Abstract: Hardware not currently being used is re-oriented to a new purpose. Sensors on a personal communication device monitor the environment around the device. Based on an analysis of that monitoring, an appropriate visual message is shown on an outside display screen of the device. The visual message is targeted toward those around the device rather than to the device's user. In some embodiments, the monitoring devices include a camera and a microphone. Images taken by the camera are analyzed in an attempt to detect persons or objects around the user or to determine where the user is located. Captured speech is analyzed to determine topics of conversation. The results of these analyses are fed into a decision-making process that determines what visual messages would be appropriate. In one embodiment, the visual message is an advertisement.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for re-orienting hardware not currently being used to a new purpose. Sensors on a personal communication device monitor the environment around the device. Based on an analysis of that monitoring, an appropriate visual message is shown on an outside display screen of the device. The visual message is targeted toward those around the device rather than to the device's user. In some embodiments, the monitoring devices include a camera and a microphone. Images taken by the camera are analyzed in an attempt to detect persons or objects around the user or to determine where the user is located. Captured speech is analyzed to determine topics of conversation. The results of these analyses are fed into a decision-making process that determines what visual messages would be appropriate. In one embodiment, the visual message is an advertisement.