MULTIMEDIA BACKPACK

Technical field

The present invention refers to a multimedia backpack which is particularly designed to offer the possibility of carrying out advertising actions in a dynamic manner, without spoiling the environment and without having to set up fixed installations.

Background Art

As is known, advertising means 'dissemination' or 'diffusion among the public' and advertising is a form of communication used by companies to create consensus around their image, in order to achieve their marketing objectives. In particular, the set of means and methods used to draw attention to the existence of products and services of various kinds and make the characteristics thereof known, as well as information and anything else that may be used to disseminate initiatives, activities, etc., by producing and conveying messages deemed most suitable for the type of market or audience targeted.

Indeed, commercial advertising means any form of communication oriented towards promoting the sale of goods or the provision of services by an operator. As a result of industrial development, advertising has evolved into a way of drawing the public's attention to a particular product and highlighting the features thereof that distinguish it from competing products.

At the same time, the systems for conveying and disseminating messages have multiplied to include the press, photography, advertisements in newspapers and magazines, illuminated signs, radio and television, and, more recently, the internet.

Depending on the media, advertising may be disseminated by posters, on walls, in the press, illuminated signs, or on radio and television. In addition to these forms, there are also dynamic advertising forms displayed on urban means of transport and online advertising, consisting of banners (electronic strips containing an image or animation) and links to advertisers' sites suggested by portals and search engines.

Nowadays there are very many ways of advertising, but although the systems in use perform their task very well, they encounter a series of drawbacks and limitations due to the conformation and structure thereof.

A first drawback originates from the fact that it is practically impossible to be able to install advertising signage in certain places, such as, for example, in historical centres or at archaeological sites, without defacing the environment and the landscape. Indeed, traditional signage structures are considerably space-consuming as they take up space and cannot be easily removed and replaced, but above all they cannot be installed everywhere, which means certain communication and advertising possibilities are precluded therewith.

Furthermore, in some locations it makes no sense to set up a fixed installation if that location is to be used temporarily and for limited length of time. It becomes a waste of economic resources, which are not recouped by the subsequent economic income generated by such advertising.

Another drawback emerges from the fact that, since there are many posters on the walls and signage structures, they are very often overlooked unless bystanders are particularly attracted by something, such as colours or an image, etc.

As mentioned, it is not always cost-effective to set up fixed installations, sometimes because the message to be conveyed concerns a time-limited or temporary initiative for which information needs to be given quickly and for a limited length of time only. One need that its felt strongly is the need to be able to disseminate advertising slogans in areas that are difficult to reach by current methods, but which, at the same time, are popular places for people to visit. In addition, there is also a need to attract people's attention through new and intriguing ways to capture attention and to ensure the message you want to convey is stamped in their memories.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is essentially to solve the problems encountered with the prior art by overcoming the aforesaid drawbacks by means of a multimedia backpack which allows users to manage and organise dynamic advertising campaigns which can be controlled remotely.

A second object of the present invention is to realise a multimedia backpack which can be put on quickly, practically, and simply, since the said backpack is not bulky and is extremely functional.

A third object of the present invention is to provide a multimedia backpack with an aesthetic appearance that can be customised with various colour combinations and different materials so as to render the said backpack particularly eye-catching and attractive and likely to capture people's attention.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multimedia backpack that is practical and functional and offers the possibility of managing advertising campaigns composed of a single backpack or multiple backpacks capable of communicating reciprocally in order to ensure the slogans are displayed in a homogeneous way in the areas concerned.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a multimedia backpack which is easy to transport, has adequate dimensions to allow a good view of the slogans and images and, at the same time, respects nature. A further but not final object of the present invention is to provide a multimedia backpack that is simple to make and works well.

These and further objects, which will emerge more clearly over the course of the present description, are essentially achieved by means of a multimedia backpack as claimed below.

Brief Description of Drawings

Further characteristics and advantages will emerge more clearly from the detailed description that follows, of a multimedia backpack according to the present invention, having reference to the appended drawings, which are provided merely for illustrative and therefore non-limiting purposes only, in which:

Figure 1 shows, schematically and in perspective view, a multimedia backpack according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows, schematically and in an exploded view, the multimedia backpack according in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows, schematically and in a rear view, components of the multimedia backpack in question;

Figure 4 shows, schematically, the backpack in an operational condition;

Figure 5 shows, schematically and in a rear view, the backpack in Figure 4 in an operational condition;

Figure 6 shows, schematically and in a different view, the backpack in Figure 4 in an operational condition;

Figures 7A, 7B, and 7C show, schematically and in a rear perspective view, some examples of how the backpack in question may be used.

With reference to the aforesaid figures, and in particular to Figure 1, 1 denotes, overall, a multimedia backpack according to the present invention. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

The multimedia backpack 1 is essentially constituted of a support structure/body 2 envisaged to house and laterally protect a multimedia panel 3 which is sealed at the rear by a sealing panel 4, as shown in Figure 1.

Engaged to the structure 2, which serves the function of body/frame and protection for the multimedia panel, is a pair of shoulder straps 6, which are ergonomic and padded for more comfortable wearing by a user 10. In particular, the shoulder straps may envisage the presence of a waist belt 60 so that the backpack fits well against the user's back.

One variant envisages that the support structure is composed of a front panel which is designed to engage with the multimedia panel and the two components are laterally protected by a cladding element which is fireproof and allows the passage of air to cool the panel 3.

The multimedia backpack comprises a battery module 5, envisaged to power the multimedia panel, and a computer 7, envisaged to display the advertising and communication material one wishes to show to the public, as shown in Figure 3. In greater detail, the computer 7 will enable displaying of the material provided by the company interested in carrying out advertising and communication activities aimed at the public.

Furthermore, the monitor on the multimedia panel 3 is covered with an anti-reflection film so that the said monitor is visible in most lighting conditions.

According to the present embodiment, the backpack in question has a seat on the rear of the multimedia panel suitable to house a fan 8 designed to cool, with air, the body, the backpack overall, and the entire system, to prevent overheating problems and hence possible discontinuance in the operation of the said panel, while also not putting the user at risk. One variant envisages that, instead of the aforesaid panel 3 and computer 7, the backpack has a device which includes a display and management and control means composed of a circuit board which manages the features and functions of the display and of the other components featured in the backpack.

In particular, the backpack may be equipped with solar panels whose task is to recharge the battery module 5 which, in the present embodiment, are lithium batteries so as not to have to recharge them frequently and to use as little mains electricity as possible. In greater detail, the solar panels are located in the upper part of the support structure/body 2 in order to be able to receive sunlight in optimal conditions.

In addition, the user (a human directional) 10 may be supplied with a wheeled base with rotors which are also capable of recharging the battery module 5. The system has been designed to respect the environment since the backpack is preferably powered with renewable energy.

One variant envisages that the backpack may be applied to a robot that is able to move autonomously, following a predetermined route, performing the same actions and behaviour as the user (human directional) 10.

In particular, the backpack is equipped with a GPS device that allows the location of the backpack to be known at any time.

As previously mentioned, through the use of the transportable multimedia panel able to reproduce audio-visual content and images, as well as the GPS device, it is possible to determine the location of the user (human directional) and the backpack and remotely manage communication material, images, and slogans and solve any problems in real time. The fact that the location of the display area of the multimedia panel can be known at any time allows the ad hoc dissemination of slogans as required through predefined, organised, localised campaigns. Furthermore, it is also possible to play jingles or actual songs via speaker.

In addition to the explanations so far, the backpack may be equipped with a webcam or a camera or a device capable of viewing and filming the surrounding environment in order to receive information about the people present so as to be able to better adapt the advertisement or communication material to display based on the type of audience present in the area at that time.

Indeed, if - at a given moment - there arc not enough people or not enough people meeting the requirements for the kind of communication material planned, the advertising may be postponed or modified.

The multimedia backpack in question is offered as a different, innovative advertising method and can be used by any business, company, or organisation which may be interested, even for limited periods or very specific locations where it is not possible or convenient to set up fixed installations.

Indeed, each backpack will be transported by authorised, insured, hired, or remunerated personnel who have been selected or chosen after sending in applications via a dedicated platform.

In this way, the advertising campaigns may be composed of a single panel or multiple panels which are able to communicate reciprocally in diverse ways, which will help ensure the slogans are displayed in a homogeneous manner, covering the areas concerned in an adequate and correct way, as shown, for example, in Figures 7A, 7B and 7C.

In addition to the explanations so far, the backpack in question will allow advertising slogans to be disseminated, without spoiling the urban landscape through the use of posters or fixed signage, thanks to the reproduction of audio-visual films or images and without occupying public space. Furthermore, through the use of the solar panels combined with the body and/or the insoles inserted inside the human directional’s shoes, it is possible to be able to power the entire system autonomously, thereby reducing the use of electricity produced through processes involving high emissions of CO2 or harmful substances.

In particular, the fact that the multimedia panel is transportable in the same way as a backpack allows the dissemination of advertising slogans in areas that are difficult to reach by cun-ent methods and without leaving residues or installations or producing waste that is not easily disposed of, as occurs with signage or leaflets.

Furthermore but not finally, the use of multimedia panels in different geographical areas makes it possible to create employment positions which are dynamic and accessible in terms of times and methods, thereby providing greater employment opportunities, for example, for students or part-time workers.

In addition to the explanations so far, the said multimedia backpack can be managed in three different ways:

■ by panels being purchased and delivered by courier or being purchased from a physical store or business, wherein the physical management and remote management is transferred to the end user through the provision of instructions for use, charging methods, specifications, etc;

■ by panels being rented and delivered to or collected from hubs, shops, or companies, with physical management, remote management, and dedicated usage information included; once the rental period is finished, the panel must be returned or will be collected, as agreed;

- by means of a sharing service: wherein a dedicated platform will allow registered users to take the panel from physical totems located in strategic points in the city and, following pre-set routes, to earn by completing the routes marked on the map. Once the service is finished, the panel will be returned to the hub specified.

An example of use in the rental mode may be as follows: a company intends to run a five- day advertising campaign in a specific city.

After agreeing on the use of two multimedia backpacks for three hours for each of the five days (from 9:00 to 11 :00 in the morning and 4:00 to 5:00 in the afternoon, from Tuesday through to Saturday) and the most suitable route, the images and/or audio-video content are loaded onto the computer or the circuit board in the backpack via USB stick, hard disk, remote loading, or the like (after checking the material to prevent the dissemination of unacceptable or illegal content).

An application will be made to the local council involved for the necessary authorisations for dissemination and for occupation of public space.

At this point the human directionals who are willing to cover the agreed routes will be contacted. The human directionals will be insured and will be informed of the route they are required to follow. The company wanting to run the advertising campaign will be able to use employees or human directionals of its choice. The backpacks will be delivered directly to the company in question or collected at agreed points on the day(s) and at the time(s) stated, either already switched on and ready for use, or switched off but provided with instructions for switching them on and starting them up.

The company will be able to access the panel settings at any time, follow it via GPS, and remotely modify the content displayed (reviewed content only). Once the scheduled service is finished, if the panels are low on power, they will need to be recharged via a charging base or power cables, which will top up the battery charge. At the end of the five-day campaign, the backpacks will either have to be returned or will be picked up, as agreed with the company. An example of use in sharing mode may be as follows: the backpacks will be present in dedicated hubs within the city and will be available for any registered human directional who has applied for the position via a dedicated mobile application (similar to the Just Eat application).

The backpacks will continuously display the content agreed with the companies (subject to review), so as to guarantee the visibility thereof even when they are stationary at the transparent hubs.

After this predominantly structural description, the operation of the invention in question is described as follows.

When a company intends to run an advertising campaign in a particular area of a city or a location where it is not possible to set up signage and/or for a limited time, it simply has to procure a backpack and load the images, video, slogans, or communication material it wishes to display to the public onto the backpack via a USB stick or other equivalent device or by remote loading.

At this point, each human directional involved will put on a backpack, go to the pre- established location, and then start walking and moving according to the agreed route or stopping at pre-established spots for a scheduled length of time.

Once the route is finished and the agreed time is up, the human directional will then return to the base and return the backpack. The following day the same situation will be repeated, and so throughout the agreed period for the advertising campaign. Once a backpack has been returned, the human directional can put on another backpack and start walking around again for a different advertising campaign. The presence of the GPS device will allow customers to check that the human directional actually takes the planned route.

Thus the present invention achieves the pre-set objects. The multimedia backpack in question allows companies to manage and organise dynamic and remotely controllable advertising campaigns involving a single backpack or multiple backpacks capable of communicating reciprocally in order to ensure the display of slogans in a homogenous manner in the areas concerned without any fixed, spaceconsuming, or polluting installations, like signage and leaflets.

Advantageously, the multimedia backpack can be put on quickly, practically and simply, since the said backpack is compact and extremely functional as well as ergonomic.

Furthermore, the backpack according to the present invention features an aesthetic appearance that can be customised with various colour combinations and different materials so as to render the said backpack particularly eye-catching and attractive and likely to capture people's attention.

The backpack is practical and functional and offers an alternative advertising method to those in use at present; it is a dynamic advertising system that does not require any particular application activity, such as that required for buses for example, in addition to the fact that the said system can be managed and organised for short-term communication over a period of time ranging from a few hours a day to a few days, in places which can be clearly specified according to the presence of people likely to receive the message conveyed immediately.

A further advantage of the multimedia backpack in question originates from the fact that the said backpack is easily transportable but is adequately sized to allow a good view of the slogans and images and, at the same time, it respects nature.

In addition to the explanations so far, the backpack in question is composed of a structure which is simple enough to allow easy, fast, and practical insertion and removal of the multimedia panel from the support structure. A further but not final advantage of the present invention is that multimedia backpack is simple to make and works well.

Naturally, numerous modifications and variations may be made to the present invention while remaining within the scope of the inventive concept that characterises it.