data is
a part of, or contained within, the video signal. The
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encoding method also includes preview and remove
circuitry to ensure suitability or the presence of data
encoding and removal of data encoding, respectively.
The control data is transmitted either by television
broadcast means, or by pre-recorded video players that
are connected to a video display. The control data is
then received by the video display where a video field of
the video display is modulate: by control (i.e.
auxiliary) data. The control data is then detected with
either opto-electronic or RF radio frequency) detection
means that discriminate tine program material from the
control data. The detected control data is further
reproduced such that the control data can be used wit'_~ an
interactive device.
A practical example of a device as described above
is the commercially-sold hand-held game device for
receiving and detecting such control data has been called
the "Wheel of Fortune" ITV Pla~.~-Along Game, intended to
be used at while viewing a television program
presentation of the famous television show of the same
name. The device, produced under license by the assignee
of Broughton, was a palm-size: device and included a
photosensor within a case of the device that received the
video signals. The device tne:~ discriminated control
data from the video program material and caused a liquid
crystal display ("LCD") on the face panel of the toy to
present portions of a word puzzle, allowing the holder of
the device to play the game along with a contestant or to
play in response to a videotaped presentation of the
game. The "Wheel of Fortune" interactive television
(ITV! game together with its hand-held control device
including keyboard was commercially available in 1988.
An improvement on the method of modulation described
in Broughton is described in L.S. Patent 6,094,228. In
Ciardullo et al. ("Ciardullo"' improved methods of
modulation are disclosed. Data is inserted on the visual
porrion of a video signal by changing the luminance of
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paired lines in opposite directions, thus allowing allow
larger amounts of data to be modulated in a signal.
Broughton and Ciardullo are both incorporated by
reference herein.
Efforts by others to provide hand-held devices
capable of receiving transmission of modulated data from
a video display are represented by U.S. Patents
5,594,493; 5,761,601; 5,767,896, 5,907,350, and
5,953,047. Of these, patent 5,90%,350 discloses a method
for storing data on a so-called smart card, which is
contended to receive, decode and store encoded data
signals comprising redeemable coupons said to be embedded
within television segments and transmitted along with
normal television segments. T't-~e device of Patent
5,907,350 is a hand-held unit that receives luminance
signals from the television display in accordance with
the principles of Broughton. The received video signals
are decoded and stored within the card for future use.
An LCD readout enables Universal Price Codes ("UPC")
corresponding to the stored data. A scanner reads the
UPC codes at a redemption site, and the stored coupon is
then erased from a memory of the card. A microprocessor
channels the decoding and storage aspects, and a keypad
allows use and input.
The term "smart card" as used in the above patents,
connotes a hand-held, portable device, not conceptually
different from the above-mentioned "Wheel of Fortune" ITV
game device. However, the term does not only apply to
those patents.
As a generic term, "smart card" gradually has come
to mean a card that looks like a credit card but includes
a microchip or microprocessor embedded or incorporated
into the card. The smart card may be referred to as a
"fingerheld" computer, typically including a data storage
media ranging from less than a kilobyte up to a megabyte
(if not more), and are said to have originated in France.
Ognibene, P.J., "Card Smarts," Technology Decisions
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(July, 1999). Smart cards may, according to a line of
reference, also be called "chip cards."
While the hand-held devices of the present invention
may be in the fcrm of a smart card, they may
alternatively be in the form of mobile phones. Recently,
mobile phones have become equipped with increased
capacity to store and process information and many such
phones are now offering limited network or Internet
access, often called wireless Internet access. Industry
experts estimate that by 2002, more than 100 million
mobile phones will have Internet access in some fashion
and that by 2003, more than 1 billion mobile phones will
be in use worldwide. Such mobile phones, wit: o- wit~:out
Internet access, become powerful promotional tools when
appropriately modified or connected to receive auxiliary
data.
The personal digital assistants ("PDAs") are another
hand-held device capable of providing users with
promotional opportunities. The most popular brand, Palm
Pilot, introduced its first PDA in 1996. The latest Palm
Pilot introduced in 1999, Palm VII, was the first PDA to
include wireless Internet access.
PDAs and mobile phones, while capable of Internee
access, as of the time of this invention have limited
functionality as a result of slow transfers of data and
limited displays. It is thus desirable to provide users
of such devices and similar devices such as smart cards
interactive opportunities that are compact in size yet
rich in content to encourage users to participate in
various promotional opportunities without having
prolonged delays in receipt and processing of
information. It will be appreciated that under the
present invention, that the smart card, mobile phone, and
PDA are all capable of providing the promotional
opportunities described in the present application.
Hand-held devices that receive optically encoded
data from a display device can be efficiently utilized at
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a POS without the need to scan a UPC code that is
displayed, for example, on an LCD. The hand-held devices
and methods may not require additional hardware or
software at the POS and must be capable of providing a
high degree of security. Additionally, check-out time
must not be seriously degraded and multiple promotional
opportunities or coupons must be redeemable.
For purposes of the present invention, the term
"card" means an interactive device of portable character,
preferably of hand-held type which may be carried in the
palm by a user, between fingers of the user, or is
otherwise intended to be easily grasped and handled
manually by the user, including credit card-like devices.
To the extent that they are used in the present
description relative only to inventions herein disclosed
and/or claimed, the terms "interactive device," "card,"
"interactive card," "smart card," "optical card," are
used interchangeably.
The term "sponsor" is used herein in its broadest
possible sense, and may include without limitation
entities that issue the hand-held devices and entities
that accept them or provide redemption services for users
of the cards. Sponsors may also include health care and
medical institutions and other service or eleemosynary
organizations.
The term "computer" is used herein in its broadest
possible sense, and may include without limitation a
laptop computer, personal computer, mobile phone,
personal digital assistant, or other computer like
devices.
Sugary of the Invention
Among the several objects, features and advantages
of the invention may be noted the provision of
interactive hand-held devices for carrying out various
modes of novel and commercially advantageous signaling,
information-transferring, and value-indicating methods.
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The hand-held devices of the present invention are
portable devices such as smart cards, mobile phones, and
personal digital assistants ("PDAs";, which contain means
to receive auxiliary data. The hand-held devices, to
provide some of the promotional opportunities described
herein, preferably have means to connect to the
Internet, which may be referred to herein as "network
access", "wireless access", "Internet access" or
"wireless Internet". These hand-held devices react from
the reception of auxiliary data from sources including
radio transmissions, computer systems, video recordings,
video transmissions or other sources for reproduction of
video, audio and/or other data. The hand-held devices,
whic:~ preferably contain optical or electrical detection
and decoding means, respond to auxiliary data received
from a video display. All video displays, whether a
television set or monitor, television-like, or image-
presenting display device capable of displaying an image
containing a modulated video signal, may in the present
specification be collectively referred to simply as
"display devices."
Signals are received, detected, and reproduced by
the new hand-held devices fcr various purposes including:
en~ovment; promotion; coupon e_r prize validation;
advertising by sponsors; advertising verification and
polling; transfer of information; data collection;
commercial verification; security and access; education;
game playing; transactions, verifications, or redemption
by sponsoring entities or related commercial locations at
points of sale including the Internet; other commercial
and non-commercial purposes.
Transmission of auxiliary data to the hand-held .
devices is encoded using a system of video modulation,
preferably as described in Broughton or Ciardullo, but
alternatively by other known methods in the art including
through the use of the vertical-blanking interval (VBI).
The video signals may be transmitted to the display
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device by means of a broadcast, cable, satellite or home
video.
Other objects, features and advantages of the
invention include:
A method of television interactive advertisement and
promotion signal transmission using interactive hand-held
devices in such a manner that both the mode of
transmission of information and the display of received
information and/or value indicative thereof will attract
viewers' attention, srimulate viewers to watch a
transmission (which may be commercial advertising), and
effectively entice viewers to respond and take action in
response to its reception, as well as achievinu the
foregoing usage purposes.
Thus, there is described herein a system which
includes:
A method of such signal transmission that is cost
effective, brand efficient, and fun for users of the new
interactive hand-held devices;
A method of such signal transmission using
interactive hand-held devices which effectively increases
customer awareness, retention, and differentiation of
advertisers' messages and products;
A method of such signal transmission using video
interactive hand-held devices which allows viewers of
television (or video; presentations, including
advertising, to directly interact with the devices (such
as television receiver or display);
A method of such signal transmission using
interactive hand-held devices that builds store (point-
of-sale) traffic, fosters consumer loyalty, and gives
viewers a reason tc pay more attention to a company's
products, services and advertising;
A method of suc:~~ signal transmission using video
interactive hand-held devices which allows viewers of
television (or video! presentations, including
advertising, to upload received information to a computer
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which displays and uses relevant Internet addresses,
textual information or code, and other promotional
information usable by a computer or computer-like device;
and
Hand-held devices of the invention are intrinsically
simple, effective and economical to make and distribute
widely, and are reliable and easy to use.
The following are merely illustrative of some of the
advantages and objects which the new system provides:
television advertising response determination;
interactive advertising and promotions; attraction of
viewers' attention; effectively increase consumer
awareness and retention of commercial advertising,
messages, announcements, promotions, and specific
products and services; increased customer differentiation
of products and services; stimulation of viewers to watch
commercials; increase of store traffic in response to
commercial messages; fostering of consumer loyalty;
enhancement of viewer involvement in program content,
including commercials; enhancement of viewer retention of
the content of commercial and other messages; enhancement
of the value of commercial messages; increased
product/service sales; saving of advertising costs;
acceleration of response time of customers following
delivery of commercial messages; verification of contests
and awards; enhancement of viewer retention of the
related website domain names; reduction of barriers
related to e-commerce opportunities; additional and
sometimes instant rewards and information obtainable via
the Internet. The uses and advantages are more fully
developed in the following description.
Briefly, herein described is a system using hand-
held devices that derives benefits from the reception of
auxiliary data. Auxiliary data is encoded by modulation
of a video signal, thereby creating a composite video
signal consisting of auxiliary data and continuos video
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program data. The composite video signal is transmitted
to and displayed by a display device.
The preferred method of receiving auxiliary data
when the hand-held device is a smart card is by optically
detecting and extracting auxiliary data on the smart
card. The user first positions the optical receiver of
the smart card so that it is capable of receiving video
signals from the display device. The smart card, when
actuated and appropriately positioned, begins receiving
video signals. Circuitry on the smart card discriminates
whether auxiliary data is present in the video signals
(i.e., where the video signals received are composite
video signals). If auxiliary data is present, the hand-
held device reproduces the auxiliary data fer its use.
The preferred method of receiving auxiliary data
when the hand-held device is a mobile phone or PDA is by
detecting and electronically extracting the auxiliary
data from the video signal by use of a decoder box. The
decoder box has circuitry that determines whether
auxiliary data is present in the video signal. The box
then transmits the reproduced auxiliary data to the
mobile phone/PDA by RF, IR, PCMCIA, or wire transfer.
These methods of data transfer are faster and more
reliable than optical transmission, and reception data
may then be transmitted faster. The box preferably
receives the video signal from its source by use of RCA
jacks, but may otherwise receive the data through other
methods such as through use of super VHS, fire wire, or
coaxial means, or may be connected to an RF antennae,
integrated into part of the circuitry of the television,
or be connected so that the decoder device can receive
the video stream.
The auxiliary data, when present, is transmitted
from the decoder box to the hand-held device.
Transmission to the hand-held device occurs preferably
through RF, so that the hand-held device need not be
aimed at or physically connected to the decoder.
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However, other various methods including IR transmission
and direct connection through a computer interface such
as a PCMCIA port are likewise capable of receiving
transmissions from a decoder box. The decoder box may
also function as a two-way device, and may receive
information from the mobile phone/PDA. The decoder box
may, with an appropriate graphics rendering unit, display
information received from the mobile phone/PDA on the
screen. As an alternative to cr in addition to the
10' mobile phone/PDA having networ:~ access, the decoder box
may alternatively contain network access. The decoder
box may additionally contain means to control various
devices such as the VCR. Users, upon receipt of
information such as a television: schedule on their hand-
held device, may transmit a reauest to the decoder box or
VCR to schedule recording of a television program. It
will be appreciate in the art that although the optical
method is preferable for smart cards and the electrical
method is preferred for mobile phones and PDAs, both
methods are interchangeable and may be used for any hand-
held device under the present invention.
Among the several methods herein described may be
noted a method of video interactive advertising and
promotion, comprising normal television programming
content modulated to contain auxiliary data, where tile
auxiliary data is associated with a sponsor and carries
information of special significance relative to the
sponsor and of special value tc television viewers,
distributing interactive devices of hand-held character
to television viewers for their use and convenience, the
devices being capable of selectively receiving auxiliary
data or receiving and decoding composite video signals,
providing incentives for viewers to use the interactive
devices for obtaining the auxiliary data by rewarding the
viewers with information of special value, the
interactive devices being capable of retaining indication
of having received the information, and providing
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redemption of the special value for users at a redemption
site where users may present the interactive devices.
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When auxiliary data is reproduced by use of the
card, various possible signals, indications, display
readouts, or other interactive events provide the user
with a benefit according to content of the auxiliary
data. Fcr example, a series of electroluminescent (ELj
indicators may operate in sequence to signify coupon
value. A LCD readout or other visual displaying device
may present information to the user or give notice of
value received. Bonus points may be collected and
retained on the device. Text, code, or other data ma,.° be
transferred to a connected computer for which information
may be displayed or executed on that computer. In a use
of the device in conjunction with a sports presentation,
users may receive on the hand-held device's alphanumeric
display current sports statistics, including exemplari~.y,
a batter's batting statistics. In a use of the device in
conjunction with a car racing presentation, users may
receive on the hand-held device's alphanumeric display
the lap data, position, speed of a race participant, or
other statistics from a racing event. Such statistics may
be delivered i:~ real time or delayed. In user of the
device in con;~unction with hotel access, additional
access to rooms and facilities may be available for the
user, of whic:~ an indication may appear on the LCD.
The hand-held device may have additional
capabilities for promotion and interactivity which are
preprogrammed cr programmed via user input. Such
capabilities may include demographic or user information,
which may be used in various applications of the hand-
held device by a user or sponsor of the device. The
hand-held device may also be used to make or facilitate
purchases of items.
The design of the hand-held devices are typically: in
the shape and form of smart cards, palm devices, or
mobile phones. The exterior design of the hand-held
device may contain indicia of recognized athletes, teams,
products or other figures, and the collection of data
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located on the card entice users to save, collect, and
trade the cards, such as in a rotisserie league.
Additionally, other hand-manipulable devices of a similar
size and nature that are capable of receiving and
processing auxiliary data as described herein are also
within the scope of this invention and may receive data
by either the electrical or optical methods as
appropriate or as is desired. Thus a stuffed animal or
toy, snapshot-type camera, replica sports helmet, scaled
racing car, or a replica baseball bat with proper
circuitry may process the data as a hand-held device of
the nature described herein.
Another feature of the present invenrion is an
optional computer interface port. The hand-held device
facilitates transmission between the device and other
hand-held devices, computers, and other computer-like
devices. In promotional applications of the hand-held
device requiring Internet access, if the device cannot
transmit data and information through the Internet
directly through wireless means or other direct
connection to the Internet, it may connect to the
Internet through use of a computer interface port.
Television viewers, upon watching commercials, programs,
or movies, use the hand-meld device to obtain
opportunities for e-commerce or informational purposes.
The information may then transferred to computers or
computer-like devices where it may be used for
informational or promotional opportunities. For example,
a talk show may have a discussion about endangered
animals. Informational or promotional opportunities such
as available books or videos relating to those animals,
along with information relating to how viewers may learn
more information from a given Internet website, are
transmitted in composite video signals received by the
hand-held device.
The opportunities are transmitted as the content of
the auxiliary data with the composite video signal, and
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when the hand-held device is a PDA or mobile phone, is
preferably electrically detected and discriminated by a
decoder box, and then transferred by RF to the hand-held
device for its use. The auxiliary data may also be
transferred by other known means including by IR and
through direct wiring. Alternatively, the auxiliary data
may be optically detected and reproduced by the hand-held
device, which is the preferred method of receiving the
auxiiiarv data when the device is a smart card. As a
further alternative, the auxiliary may be detected either
optically er electrically, and hen transferred to and
discriminated by hardware cr software of a connected
computer or computer-like device.
In some of the promotiona-~ app~~ications, the
opportunities are transmitted with the composite video
signal and are preferably optically detected and
reproduced by the hand-held device and then transmitted
to a computer by an interface. However, the auxiliary
data may alternatively be electrically detected by a
decoder device, transferred to the card and
discriminated, and then transferred again to a computer
via an interface. As a further alternative, received
composite video signals may be transmitted from the hand-
held device to a computer by an interface, where the
auxiliary data is discriminated and the opportunities are
then detected and reproduced by the computer. By any of
the methods described herein, the opportunities once
available to the computer can b? stored and used, such as
for e-commerce or information collection.
When appropriately connected, the stored information
from the computer-interface card is uploaded (when
appropriate) to a computer fer processing and
fulfillment. The information received by the computer
includes a web page, Internet address or Uniform Resource
Locator ("URL"), Hypertext Markup Language ("HTML") or
similar textual information or code that can be displayed
to er executed for a user. This information provides a
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means for the user to obtain benefits through
interactivity, and for the sponsor to provide promotional
information to the user.
Devices and methods are provided under this
invention which allow an electronic coupon to be redeemed
at a point of sale using existing point of sale "(POS")
hardware and software. In addition, the coupon can be
configured to be used only once and with a reasonably
high degree of security. Furthermore, check out time is
not seriously degraded and multiple coupons may be
redeemed at the same POS with relative ease. One method
of using the card at a POS, involves the user giving the
hand-held device to the cashier. The cashier then
locates the correct coupon or redemption value on the
hand-held device using a scrolling function in
combination with the LCD. The hand-held device is then
held such that the LCD is facing towards the cashier and
the photodetector faces the bar code scanner. The
"redeem" button is then pressed, and the photodetector on
the hand-held device passes over the bar code scanner.
The timer in the hand-held device resets the device to
non-redeem mode if a scan is not detected within thirty
seconds. When the scanning laser light is detected by
the hand-meld device, the device beeps and a numeric code
is displayed which may correspond to a stock keeping unit
(SKU) _number or other information regarding receipt of
product shipment, inventory, and/or stocking. Other
codes, including an additional numeric code such as the
serial number of the hand-held device or a security code
can also be displayed. The cashier then enters the
numeric code or codes and the appropriate discount or
value is applied to the purchase of the consumer. The
timer may also delete the coupon if the hand-held device
is scrolled to the next coupon, or if the device is
powered down and then powered up again. The coupon may
also be erased either automatically or manually by
pressing predetermined buttons on the hand-held device.
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Various other methods of the invention are set forth
in the following description and claims. Similarly,
other objects and features will be apparent or are
pointed out more particular herein below.
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Brief Description of Drawings
FIG. ~ is a perspe dive view schematically
illustrating use of any of several embodiments of an
interactive card in accordance with and embodying the
present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective external view of a first
embodiment of an interactive card i:, accordance with and
embodying the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an external view of a second embodiment of
an interactive card of the invention.
FIG. 4 is a perspective external view of another
embodiment of an interactive card of the ;-nvention.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of internal features of
the interactive device of FIG. 4 of the embodiment of
FIG. 4 showing an interactive card of the invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective external view of another
embodiment of an interactive card of the invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of internal features of
the interactive device of FIG. 4 of the embodiment of
FIG. 6 showing an interactive card of the invention.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of circuitry that may
be used to provide various embodiments having circuit
features evident in this diagram.
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of other circuitry
that may be used to provide various other embodiments.
FIG. 10A is an external view, from a user-opposite
position, of one surface of yet another embodiment of an
interactive card of the invention, termed a camera card,
showing the camera-like surface of the card during use.
FIG. lOB is reverse view of the camera card of FIG.
11A, showing an opposite surface of the card on which
user display and controls are provided.
FIG. 11A is an external view cf another embodiment
of an interactive card or device of the invention,
showing a surface of the card that is camera-simulative
as according to FIG. 10A, and where again the card or
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device simulates the form of a hand-held camera, and is
also referred to as a camera card.
FIG. 11C is reverse view of the camera card of FIG.
11A, showing an opposite surface of the card on which
user display and controls are provided.
FIG. 12 is an external view of the camera card
embodiments of FIGS. 10 and 11, showing how the camera
card is used, as by sighting through a viewfinder of the
card.
FIG. 13A is a perspective view of yet another
embodiment of an interactive card of the invention, and
referred to as a sports card.
FIG. 13B is a front view cf vet another embodiment
of an interactive card of the invention, and referred to
as a sports card.
FIG. 14 is a block diagram of other circuitry that
may be used to provide various other embodiments.
FIG. 15 is a block diagram of other circuitry that
may be used to provide various other embodiments.
FIG. 16 is a block diagram of other circuitry that
may be used to provide various other embodiments.
FIG. 17 is an electronic/optical signal detection
circuit.
Corresponding reference characters identify
corresponding elements throughout the several views of
the drawings.
Description of Inventive Embodiments
Referring to FIGS. 1-3, in a system of the
invention, and in accordance with the various methods
herein described, composite video signals are received
and projected by a display device 10, to be received by a
first embodiment of an interactive hand-held device of
the invention 12. Display device 10 is representative of
a television screen, video monitor or other video
display, movie screen, computer monitor, video-converted
display or video-like display, capable of receiving
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analog or digital video or video-representative signals
from a suitable source, such as a television transmitter,
a videotape, streaming video servers, a Digital Versatile
Disc (~~DVD"), or the computerized display representation
of such a source of image content. For present purposes,
however, it will be assumed that display device 10 is a
kinescope or other conventional type of television
display or monitor (which may, of course, include
multiple or single-beam types of projector displays).
Thus, display device 10 may schematically represent
a video display for displaying video signals but may
alternatively be any sort of electron gun, active, array
or passive array displa'J ClevlCe capable of providing no~~
only imaged information in a visible mode but also
auxiliary information (e. g., data) in a substantially
transparent mode. Display device 10 may be further
characterized as a computer monitor or display, as well
as a portion or window of such display device. Display
device 10 may also be a high definition or digital
television, or other digital video presentation device.
Video signals include those delivered by microwave relay,
satellite retransmission or cable, streaming and other
types of downloadable o- ~-iewable computer video
presentations, and those generally made available by
wired or wireless methods.
The new interactive hand-held device 12 may be in
the form of any type of hand manipulable device such as a
smart card, cell phone, PDA, or other palm like device
and is illustrated in FIG. 1 as a smart card. Hand-held
device 12 may be held in the palm or between the fingers
of a user in the generally vicinity of display device 10,
typically within the same room and, when necessary,
suitably oriented so that the device 12 optically
receives light from a visual representation of the video
signal from the display device. When hand-held device 12
is a PDA or mobile phone, it is preferably configured to
receive RF transmissions but may alternatively receive
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other signals such as IR, and should be suitably oriented
or connected to receive the auxiliary data or other
signals from a decoder box. When hand-held device 12 is
a smart card, it typically is within the same room and
suitably oriented so that the card can receive light from
a visual representation of the video signal from the
display device.
Hand-held device 12 is depicted in FIG. 2A as a PDA
and show in a manner in which it may be held and used.
Hand-held device 12 may include a PDA-sized housing 14
that encloses various circuits and circuit components
("Circuitry") of the device. Hand-held device 12, when
in the shape of ~ smart card (as will be further shown in
FIG. 2C), may be thicker than a credit card as desired or
as needed to contain within housing 14 circuitry for
carrying out functions as described below. Housing 14
may be of any hand-held shape desired that is functional
and hand manipulable, examples of which include a PDA (as
shown), cell phone, PCMCIA card, snapshot-type camera,
replica sports helmet, replica baseball bat or football,
or scaled racing car.
On front surface 16 of hand-held device 12 is an
imprinted brand name of a sponsor 17, and possibly
information cr indicia that may induce a user to
associate device i2 with a particular sponsor 17. When
hand-held devices i2 are inexpensive to manufacture, such
as when they are in the form of smart cards, imprinted
sponsors 17 may be found with higher frequency. However,
when hand-held devices 12 are the user's personal device
such as a cell phone or PDA that have primary uses other
than receiving promotional opportunities, such indicia
may not be included. Sponsors 17 may include various
entities such as advertisers, Internet websites,
television shows, other occurrences, programs or events,
for which use of the device will provide interactive
opportunities. Sponsor 17 may be a company providing the
hand-held device i2 to a user of its service, such as a
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hotel, phone company, PDA service, or place of business,
that uses device 12 for access, privileges, and/or
rewards.
A leading edge 18 of the hand-held device 12 in PDA-
like shape may include an RF antenna 68 to receive
auxiliary data as is described herein below. Visible
from front surface 16 of the device is a visual display
20, of which alternatively or additionally may be light-
admitting diodes or other electro luminescent light
sources 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d as shown in FIG. 2B. Hand-
held devices 12 have various users controls and may
include a keypad or touch screen (not shown) to allow
user input for specific functions and additional uses.
Hand-held device 12 is depicted as a smart card in
FIG. 2C in a manner in which it may be held and used.
Hand-held device 12 includes a credit card or wallet-
card-sized housing 14 that encloses various circuits and
circuit components ("Circuitry") of the device. Housing
14 of hand-held device 12 may be thicker than a credit
card as desired or as needed to ccntain within the
circuitry for carrying out functions as described below.
Housing 14 may be of any hand-held shape desired that is
functional and hand manipulable, examples of which
include a PCMCIA card, snapshot-type camera, replica
sports helmet, or scaled racing car.
A leading edge 18 of hand-held device 12 may include
a lens or small aperture 36 to admit video signals to a
photosensor within housing 14, as is described herein
below. Visible from front surface 16 of hand-held device
12 are a plurality of light-emitting devices 20 which may
be light-ac'tmitting diodes (LEDs) or other electro
luminescent light sources, including, for example,
regions of a LCD of either active or passive type.
A typical manner in which hand-held device 12 is
used and the lights are operated is as follows: A user
watches a television presentation such as a commercial,
television program, movie, or other video-displayed
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program. When such a presentation is displayed, the user
may then hold hand-held device 12 device as shown in FIG.
2B or 2C. The user positions hand-held device 12 so that
leading edge 18 of device 12 will be in a position for
receiving video signals from display device 10. Hand-
held device 12 or display device 10 may have indicia
informing the viewer to press the pressure membrane or
button 22 at a preferred time, such as when a commercial
of a sponsoring entity appears. Although the term
"button" is used herein, it is considered to include
membrane switches, pressure or touch regions capable of
activation and carrying out the unction of a button.
Whe:: the user presses button 2~, the video signal wi,_,~ be
detected and received by a photodetector (the process to
be described below) within housing 14. The composite
video signal comprises a video signal modulated with
auxiliary data, in accordance wits the teaching of the
above-referenced Broughton and%or Ciardullo each of which
are herein incorporated by reference. A discriminator,
implemented by circuitry of hand-held device 12
determines whether auxiliary data has been transmitted
along with the video signal of t:ne presentation.
However, the video signal may be received by a
decoder box which then discriminates the auxiliary data
and transfers it to the hand-held device 12 by RF or by
other means including IR or a computer port and direct
wired connection. The received video signals may be sent
throuah an interface (to be described below) of the hand-
held device 12 to a computer or computer-like device
where the discrimination of auxiliary data may be
implemented in the computer's hardware or software.
If the discriminator determines that the transmitted
video signals contain auxiliary data or auxiliary data is
received, the circuitry of the hand-held device 12 may
then cause an audio transducer 34 present on the printed
circuit board to sound a tone cr "beep", providing
assurance that the auxiliary data has been received
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satisfactorily. A suitable aperture may be provided on
the front or rear surface of hand-held device 12 to allow
sound to pass from audio transducer 34.
Hand-held device 12 may contain more advanced means
of providing sound to a user. Hand-held device 12 may
contain advanced sound circuitry so that the device car.
play digital audio signals comprising songs or
instruments. The songs may be prerecorded to hand-held
device I2 and may be triggered upon proper notice, or
they may be downloaded in delayed or real-time and
thereafter be played. Thus, versions of hand-held device
12 that are capable of music may synchronize songs
through multiple devices by transferring and receiving
information from the ether devices 12, along with
optional source of the auxiliary data.
The circuitry of hand-held device I2 may also cause
operation of one or more of lights 20a, 20b, 20c, and/or
20d of FIG. 2B or FIG. 2C, to indicate a value (whether
it be a discount, prize, coupon, or item) that has been
received. For example, one light 20a may entitle the
user to a free beverage at a sponsor's store location.
Two lights 20a and 20b may indicate a substantially
larger coupon value, such as a twelve-pack of a beverage.
A coupon. value causing three lights 20a, 20b, and 20c to
be illuminated may indicate entitlement to a grand prize,
such as a-free supply of a beverage for the lifetime of
the user. The term "light" is intended to mean any kind
of display useful for conveying a signaling or indicating
purpose visible to the user.
It is also possible to use the lights 20a, 20b, 20c,
and/or 20d of FIG. 2B or FIG. 2C in alternative methods
to confer benefits from reception. of auxiliary data. For
example, different colored lights 20 may be used with
each color representing a different prize or different
value. Alternatively, hand-held device 12 may be
programmed to operate so that a light 20 shows each time
a different commercial of a sponsoring entity is shown,
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so the user will have inducement to watch multiple
commercials to be entitled to a prize or benefit.
The hand-held device and lights 20a, 20b, 20c, and
20d operates in the following manner: During a
commercial or at the appropriate time, a user pushes
button 22 to receive video signals by a preconfigured
hand-held device 12. If the appropriate auxiliary data
was present in the received video signal, hand-held
device 12 then validates the receipt of the auxiliary
data by illuminating a first light 20a. During a further
commercial a second light 20b illuminates. During a
third commercial a third light 20c illuminates, and
during a fourth commercial presentation, light 20d
illuminates. The user may then appropriately present
hand-held device i2 at a vendor location, redemption
center, or Internet website to determine if the device is
one for which a special prize is to be awarded. If hand-
held device 12 does not entitle the user to the special
prize, a consolation or alternative prize may be made
available. A different variation of illumination of
signal lights 20a, 20b, 20c, and/or 20d may entitle the
user to alternate consolation or other prize.
Alternatively, the lights may work in the following
manner: During each quarter of play, when a commercial
appears the user may press button 22. When auxiliary
data has been successfully received (by the process of
which is described above) from the commercial sponsor 17
of an event or of hand-held device 12, the first light
20a will be illuminated to indicate receipt of the
commercial during the first quarter. Such operation will
continue through successive quarters until all lights are
illuminated. The user may then present hand-held device
12 to a store or point of sale operated by the commercial
sponsor 17 to receive a prize or grand prize, depending
upon the configuration of device 12. Or, the user may be
rewarded in accordance with how many lights 20 are
illuminated. Then, the user may thereafter tender hand-
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held device 12 for value redemption, or may present it,
for example, at a lottery at which the devices 12 may
identify the user's name by users, and where the device
12 is drawn.
The store location, point of sale, or sponsor's
website may include means for resetting hand-held device
12 so that it may be used again in a similar manner
during a future presentation. Such means may include
leaving indicia of a previous award reception on hand-
held device 12, such that a user may only redeem their
benefit a limited number of times or for a limited
duration. Hand-held device 12 may have a code on the
back such that a redemption center may verify that the
receiver of the benefits of device 12 was in fact
entitled to receive them and that device 12 has not been
modified to receive an unauthorized benefit.
It will be appreciated from the foregoing that
viewers using hand-held device 12 may be induced to watch
a presentation that they might otherwise net be so
inclined. The inducement may span a series of
commercials, causing users to watch presentation after
presentation, as during successive days or weeks. Also,
advertisers may make a better determination as to who has
been watching and paying attention to their commercials.
When users return or bring in hand-held device 12 to the
benefit redemption center, advertisers will have
knowledge of how many people actually took advantage of
the promotion. The hand-held device 12 not only induce
the viewer to watch a commercial, but also induces
viewers to visit a sponsor's place of business, point of
sale, or Internet website at which they may receive the
value indicated by hand-held device 12 indicated by a
visual display 20 such as the lights 20a, 20b, 20c,
and/cr 20d or a code displayed by LCD 44 of hand-held
device 12.
Another example of use of hand-held device 12 is as
follows: On a television broadcast, the announcer
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discloses last minute air fare specials indicating
available flight times and cost. The video signals are
modulated to contained auxiliary data with flight
information. interested users capture the auxiliary data
containing their selected flight opportunity. After
receiving the data, users may view the opportunity
directly on LCD 44 of the hand-held device 12, or
alternatively be provided with a special Internet link to
the opportunity. Users with Internet access may purchase
the opportunity directly, for which they may receive a
confirmation for the ticket purchased. Users without
network access may connect hard-held device 12 to a
computer with Internet access to access the airlines
Internee website, verifying the availability, the cost,
the flight information, and the restrictions to complete
their purchase. Alternatively, users may be required to
arrive a~ the airport on a first come first served basis
to complete their purchase and take their flight much as
a last minute stand-by passenger makes a ticket purchase.
There are various incentives for a user to watch a
sponsor's televised presentations including commercials,
which include amusement or information of value to the
user. For example, during eac:~: quarter of a game, a user
would view commercials to obtai:~ an indication of
participation by means of lights 20a, 20b, 20c, and/or
20d during the successive quarters. The user knows they
may take hand-held device 12 to a POS operated by the
sponsor and receive a prize for having watched. Common
advertising strategy for sponsors of major sport events,
such as "bowl" games, is to provide a presentation during
each auarter ef the came.
During nationally-televised "super" events such as
the well-known Super Bowl, World Series and "bowl" games,
increased viewer ratings induce advertisers to provide
impressive commercials to which. users will not only pay
attention but will also interact, watch, participate, and
be favorably impressed by such commercials. Hand-held
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devices 12 when used during such televised presentations
offer advertising sponsors an unparalleled opportunity
for promotional activity and for assuring audience
participation, as well as providing an exceedingly
effective methodology and means by which the percentage
of successful viewer watching and product/service
interest may be measured.
Multiple advertisers may use hand-held devices 12
for either the same event or for multiple events. For
example, if a commercial is presented during a television
show relative to a first sponsor's product 17 or service
(such as relating to automobiles) with which there is a
relation to a second sponsor ~? (such as bank providing
_inancing for the sale of those automobiles), hard-held
device 12 may be especially adapted by its resident
instruction set to be "co-branded," so as to respond to
bot:~: sponsor's presentations. The co-branded hand-held
device 12 may be used to provide special inducement such
as through a prize or other value upon presentation at a
bank, a dealer, or Internet website affiliated with or
sponsoring the commercial presentations. Many other co-
branding possibilities for hand-held devices 12 and their
usage will be evident.
FIG. 4 illustrates features of hand-held device i2,
including the provision of aiming light 24 on the face of
the hand-held device. Aiming light 24 is typically
included on embodiments of hand-held device 12 where
video signals are optically received by device 12, such
as ~o indicate that device 12 is positioned such that it
is capable of capturing video signals emanating from a
display device 10. When button 22 is pressed while the
leading edge 18 of hand-held device 12 is generally
oriented toward display device 10, received composite
video signals cause illumination of aiming light 24 to
indicate that video signals are being received. Aiming
light 24 illuminates for so long as data is being
received, for a predetermined period of time sufficient
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to indicate that hand-held device 12 is oriented or aimed
correctly, or for a long enough time period as to enable
the encoded signals to be received by device 12. Aiming
light 24 may be included on embodiments of hand-held
device 12 where the video signals are electrically
received to alert the user that auxiliary data is being
received through IR, RF, or the computer interface.
Referring to FIG. 5, the internal features of hand-
held device 12 are illustrated. They may be seen to
include a printed circuit board 26 having integrated
circuits 28 including push-button 22 and aiming light 24,
which may for example be a LED. The circuit board
includes at an appropriate location, an optional
photocell 30. Photocell 30 is appropriately oriented so
that it may receive light through a suitable aperture 36
(not shown) along leading edge 18 of hand-held device 12,
which aperture 36 may be at a location as shown in FIG.
3. The circuit is powered by one or more batteries 32 or
other suitable cells (not shown), intended to provide
sufficient power for operation of hand-held device 12 for
days, weeks, months, or years. Batteries 32 may be used
with other similar sources of portable power (not shown),
such as solar cells. It will be appreciated the
electronics of a PDA, cell phone, or other computer-like
device capable of processing auxiliary data as described
herein may contain significantly more electronics to
provide functions to herein described that to relate to
the other functions of hand-held device 12.
Three lights 20 are shown present on the circuit
board, and they make take the form of LEDs. However, as
will be understood from study of FIG. 14 the circuit may
include provision for more than three such lights. For
example, it may include circuits for energizing up to
nine LEDs.
Referring now to FIG. 6, an embodiment of the hand-
held device 12 devices is shown including the provision
for an LCD 44. LCD 44 may be a textual display
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consisting of 16 digits, but less or more display
capability may be provided, based on need and usage.
Alternate LCDs 44 capable of presenting the graphic
content in monochrome or color, however, are preferably
used.
Hand-held device 12 has an power button 38 which
when depressed will initiate operation of an LCD 44 to
display a coupon, a prize notification, or other
information indicating receipt by the device of auxiliary
data. For example, LCD 44 may used zo display a first
coupon in a circularly linked list of offers. Power
button 38 may also held to initiate receiving video
signals, or may be used for other display or control
purposes separately from button 22. Scroll button 40
allows a user to traverse, i.e. scroll, information
retained or received by hand-held device 12, for example,
the circularly linked list of offers received and stored
on the device 12. It will be appreciated that any of the
various buttons 22, 38, 40, or 42 may be implemented by
using other buttons with other functions on hand-held
device 12, such as the numbered buttons on the cell phone
or shortcut buttons on the PDA. It will furthermore be
appreciated that these buttons 22, 38, 40, or 42 may be
implemented via touch screen, such that there is no
physical button 22, 38, 40, or 42 on the device.
The expiration button 42, at any time while viewing
an offer, when pressed displays the expiration date of
the coupon value and when released shows the original
offer again, or alternatively switches between the
different displays. The expiration button 42 may display
the date of hand-held device's 12 expiration, after which
the device will no longer function or will have reduced
functionality. The expiration button 42 may display the
expiration of a program or function of the hand-held
device 12. The functions and programs of hand-held
device 12 may be reused until expiration, and such reuse
may include watching various games during a season,
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watching all quarters or periods of play, and watching
appropriate commercials.
As a further alternative, expiration button 42 when.
depressed or depressed in conjunction with other buttons
22, 38, or 40 may additionally display data information
about where hand-held device 12 was issued to the user,
where the user lives, a serial number, and other data
that a sponsor may desire. The displayed data may also
identify the holder of hand-held device 12 and may have a
number, personal identification number, or other data
personal to the holder, such as residential address. It
may be desirable or necessary to disclose to the user the
extent to which such personal information will be
collected by use of hand-held device 12.
Accordingly, when hand-held device 12 is used at a
redemption center, such as a point of sale, Internet
website, or restaurant operated by or on behalf of
sponsor 1?, a benefit may be received by the user.
Information about the user, based on data stored on the
device, may then made available to the sponsor, merchant
or other seller of product or service. In that way, the
sponsor 17, merchant or other seller of product or
service may learn about their customers, possibly adding
the user's name or address or additional! information
about the customer to a customer base.
Offers received by hand-held device 12 may be
indicated not just by illuminating the light signals 20,
but by textual information and graphics displayed on LCD
44. Auxiliary data may contain offers which includes
instructions or identification of the redemption
location. The text may otherwise identify the product or
discount or other coupon to be redeemed by the user. For
example, hand-held device 12 may be used in a mode in
which the device receives composite video signals which
trigger preprogrammed offers that already exist in a
linked list stored on the device 12.
After watching a commercial, auxiliary data causes
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hand-held device's 12 preprogrammed textual information
to indicate a product, discount, or other coupon
available until an expiration date. Hand-held device 12,
upon receipt of auxiliary data, retrieves the information
and makes the offer available to the user.
Alternatively, the information may be received by hand-
held device 12 during use and then decoded and displayed
on LCD 44 as well as being added to the linked list.
Hand-held device 12 is useful to store multiple
offers. Multiple offers may be from the same sponsor or
different sponsors 17. The received offers may be valid
for certain different amounts and for varying periods or
dates. The hand-held device 12 may also be able to store
previously received offers so as to indicate that a user
will not be able to reuse them, as for example in the
case of a prize or other one-time benefit.
Items displayed on LCD 44 are coupons which provide
offers, coupon values, validation for discounts or other
user benefits, such as prize merchandise identification
or location for redemption. When hand-held device 44 is
taken by the user to a redemption site, such as to the
sponsor 17, merchant or other seller of product or
service center, items stored on hand-held device 12 may
be cleared by an authorized procedure at the redemption
location, but alternatively the stored items or coupons
may be reused until an expiration date. The coupons may
contain the date the commercial originally ran, or the
date the coupon was received by hand-held device 12. In
other words, the auxiliary data may have an encoded date
stamp, or the hand-held device 12 may date stamp the
information received. The date information may inform
merchants or sponsors of the least er most effective
showings of their commercial.
It may also be desirable to purchase items from the
use of hand-held device 12. Hand-held device 12 may
store purchasing information, such as the numbers of one
or more credit cards. This feature may be used, for
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example, when hand-held device 12 is capable of receiving
multiple offers. After such an offer is downloaded to
hand-held device 12, the user connects the device to the
Internet by any of the methods described herein. The
user selects the offer, and selects to purchase the
discounted item. The stored credit card and shipping
information are transferred through the Internet to carry
out the transaction. Hand-held device 12 may also store
other data sufficient to make purchases, such as debit
card or online wallet service information.
FIG. 7 shows circuit features of the card embodiment
of hand-held device 12 without housing 14: LCD 44 is
evident, as also controls 38, 40 and 42, and a pair of
batteries 3~ are located at the right side of the circuit
l:~ board.
FIG. 8 shows a chart of an alternate embodiment of
hand-held device 12 having an input-output means
preferably in the form of a Personal Computer Memory Card
International Association (~~PCMCIA") interface, such as
may commonly be found on a laptop computer. PCMCIA
interface 70 connects with PCMCIA connector 72 to
transmit information to and from a computer or computer-
like device. Connections of PCMCIA interface 70 to a
computer are preferably made by a PCMCIA port, but the
connection means may alternatively be through other known
computer and computer-like slots, connections, and ports
such as Ethernet, Token Ring, infrared (~~IR"), RF, Small
Computer System Interface (~~SCSI";, Universal Serial Bus
("USB"), parallel port (~~Paraliel"), serial port
(~~Serial"), IEEE 1394 FireWire (~~FireWire"), S/PDIF,
AES/EBU, fiber optical cable, and Apple Desktop Bus
("ADB"). Hand-held device 12 may also utilize portable
data storage, such as flash memory, mini-disc, or stick
memory, to manually transfer information from hand-held
device 12 to a computer. The types of connections used
in various applications of hand-held device 12 vary based
on factors including cost, transfer speed, and acceptance
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by users and industry.
Hand-held device 12 while preferably connected when
applicable to a computer, may also be connected to
computer-like devices or other devices capable of
processing information transferred or executing functions
from an computer-interface device. These devices include
PDAs or other palm top PCs, cellular phones, and other
hand-held net-connected or computer-like devices. The
hand-held devices preferably have wireless Internet
access, which allows for instant Internet transactions
without utilizing a computer or computer-like device.
As with various other embodiments of hand-held
device 12, composite video signals are preferably
received by electrical means, shown herein shown as by an
RF antenna 68. The power and functionality of the hand-
held device are increased by additional RAM 51 connected
to the microprocessor 50. The power system of the hand-
held device, comprising battery 32, optional solar panel
33, and the power control 31 adequately provide the power
needed for processing and interfacing with the various
devices. Composite video signals may also be received
by photocell 30, herein shown as a photodetector 30a and
an optical receiver circuit 30b.
Preferably, the video signal is received
electrically from display device 10, the auxiliary data
is decoded, and transferred to hand-held device 12 by RF
means. Alternatively, the video signal received by the
device may be discriminated by the microprocessor 50 of
hand-held device 12. As a further alternative, hand-held
device 12 may receive the video signal by optical or
electrical means, and transfer the received data through
the PCMCIA interface 70. If the received data is
processed on a computer, the computer may act as a
discriminator, determining when auxiliary data is present
and handling it appropriately. The data also may be sent
back to hand-held device 12 for further processing,
promotion, or information opportunities. When the
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received data is not sent immediately through PCMCIA
interface 70, the data is processed as in other
embodiments described herein.
A preferable but optional visual response by LEDs 20
or LCD 44, promotional data may be available to the
user's computer upon connection cf PCMCIA interface 70
with the computer by the PCMCIA connector 72. Such
promotional data includes Internet website or addresses,
textual information and code, audit, and visual files.
Upon receiving the data either by RF antenna 68, optical
detector 30, cr by PCMCIA interface 70, hand-held device
12 may display an appropriate confirmatory message on LCD
44 or may otherwise notify the user of the reception o_-_
data.
An example of use of hand-held device 12 is as
follows: A store or sponsor ~~% issues a hand-held
device 12 to a child, or otherwise providing the child
with means to interact such as by providing a
downloadable program from an Internet website to be used
on a cell phone, PDA, or smart card. During cartoons or
at other times when children are likely to watch
television, a television program is displayed which
contains modulated video signals. The program advertises
a product sold by stores or created by a sponsor. The
children are instructed to use their hand-held device i2
to tell their parents what toy they want for their
birthday, holiday, or other special occasion. After
capturing the auxiliary data containing information or
product data, the children give hand-held device 12 to
their parents. The parents may then review the product
selected by the child, and purchase the product or
services directly if the device has Internet access. If
hand-held device 12 does not have Internet access, the
parents may connect the hand-held device 12 to their
computer with Internet access and purchase the toy or
toys directly from sponsor 17, online from an Internet
store, or from a store suggested by a representative of
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sponsor 17. The toy will then be shipped to the location
specified by the user, for which the information may be
preprogrammed by the user. If hand-held device 12 has
wireless Internet access and a stored credit card and
shipping information, the parents may simply enter an
approval code and purchase the product with little
effort. Alternatively, the parents may bring hand-held
device 12 into a store, er send it in to the store or
sponsor 17, so that the order can be processed and
1C fulfilled. Thus, parents may purchase the toys desired
by their children with minimum time and effort. It will
be apparent that hand-held device 12 could alternatively
be used in a manner similar tc a bridal registry, where
the selected objects are not purchased, but are instead
I5 listed online on a gift registry. Thus, people who
desire to purchase toys for the child will know what they
child wants.
Another example of a use of hand-held device 12 is
as a loyalty device which stores bonus points in the
2C memory of device 12 and/or at a remote location such as a
central computer. Hand-held device 12 stores bonus
points for television shows or movies watched containing
auxiliary data with bonus point values. Shows may
rectuire the user to obtain the auxiliary data at the
25 beginning, during, at the end, multiple times during tine
show to receive the bonus points for watching the show.
Users may receive additional bonus points by purchasing
VHS or DVD movies, movie theater tickets, or merchandise.
Users may receive additional bonus points by visiting
30 the sponsors' Internet websites, and even more for
exploring their website and making online purchases.
Users may receive even more points by responding to
quizzes, questions, and surveys after television shows or
movies. Users may interact by using hand-held device 12
35 to select their answer, and either upload their answer
through the Internet, or verifying their answer upon
review at a store. Users may earn additional bonus
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points by trying out specific restaurants related to the
sponsor or, if at an amusement park, for rides and shows
sponsored by the sponsor. Thus, users have various
opportunities to amass bonus points from many various
sources by a sponsor or groups of sponsors.
FIG. 9 is another embodiment of the hand-held device
12 with an input output interface in the form of a PCMCIA
interface 70 and docking station 76 as shown. The
docking station 76 may receive discriminated auxiliary
data or composite video signals and transfer it to hand-
held device 12 by PCMCIA interface 70. Alternatively,
docking station 76 may contain optics, which may be used
to optically detect the video signal from a display
device 10. Then either the entire video signal may be
transferred to hand-held device 12 so that device 12 can
discriminate the auxiliary data, or the docking station
76 itself can discriminate the auxiliary data and
transmit the auxiliary data to the device. The data may
then be transmitted to hand-held device 12 by IR, RF, or
by PCMCIA interface 70.
Docking station 76 may charge the battery 22 by its
battery charging control 80. Docking station 76 may
implement various device functions and advanced device
functions by controlling hand-held device's 76
microprocessor 50 through the interface drive 78.
The hand-held device 12 in FIG. 10A may be termed a
camera card 12C, as it is similar to other devices 12
described herein, yet configured to simulate and suggest
to the user the appearance of a small snapshot-type
camera.
Camera card 12C includes housing 14 in the shape of
a small camera, and a lens or lens simulation 36
suggesting use of the camera-like hand-held device just
as a user would use a snapshot camera, to take a
"picture" of the display device 10. Camera card 12C
includes a simulated lens 46 either imprinted, embossed,
molded, or otherwise extending slightly above the surface
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of a camera-like housing 14 so as to present a more
realistic simulation of a camera lens. The data-
receiving photocell 30, when present, collects
information in the same manner as previous embodiments
using optical detection, and may be located behind
simulated lens 46 or beneath a suitable aperture 36.
Button 22 when depressed and released simulates the
shutter of a camera. Thus, it causes camera card 12C to
receive either composite video signals or auxiliary data
(depending upon the method as described above) until such
collection is complete, thus the user simulates taking a
snapshot or picture.
A viewfinder 49 is provided ;~~ the form of an
aperture extending through housinc i4, suggesting that a
user aim at display device 10 through viewfinder 49 as
they would on a real camera. Viewfinder 49 need not have
any special accuracy or lenses, as its primary purpose is
to simulate the look and feel of a camera. Camera card
12C will operate properly when its surface containing
photosensor 30 is oriented toward display device 10, and
its orientation need not be precise in the sense of a
camera but only approximately directed toward the source
of video signals. Photosensor 30 may be positioned
behind lens simulation 46 or elsewhere for suitable
sensitivity to video signals emanating from display
device 10:
Other nonfunctional decorations (not shown) may be
provided with camera card 12C to make further suggest to
the user that they are taking a picture. Examples of
such include a wrist strap attached to the camera, a
camera case, an audio transducer in the circuitry of the
camera card to make a clicking sound, or a flash.
FIG. lOb shows the reverse face or side of camera
card 12C. It has controls and display features similar
to those shown in FIG. 6. A difference is that enabling
button 22 may be located along a top surface or edge of
the camera. Camera card 12C is intended to allow users
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to better conceptualize the process of receiving
composite video signals from a display device 10. Use of
camera card 12C may also provide other unique and fun
opportunities such as pretending to take pictures and
receiving such offers as previously stated.
FIG. 11A is the front of another version of the
interactive hand-held device that may be termed a racing
card 12R. On the front of racing card 12R is simulated
lens 46, of a size smaller size than that of the camera
card 12C, enabling more promotional information to appear
on the front of card 12C. The promotional information
may show or describe the racer or event(s)-that the card
can be used for or otherwise promote holder usage.
FIG. 11B shows the reverse face or side of racing
card 12R. It has controls and display features similar
to those shown in FIG. 6. A difference is that the
enabling button 22 may be located along a top surface or
edge of racing card 12R. Racing card 12R is configured
to allow users to better conceptualize the process of
optically receiving composite video signals from display
device 10. The racing card 12R may also provide other
unique and fun opportunities to the user such as
receiving driving statistics and various offers and
information. as previously stated.
FIG. 11C shows the front side, i.e., user-opposite
surface, of racing card 12R, with the user preparing to
receive composite video signals by means of card 12R, and
where the user is aiming card 12R toward display device
10, by sighting through viewfinder 49. The racing card
12R has control and display features like those
illustrated in FiG. 11B or 11A.
As racing card 12R is used, auxiliary data may be
received which may either update or replace that which is
stored in memory of the card. Also, as scroll button 40
is depressed, more data than that displayed by LCD 44 may
scroll across. For example, racing card 12R may have
stored within its memory information about a race, a
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racer, or other information relative to the event. It
may include, for example, previous performances, standing
of the racer, and biographical information. To provide a
suggestion of the use of the racing card 44 and to
enhance its attractiveness for users, especially young
users, a reproduction of a racing car steering wheel and
instrument grouping may appear on the surface ef the
card, adjacent the LCD 44, as shown.
Turning to FIG. 13, a version of hand-held device 12
which may be termed a "sports" device 12S is shown. It
includes housing 14 which is provided with front surface
16 which may include a visual field 54 fo r bearing the
image of a sports contestant. In addition, a LCD 44 is
provided together with button 22 which allows the user to
initiate operation of hand-held device 12, preferably
with an RF antenna 68 oriented for receiving RF signals,
or alternatively for optically receiving composite video
signals, such as by holding hand-held device 12 so that
leading edge 18 is generally towards display device 10
presenting a program relating to the sports celebrity or
other person depicted on display device 10.
Update button 56 is pressed when user desires to
obtain some current information, such as the current
statistics of the player depicted on sports device 12S.
In operation, sports device 12S may be designed to
receive only information relating to the player depicted
on the device 12S, update that player's statistics, or
add to information about the player already stored in
memory of the device, any of which may then be scrolled
across LCD 44 by pressing scroll button 40.
Use of sports device 12S is as follows: display
device 10 near the user presents a professional sporting
event, such as a baseball game. When the sporting
event's participant becomes the focus of attention, such
as a professional baseball player coming to bat, button
22 may be actuated. An aiming light 24, if present, may
illuminate, or instead LCD 44 may initiate a readout of
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its newly received statistics associated with the
depicted player. For example, the readout may identify
his name, his batting average, the number of home runs
hit, games played, number of times at bat, and his runs
batted-in average and number of stolen bases, with the
statistics updated each time such a player is at bat.
The statistics may be sent to a computer through an
interface (as described above).
A memory of sports device 12S may include such
statistics in a non-volatile from which the device 12S is
enabled to update the statistics each time the player
comes to bat. Auxiliary data associated with an at-bat
occurrence received by the sports device may contain
information associated with the player, such as his
current statistics. As play continues, received
auxiliary data may include updates for those statistics
based upon the experience of the player at bat. The
information is stored in a circularly linked list of data
and may include various statistics from different games
that the player has played in, various statistics over
multiple years for this player; or if this device 12S is
for use in watching an entire team, for instance when
sponsored by the owner of the team, it may contain
different information. o:~: various members of the team.
For example, as a celebrity batter is taking his
turn during a baseball game, the television viewer
directs his sports device i2S at display device 10 to
receive composite video signals, or preferably configures
his device so he may electrically receive the auxiliary
data. In both cases, the viewer receives real time
statistics about his favorite athlete during the telecast
via his interactive sports device. Additionally, the
user of a sports device 12S at a live sporting event may
receive information without the use of a display device
10 , such as by RF or IR. Thus, sports fans may get live
statistics and trivia through their hand-held device 12
while they watch the game live. Therefore, fans with
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obstructed views or sports fanatics may obtain additional
information and have fun while enjoying a live sporting
event. The information received by the sports device 12S
may take many forms including, as noted, statistics such
as batting average, home runs, or other personalized
information about the player that is stored in the device
for future reference or updating. An example of such
presentation is shown in FIG. 13B. The stored
information may then conveniently displayed on the LCD 44
for the device holder by the push of scroll button 40 or
update button 56, or otherwise transferred through a
PCMCIA interface 70 to a computer.
Because sports device 12S enables users and owners
to trade the devices 12S among themselves, devices 12S
takes on a special value and enhances its worth as it is
used. As the sports device 12S acquires data and is
updated by use during televised play, the device 12S
becomes increasingly more valuable and attractive to
acquire. The sports device 12S may be of a design
resembling a baseball card and may be traded for other
devices 12S. In addition, the sports device 12S may be
equipped to retain a permanent serial number or edition
number, or other information giving the hand-held device
unique identity or value and thereby becoming a valuable
collectible. Optionally, the sports device 12S may be
connected via an interface such as IR or RF to transfer
stored information to another device capable of receiving
those results. The sports device 12S may therefore be
used in rotisserie opportunities.
In addition, the sports device 12S may provide
capability for certain permanent characteristic
information, such as the batter's name, team, previous
teams, and other characteristics, personal data, and
additional data that may become permanent based on
received statistics and information. Such characteristic
information may be called to LCD 44 or otherwise
transferred to, received by, and displayed on a computer.
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Sports device 12S may be used for coupon indicating
and redemption purposes. During play, other information
such as a trivia game or quiz may be received by the
sports device where the answer will be revealed later,
such as during the course of the game, at the end of the
game, during half-time, or at any other appropriate time
during play. A game may be part of a promotion wherein a
user selects the answer and purges the remainder of the
stored data, then takes the device to a benefit store or
other redemption site during the course of the next week,
and has the possibility of receiving some kind of
discount or prize based upon the answer selected. Such a
game could be part of a "guess today's attendance" at a
professional baseball game during seventh inning stretch.
Use of sports device 12S in connection with a
baseball game is merely illustrative. Other sports in
which players have statistics which change during play,
over a year, or which may include information unique to
the player, such as hometown or previous teams, may
similarly be downloaded or conveyed by the device.
Sports device 12S may also be used in connection with
concerts and other special presentations, when televised
or appropriately presented. Users are able to acquire
useful informatics about the concert or special
presentation, such as the names of performers, set lists,
the venue location and history, and related Internet
addresses. Persons with hearing impairments may receive
real time text of live speeches on their hand-held device
auxiliary data transmitted by RF is received on the
device. Thus, an alternate version of the sports device
12S may be used to receive information relating to
monuments, buildings, cars, animals, etc. during the
course of a live or video presentation, wherein the
transmission to the device may be received and contains
auxiliary data.
An alternate version of the sports is a hand-held
device that may be termed a "gaming" device. The gaming
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device, similarly to the sports device, encourages users
to interact with video broadcasts of sport events.
However, in this embodiment, users viewing a televised
live sporting event utilize their gaming device to
predict future actions by a selected player or team to
amass points in competition with other users.
For example, two baseball teams compete in a game
featuring live modulation of auxiliary data. A sponsor
or various sponsors distribute gaming devices to various
participants prior to the start of the game. Users
predict each pitch to be thrown for selected batters,
pitchers, or teams, using a number code or viewing and
selecting from the touch screen display for each pitch.
Alternatively or additionally, pitching results (i.e.,
balls or strikes), hitting results (i.e., strikeouts,
walks, hits, home runs, etc.), runs per inning, or other
calculable statistics may be selected prior to
occurrence. Correctly guessing the occurrence earns
points, which accumulate in the memory of the device.
Following the game, the device users may submit their
hand-held devices either at a collection location or
through an Internet connection and submit or upload their
scores. The user with the highest point total wins a
large prize or discount, with various consultation prizes
alternatively available. The predictions may take place
for one particular batter, in one particular inning, or
for one particular team. Gaming devices may also be used
in a similar manner to predict and play other events such
as basketball, hockey, and football.
Another example of use of the device is as follows:
The user watches a trivia game show, such as the
television show 'Who Wants to a Millionaire?" The user
may able to play long, by utilizing their hand-held
device. The question is downloaded and received by the
hand-held device, either during the broadcast or prior to
the broadcast, by the methods described herein. The
questions are synched to the display device, thus when
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the display device first presents the questions, the
encoded data will trigger the hand-held device to display
the question and possible answers. The user chooses the
correct answer, or places the answer in order in a timely
manner, or must otherwise comply with the rules of trivia
game request in a similar manner of the contestants. The
user may than receive points or credit for the correct or
timely answer based on factors, which may include number
of other at home users who answer correctly, or speed of
answer. The percentage of at home viewers either
nationwide, local, or by other area may be displayed in
real or delayed time either on the display device,
Internet website, or on the hand-held device. Thus,
users may achieve regional or national rakings based on
their performance. The final results from the various
games may be stored at a central database. Users who
score high may receive recognition, a prize, or an option
to play a future game.
Another example of use of the hand-held device is as
follows: The user takes there hand-held device and
appropriately configures it to receive modulated video
from a display device. Upon watching an event, such as
the "Grammys", performers appears on the screen and
performs their song. The users is notified that an
interactive opportunity is available, either through
their display device or their hand-held device. This may
occurs as the modulated video triggers a graphic
rendering unit in a decoder box, thus creating an icon
appearing on display device. (Therefore not appearing on
the display device of people who do not have such as
unit.) The hand-held device provides the user with an
opportunity to purchase the song or the album on which it
appears. The money for the purchase can be through
online automation or a third-party Internet website, or
may be entered or taken from the website. Or, if the
user so desires, an order requiring final approval and
payment information can be sent to the user's selected e-
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mail address. The user can purchase the music in the
following manners directly, through a third party's
website such as the affiliate program at ~~CDNow", or may
come directly from the manufacturer. Otherwise, a link
for the special purchase can be sent to the user's
regular e-mail address. Bonus cr additional rewards may
be sent such as a bonus disc with previously unreleased
material, live songs or videos, or might include a
product discount. Alternatively, the user may have the
song sent in appropriate digital format to their e-mail
account or the selected song could become available for a
period of time at a website for the user to download.
Finally, the song could become part of : list that when
full to the length of a CD is automatically created and
sent to the user. It will be appreciate that this method
of purchasing can be used with any manner of products
sold (such as jewelry on the '~QVC network"), or in ether
fields (such as movies).
The hotel card 12H is yet another embodiment of the
card with the functions of a sophisticated hotel room
key. The hotel card works with a smart card reader lock
system, allowing guests of a hotel to enter and exit
rooms, such as a guest's hotel room, garage, or pool
area. The hotel card can allow similar access by an
optional magnetic strip located on the exterior of the
enclosure.
Upon hotel check-in, guests are given a hotel card
to use throughout their stay. Hotels and hotel chains
may alternatively issue permanent hotel cards to frequent
guests and initiate hotels stay with room access on the
user's card at check-in. A child's version of the hotel
card can be provided upon check-in, to allow children
restricted access to hotel facilities and special
promotional benefits available only to children.
Once a guest receives the hotel card, the card can
be used to enter the guest's room and other hotel
facilities. The guest user can also use the hotel card
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as a charge card, charging products and services
internally, such as dinners at the hotel's internal
restaurant, gifts at a gift shop, or snacks from a
vending machine. The incurred charges will be recorded
on the hotel card, appearing on the user's bill at check
out.
Coupons, benefits, or information can be loaded onto
the hotel card at check-in and at other desirable times
and places, such as the beginning of the each day at the
hotel's front desk. Using a smart card writer, the hotel
cards can be loaded with opportunities for use or
redemption over a limited amount of time. These
opportunities or coupons may be discounts for local
attractions, cash equivalents such as gift certificates
for use at particular local attractions such as a
restaurants, information on special pricing, or
additional access privileges. The card may also load the
guest's hotel preferences, including room type and
preferred activities.
The hotel rooms may optionally provide
reader/writers in the hotel card user's room. Data is
written to the smart card as a result of the electronic
deccding performed by the docking station. The docking
station can also read the data from the card, and
transmit the information to a central computer preferably
by a network line or otherwise by a telephone line.
Alternatively, the reader/writer can be in the form of a
remote control, acting as a cradle when the card is
properly inserted. IR sends data back and forth to and
from a networked docking station and remote control.
The reader/writer reads stored data off of the hotel
cards, and displays relevant information on the
television in the guest's room. Such information may
include the total from the purchases using the card,
combined with room costs to generate the hotel bill to
date. The guest can also purchase items through use of
the hotel card and an appropriately connected docking
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station for items such as tickets to a local attraction
or additional hotel services. An alternative means of
reading and writing to the card is through use of a
computer and computer interface on the card, as described
above.
Guests can obtain additional coupons by viewing
television programs modulated with auxiliary data. Such
data may be optically received directly to the card,
electronically received by the docking station, or
1C received through a computer interface. The information
received by the card typically relates to special
discounts as well as information about area attractions.
Television stations or the hotel itself can modulated
the television signals to limit the viewers capable of
receiving the signal. Thus, only visitors having the
specialized hotel cards can receive the special discount.
The hotel cards can be used as credit cards, and
optionally contain a charge limit along with information
as to where the card can be used to buy items and then
charge them to the hotel room. Thus, businesses outside
of the hotel can enact purchase transactions on the hotel
care, which are added to the users bill. The charge
limi:. many optionally varies based on guest stay
frequency, charge history, or credit history.
The hotel or other sponsor may allow the user to
collect bonus points by use of the hotel card. Permanent
hotel cards store a running total of bonus points, with
optional frequent back ups of the point total to a
central computer through properly connected
reader/writers. Alternatively, upon each stay the hotel
card can be loaded with bonus points earned from previous
visits and stored on a central computer. Bonus points
can be awarded per stay and per night, or based on other
purchases made with the hotel card. Additional bonus
points may be earned by visiting local attractions.
Bonus points may be redeemed for a gift, discounts, free
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meals, room upgrades, a free night's stay, or converted
to airline frequent flyer miles.
Agreements with local attractions provide additional
means for user advertising. Indicia o= various
agreements and sponsorships may be visible on the card's
enclosure. Various offers and information on attractions
may be encoded on the hotel card. All purchase
transactions are logged, and the appropriate charges
occur when the guests checks out. The hote'~ can charge a
flat fee or percentage for these promotional activities.
Guests have incentives to use their hotel card and
visit attractions encouraged by the card. Guests eat at
a suggested local restaurant, receiving a discount on the
meal, paying by the use of the hotel card, and receiving
bonus points. For example, a local restaurant may have a
buy one get one free coupon loaded on to the card ,so the
guest is more likely to go to that restaurant than a
competitor without a coupon. The guest car, then visit a
major attraction and get bonus points for various
suggested activities that they do or items that they buy,
for which the purchases can be made thrcugh the hotel
card. Attractions that wish to honor hotel card
promotions should have a reader/writer and a dial-up or
network connection to the central computer if a purchase
is possible at the attraction. However, accumulating
bonus points can be performed by simple write
transactions on the card, so that the points are stored
on the card and are not immediately transferred to the
hotel's computer.
At checkout time, the guest's account is cleared out
and paid. Guests, i~ desired, can have an ~~express check
out" such that they do not need to sign a bill, but
simply swipe their hotel card across a reader with a
connection to the billing center. The hotel card is
either returned to the hotel for resetting for future
clientele, is disposable, or is made inoperable until the
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guest's future check-in. Before clearing the card, bonus
points and information regarding purchases and uses may
be stored in the hotel's computer. On the next stay, the
user's bonus points will again be accessible.
Alternatively, a third party or clearinghouse may set up
the coupons and distribute the cards. The hotel would
then get a percentage of the overall value of the
transactions or a sales commission.
Interactive hand-held devices specially configured
for conventioneers (or conference attendees) may be
aermed a "convention" device. Convention devices permit
conventioneers to capture information about various
demonstrators and companies by viewing various booths or
video presentations and capturing information or
opportunities to the device. Information is captured
from the reception of auxiliary data, as is described
herein. If the demonstrators so desire, the
conventioneers may receive coupons on their convention
device for discounts or free gifts from visiting the
demonstrators' booths. The coupons are redeemed by
visiting the demonstrator's store or Internet website.
Another valuable manner in which the devices may be
used is to receive auxiliary data at a convention, show,
or other any other type of special event, and then
offering users opportunities to receive useful
information at the special event. For example, a user
may watch a video presentation in a convenient location,
such as a hotel room, about an upcoming convention. The
presentation may show booths, locations or special offers
at the convention. As the user sees one of these booths,
locations or special offers, the user selectively uses
the hand-held device, by pressing its operating button 22
or equivalently initiating control, to cause the device
to receive auxiliary data (as described above) which
identify these booths, locations or special offers.
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Then, the user may visit the convention premises,
operating the scroll button of the hand-held device to
display the booths, locations, map of the premises, or
special offers conveniently and helpfully as the user
goes about the convention.
The convention devices may be presented to the
conventioneers with their name and address preloaded, so
that the devices may be conveniently read at each
convention booth. The convention devices may also
provide conventioneer information to the sponsor when
used at their store or Internet website.
Before or during the convention, conventioneers may
watch television in their hotels rooms or in a common
area to learn about the companies that wile be presenting
or have booths at the convention. The conventioneers may
selectively receive information or coupons from the
demonstrators by optical or electrical methods. Users
may receive information such as booth numbers and
locations, and as well as opportunities for discounts
that may be used during the convention.
Another embodiment of the convention device may be
referred to as the "museum" device 12M. Museum device
12M allows visitors to track areas cr exhibits at a
museum. Embodiments of the device may have LEDs 20, to
signify receipt of auxiliary data from any of the sources
described above. Such a museum device 12M may be used by
a schoolteacher to verify that students have visited
specific exhibits at a museum or museums that have video
demonstrations or otherwise send data through RF.
The museum device's 12M LCD 44 may further direct
the device's user. The user is provided with
instructions on the location ef the next exhibit, time
left in the museum before closing or before user's groups
departing, redeemable coupons for the museum's gift shop,
or other information relevant to the exhibit or museum.
Museum device 12M is usable at a series of
locations, such that users obtain indicia or information
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from each location. Museum device 12M may be used in
activities such as ~~scavenger hunt", where users must
obtain the proper information or indicia from each
location to win or complete a game or activity.
In FIG. 14 a schematic circuit diagram of one form
of circuitry that may be used to provide the features and
functions of the several embodiments described herein,
elements are identified by their conventional numerology
conventional characters proximate of the elements.
Optional photosensor 30 is seen to be constituted by a
photodiode or phototransistor Q2 which provides the
signal tc amplification and filter circuit consisting of
an operational amplifier UlA including a circuit
oonsisting of the components of C1, R19, R13 and C12
interconnected between the output and the inverting input
of operational amplifier UlA, and so providing an
amplifier and filter. Thus amplifier and filter signal
is provided through R15 to a filter and frequency shaping
circuit comprising of an operation amplifier U1B having
in its feedback circuit the components C10, C11 and R16.
These circuits provide a filtered, frequency-shaped
output through a resistor R5 through a circuit consisting
of operational amplifier UiC and resistor R11.
Operational amplifier U1C has an output couoied to a
diode pair D11 which thus provides a pair of outputs, the
upper to a circuit comprising an operational amplifier
U1D, providing in effect a buffer whose output is a data
signal delivered through a resistor R20, and the lower of
the diodes D11 providing a signal through a resistor R1
to a further resistor R7, across which is a capacitor C3.
The node between resistors R1 and R7 provides l6kHz
signal that is of the horizontal line scan rate or
frequency television display optical signals received by
photosensor 30 (Q2). The horizontal scan frequency of
conventional NTSC color signals is, more precisely,
15.625kHz. (approximately l6kHz, as here described).
Similarly, the discriminator circuitry provides at the
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output of operational amplifier U1D an 8kHz signal
representative of the auxiliary data received, as
produced by alternate-line luminance modulation of the
display. The discriminator circuit thus described
provides both the l6kHz and 8kHz (more precisely,
7.8175kHz), which constitutes the actual data, and
determines whether the 8kHz data carrying the information
(data) content of the received auxiliary data is present
by determining whether average signal magnitude of the
l6kHz or 8kHz signals is greater, so that if auxiliary
data is present, i.e., there is 8kHz modulation energy in
the received light signals, they are provided to a
microprocessor of the U2 cf the circuit for decoding the
information content within the 8kHz signal. Thus, the
received composite video signal is amplified and filtered
to de-emphasize the l6kHz signal and retrieve the 8kHz
signal carrying the data. I.e., wave shaping and
frequency shaping filter circuits provided by operational
amplifiers UlA & U1B de-emphasize the horizontal retrace
frequency and amplify the half-frame rate carrying the
data content of interest. The circuits filter the frame
rate signal and use it as a reference to compare its
relative signal magnitude against the 8 kHz data-carrying
signal. If the retrieved 8 kHz signal is of greater
magnitude than the conditioned 16 kHz signal, auxiliary
data is present and may be utilized by the processor.
Microprocessor U2 is preferably of commercially available
type 286E02, and operates according to machine
instructions stored in its resident ROM memory.
Flowcharts of the functions performed by the machine
instructions are set forth in the appendix. Although not
separately shown microprocessor U8 includes random-access
memory (RAM or DRAM) in which decoded data is stored.
Thus, microprocessor U2 is to decode and store, or store
indication of, the data present in the 8kHz signal, as by
illuminating one of more of the LEDs and causing them to
remain on as evidence or indication of the data,
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substantially in accordance with the teachings of
Broughton, and to drive displays of the device and/or its
LEDs or other signal devices, as well as to provide any
audio function, as well as also to energize an aiming
LED7 when auxiliary data is present. So also, if
desired, a signal may be driven by Ul in response to the
presence of the auxiliary data, thus providing an aiming
light function indicating, in simple effect, that the
hand-held device is receiving composite video signals.
For providing illumination of lights 20 or 20a-20d
described above in connection with the various
embodiments, shown here are nine LEDs D9-D18. It will be
understood that not all of these LEDs need be used for a
specific embodiment of hand-held device 12. That is, the
circuit may be configured so as to drive one, two or
three or more of the LEDs as according to the desired
function and use of the device.
Shown adjacent microprocessor U2 are two diodes D15
and D20 which are used to bypass any noise generated from
the microprocessor. The speaker SPKl is element 34 shown
in FIG. 5. A clock crystal XTALl provides 8MHz clock
signal to microprocessor U2. Capacitors C8 and C9 are
part of the clock circuit.
Immediately adjacent the clock circuit is a switch
S1 to provide the function of button 22 in the several
embodiments for initiating operation of the device.
Switch S1 is tied to a power supply circuit comprising
power cells a resistor 14, V2 and V3 (each of 1.5v
potential;, and a resistor 14, and including a switched
analog power circuit comprising a transistor Q1 and
resistors 12 and 13 which enable power to be provided to
the array of LEDs D8-D18.
Referring to FIG. 14 there is FIG. 15 another
version of circuitry invention is shown which may be used
to provide still other embodiments of the hand-held
devices of the invention. It includes a microprocessor
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U2 which may of commercially available type 286X08. It
is similarly provided with 8kHz and l6kHz signals (more
precisely 15.635kHz and 7.8175kHz; which respectively
constitute the horizontal retrace signal and the data
signal at half of that frequency, since the auxiliary
data encoded on alternate horizontal lines and so is
effectively present at only half the horizontal scan
rate, as explained above. These signals are identified
as VEILA and VEIL REF that are provided as inputs to
microprocessor U2. Therefore, it will be understood that
operational amplifier circuits consisting of operational
amplifiers UlA, U1B, U1C and U1D provide the same
functions of amplification, Filtration, frequency shaping
and discrimination, as well as buffer circuits described
in FIG. 14. The microprocessor, clocked by crystal X1 at
8MHz, decodes the data provided by the composite video
signal, stores it in internal RAM or DRAM and drives an
LCD 44 illustrated as circuit component LCD1 which may
be, as shown, a 16-character by 2-line display. It may
instead be a 12-character by 3-line display, for example,
or other format appropriate for the display message to be
presented at the surface of the device.
Power for the circuit is provided by two cells BT1
and BT2 of 3 volt potential to a circuit including Q2 to
provide not only main power by auxiliary power, the later
being delivered to the microprocessor for maintaining its
continued operation, such as for date and time keeping
even when the display is not being operated and
collectively referred to as battery 22. A switch Sl is
provided for performing the function of power button 38
(as shown in FIG. 6) in the several embodiments and, when
pressed, enables power to be provided to the LCDl and
other switching functions may be provided by switches S2,
which controls scrolling of the LCD 44, and switch S2 may
be actuated by scroll button 40 shown in FIG. lOB.
Similarly a switch S3 provides a date function that may
be actuated by expiration button 42 shown in FIG. lOB.
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These signals control inputs to operational amplifiers
U3A and U3D, respectively, and these are provided as
inputs to the operational amplifier and also to LCD1.
The clear switch will, when operated as described above
clause clearing of the date, and the scroll switch
enables the user to cause the message across the LCD 44
as that in FIG. 6. Operational amplifiers U3C and U3B
provide voltages useful according to the connection
illustrated.
The circuit embodiments shown are used in
conjunction with a method for producing a composite video
signal containing video program material and control
data, and displaying the signal on a television and
decoding such control data for ancillary use, wherein the
method includes modulating at least one video field
within. the viewing area of a television in such manner
that the modulation is substantially invisible to the
television viewer, thereby producing a video subcarrier
component of the signal (which is as indicated detectable
at an 8kHz rate) containing the data; and detecting the
component to reproduce the data for the ancillary use.
Although luminance modulation is particularly useful for
that purpose when using hand-held devices in accordance
with the invention, ch rominance modulation may instead be
employed as according to Broughton. Furthermore, the
improvements in modulation described in Ciardullo may
likewise be used. Various alternative modulation (and
corresponding modulation) schemes may be employed as
alternatives, including (but not limited to) amplitude
shift keying (ASK), frequency shift keying (FSK) modified
frequency shift keying (MFSK), and phase shift keying
(PSK). And although the substantially 8kHz data-carrying
submodulation is at half the NTSC horizontal scan rate,
other submodulation techniques may be used at other
multiples or submultipies or other periodic rates which
are other functions of the horizontal scan (retrace)
rate.
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FIG. 16 is a block diagram of circuitry of yet
another possible embodiment of the interactive hand-held
devices, designated 12F, which shows discriminator and
microprocessor circuits 50 which are in accordance with
FIGS. 14 or 15, and receiving composite video signals by
photosensor 30 so as to decode the auxiliary data and
provide either light signals as described above, or,
preferably, to drive LCD 44 according to the foregoing
description. Thus, it includes an update or initiating
button 22, as according to the sports device 12S. In
addition, an FM receiver 62 and associated antenna 64 may
be provided as a surface-mount module added to the
crinted circuit board of the device. FM receiver 62 and
associated antenna 64 may be of commerciall~,~ available
design, suitable for being powered by battery 22 or cells
(not shown) provided in accordance wit~~: the foregoing
description of various embodiments. Control button 66
may optionally initiate operation of FM receiver 52 so
that it sends FM-demodulated signals to the discriminator
and microprocessor circuits 60 that may be configured to
respond accordingly either to photosensor 30 or to FM
receiver 62 according to whether update button 56 is
pressed. The FM receiver 62 alternatively be any type of
RF antenna that is of the size and accordance with the
invention, such that the discrimination may take place on
a decoder; and the results are sent to the hand-held
device 12 via RF.
Hand-held device 12F may be sports device operating
otherwise according to version 12S described in relation
to FIG. 13, but the addition of FM receiver 62 gives the
new device the capability of being used in sports
stadiums and other performance venues where video signals
are not available. Thus, the device 12 may receive
either optical signals or electrical signals. In the
case of a sports device according to FIG. 13, the user
may as described above receive statistics about a player
depicted on the device, or about a player at bat.
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According to a preferred method of using device 12F, the
same auxiliary information as would be transmitted via a
television broadcast for being received on a display
device 10, there to be displayed as composite video
signals, is in addition transmitted by low-power FM
signals in the FM broadcast band of 88-108 MHz. For this
purpose, FM receiver 62 may be pretuned to an appropriate
frequency for such low-power signals. The FM signals may
include batter statistics, for example, as batters come
to bat, so that holders of the new devices 12F may update
their devices as their preferred batters come to bat.
Hand-held devices 12 may have use in various sports
events, entertainment presentation, conventions, museums,
tours, and guided events at which holders of devices
might not conveniently use them while in the presence of
a television display carrying auxiliary data, but where
the location in which the devices will be used will
permit low-power FM or other RF signals. Other
commercially significant usage of the devices of FIG. 14
can be made, similar to the methods of using the
previously described versions. Similarly, devices of the
invention may be adapted to receive AM signals, or
auxiliary light signals such as IR (infrared) light
signals, different from the composite video signals.
Similarly, hand-held devices 12 of the invention,
whether or not sized as "cards", PDAs, or cell phones or
other conveniently hand-held size, and whether in the
form of racing devices, may simulate other objects,
vehicles, personalities, or devices fer house-hold,
personal or business use, so as to provide a
verisimilitude or facsimile representation of such
devices or usage, so that the hand-held device suggests
to the user the manner of its use, or conveys to the
users special feeling, sense, identity cr association
with a field, activity, sport, entertainment or other use
of the device it represents. In games, for example, in
which some or all of the information content useful in
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the game may be provided by auxiliary data, hand-held
devices of the invention configured to provide a
verisimilitude or facsimile representation of such
devices or usage may give players of the game enhanced
sense of play, participation or gaming identity. The
foregoing are merely illustrative of the many
possibilities.
When used in a system for deriving benefit from
encoded data including means for producing video signals
modulated with auxiliary data, such as by providing
commercially sponsored television programming including
auxiliary data, new hand-held devices of the invention.
have special impact for television response, advertisi:~~
and promotions, as the new system and devices are usefu,~
in providing, among others, the following commercially
advantageous results when they are distributed to viewers
and used by viewers to receive auxiliary data transmitted
with normal programming content, which may include
advertising, promotions and other sponsored transmission.
A method for card redemption is described in the
context of an optically loaded card, however, such a
method could also be employed with other cards that have
coupon redemption requirements. The components cf an
electronic couponing card which support the method for
card and value redemption include:
1.) LCD or other human readable method to display
data.
2.) On board computation to sequence the logic
defined below.
3.) A method to load "electronic coupon"
information onto a card.
4.) Buttons or other method (such as a touch
screen) to sequence through the coupons loaded on
the card.
5.) Button or other method (such as a touch screen)
to put the card in "redeem" mode.
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6.) Laser detection hardware described below.
Presently, most POS systems use a computerized cash
register tied to inventory management software and bar
code scanning hardware. One embodiment of a method of
using an electronic coupon card and existing hardware and
software located at a POS for electronic coupon
redemption is described in the following steps:
l.) Coupon data is encoded onto a video signal, e.g.
television signal. The encoded data would also
contain additional text describing the coupon
along with a numeric code to be entered at the
POS.
2.) The user points the mufti-use card a- the
television screen when the television signal
containing the coupon data is airing. The
electronic coupon data is then captured by the
card by optically receiving the data that is
presented on the display. The coupon data could
also be captured with methods other than optical
detection, including but not limited to radio
frequency (RF) or hard-wired electronic data
transfer.
3.) After capturing the electronic coupon data, the
user can then view coupon information such as
requirements, valid dates, valid POS locations,
etc. on the LCD of the card. (Other numeric codes
described in the following steps that are used for
identification and security purposes are not
available for viewing by the user at this time).
4.) When the user desires to redeem the electronic
coupon, the card is transported to a POS and the
user buys the desired item or otherwise follows
the requirements of the coupon offer.
5.) At the check out, the cashier takes the card and
locates the correct coupon using the scrolling
function (usually a button) of the card, in
concert with viewing the data on the LCD screen.
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6.) The cashier then presses the required "redeem"
button on the card. The cashier then has
approximately one minute to complete steps 7 and 8
below. Requiring this button to be pressed reduces
the likelihood that a coupon will be accidentally
redeemed through bright ambient light.
7.) When the correct coupon is located, the card is
held with the LC D screen facing the cashier and
the back of the card facing the bar code scanner
located near the cashier. The bar code scanner is
the same scanner that is used for purchases and
conventional paper coupon redemption..
8.) When the scanning laser light is detected by the
card, the card beeps and the numeric code
described in step #1 is displayed or_ the LCD
screen. In addition, another code that represents
the serial number of the card is also displayed.
The second number displayed could also be a
special code generated as a combination of the
downloaded numeric value (step #1) and a hidden
internal (to the card) serial number. The second
number can be generated by various standard
encryption methods and could be used to increase
the security of the transaction because it would
uniquely identify the card and transaction but
would net be easily duplicated.
9.) The cashier then has 30 seconds to enter either
the numeric code only or both the numeric code and
card serial number (for greater SeCUrlty). After
30 seconds, the card automatically erases the
coupon. The coupon may also be erased quickly by
a press of the "redeem" or "scroll" keys during
the 30 second period. (The scroll key is used to
allow multiple coupons to be located and redeemed
efficiently as described below).
10.) If additional coupons are to be redeemed at the
same time, the above steps are completed for the
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first coupon. Additional coupons are redeemed
with the cashier repeating steps 5 through 9
above.
In an alternative embodiment, steps 8, 9, and 10 are
replaced with the following steps:
8'.) When the scanning laser light is detected by
the card, the card beeps and displays a numeric
code, or alternatively an alphanumeric message, on
the LCD screen. In addition, another code that
represents the serial number cf the card is also
displayed. The second number displayed could also
be a special code generated as a combination of
the downloaded numeric value (step #1) and a
hidden internal (to the card) serial number. The
second number can be generated by various standard
encryption methods and could be used to increase
the security of the transaction because it would
uniquely identify the card and transaction but
would not be easily duplicated.
9'.) The cashier, upon viewing the number code or
alphanumeric message, can determine whether or not
the triggered card is the card that was pre-
selected to win a prize or tc receive a special
value or discount. If the card alerts the cashier
that a prize has been won, the cashier may
optionally enter the second number (step #8b) into
a database to verify that the card has not been
tampered or altered. The prize may also be erased
quickly by a press of the "redeem" or "scroll"
keys during the 30 second period. (The scroll key
is used to allow multiple prizes to be located and
redeemed efficiently as described below).
The following describes how detection of a laser
scan across the card can be accomplished: Almost all bar
code scanning devices use a red laser of either the
helium neon (HeNe) or diode types. The scanners deliver
an extremely bright light in the 832.8 nanometer (nm)
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wavelength for the HeNe or 640nm wavelength for the diode
lasers. The wavelength spread for a laser is extremely
small, which allows for narrow optical filters so that
non-laser ambient light can be filtered out. A simple
elecLronic/optical circuit is shown in Fig. 17 and car. be
used to detect the signal.
As shown in Fig. 17, electronic/optical circuit 100
includes optical filters 120a and 120b, load resistor
140, microprocessor trigger 160, and phototransistor i80.
Optical filters 120a and 120b are used to prevent
the electronics of the card from being triggered by
ambient light, e.g. bright sunlight. Optical filter 120a
is a neutral density type to reduce the intensity of
light and optical filter 120b is a red bandpass type.
A photodetector is required to detect the laser
light. This detector can be phototransistor 180 since
only an ON/OFF signal is required. Phototransistor 180
has a small resistive load on it, as represented by load
resistor 140 so that phototransistor 180 is less
sensitive to light. Load resistor 140 therefore reduces
unwanted triggering.
The output of electronic/optical circuit 100 is fed
into a microprocessor on the card where the output then
becomes the trigger that causes the beep, etc. as
described in the above steps.
In view of the foregoing description of the present
invention and practical embodiments it will be seen that
the several objects of the invention are achieved and
other advantages are attained. The embodiments and
examples were chosen and described in order to best
explain the principles of the invention and its practical
application to thereby enable others skilled in the art
to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and
with various modifications as are suited to the
particular use contemplated.
As various modifications could be made in the
constructions and methods herein described and
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illustrated without departing from the scope of the
invention, it is intended that all matter contained in
the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying
drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than
limiting.
The breadth and scope of the present invention
should not be limited by any of the above-described
exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in
accordance with claims of the application and their
equivalents.
The present system and hand-held devices useful in
the system may be for these purposes distributed by
various business entities, which may include not only the
sponsor of a program, even , or other sponsored
transmission, but may also include various businesses,
services and organizations having commercial
relationships with the sponsor. Viewer's use of the new
devices of the invention accordingly provide commercially
advantageous results relating to television advertising,
promotions and other sponsored transmissions, wherein new
system and devices and their use is effective to:
~ Attract viewer attention to advertising, promotions and
other sponsored Transmissions
~ Effectively increase awareness and retention of message
and product
~ Induce viewers to respond and take action after viewing
to sponsored transmissions
~ Differentiate a sponsor's product or service from those
of competitors.
~ Stimulate viewers to desire to watch advertising,
promotions and transmissions.
~ Provide a novel, cost-effective, brand efficient, and
enjoyable medium for enhancing advertising, promotions
and other transmissions
~ Cause advertising, promotions and transmissions to take
on special event significance
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~ Build customer traffic in places of business or points
of sale associated with sponsors of advertising,
promotions and other transmissions
~ Increase consumer loyalty to sponsors of advertising,
promotions and transmissions
~ Increase viewer involvement in sponsored advertising,
promotions and transmissions
~ Cause viewer retention of sponsor identity and
advertising or promotional content
~ Enhance sales volume resulting from the sponsorship of
advertising, promotions and transmissions
~ Provide lasting value to sponsored advertising,
promotions and transmissions
~ Provide enhanced viewer/spectator involvement in
sporting and racing events
~ Afford viewers of television programming an opportunity
to interact meaningfully with programming content and
with advertising, promotions and transmissions.
~ Enhance viewer good-will relative to advertising,
promotions and events.
~ Cause development of still other opportunities for
interactive use of the devices.
* x
In view of the foregoing description of the present
invention and practical embodiments it will be seen that
the several objects of the invention are achieved and
other advantages are attained. The embodiments and
examples were chosen and described in order to best
explain the principles of the invention and its practical
application to thereby enable others skilled in the art
to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and
with various modifications as are suited to the
particular use contemplated.
As various modifications could be made in the
constructions and methods herein described and
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illustrated without departing from the scope of the
invention, it is intended that all matter contained in
the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying
drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than
S limiting.
The breadth and scope of the present invention
should not be limited by any of the above-described
exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in
accordance with the following claims and their
equivalents.
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