Here is another head scratcher from RIM’s patent department. They applied for two patents titled an “Adaptive roadside billboard system and related methods” and “Adaptive pedestrian billboard system and related methods.” These two patents relate to using congestion information to make roadside and curbside advertisements more productive.
For example, on a crowded street in NYC with lots of foot traffic at lunch the adds would show simpler messages. When things quiet down they would offer more complex information and details. The inverse is true for the roadside billboard system where the faster traffic is moving they will show simpler information since drivers don’t have as much time to process the advertisement.
So we just have one question. When did RIM start getting involved in advertising billboards? I know they have been buying up ad space like crazy to feature BBM but it might be a bit overboard for a smartphone company to patent a better ad delivery method…
via IntoMobile
Marc Not Registered
Posted: September 8, 2010 at 10:31 AM EST
I’ve seen traffic slow down because of overly complex, bright billboards. The idea of a billboard that adaptively changes the amount of detail and type of display based on traffic movement rate is intriguing..
On the other hand, maybe not so good– I could easily picture slower traffic causing more complex displays… in turn causing driver inattentiveness to the road, just when things are prime for rear-ending the car ahead…
Sith_Apprentice Not Registered
Posted: September 8, 2010 at 3:38 PM EST
remember that RIM started out doing modem technology for vending machines. For them to patent this isnt that far from the realm of possibility for them.