It’s always a sign that a particular industry or technology is inching towards the mainstream when Advertising businesses begin to fire off patent applications and start comparing themselves to Google.

Founded in 2004, Florida based Ringo recently announced that they have filed a patent application for what they refer to as “Cost-by-radius” advertising. The system operates by location-enabling Taxis and using these vehicles to broadcast advertisements to passengers based upon where they are. The Taxis are fitted out with screens and printers that can deliver tailored advertisements and redemption coupons.

Ringo’s customers will pay according to the radius of coverage, i.e. the closer a potential consumer is to your business, the higher the cost of delivering your advertising to them will be.

Coming to an IPO near you!