The following description of the background of the invention is provided simply as an aid in understanding the invention and is not admitted to describe or constitute prior art to the invention.
The present invention relates generally to the field of audience interaction systems. Specifically, the present invention relates to audience messaging systems.
Methods for sending electronic messages such as the short message service (SMS) or text messaging allows a user to send simple text messages from a mobile device, computer or handheld device to a recipient device such as a mobile phone. FIG. 1 illustrates a general communications architecture for mobile device to mobile device messaging. When a text message is sent from a mobile device 10 it is first received by a mobile switching center (MSC) 20. The MSC 20 then forwards the message to a short message service center (SMSC) 30. The SMSC 30 routes SMS messages within a wireless provider's network. The text message is saved at the SMSC and then forwarded to a second MSC 40 associated with the recipient device 50 which then routes the text message to a recipients mobile device 50. SMS messages are stored by the SMSC until the destination device is available to receive the message. Thus, the save and forward capability of the SMSC guarantees deliver of the SMS message.
Text messaging is an increasingly popular communication method. Several commercial applications for text messaging exist. For example, companies use broadcast text messages to send information to multiple consumers. Text messaging is used by television programs to allow viewers to participate in interactive polls. In addition, venues for concerts and sporting events use displays such as giant screens, “JUMBOTRONS®, “ribbon boards”, video displays in the venue, electronic marquees and scoreboards to display text messages sent from audience members. FIG. 2 shows an exemplary communication architecture for a conventional venue messaging system. A user sends a message on her mobile device 10 to a number associated with the venue's display 80. The message is transmitted to a MSC 20 which routs the message to a SMSC 30. The SMSC 30 stores the message and then routes the message to a message server 60. The message server 60 passes the message through a content filter 70. The filtered message is then shown on the venue display 80.
It is common for multiple events such as concerts or sporting events to occur at different venues at the same time. Thus, a system and method is desired that will allow an audience member located in one venue to send a message to be displayed to audience members attending a different event at a separate venue.