SMART ADVERTISING POLES USED FOR PUBLIC UTILITY
Field of Invention:
The present invention pertains to the field of advertisement and pubhc utihty apparatus. It comprises of an advertisement display apparatus driven by an electronic control system, a public utility display board and one or more public utility devices; all of which are fitted on a pole. A number of such poles are used to facilitate a system of public infrastructure and includes devices and systems that improve wireless communications networks.
Background of Invention:
There are many ways to display outdoor and indoor advertisements, and displaying advertisements on a pole is known in the art. The present invention envisages a private party sponsoring an advertisement pole that is constructed to provide one or more public utility equipment fixed on the same pole. It thereby creates a system of useful public utility amenities. It also provides a display means for municipal or other authorities to place socially


relevant information. Installation of such advertisement poles therefore helps in creating public infrastructure financed through advertisements.
The advertisement apparatus uses new generation smart controllers for illuminating the advertisements by means of intelligent light control devices that can use smart light sensors and motion sensors as known in the art. The present invention is therefore a smart advertisement pole, which uses electronic technology for efficiently displaying advertisements, is economical on energy and provides several public utility functions with the use of new age technologies.
On the smart advertisement pole, the display apparatus is fixed which is electronically driven. On the same pole, one or more public utility services are fixed, such as a public telephone, a receptacle for placing pamphlets,, a public utility kiosk or a trash bin. Adjacent to the advertisement display apparatus a standard vinyl board is fixed to the pole to display public utility information placed by authorities such as the municipal corporation. The invention essentially provides a synergistic public- private partnership, whereby an attractive advertisement draws public attention to other socially relevant information and disseminates information to the public and it also provides a system of providing various public utility facilitates.
Communication services providers can use the advertisement pole, to place repeater signal devices fitted with antenna to facilitate wireless communication networks. A series of such repeater devices


fitted on the poles will provide the infrastructure for creating a network for seamless wireless communications in a particular area. This will improve the infrastructure of wireless communication connectivity in a city, town or other designated areas to be covered by the network. The present invention therefore provides the use of a new a technical improved means of displaying advertisements along with providing of various public utility facilities by means of affixing equipment on the pole, which provides a value addition to the prior art.
Social advertisement is gaining popularity with corporate entities, it is with a view to address these needs that the present invention has been created to offer advertisers more than a mere advertisement display apparatus. The smart advertisement pole encompasses several means of providing public utility services to the commuiuty. It has the provision to post information or messages of social or public relevance and provides a way to sponsor such public utility services without burdening the public exchequer. Further, the public utility devices are placed on the poles in a specific manner , which is a system of placing various types of public utility devices at specified intervals in order for the public to derive more benefit from the advertisement system of the present invention.
At periodic intervals the smart advertisement poles can have public telephones on the highway routes. Further, on the pubic information board, distance markers to specific destinations can be provided along the highway or a city road. The pamphlets boxes affixed to the


poles can contain maps or other descriptive material for tourists and also advertising leaflets. The smart advertisement pole would therefore provide an advance in the present art as it serves the dual function of providing a means to put up and display advertisements and as a means to provide numerous public utility devices in a manner that would contribute to the infrastructure in a particular area.
There are several new highways being constructed and there are other projects for the improvement of existing infrastructure. Some highways projects are likely to charge the consumers toll fees for use of the improved infrastructure. Use of smart advertisement poles can provide a means of reducing costs for consumers, as revenue can be generated from sponsored advertisements to place the public utility devices. Such an invention will not only subsidize the costs to consumers but also provide a neat look to the surrounding areas.
Within city or municipal limits the smart advertisement poles can combine public utility services such as a dustbin or a box for placing bulletins and leaflets or even place a newspaper-vending box.
Prior Art
It is well known that public utility poles such as telephone and electric poles have been used for placing advertisements. This type of advertisement display can be termed as the posting of advertisements on public property by private ^^wajtiea^ It ^ is

commonly known that posters are pasted on waste collection bins. See for instance U.S Patent No. 1,511,982 issued in the year 1924, which describes a container having an advertisement that can be inserted through a front panel. Placing such advertisement is unsystematic does not contribute to a clean look to an urban environment.
The visibility of such the advertisements are low for posters pasted on utility poles or on public waste collection bins. It also looks untidy and haphazard as it lacks uniformity and neatness. The present invention provides a systematic means of displaying advertisements on a pole, which has higher visibility.
It provides a technologically superior and neat means of placing advertisement content with the use of an automated pre¬programmed light display sheet controlled by an electronic device. The device can include the use of light sensors that optimizes the use of energy. The advertisement display apparatus on the pole will not only look clean and attractive increasing its visibility, the electronic control device will also optinuze energy consumption and therefore the present invention provides for an advance in the art.
In the past, a number of arrangements have been used in attempts to provide a clean city such as dustbins combined with advertisement hoarding. US2543008 by Regineld D has mentioned the use of combined receptacle with an advertising display or WO

20000055833A1 by Chiriboga C. Angel, which describes a thrash box with attached advertisement display board. However, none of the references has addressed the cleanliness, cost and space issues very effectively.
Other drawbacks of the prior art are easy changeability of advertisement and maintenance of the fixture or removable attachment. Also existing arrangements failed to resist any strong weather conditions. The display advertisements are often printed on thin papers or films, which are directly applied to the outer surface of the container and are unprotected and totally exposed to rain, snow, road soil and vandals.
The scope of the present invention is the combining of new generation advertisement display equipment with public utility information and public utility device on a pole, which is especially made for use in urban areas, suburban areas and for highways. In the present invention one or more public utility devices can be combined and it additionally provides for a separate portion that is allocated for use to public authorities such as the municipal authority to place its content.
The municipal or other authorities can use the board for displaying any social message or any public utility information such as displaying the distance to a specified location or to provide information or signs giving directions to a particular destination or

advertising pole not only provides a better look to the environment but also combines devices for providing a system of public utility.
Objectives of the Invention
The object of the present invention is to provide a wide range of public utility devices on the pole along with the advertisement display apparatus. The advertisements poles are therefore used for improving infrastructure of the area where the poles is installed. The basic objective of the invention is to derive maximum utility from the pole by providing a number of useful public utility services attached to it.
One primary object of this invention is to provide new and improved advertisement display arrangements along with the use of the same pole ir\frastructure to provide one or more public utility application, thereby the pole has a number of functions to perform other than advertisement. Another object of this invention is to provide a flexible and easily changeable display panel.
It is a further objective of the present invention is to provide a more attractive look to the city without adding cost to the municipality. As the costs of the advertising pole will be borne by a third party


contractor and thus no cost will be incurred to municipality to make available pamphlets and bulletins to the public.
Another objective of the invention is to provide a decorative look and provide advertisement display apparatus that uses new generation materials that are energy efficient yet look attractive when advertisements are illuminated. The public information kiosk that can provides public information through an interactive touch screen device can be financed and sponsored by smart targeted advertisements.
It is an objective of the invention to save space in crowed urban areas. As the pole will not occupy as much walking or moving space and a dustbin or telephone booth in general occupies a relatively larger area, the pole will also give a rich look to the city. The above-mentioned objectives are full-filled by putting dustbin, telephone, pamphlets stand or a public utility kiosk on the advertising pole. Such an advertisement apparatus or smart pole would therefore provide an advance in the present art.
It is another object of the invention is to facilitate the using of the advertisement poles for housing repeater devices and repeater access points to provide seamless wireless communication connectivity to a given area.


According to other objective of the invention a hght sheet is used for the display of the advertisement, which is easy and flexible to use. Moreover, this provides a very low use of electricity for the display purpose. One will be able to change the timing and illumination of light in the display panel that is made of user-friendly programmable multilayer sheet.
It is another object of the invention to use ecologically friendly, durable, weatherproof material that can withstand outdoor weather conditions and provide a more durable and superior advertisement display that will be aesthetically pleasing.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide advertisement display equipment, which are solar powered and the invention can be a stand-alone device having its own source of power.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
Detailed Description
The smart advertising pole is an outdoor advertisement apparatus that comprises:
a) A central elongated hollow pole 3 made of any durable
material such as metal which is suitably treated to be weather resistant, the pole is affixed to the ground at the base;

b) An advertisement display device 1 that is affixed to the pole
comprises of a hollow frame, a front and a back panel. The
panels are made of light sheets on which the advertisement
content has already been affixed. No separate back light is
required for the light sheet as the light sheets are self-
illuminating. The display panel can also be made of LED
(Light Emitting Diodes). The advertisements are displayed when the light sheets are illuminated by means of an electronic control device.
c) A preprogrammed device that is coimected to the advertisement display sheets controls the switches and runs the advertisement as per the program and determines when each light source will be switched on and off. It houses and contains the program timings, light sensors and for motion sensors for the advertisement display.
d) One or more public utility device such as a pamphlet receptacle, a trash bin, a public telephone or an interactive public utility kiosk.
e) A public information board for placing content provided by the municipal or highway or other authority
f) One or more devices, such as repeater devices for facilitating or improving wireless communications or other communications within a given area.
The invention comprises of a central pole on which advertisement display apparatus is mounted and positioned in marmer that gives it a good visibility. The pole is the central essential portion that holds not only the advertisement apparatus but all the other devices described here. " ~

The advertisement display apparatus is fixed or attached to the pole and all component parts are made of weather resistant material. The metal frames made of weatherproof exterior and water resistant display panel material of this type are known in the art. A bracket means may used to secure the advertisement display sign on the pole. The advertisement display sign is visible from two opposing directions. The display means comprises of a light sheet placed on a frame and is connected to a preprogrammed control device as described herein.
The advertisement display apparatus that is fixed to the pole comprises a frame with two panels to display the advertisements. The panels are made of a proprietary material known as light sheets that provide a highly energy efficient means of illuminating the advertisements. The advertisements are illuminated by an electronic pre-programmed device, which automatically illuminates the displays panel based on the program timing. The light sheet panel is linked to the electronic program by means of an electrical wire.
The light sheets could be mounted on an irremovably fixed frame or a removable frame. The frame can be made of any suitable material such as aluminum having either suitable attachment means or permanent fixtures such as welding or it can be affixed by means of a plurality of suitable fasteners, screws or hooks all of which are known to those skilled in the art. The entire frame or box is bolted and affixed to the pole and is secured by welding to form an integral

unit with the pole. To increasing the immovabiUty and firmness of the advertisement display frame a support screw or can be used.
The display frame, panel or holder has two closed sides and a top end which combine to form a hollow interior cavity. One side or the bottom of the frame can have an opening means for any maintenance requirements. Access can be provided to the interior of the frame to reach the interior where the electronic control device is housed. A gasket or a packing means may be used with the frame to prevent rainwater from entering the hollow interior and the gasket ca also serve the purpose of filling in any sharp edges of the frame. The advertisement signs are affixed to the frame.
The pre-programmed electronic device drives the advertisement and lights up certain portions of the advertisement at a particular time as per the program clock, which result in the display on the light sheet. The smart advertisement apparatus thus combines the display of pre-programmed electronically driven advertisements that are displayed on proprietary material known as light sheets and uses propriety smart electronic controllers to control the display.
The electronic controller is a logical program which when interfaced with an electronic system will cause the output to follow the command signals received. It comprises memory banks, registers, accumulators an adjusted automated clock to save the responses to

lighting sensors and reduces energy wastage and also responds to weather and controls the lighting automatically.
Outdoor servsors can measure the ambient light level ranging from 0 to 6500 footcandles and is used by the control system requiring automatic switching. It allows for precise lighting control through advance dimming, daylight sensing and zoning capabilities. Such intelligent lighting control platforms will enable customers to connect to smart jp-ids provided by electricity providers. The control system also provides the correct amount of current to the display sheet and helps it perform efficiently, such smart controllers are known in the art. The use of smart light control systems enables lowing energy costs for running the advertisement display and provides savings on energy costs.
The public utilities that can be provided on the pole are: a trash bin a pamphlet box, telephone, or an interactive kiosk. These devices can be made of any durable material that does not easily deteriorate due to weather conditions. The present invention envisages the combining one or more public utility devices. The leaflet or pamphlet holder can for instance comprise of a single or multiple pockets that can be used for distributing pamphlets to public. Pamphlets and bulletins are popularly used as a way of advertisement or for communicating messages to a community about an event, service, activity or a product. The smart pole would provide a convenient means of distribution of pamphlets to public.


pamphlets that the pubUc can have access to. The box for holding the pamphlets can be manufactured in various sizes.
The public utility kiosk device can be an interactive electronic device, where the graphic user interface is a touch sensitive panel. The device has a memory and information can be retrieved and displayed on the touch sensitive screen or a graphic user interface. Such information can for instance be: the directions to a nearby shopping mall or the restaurant facilities in the mall, places of tourist interests or any other information of public interest, such as bus routes , nearest taxi stand or film theatre. The information requested can be sponsored by targeted advertisements and the interactive kiosk therefore provides a smart application where the user obtains information through the touch screen and the advertiser is able to target advertisements to the user who is a potential customer through the use of the interactive kiosk device.
The public irvformation display board that is fixed adjacent to the advertisement frame can be made of any standard inorganic material such as vinyl acrylic signboard known in the art. The display board for public information or for disseminating social messages may be affixed by paint or other means or by providing illuminated preprogrammed content on a light sheet as described above for the advertisement display. The board has a the provision to post information or messages of public or social relevance. The use of different information placed on the boards and different


as one telephone for every two kilometer range and one trash bin for every meter provides a system for deriving best use of the public utility devices.
Another feature of the present invention is the ability of such a device to increase aerial capacity for the wireless communication industry. The present invention envisages a collection of several smart poles that can be used for other technical applications, particularly in the area of communication technology. This can be achieved by placing signal repeater devices on the pole, whereby a series of such poles serve as a host of repeaters along a thoroughfare or a highway.
Accordingly, a plurality of utility poles can be used by a telecommunication system for mounting devices on the poles as repeaters for wireless signals. Such a configuration provides wireless Internet connection seamlessly in a particular area. This can be done by placing a device on the pole that transmit radio signals to any wireless interface such as a computer or a mobile phone it can be hard coded with a unique address to allow or deny access to the communications network. A radio transceiver may be disposed on the device and may be configured to communicate with any adjacent repeaters. Such an combinations of public utility devices pole would therefore provide an advance in the present art.


BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
FIG. 1. Is a view of the pole illustrating the present invention showing the electronically programmed advertisement display panel flanked by a public utility a display panel or board and trash bin affixed to the pole
FIG. 2. Is a perspective view of the present invention showing the electronically programmed advertisement display panel flanked by a public utility a display panel or board and a public telephone instrument mounted on the pole.
FIG. 3. Shows the present invention with the advertisement display panel flanked by a public utility display panel or board and a container fixed on the pole for placing leaflets or bulletir\s.
FIG. 4. Shows the present invention with a solar panel mounted on the pole and the advertisement display panel flanked by a public utility display board and a public utility device.
FIG. 5. Is a view of the present invention with the advertisement display panel flanked by a public utility display panel or board and an electronic interactive kiosk.
FIG. 6. Shows the present invention with the advertisement display panel flanked by a public utility display panel or board and a container fixed on the pole for placing leaflets or bulletins. Is a view of the pole illustrating the present invention.
Referring to the drawings. Figure 1 through 5 show the preferred


display apparatu s 1 and the device, may be installed on pole 3 affixed to the ground. A frame consisting of a front panel and a rear panel co-operate to define a container forming a frame 1 which has a hollow interior for placing an electronic a control device mechanism. The container or frame 1 is attached on one side to the pole 3. On the other side a similar structure or a flat display panel 2 is affixed to the pole for displaying public utility information. A public utility device, dustbin or thrash bin 4 is affixed lower down on the pole.
Figure 2. Shows an advertisement display apparatus or device, affixed to a pole such as that shown at 3 affixed to the ground. A frame consisting of a front panel and a rear panel that co-operate to define a box type container or frame shown at 1. The container or frame 1 is attached on one side to the pole 3. The said panel is stimulated and activated by an electronic control device. The box or frame has a hollow interior for placing the electronic a control device mechanism. On the adjacent side a flat display panel at 2 is affixed to the pole for displaying public utility information. A public telephone instrument is shown at 4 which is attached to the pole.
Figure 3. Shows an advertisement display apparatus or device, where the device consists of a pole 3 affixed to the ground. A frame consisting of a front panel and a rear panel co-operate to define a container or frame 1 which has a hollow interior for placing an electronic a control device mechanism. The container or frame 1 is


structure or a flat display panel 2 is affixed to the pole for displaying public utility information. A public utility device a pamphlet or leaflet holder 4 is affixed lower on the pole below the advertisement display frame 1.
Figure 4. Shows an alternative embodiment of the invention with a advertisement display apparatus at 1 attached to a pole at 3 affixed to base on the gr<3und. A frame consisting of a front panel and a rear panel co-operate to define a container or frame 1 which has a hollow interior for placing an electronic a control device mechanism. The container or frame 1 is attached on one side to the pole 3. On the other side a similar structure or a flat display panel 2 is affixed to the pole for displaying public utility information. A public utility device, dustbin or thrash bin is affixed lower down on the pole. Above the advertisement frame and on the top most point of the pole a solar panel is affixed as a means of powering the stand¬alone advertisement pole that can be run on solar power.
Figure 5. Shows an advertisement display apparatus or device, where the device c:onsists of a pole 3 affixed to the ground. A frame consisting of a front panel and a rear panel co-operate to define a container or frame: 1 which has a hollow interior for placing an electronic a control device mechanism. The container or frame 1 is attached on one si(ie to the pole 3. On the other side a similar structure or a flat display panel 2 is affixed to the pole for displaying


kiosk 4, is programmed electronically to provide information and content upon keying in requests.
Figure 6. Shows an advertisement display apparatus or device, where the device consists of two light sheets and a frame and a electronic control device attached by means of a wire. An enclosure may be affixed to the control panel which may be an electronic board to provide power to various electronic components, a central processing unit may be disposed on the board which and executes the program instructions located on ROM memory.
It is contemplated that a series of poles can be used to provide appropriate public utility devices at regular intervals, such as a telephone every two kilometers in an outdoor location. Therefore a number of different public utility devices can be fixed to the poles to improve the infrastructure in a given area, thereby several advertisement poles with several different advertisement apparatus and different public utility devices will form a system of advertising.
Accordingly it will be understood by those skilled in the art that changes in form and details may be made to the above described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the

What is claimed:
1. An advertising pole with devices fixed to the pole comprising:
a tubular central pole fixed to the ground and adapted to
mount an advertisement display device and public utility
devices;
the advertisement display device comprising a metallic
frame and a pair of front and back panels to form a box
assembly;
the pair of flat panels is polymeric proprietary material that
illuminates to display advertisements controlled by an
electronic control device; said electronic control device is
pre-programmed to activate each panel and a means of
affixing said control device in the inner lower portion of
the frame;
the said pre-programmed control device is connected to
a daylight sensor device
the said pre-programmed control device is connected to
the display sheet
a flat display board adjacent to advertisement device to
display public information;
a public utility device for placing pamphlets;
a repeater device for wireless network communications ;
means for fastening said members and assemblies
integrally formed ; wherein said fastening means includes
a plurality of rivets ; to form a unitary structure about said
pole.
2. The advertising pole of claim 1 wherein said flat display board
panels are made of vinyl sheets and means for securing said unitary
structure to said pole.
3. The advertising pole of claim 1 wherein the public utility device is a
telephone instrument and means for securing said unitary structure to
said pole.


4. The advertising pole of claim 1 where the public utility device is an
electronic interactive kiosk attached to said center section of the pole;
the said electronic interactive kiosk device having a touch screen as a
user interface, a memory, a central processing unit, and connections
to communications networks and global positioning systems and a
means for securing said unitary structure to said pole;
said electronic interactive kiosk displaying content and advertisements based on queries of users.
5. The advertising pole of claim 1 wherein said public utility device is a garbage bin with a ring provided around the outer edge to clamp garbage bag in place.
6. An advertising system wherein a plurality of advertisement poles of claim 1, claim 3 and claim 4 are used in a manner to provide a combination of public utility services such as telephones, direction boards and electronic interactive kiosks planned at various predefined intervals.

7. The advertising apparatus and system of claim 1 and claim 6, wherein said poles can be used in indoors applications, as In shopping malls.
8. An advertisement apparatus of claim 1 and claim 7 where electronic control device is connected to a motion sensor device, said motion sensor device illuminates advertisement panels and displays advertisements when motion is detected; said advertisement display apparatus of claim is a projected three dimensional advertisement display with audio and video content.
9. The advertising pole of claim 1 comprising an advertisement display holder fixed to the pole and the public utility display board can include a pamphlet compartment for advertisers to insert information pamphlets relating to the advertisement displayed or information pamphlets relating to the public information diaplayed.


10. An advertising pole of claim 1 , on which is attached a remotely
disposed, moveable solar collector panel, a tracking mechanism for
orienting said collector panels relative to the sun; a plurality of
batteries for storing solar energy , a means of coupling said storage
batteries and a means to transmit the power to the devices.
11. An advertisement pole of claim 1, where wireless signal repeater devices are affixed to said pole, said wireless signal repeater devices comprising antenna, a signal amplifier and internal rebroadcast antenna for wireless network communications.
12. An advertisement system of claim 6 and claim 7, where wireless signal repeater devices are affixed to said pole, said wireless signal repeater devices comprising antenna, a signal amplifier and internal rebroadcast antenna for wireless network communications.