Science Fiction
Dictionary
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
 |
Smart Sign Watches You Drive By
Smart Signs created by Smart Sign Media use sensors to capture specific, real-time demographic information about motorists passing by. Advertisers can use this information to present targeted advertisements to drivers.
(Smart Sign in Turlock, Ca. )
The sign shown above is a 20' x 30' high-definition LED billboard on Hwy 99. It offers 1,536 "spots" per day, where a "spot" is a seven second ad showing.
Smart Signs use a SmarTrak RMS "Full Spectrum" electronic tracking module developed by Mobile Trak, Inc.
When a SmarTrak RMS sensor is installed on a Smart Sign Media digital billboard it monitors the passive "local oscillator" signals emitted by the FM radios of passing automobiles. Those signals reflect the frequencies to which the radios are tuned. The Full Spectrum system compiles that statistical data and calculates the number of passing motorists, sorted by the stations to which their radios are tuned. Those calculations are commingled with SmarTrak's Media Audit database that contains detailed consumer demographic and purchasing pattern information segmented by radio station format) in order to provide a complete "picture" of the passing motorists.
For example, Smart Signs could inform passing motorists about special offers to shoppers as they approach stores or malls. A Smart Sign could entice consumers to respond via text message to a question posed by the sign. Information can even be pulled off the Internet and displayed.
Smart Signs are not as intrusive as some systems which actually query cell phones passing by to obtain personal data; see these stories for examples:
-
- Sprint RFID Loyalty Card Triggers Minority Report-Style Ads
- French Billboards Call Your Cellphone
- BluScreen Minority Report Ads
Electronic billboards in general remind me of a story by science fiction writer J.G. Ballard. His short story The Subliminal Man predicted the use of enormous electronic signs to convince you to BUY NOW:
Franklin paused, looking up at the huge metal sign mounted in an enclosure at the edge of the car park. Unlike the other signs and billboards that proliferated everywhere, no attempt had been made to decorate it, or disguise the gaunt bare rectangle of riveted steel mesh. Power lines wound down its sides, and the concrete surface of the car park was crossed by a long scar where a cable had been sunk... A dim but powerful humming emanated from the transformers below the sign, fading as he retraced his steps to the supermarket...
"You've been rambling about these signs for weeks now. Tell me, have you actually seen one signaling?"
Hathaway tore a handful of leaves from the hedge, exasperated by this irrelevancy. "Of course I haven't, that's the whole point, Doctor..."
(Read more about subliminal billboards)
Read the previous article Digital Billboards Worth Billions. Story via MarketingVOX. Thanks to Agiani for the tip on the story.
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 3/26/2007)
Follow this kind of news @Technovelgy.| Email | RSS | Blog It | Stumble | del.icio.us | Digg | Reddit |
Would
you like to contribute a story tip?
It's easy:
Get the URL of the story, and the related sf author, and add
it here.
Comment/Join discussion ( 0 )
Related News Stories - (" Media ")
'Facetime Facelift' Beautifies Video Chats
Always look your best - on Facetime.
Meeting Wendy Of Wendy's
Wendy of Wendys meet Rondald of McDonald's.
Narrative Science And Phil Dick's Homeostatic Newspaper
'The structure... was once a great homeostatic newspaper, the New York Times.'
BookTrack Adds Sound To Books
I really don't think this is a very good idea. Readers?
Technovelgy (that's tech-novel-gee!) is devoted to the creative science inventions and ideas of sf authors. Look for the Invention Category that interests you, the Glossary, the Invention Timeline, or see what's New.
Science Fiction
Timeline
1600-1899
1900-1939
1940's 1950's
1960's 1970's
1980's 1990's
2000's 2010's
Current News
Jetson ONE Air Races Begin, Can Air Polo Be Far Behind?
'If you're one of those rarities who haven't attended a rocket-polo "carnage", let me tell you it's a colorful affair.'
Will Space Stations Have Large Interior Spaces Again?
'They filed clumsily into the battleroom, like children in a swimming pool for the first time, clinging to the handholds along the side.'
Mornine Sales Robot
'Robot-salesmen were everywhere, gesturing...'
Bipedal Robot Floats Gently While Walking
'a walking balloon proceeded with long strides of its aluminum legs...'
Musk Idea Of Cars Talking To Each Other Predicted 70 Years Ago
'My cars talk to one another.'
Elegant Bivouac Shelter Produces Water And Electricity
'There was nowhere on the planet where science and technology could not provide one with a comfortable home...'
X-Control Janus-1 A Suitcase Aircraft
'You will notice that it... fits the suitcase nicely.'
'AI Assistants' Are Actually Less Reliable For News
'Most men updated their PIP on New Year's Day...'
YES!! Remote Teleoperated Robots predicted by Technovelgy!
'...a misshapen, many-tentacled thing about twice the size of a man.'
Will Robots Ever Fold Landry?
Where have you gone, Mrs. Robinson?
Will AIs Give Better Results If You're Rude To Them?
'I said, "Listen up, motherf*cker.'
Cybertruck Robotic Arm F10 Drone Launch!
Drone away!
Black Fungus Blocks Radiation
'You were surrounded by Astrophage most of the time'
Liuzhi Process Now In Use In China
'He was in a high-ceilinged windowless cell with walls of glittering white porcelain.'
Reflect Orbital Offers 'Sunlight on Demand' And Light Pollution
'I don't have to tell you about the seven two-mile-diameter orbital mirrors...'
Will Robots Become Family Caregivers?
'The robant and the tiny old woman entered the control room slowly...'
