I VIYIIRIYIIIIUI11NIAIAIIINI!IIIMYIIIIIIIIW
`
`(12) United States Patent
`Blair
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 6,700,602 Bl
`Mar. 2, 2004
`
`(54) SUBWAY TV MEDIA SYSTEM
`
`(76)
`
`Inventor: Scott Blair, 32 Marlow Avenue,
`Toronto, Ontario (CA), M4J 3T9
`
`( *)
`
`Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(21)
`
`(22)
`
`(86)
`
`Appl. No.:
`
`09/423,284
`
`PCT Filed:
`
`May 6, 1998
`
`PCT No.:
`
`PCT /CA98/00439
`
`§ 371 (c)(1),
`Feb. 22, 2000
`(2), (4) Date:
`(87) PCT Pub. No.: W098/51081
`
`PCT Pub. Date: Nov. 12, 1998
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/045,811, filed on May 7,
`1997.
`
`(51)
`Int. C1.7
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`(58) Field of Search
`
`HO4N 7/18; HO4N 5/64
`348/61; 348/837
`348/61, 837; 709/250;
`725/46; 726/77; 248/343
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`1,894,684 A
`3,182,550 A
`3,457,006 A
`4,073,368 A
`4,352,124 A
`4,630,821 A
`
`1/1933 Hawk
`5/1965 Goldine
`7/1969 Brown et al.
`2/1978 Mustapick
`9/1982 Kline
`12/1986 Greenwald
`
`40 /593
`353/13
`352/132
`186/53
`348/61
`463/1
`
`4,647,980 A
`3/1987 Steventon et al.
`5,009,384 A * 4/1991 Gerke et al.
`5,059,957 A
`10/1991 Todoriki et al.
`5,123,728 A
`6/1992 Gradin et al.
`5,229,910 A
`7/1993 Kasahara
`5,463,827 A
`11/1995 Williams
`5,606,154 A
`2/1997 Doigan et al.
`5,666,291 A * 9/1997 Scott et al.
`5,854,591 A * 12/1998 Atkinson
`6,038,426 A * 3/2000 Williams, Jr.
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`348/837
`248/343
`345/7
`353/78
`361/234
`40/449
`
`709/250
`725/76
`725/77
`
`CA
`CA
`CA
`EP
`FR
`
`2089382
`1316253
`2183277
`0 577 054
`2652701 Al
`
`12/1992
`4/1993
`2/1997
`1/1994
`4/1991
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary Examiner -Chris Kelley
`Assistant Examiner -Allen Wong
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm -Mixon Peabody LLP;
`Jeffrey L. Costellia
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A television system for subway cars (10) includes a plurality
`of TV monitors (22) mounted at intervals along the cars (10),
`at the junction of the sidewall and the ceiling, and a central
`video signal source unit (23) such as a video tape player,
`video disk player, computer -based digital video recorder or
`television receiver, connected to the video monitors (22).
`Programs of short duration, e.g. 5 -15 minutes, matching the
`average length of a subway ride, and comprising advertising
`messages, news bytes and the like are played and displayed
`in the monitors repeatedly during the subway ride.
`
`7 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets
`
`22
`
`EXHIBIT
`MMR ¡. / 13 /18
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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 2, 2004
`Mar. 2, 2004
`
`Sheet 2 of 6
`Sheet 2 of 6
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`US 6,700,602 B1
`US 6,700,602 B1
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`22
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`
`
`FIG.2
`FIG.2
`
`P. 3
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`

`

`Mar. 2, 2004
`Mar. 2, 2004
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`Sheet 4 of 6
`Sheet 4 of 6
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`US 6,700,602 B1
`US 6,700,602 B1
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`U.S. Patent
`
`U.S. Patent
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`T
`
`P.5
`P. 5
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`

`

`Mar.2, 2004
`Mar. 2, 2004
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`Sheet 3 of 6
`Sheet 3 of 6
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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
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`US 6,700,602 Bl
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`US 6,700,602 B1
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`P. 4
`P.4
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 2, 2004
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`Sheet 5 of 6
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`Us 6,700,602 Bl
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`FIG5
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`FIG. 6
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`P. 6
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 2, 2004
`Mar. 2, 2004
`
`Sheet 6 of 6
`Sheet 6 of 6
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`US6,700,602 B1
`US 6,700,602 Bl
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`40
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`22
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`40
`
`
`
`14
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`
`P. 7
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`

`

`1
`SUBWAY TV MEDIA SYSTEM
`
`US 6,700,602 B1
`
`5
`
`15
`
`2
`televised material to passengers in a mass transit subway car,
`and comprising at least one video display monitor adapted
`for mounting inside a subway car so as to display televised
`materials to passengers riding therein, and a video signal
`source unit operatively connected to said at least one moni-
`tor.
`
`This application claims benefit of provisional application
`Serial No. 60/045,811, filed May 7, 1997.
`This invention relates to video display systems, and more
`specifically to video display systems mounted in and oper-
`ating in mass transit subway cars.
`According to a second aspect of the present invention,
`It is commonplace to provide visual advertising displays
`there is provided a subway car for mass transportation and
`such as posters in mass transit subway cars, where the
`comprising a video display system including at least one
`displays are available for reading by subway passengers
`10 video display monitor having a video screen, the monitor
`during travel. It is also known to equip subway cars with
`being mounted in the subway car in a manner such that the
`closed circuit television cameras, for surveillance of pas-
`video screen thereof is readily visible to passengers in the
`senger behaviour and other safety checks. Images of such
`subway car, and a video signal source unit operatively
`surveillance are either displayed at a central security facility,
`connected to said at least one monitor.
`or recorded for subsequent viewing in the event of safety
`The term "video signal source unit" as used herein
`problems.
`embraces player units for playing pre- recorded video
`It is also commonplace to equip subway cars with audio
`material, such as computer -based digital video recorders
`public address systems for a myriad of uses, including transit
`service announcements, community service events,
`(including CD -ROM players), video tape players and video
`disk players, and television receivers for receiving live or
`advertising, safety and emergency procedures, as well as
`20 pre- recorded broadcast television signals from a remote
`inter -staff communications.
`Proposals have been made previously to equip other
`transmitter and supplying these to the video display moni-
`transportation items, especially aircraft, with television or
`tors mounted in the subway cars. One system according to
`video systems, primarily for the entertainment of passengers
`the invention utilizes receivers including computer -based
`on long journeys. Examples of such systems in the patent
`digital video recorders for receiving broadcast television
`literature can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,647,980 Steventon
`25 signals from a remote transmitter as the video signal source
`et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,630,821 Greenwald, U.S. Pat. No.
`unit. Such video signal source unit can be located either
`4,352,124 Kline, U.S. Pat. No. 5,123,728 Gradin et al., and
`within the mass transits' premises or on a remote broadcast-
`U.S. Pat. No. 3,457,006 Brown et al.
`ing site. Alternatively, the invention utilizes a video tape
`Entertainment of passengers on subway cars has until
`player, a video disk player, or a computer -based digital video
`30 recorder, as the video signal source unit. The video signal
`now generally been ignored, since the average journey taken
`by a passenger on a mass transit subway system is usually
`source unit may be located in the same subway car as that
`short, lasting perhaps fifteen minutes. Nevertheless, subway
`in which the monitor or monitors are located, or in adjacent
`transit riders offer an attractive audience for visual adver-
`or remote cars of the same train, with the necessary opera-
`tising messages, as evidenced by the proliferation of adver-
`tive connection between the player and the monitor(s). An
`tising signs which commonly adorn a subway car. In
`35 individual subway car can be equipped with its own video
`signal source unit, connected to a plurality of monitors
`addition, mass transit systems such as subways are in need
`of extra sources of revenue, to keep passenger fare structures
`mounted at different, appropriately chosen locations along
`at an affordable level as operating costs rise, and to avoid
`the length of the subway car. Alternatively, one central video
`decreased ridership as a result.
`signal source unit can be located in one car of subway train,
`It is an object of the present invention to provide a public
`40 and connected to monitors in some or all of the cars of the
`service message display system, entertainment system and
`train, to provide a central video signal source unit for the
`advertising system for mass transit subway cars.
`train.
`It is a further object to provide a novel source of extra
`Computer (PC) based digital video recorders basically
`transmit video signals from a hard drive or CD -ROM
`revenue for a mass transit subway system.
`The present invention provides a television public ser- 45 storage. They are however also capable of receiving trans -
`mitted input at intervals, e.g. news item updates, at, say,
`vice message display, entertainment and advertising system
`for subway cars, in which television monitors are provided
`hourly intervals, to add to their stored transmittable video
`at spaced intervals in subway cars, to display short duration
`data. In this sense they also act as television receivers.
`televisual entertainment and advertising features to subway
`The video signal source unit and video display monitors
`riders. The system is designed so that advertising spots on it 50 used in the present invention can be of known, standard
`can be sold by the transit system to potential advertisers and
`form, obtainable as off the shelf items from manufacturers
`sponsors, for extra revenues for the transit system. It takes
`and sales outlets. The connections between them, for display
`advantage of the fact that subway riders are, for the most
`of televised material, are also standard and well within the
`part, occupying a subway car under relatively crowded
`skill of the art. For example, use can be made of the existing
`conditions but for only a relatively brief duration. They are 55 subway infrastructure by which audio announcements are
`looking for something on which to focus their attention
`currently transmitted. Alternatively, the connections may be
`during their brief ride, whilst at the same time often finding
`by use of coaxial cables, fibre optics, cell phone systems or
`it inconvenient to open newspapers, magazines or the like
`satellite transmission, or by other appropriate means.
`A preferred system according to the invention is a
`under crowded circumstances and becoming bored by static
`advertising or other displays around them. The present 60 subway car or plurality of subway cars equipped with a
`invention provides properly positioned television monitors
`plurality of television monitors, especially LCD -based tele-
`vision monitors, and a video signal source comprising a
`displaying moving images of news items, advertising mate-
`video tape player, video disk player or computer -based
`rial and the like, viewable by substantially all riders in the
`digital video recorder, the video signal source and the
`car, and filling their need for visual entertainment during the
`brief duration of their subway ride.
`65 monitors being interconnected by suitable electrical cable
`Thus, according to the present invention, from one
`systems which are self- contained within the subway car. In
`aspect, there is provided a video system for displaying
`this way, new subway cars can be built with the video system
`
`P. 8
`
`

`

`US 6,700,602 B1
`
`3
`or parts thereof installed, and usable on substantially any
`transit system, since the operation of the video system is
`independent of any previously installed track, tunnel or
`control systems.
`The video system according to the present invention
`provides a means for communicating a very wide range of
`information to viewers in an environment ideally suited to
`communicating short video messages to viewers, especially
`commercial messages or sponsored community service, or
`informational news bytes. Most subway rides are of short
`duration, e.g. 15 -30 minutes or less. It is normally undesir-
`able to play television programs of any significant length to
`subway passengers for fear of distracting them from their
`proper points of interchange and disembarkation on the
`subway system. However, the system according to the
`invention is ideally suited for displaying a series of short, 30
`second -1 minute messages, in sequence, such as a series of
`commercial messages. These can range from straightfor-
`ward advertising as seen on commercial television, or the
`type of news feed with corporate sponsorship as seen by
`cable television viewers, with news services provided by
`specialized companies in this business. If the information is
`delivered by video tape player, video disk player or
`computer -based digital video recorder, it can be repeated at
`intervals of, say, 5 -15 minutes, based upon the average
`duration of individual subway rides, i.e. the pre -recorded
`program is of total duration of about 5 -15 minutes. If the
`feed is delivered from an outside source, its delivery
`depends on the package of the server, and according to
`agreement between the purchaser and the mass transit
`management, and other interested parties as necessary.
`Typically, the television images displayed by the moni-
`tors of the system according to the invention do not incor-
`porate sound, though they may contain rolling script, similar
`to cable television news channels, or similar to closed -
`captioning for the hearing impaired. This avoids risk of
`interference with announcements being played to passengers
`through the normal audio address system carried by the
`subway train, and avoids adding to the general noise level
`experienced by passengers on the subway cars, a noise level
`which is commonly quite high even under normal running
`conditions. However, sound may be incorporated where
`appropriate, for example in safety or emergency situations,
`or to mark the beginning of a message to which the subway
`or transmission provider wishes to call attention.
`The manner in which the video display monitors are
`disposed and mounted in the subway car depends to some
`extent on the design of the subway car itself. Such designs
`can vary between different subway systems. Normally from
`6 -12 such colour monitors are provided in each subway car,
`suitably of 12 " -13" size, spaced along the length of the car,
`and disposed above the windows of the car, in a manner and
`at a location which does not interfere with the operation of
`any other essential element of the car (door operation, lights,
`heating, air conditioning etc.). A subway car is normally
`constructed so that it has a cavity wall, defined between its
`outer structural shell and its inner lining wall, the cavity
`providing for wiring and cables and other mechanical
`functions, and, at places, containing insulation. The video
`display monitors in the system of the invention are suitably
`mounted in the cavity wall.
`In a preferred arrangement, the video display monitors
`have a strong metal frame construction, fixed to the frame of
`the subway car. The screens are preferably covered with a
`rigid transparent unit, e.g. of polycarbonate, shaped to
`coincide with the shape of the internal wall of the subway
`car at the location of mounting. For example, when the
`
`4
`monitor is mounted at the junction of the wall and ceiling of
`the subway car, where there is commonly provided a con-
`cavely curved segment of internal wall, the transparent cover
`unit is suitably similarly concavely curved, so that it can be
`5 mounted as a continuum with the internal walls and blended
`to contours thereof, with the monitor mounted behind it. The
`screen is suitably angled downwardly, for best viewing by
`passengers seated opposite the screen. The entire structure of
`the monitor, including the cover unit if used, is suitably
`to housed in a stainless steel or strong plastic casement,
`designed to appear integral with the subway car, without
`visible edges or protuberances, and matching the materials
`and colours of the subway car interior.
`The video monitors used in the system of the present
`15 invention can be of standard, cathode ray tube -based design.
`Such monitors have the advantage of economy, being mass -
`produced items manufactured on a very large scale. They are
`eminently suitable for use in most embodiments according
`to the invention, and can be viewed clearly from a variety of
`20 angles. However, in circumstances where the subway car in
`operation encounters locations of large magnetic field, it is
`possible that the picture displayed on a CRT monitor will be
`distorted as the monitor moves through such location. Any
`such distortion effect can be reduced by surrounding the
`25 monitor, to an extent practical and consistent with its pro-
`vision of full visual display, with an appropriate shield such
`as a steel or other ferromagnetic casement. Where such a
`magnetic field problem turns out to be particularly acute, the
`CRT -type monitor may be replaced by a monitor incorpo-
`30 rating a colour liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, which is
`not sensitive to intermittent encountering of external mag-
`netic fields.
`Specific preferred embodiments of the present invention
`are illustrated in the accompanying diagrammatic drawings
`35 in which:
`FIG. 1 shows in plan view (FIG. 1A) and in side
`elevation (FIG. 1B), an existing subway car as used on the
`Toronto Transit System with indications of appropriate
`locations for mounting video monitors according to the
`40 invention;
`FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a subway car according to
`the invention with video monitors in place;
`FIG. 3 is a detail, in section, of an existing subway car
`illustrating the location for receiving a video monitor
`45 according to the invention;
`FIG. 4 is a detail similar to FIG. 3, with the video monitor
`in place;
`FIG. 4A is a view, similar to FIG. 4, of an alternative
`embodiment;
`FIG. 5 is a detail in perspective view, of a subway car
`equipped with a monitor according to one embodiment of
`the invention;
`FIG. 6 is a detail similar to FIG. 5 but of a further
`alternative embodiment;
`FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6, showing the general
`appearance when the monitor is operating.
`A typical subway car 10, as illustrated in FIGS. lA and
`1B, is equipped with sliding doors 12 and windows 14,
`spaced at convenient intervals along the length of the car.
`60 Passenger seats, in sets of 2's and 3's, are disposed beneath
`and alongside the windows 14, clear of the doors 12, some
`sets 16 being inward facing, other sets 18 being forward
`facing and other sets 20 being rearward facing.
`Suitable locations for video monitors 22 in accordance
`65 with the invention are at the junction of wall and ceiling of
`subway car 10, above the windows 14 and clear of the doors
`12. They are thus disposed opposite to sets of inward facing
`
`50
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`55
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`P. 9
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`US 6,700,602 B1
`
`20
`
`5
`6
`seats 16, and angled downwardly for ease of viewing of
`illustrated the arrangement of FIG. 6 in practical operation
`passengers 24 seated in such inward facing seats 16, as
`Poster -type illuminated advertisements are provided by
`shown in FIG. 2, with direct sight lines. 26, but visible to
`advertising panels 40 flanking the video monitors 22, whilst
`passengers seated elsewhere, and standing in the car 10. A
`the video monitor 22, disposed at intervals along the length
`video player 23 is suitably located in the driver's cab 27 5
`of the car 10, show video information and /or advertising
`(FIG. 1A), and connected to all the monitors 22 by cables
`spots, at convenient, easily viewed locations and disposition
`(not showing) disposed in the cavity walls of the car.
`to passengers riding in the car 10.
`FIG. 3 shows a detail of the car 10, at the location where
`It will be appreciated that the specific embodiments
`a monitor 22 is to be installed. The car wall has an outer shell
`illustrated and described herein are by way of example only,
`28 in which windows 14 are sealingly mounted, and struc- to
`and are not to be construed as limiting on the scope of the
`tural pillars 30 mounted at intervals and secured to the
`invention. The description pertains specifically to the type of
`vertical structural member 32. Centrally secured to the
`subway car currently in use in the Toronto Transit System,
`exterior skin and body structure of body 34 of the car is a
`and illustrates a means and location for mounting the video
`main air duct 36 and a housing 38 carrying ceiling lights
`monitors in such a system. Details of construction, and
`running substantially the full length of the car 10. The space is
`hence details of appropriate mounting for video monitors
`between the ceiling housing 38 and the top of the pillars 30
`may differ from subway system to subway system according
`is normally occupied by back lit advertising panels 40.
`to the form of car in use. Such mounting details do not depart
`Removal of appropriate portions of these panels 40 provides
`from the scope of the present invention. In all cases, it is
`space for location of video monitors 22, according to the
`contemplated that a plurality of monitors will be provided in
`preferred embodiment of the invention.
`each car, each rigidly mounted at a convenient location clear
`Thus as shown in FIG. 4, the video monitor 22 is
`of the doors and windows, and at a disposition where it can
`enclosed and rigidly mounted in its own enclosure 42, of
`be viewed by passengers riding the subway car, without
`stainless steel, rigid plastic or the like. The enclosure in turn
`difficulty. The provision of such video monitors mounted in
`is secured to the top of structural pillar 30 and the side of
`their own enclosures as described herein, and faced with a
`housing 38, in a space between the ends of illuminated 25
`transparent screen of, for example, polycarbonate, allows for
`panels 40, and protruding rearwardly to a position adjacent
`considerable variation in the detail of mounting means and
`the outer part of the exterior skin and body structure 34. The
`locations, to adapt them to different constructions of subway
`front wall of enclosure 42 is comprised of a clear transparent
`cars currently in use on different mass transit systems.
`polycarbonate shield 44, through which the screen 46 the
`What is claimed is:
`monitor 22 is clearly visible. The screen 46 is angled 30
`1. A subway car for mass transportation including longi-
`downwardly for best viewing by a passenger 24 seated
`tudinal opposed sidewalls, a ceiling adjoining the sidewalls,
`opposite. The enclosure 42 with monitor 22 therein and
`a video display system comprising a plurality of video
`connections protruding outwardly therethrough is remov-
`display monitors each having a video screen, and a video
`able as a unit, for replacement or service.
`signal source unit operatively connected to said monitors,
`An alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 4A, a 35
`view similar to that of FIG. 4. In this alternative
`said monitors being spaced along the length of the car on
`opposed sides thereof, each of said monitor being
`embodiment, CRT video monitor 22 is replaced with an
`mounted at the junction of the sidewall and ceiling,
`LCD -based video monitor 22A which is of thin, rectangular
`with the screen of the monitor substantially flushed
`cross- se, :tion, and occupies less space in the ceiling structure
`of the car. Accordingly, it can be moved towards the ceilin
`with the adjacent wall surface structure of the car, and
`so that its viewing screen is substantially flush with or even
`directed obliquely downwardly toward the car seats, so
`that each video screen is readily visible to passengers in
`behind the light panel 40. This use of an LCD -based monitor
`gives a better aesthetic appearance to the inside of the
`the subway car.
`subway car as a whole, as well as improving the display
`2. The subway car of claim 1 wherein the video signal
`5 source system includes a pre- recorded video transmission
`performance by minimizing the interference effects, as pre- 4
`viously discussed. An appropriately shaped enclosure 42A
`program for feeding to display on the monitors of duration
`for the LCD -based monitor, with transport screen 44A,
`about 5 -15 minutes.
`3. The subway car of claim 1 wherein the program is
`replaces enclosure 42 for the CRT video monitor, and is
`similarly mounted in place.
`repeatable, and includes a series of commercial messages of
`FIG. 5 shows a front, perspective view of the arrange- 5
`o 30 second -1 minute duration.
`ment shown in section in FIG. 4. The monitor 22 and its
`4. The video system subway car of claim 1 which is sound
`covering shield 44 are recessed behind the upper portion of
`free.
`the adjacent advertising panels 40, and the sides of the
`5. The subway car of claim 1 wherein the video signal
`source unit comprises a video tape player, a video disk
`enclosure 42 protrude inwardly from the lower portion of
`panels 40. This provides ease of access to the enclosure 42 5
`5 player or computer -based digital video recorder.
`for its removal when necessary.
`6. The subway car of claim 1 wherein the video monitors
`An alternative arrangement is shown in FIG. 6. Here the
`include LCD screens.
`7. The subway car of any of claim 1 including a self -
`polycarbonate shield 44 is convexly curved, and is disposed
`further forward from the monitor screen 44. The shield 44
`contained wiring -cabling system connecting the video mon-
`o tors to the video signal source unit.
`now blends with forward facing part 48 the exterior skin and 6
`body structure 34, to provide a perhaps more aesthetically
`appealing arrangement. In FIG. 7, there is diagrammatically
`
`P. 10
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`111111 11111111 HIll 11111 11111 11111 11111 11111 IIVII11n1All
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`(12) EX PARTE REEXAMINATION CERTIFICATE (10487th)
`United States Patent
`US 6,700,602 Cl
`(10) Number:
`Blair
`Jan. 29, 2015
`(45) Certificate Issued:
`
`Int. Cl.
`HO4N 7/18
`HO4N 5/64
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`USPC
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`None
`See application file for complete search history.
`References Cited
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`348/61; 348/837
`
`(51)
`
`(56)
`
`(54) SUBWAY TV MEDIA SYSTEM
`
`(76)
`
`Inventor:
`
`Scott Blair, Toronto (CA)
`
`Reexamination Request:
`No. 90/011,861, Aug. 16, 2011
`
`Reexamination Certificate for:
`Patent No.:
`6,700,602
`Mar. 2, 2004
`Issued:
`Appl. No.:
`09/423,284
`Feb. 22, 2000
`Filed:
`
`(21)
`
`Appl. No.:
`
`90/011,861
`
`(22)
`
`PCT Filed:
`
`May 6, 1998
`
`(86)
`
`PCT No.:
`
`PCT /CÁ98 /00439
`
`§ 371 (c)(1),
`(2), (4) Date:
`
`Feb. 22, 2000
`
`(87) PCT Pub. No.: W098/51081
`PCT Pub. Date: Nov 12, 1998
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/045,811, filed on May
`7, 1997.
`
`To view the complete listing of prior art documents cited
`during the proceeding for Reexamination Control Number
`90/011,861, please refer to the USPTO's public Patent
`Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system under the
`Display References tab.
`Primary Examiner - Stephen J Ralis
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A television system for subway cars (10) includes a plurality
`of TV monitors (22) mounted at intervals along the cars (10),
`at the junction of the sidewall and the ceiling, and a central
`video signal source unit (23) such as a video tape player,
`video disk player, computer -based digital video recorder or
`television receiver, connected to the video monitors (22).
`Programs of short duration, e.g. 5 -15 minutes, matching the
`average length of a subway ride, and comprising advertising
`messages, news bytes and the like are played and displayed in
`the monitors repeatedly during the subway ride.
`
`22
`
`P. 11
`
`

`

`US 6,700,602 Cl
`
`1
`EX PARTE
`REEXAMINATION CERTIFICATE
`ISSUED UNDER 35 U.S.C. 307
`
`THE PATENT IS HEREBY AMENDED AS
`INDICATED BELOW.
`
`Matter enclosed in heavy brackets [ ] appeared in the
`patent, but has been deleted and is no longer a part of the
`patent; matter printed in italics indicates additions made
`to the patent.
`
`5
`
`10
`
`AS A RESULT OF REEXAMINATION, IT HAS BEEN
`DETERMINED THAT:
`
`15
`
`The patentability of claim 1 is confirmed.
`New claims 8 -29 are added and determined to be
`patentable.
`Claims 2 -7 were not reexamined.
`
`20
`
`2
`a video display system comprising:
`a plurality of video display monitors each having a video
`screen; and
`a video signal source unit operatively connected to said
`video display monitors;
`wherein said video display monitors are spaced along the
`length of the car on opposing sides of the subway, each
`of the video display monitors being mounted within the
`transitional segment, with the video screen of each video
`display monitor being substantially contiguous with an
`erteriorsurface of said transitional segment, said video
`screen being directed obliquely downwardly toward the
`car seats so that each video screen is readily visible to
`passengers in the subway car; and
`a back lit panel disposed on the transitional segment dis-
`posed adjacent the ceiling and a respective sidewall.
`16. The subway car of claim 15, wherein an external sur-
`face ofthe longitudinal opposed sidewall, the exterior surface
`of said transitional segment and an external surface of the
`ceiling comprise a blended contour.
`17. The subway car of claim 15, wherein the video signal
`source unit is configured to display a series of short messages
`in sequence on said plurality of video display monitors.
`18. The subway car of claim 17, wherein the series of short
`messages comprise advertising content, said advertising con-
`tent providing an additional source of revenue for the opera-
`tor of the subway car.
`19. The subway car of claim 15, wherein the back lit panel
`is disposed adjacent the video screen of the video display
`monitor.
`20. A subway car fbr mass transportation including longi-
`tudinal opposed sidewalls, a ceiling adjoining the sidewalls,
`a video display system comprising a plurality of video display
`monitors each having a video screen, and a video signal
`source unit operatively connected to said monitors,
`said monitors being spaced along the length of the car on
`opposed sides thereof each of said monitors being
`mounted at the junction of the sidewall and ceiling and
`further being covered with a transparent cover unit, with
`the transparent cover unit flushed
`ushed with the adjacent wall
`surface structure of the car, and with the rtio 76,rs
`directed obliquely downwardly toward the car seats, so
`that each video screen is readily visible to passengers in
`the subway car
`21. The subway car of claim 20, wherein the transparent
`cover unit for a respective video display monitor is rigid and
`is further configured to protect the video display monitor.
`22. The subway car of claim 20, wherein the transparent
`cover unit is flushed within the adjacent wall structure such
`that it contains no protuberances.
`23. The subway car of claim 20, further comprising a back
`lit panel disposed on the adjacent wall surface structure ofthe
`car.
`24. The subway car ofclaim 20, wherein the video display
`monitors are each enclosed within an enclosure.
`25. The subway car of claim 24, wherein the enclosure is
`secured to a structural member disposed between an inner
`wall and an outer structural shell of the subway car.
`26. The subway car ofclaim 25, wherein the enclosure and
`a respective video display monitor is removable from the
`subway car as a unit.
`27. The subway car of claim 20, wherein an external sur-
`face of the longitudinal opposed sidewalls, the adjacent wall
`surface structure and an external surface of the ceiling com-
`prise a blended contour.
`
`25
`
`30
`
`8. A subway car for mass transportation, comprising:
`a video display system comprising a plurality of video
`display monitors each having a video screen, and a
`video signal source unit operatively connected to said
`video display monitors;
`a plurality of transparent cover units that cover respective
`ones of the video display monitors;
`a pair of longitudinal opposed sidewalls, each of the side-
`walls comprising a transitional wall portion at the junc-
`tion of the sidewall and ceiling that is directed obliquely
`downwardly; and
`a ceiling adjoining the sidewalls;
`wherein the monitors are spaced along the length ofthe car
`on opposed sides thereof the monitors being disposed
`within the transitional wall portion such that the trans-
`parent cover units covering respective ones of the video
`display monitors are substantially flush with the adja- 40
`cent surface structure of the transitional wall portion,
`wherein the monitors are also directed obliquely down-
`wardly toward the car seats so that each video screen is
`readily visible to passengers in the subway car.
`9. The subway car of claim 8, wherein the plurality of 45
`transparent cover units are rigid and are further configured to
`protect the video display monitor.
`l0. The subway car of claim 9, wherein the video display
`monitor is disposed within the transitional wall portion such
`that it contains no visible edges or protuberances.
`11. The subway car ofclaim 8, further comprising a backlit
`panel disposed on the transitional wall portion, the back lit
`panel disposed adjacent the video screen ofthe video display
`monitor.
`12. The subway car of claim 8, wherein the video display 55
`monitors are ea