Technology Integration

GEM Server

Remote management

The server provides the central point for the manipulation and distribution of content and real-time interaction. It manages play-lists, creates reports, billing, gaming, ticketing and RSS feeds…

Management is performed trough the web-based GEM Interactive server software with its SQL database foundation. All forms of customer and system management interaction are server-side defined and generated. Such a design enables the remote management of content at a given location (selected GEM Player or group) from any other location, simply by using the Internet.

The GEM Server consists of a server farm running a standard Microsoft Windows Server OS.

The SMS/MMS engine (subsystem) is connected to mobile operators in order to receive and send the SMS/MMS necessary for interactivity. The adaptive solution enables the attainment of GSM-operator standards.

The web-based application (Internet interface) installed on the server covers the following combinations:

Content & Location Manager

Intended for managing locations (GEM Players) and content, thus facilitating the creation of locations, connection into groups and setting default presentations on the displays. The contents are connected into play-lists or groups of play-lists, which may be freely connected to the locations themselves. Such an approach enables enormous adaptability of content-display and connection at these locations.

Campaign Manager

Intended for the comprehensive management of an individual advertiser’s campaign or content, in which a locational (GPS) and/or temporal trigger is defined for a particular campaign, type of interactive scenario and connection with a location or group of locations. It enables the setting of adjustments to a feature on a display – from a full-screen display to any division of multiple content-related parts and dynamic transitions between parts with the simple purpose of appropriate address and enhancement of user experience.

Campaign Analyser

Enables an analysis of displayed content as well as user interactions. The criteria for report preparation are adjustable, which allows the preparation of analyses in accordance with the wishes of a given advertiser. Logs (such as content display time) and statuses needed for billing, together with reports, are transferred to the server automatically, or upon demand. Insights into particular reports in the form of charts and graphs are available at any given time via the Internet interface.

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Network Transport

The most favourable connection

A pre-selection of the most favourable connection to the player is defined on the basis of the priority list on the GEM Server.

The GEM Server communicates with the GEM Player through standard Internet type connections (TCP/IP protocol: wireless or fixed line). Primary, bi-directional, connectivity with the Internet (for example HSDPA or mobile WiMAX) is used for ongoing management, status and location reporting, SMS content and news delivery for all content that needs to be displayed in real-time.

Within public transport, WiFi is used to deliver large amount - in terms of Mb - of content. This can be WiFi while the vehicle is stationary at a terminus or DVB-T (unidirectional technology) while moving.

A combination of several available options, depending on the city or country, as well as on pricing, may also be used. In the event that such connectivity is unavailable, all data transfer can be accomplished via the primary channel. There is no limitation regarding the use of options – for example a ‘client’ can switch all communication from HSDPA to WiFi when the vehicle arrives in an area where WiFi is available (location-based decision). A secure data transfer mechanism ensures content protection.

GEM Player

Wide application

The GEM Player is responsible for displaying generated content received from the GEM Server in real-time. Management of the player is entirely remote. Deployment is possible in a variety of indoor or outdoor environments, in static locations as well as on moving public transport.

The GEM Player's initial role can be defined as a multimedia content player. It generates and presents final display and audio output. An industry-grade PC for mobile use (temp range -20 to +40 C, increased humidity resistance, vibration resistance, etc.) is employed for vehicle installation.

Multimedia content can be structured as necessary; so-called masks are pre-defined on the server. Interactivity is facilitated through mobile phone (SMS/MMS, WAP and Bluetooth) technology, while the GEM Player enables and manages direct communication with end-users via Bluetooth and decides what type of Internet (or intranet) connection will be used for communication with the server.

Received content is stored internally. Displayed content is triggered in pre-determined manners defined on the server: date, time, location (GPS), or simply through circular timing. A different mask can be applied to specific content, whilst both the play-list and mask type is transferred to the player in real-time, so changes are immediately visible on the display.

Multiple displays - as many as is necessary and with no limit on distance either - can be connected to the GEM Player. Depending on the application, displays can be enhanced in terms of added physical protection as well as with added brilliance for outdoor use (variable brightness level or automatic - with sensors located inside a vehicle). The system may be used with all kind of displays as regards interface type (VGA / DVI / HDMI / Video / S-Video / RGB), resolution and aspect ratio, although 16:10 is preferred. Audio output is adaptive (based on time of day or on demand).