GB2451418A

GB2451418A - A computer and image capture device for gathering information from a user

Info

Publication number: GB2451418A
Application number: GB0708487A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ewen Barnes; Hugh Colin Keith
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-05-02
Filing date: 2007-05-02
Publication date: 2009-02-04
Also published as: WO2008135733A1; GB0708487D0

Abstract

An apparatus 1 for gathering information from a user comprises a computer system 3 having a screen 7 (e.g. a touch screen) which prompts a user for a response and enables the user to respond to the prompt. The apparatus further comprises an image capture device such as a camera 5 in operative communication with the computer system and configured to capture an image of the user responding to a particular prompt such that it can be verified that the user responded to the particular prompt. The system may be used in interviews between officials and foreign nationals and may capable of operating in different languages.

Description

Information Gathering Apparatus The present invention relates to an apparatus for gathering information from a user.

GB 2399431 discloses a computer system arranged to conduct proceedings such as interview proceedings with foreign nationals. The system may be used by a police Custody Officer who has the responsibility of ensuring the correct procedure is S * adhered to in order to charge an individual suspected of having committed a crime. The Custody Officer can use the computer * system of GB 2399431 to make a suspect, who does not speak the **, language of the country in which he has been arrested, aware of * *** his legal rights and can also use the system to obtain answers to basic initial statutory questions.

Although the system as described in GB 2399431 can be very effective in obtaining information from foreign nationals, the present invention seeks to provide an apparatus for gathering information from a user that improves the evidentiary audit trail. The evidentiary audit trail of, for example, the initial interview proceedings between police and suspect can be of vital importance in ultimately securing the conviction of a suspect. This is because in any eventual court case the prosecution may need to be able to demonstrate that, for example, the suspect was aware of their rights, was capable of understanding the basic initial statutory questions and did not require medical treatment.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for gathering.....

information from a user as set forth in claim 1. * * * . ** *

The apparatus as set out in claim 1 provides convenient and *.IS * accurate means of demonstrating that a particular user of the apparatus responded to a particular prompt presented by the computer system, as the image capture device is configured to capture an image of the user actuating the interface means in response to a particular prompt.

The apparatus of the present invention is suitable for use in a variety of situations where it is necessary to gather information from a user and is particularly suitable for situations in which an evidentiary audit trail may be required to demonstrate that the user responded to the particular prompt or question presented to them. The apparatus of the invention is thus particularly suitable for use by eg. police, customs, immigration services etc. The term image includes a still image as well as a moving image JO captured over a period of time. * . * * .

Preferably the computer system of the apparatus of the invention * * * S * is configured in accordance with claim 2 to record verification *5*5 data comprising the image captured, the time the image was *** *.S S

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captured and the time at which the user responded to the prompt.

The recorded verification data further improves the evidentiary audit trail and enables confirmation that the image of the user responding to the prompt was taken at the same time that the prompt was responded to.

The apparatus of the invention is particularly suitable for incorporation in an interview apparatus for enabling a primary user to conduct interview proceedings with a user. The interview apparatus further comprises a primary interface arrangement having a display means, the primary interface arrangement being in operative communication with the apparatus. The interview apparatus is configured such that the prompts and the nature of the responses provided by the user in the response to the prompts are displayed on the primary interface arrangement for the information of the primary user. The interview apparatus thus enables a primary user to see the prompts and the responses to the prompts, as entered by the user, on their display means. * * S *

The present invention also relates to: a computer system as set * .*S * . S out in claim 9; a computer system as set out in claim 10; and a networked computer system as set out in claim 11; a computer *.* * S IS system as set out in claim 12; a computer system as set out in claim 16; a computer system as set out in claim 18; a computer system as set out in claim 19; a computer system as set out in claim 20.

The term primary interface arrangement refers to an arrangement via which a primary user can interface with the interview apparatus or computer system. The term user interface arrangement refers to an arrangement via which a user can interface with the interview apparatus or computer system.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying schematic figures.

Figure 1 shows an apparatus for gathering information.

Figure 2 shows an interview apparatus for enabling a primary * S * . user to conduct interview proceedings with a user. *S5

S * *S*

Figure 3 shows a networked computer system enabling a primary ** user to conduct interview proceedings simultaneously with a *** : plurality of users.

The apparatus 1 as illustrated in figure 1 comprises a computer 3 and an image capture device 5 in operative communication with the computer 3 over a wired or wireless connection. The computer 3 comprises interface means 7 in the form of a touch sensitive screen. The interface means may alternatively comprise, for example, a display screen and a mouse for moving a cursor or a keyboard for inputting data. The interface means may be comprised in the housing of the computer or may be separate to but in operative communication with the computer.

The image capture device 5 is preferably a camera capable of capturing and recording images in digital format. Alternatively the image capture device may be a camera that records images on film or magnetic tape. The image capture device is preferably capable of capturing and recording moving images. The image capture device may be comprised in the housing of the computer * * * * or may be separate to the computer. S.. *

The computer 3 is programmed with software such that in operation the user, typically seated in front of touch screen 7, *. *e* S *

IS is prompted for a response. A prompt may comprise a request or question addressed to the user for information, such as for example their name or address, or may comprise a question requiring a yes or no response such as for example "Are you diabetic?". The user may be prompted by text and/or an illustration shown on the screen 7.

In addition to the screen 7 for displaying prompts, the 3 may preferably also comprises an audio output. means (not shown) for outputting spoken prompts. The spoken prompts may be pre-recorded and stored in a memory of the computer or may be synthesised from a textual database of prompts.

The user may request the replaying of a spoken or audio prompt as many times as is required. * * * .

In response to the prompt the user can enter the required information or choose one of several presented options presented * **e * * * by actuating the interface means, in this embodiment, the touch ** screen 7. The computer 3 is configured such that, depending on *" *S* S the nature of the prompt, the user may for example respond by typing in text via a virtual keyboard presented on the screen or may respond by pressing an area of the screen marked, for example, "yes" or "no".

The image capture device 5 is configured such that an image is captured of the user actuating the touch screen as the user actuates the touch screen. The image capture device and computer may be configured such that as the user contacts the touch sensitive screen a command signal is sent to the image capture device to capture the image. The image is thus captured in response to the user contacting the touch sensitive screen.

Alternatively the apparatus may comprise a motion sensor (not shown) set-up across the front of the touch screen and pre-determined distance from the screen. As the user reaches to contact the touch screen the motion sensor is activated and a signal is sent to the image capture device. The image capture * * * S device is activated in response to the signal from the motion sensor shortly before the user contacts the touch screen. * *SS *

The computer is configured to record verification data ***. : comprising the image captured, the time the image was captured and the time at which the user responded to the prompt by actuating the interface means. The verification data is recorded in response to the user actuating the touch screen 7. The verification data may be wholly stored, at least temporarily, in the memory of the computer or some of the verification date may be stored, at least temporarily, in the memory of the image capture device. The computer is also configured to record the information gathered from the user comprising the prompts presented to a particular user and the nature of the responses provided by the particular user.

Once the user has responded to the first prompt a subsequent prompt is presented and the image capture process and recordal of verification data process is repeated as the user responds to the subsequent prompt. This process continues until sufficient information has been gathered from the user. * *

The computer 3 preferably comprises means (not shown) such that the gathered information and the verification data can be ** :: downloaded from the memory of the computer, and from the memory * .** of the image capture device if required, onto e.g. CD *,***. *** :

or DVD or any other readable data recordal means. The computer is preferably also configured such that a record of the information gathered can be obtained, as a printed record, for validation by the user by, for example, applying their signature to the printed record. The computer 3 may also comprise means to transmit the verification data and information gathered via a telecommunications link.

To prevent a user "skipping" through the prompts and responding rapidly without taking time to consider the nature of the prompt, the computer is configured to render the touch screen unresponsive for a predetermined time period upon presentation of the or each prompt. The predetermined time period may, for example, comprise the time taken to present the audio prompt in its entirety or may comprise a particular time from when the prompt is first presented on the screen. The predetermined time period may be different for different * * * * prompts. The user is thus prevented from responding to the or each prompt until the predetermined time period has expired. The * * * * computer is preferably configured to delay the presentation of **** the active virtual keyboard or presentation of any active *****

S S *

"answer" areas of the screen for the predetermined period. Even if the user contacts the screen before the end of the predetermined period the computer will not respond and will not progress to the next prompt.

Figure 2 shows an interview apparatus 11 for enabling a primary user to conduct interview proceedings with a user. The apparatus comprises a computer 3 and image capture device 5 configured for operation as described previously with reference to figure 1 and

II

in addition a primary interface arrangement here embodied in the particular form of display means in the form of a screen 13 and data input means in the form of keyboard 14 in operative communication with primary computer 12. As an alternative to requiring both keyboard 14 and screen 13, the screen 13 may be a touch sensitive screen to enable the primary user to enter data into the computer via the touch sensitive screen.

JO The touch sensitive screen 7 of computer 3 provides a user * * * * interface arrangement. * ** * * * * *

The primary computer 12 and computer 3 may be operatively connected by wires or wirelessly. The primary computer 12 and **, a * * computer 3 may comprise two separate computers or may comprise two processors contained within one housing.

The display screen 13 may be separate to but in wired or wireless operative communication with primary computer 12.

The display screen 13 and touch sensitive screen 7 may be separate units to each other or may be housed in a common housing. The keyboard 14 may also be comprised in the same housing as the display screen 13.

The primary computer 12, computer 3, display screen 13 and touch sensitive screen 7 may be comprised in a single housing.

One or both of the computers 12 and 3 comprises a database of prompts in a plurality of languages. The prompts may be stored as text files to be viewed on screen. * a as *

The primary computer uses one of the languages as the default * * a S language for the interview, which in the case of an 5.5 interview at a police station in the England would be English. ***** *.S * * The default language can be changed, so the apparatus can be used, for example, by police in another country. As will be explained below the interview apparatus enables selection of a language of the proceedings by the subject, which in the case of a foreign person would be a foreign language but could also be the same language as the default language.

The main user, e.g. a police officer, is typically seated before display screen 13 and keyboard 14 whilst the user, e.g. a suspect to be interviewed, is seated in front of touch screen 7.

S The police officer enters basic data onto the primary computer 12 in the default language using the keyboard 14 such as the date, his/her name and the crime number allocated to the particular case regarding which the suspect is being interviewed. * * * . *

The language spoken by the subject then has to be selected on either the primary computer 12 or the computer 3. If the officer * * .S* is aware of the language, the language can be selected by the.* * officer from a list displayed on the screen 13. S. * *

Alternatively or in addition a list of languages can be displayed on the screen 7 for the user to select which language they wish to proceed with. In order to assist the user, a world map may be displayed initially, the user then having to touch the screen over the relevant country of the map or by touching a displayed flag indicating the required country.

If the officer has not already entered the language of the proceedings on the primary computer then the list of countries or illustrated world map forms the initial prompt presented to the user. In response to the user activating the interface means in the form of touch sensitive screen 7, as described above in reference to figure 1, the image capture device 5 captures an image of the user actuating the interface means. The computer 3 records the prompt presented, the response entered by the user and the time the user responded to the prompt whilst the image * S

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capture device records the time the image was recorded and the image itself. The data recorded by the image capture device is * ..* * S * preferably transmitted to computer 3 for ultimate recording, * .*S downloading and/or transmitting as described above. *S* * * S 0S

Following the selection of the language of the proceedings the computer 3 prompts the user via screen 7 to enter their address by touching the relevant parts of a keyboard displayed on the screen 7.

Again the verification data, comprising the image captured, the time the image was captured and the time at which the user responded to the prompt, is captured and recorded by the interview apparatus along with the gathered information e.g. the fact an address was requested arid the address entered by the user.

Following entry of the address the computer 3 proceeds to ask the user a sequence of questions in the selected language, wherein the user is presented with a screen display consisting of: a) a keyboard having a character set comprising the characters of the alphabet of the language selected by the user; * * b) a region within which prompts are displayed to the user in the selected language; * * c) a region within which the user's response to each prompt, ***S entered by touching the screen to selected the required e * characters from the keyboard, is displayed.

Alternatively if the question requires a simple yes or no answer the user may be presented with a screen display comprising b) above along with active areas of the screen indicating "yes" or "no" in the selected language.

The prompts may additionally be presented in spoken format to the user by an audio output means.

Either the computer 3 or primary computer 12 is configured to translate text entered via the displayed keyboard or to match responses and prompts given in the language of the proceedings with the corresponding responses and prompts in the default language. The primary computer 12 is programmed with software such that the officer is provided on screen 13 with an indication in the default language of the nature of the prompts provided to the user and also the response entered by the user.

The officer can thus be made immediately aware if a user, for *

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example, responds yes to the question of whether he/she requires medical attention. * S., * *. S. * *S

Each of the computers are configured to store the prompt and ****

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response content of their display screens in a memory, for subsequent downloading, transmission via a telecommunications link and/or printing. The text entered by the user in the language of the proceedings can be recorded as well as the translation of the text provided to the main user.

Once the user has responded to the previous prompt a subsequent prompt is presented and the recordal of gathered information process and recordal of verification data process is repeated as the user responds to the subsequent prompt. This process continues until sufficient information has been gathered from the user. Discrete data records are thus created for each prompt and response sequence comprising the information gathered, namely the prompt given and the response provided (both in the language of the proceedings and the default language if required), in addition to the verification data. The data records are created in response to each actuation of the touch screen 7 by the user. * * I I * **

The computer 3 is configured such that on prompting the user for * * II their date of birth, the computer calculates the age of the user * I** and if the age is below a certain limit, the computer transmits **,**.

***. : a signal accordingly to primary computer 12. Primary computer 12 then provides an alert on screen 13 for the police officer that the user is below a certain age threshold. The alert may comprise, for example, indicating the date of birth of the user on the screen 13 in red whilst the remaining text is in black.

The computer 3 is configured such that if the user fails to respond to a prompt the user may request the prompt to be provided again. This is particularly useful when audio prompts are being provided. The user may request the prompt to be provided as many times as required.

Further the computer 3 is configured to prevent the user from progressing on to the next prompt unless a response has been provided to the previous prompt. The computer is also configured to allow the primary user, e.g. the police officer, to enter an override command into computer 12 where the override command IS*

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instructs the computer 3 to present the next prompt on screen 7.

The fact that the primary user has entered an override command **SS is recorded by computer 12 and forms part of the data record in * respect of that particular prompt. Preferably the primary user can only enter an override command once the user has requested the prompt to be re-presented, in other words, once the user has been presented with the same prompt twice.

Both computers 3 and 12 are configured to prevent the primary user from operating the primary interface arrangement to return to an earlier prompt in the sequence and amend the response already given. This provides a "fail-safe" that the responses cannot be subsequently altered.

Computer 3 is configured to permit the user to operate the user interface arrangement to return to the previous prompt in the sequence and amend the response given but is also configured to prevent the user from amending the response given to any earlier prompts. The user is thus only permitted to go back and amend the last response they entered. The user cannot return to the last but one prompt and amend the response given. * * I S *I **

The system is configured such that the primary user can suspend

I

the interview proceedings by inputting the relevant command to computer 12. Once the proceedings have been suspended the sIll primary user can, when required, re-open the proceedings by inputting the relevant command to computer 12. The computer 3 is configured such that no prompt in the sequence will be missed i.e. the user will be presented with the lowest numbered prompt in the sequence that was left unanswered before the suspension.

This provides a further "fail safe" against the inadvertent failure to ask a statutory question.

The computer 12 is programmed such that once the user, or the primary user, has selected the language of the proceedings a link is provided on screen 13 such that the primary user can easily and conveniently access a database of contact information specific to the particular language ot the proceedings selected.

The primary user is thus provided with quick and easy access to, for example, contact details for an interpreter or a doctor able to speak the language of the proceedings.

Both computer 3 and computer 12 are further configured to allow the primary user and/or the user to change the selected language of the proceedings partway through the interview proceedings if required, thereby providing flexibility. ...** * * In one embodiment of the invention at least the touch-sensitive screen is provided as a portable device. The computer 3 and touch sensitive screen 7 may be provided in a hand-held format such as for example a tablet device which may incorporate the image capture device or may be in operative communication, preferably wirelessly, with it. The primary computer may be provided for example in a portable lap-top format. Such conveniently sized portable devices are particularly suitable for use in confined spaces such as the rear of a car, where it is not possible to have an interview apparatus permanently set up.

Figure 3 shows a networked computer system for enabling a primary user to conduct interview proceedings simultaneously with a plurality of users. The networked system comprises primary computer 12 as described above with reference to figure 2. The networked system further comprises a plurality of user computers 3 each in operative connection with an image capture device 5 and an interface arrangement in the form of touch.,..

screen 7 as described above with reference to figure 2.

The computers 3 and 12 are configured to enable each user to select a different language of the proceedings. The computers 3 and 12 are also configured to permit each user to proceed through the interview prompts at the required pace of the user.

Computer 12 is configured to permit the primary user to, at any one time, select which user's gathered information should be visible on screen 13.

The content of GB 2399431 is incorporated herein by reference.

Particular features described above with reference to a particular embodiment are not limited to that particular embodiment but may be combined with or comprised within any other embodiment or embodiments described above. * * * * . ** .. * *.e * S S S. *5* a * S.'. *** S

Claims

Claims 1. An apparatus for gathering information from a user, the apparatus comprising a computer system configured to prompt a user for a response and comprising interface means to enable the user to respond to the prompt, wherein the apparatus further comprises an image capture device in operative communication with the computer system and configured to capture an image of the user actuating the interface means in response to a 1'

S

particular prompt such that it can be verified that the user responded to the particular prompt. S.... *5S *
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the computer system is configured to record verification data comprising the image captured, the time the image was captured arid the time at which the user responded to the prompt by actuating the interface means.
3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the computer system is configured to record the verification data in response to the user actuating the interface means.
4. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the image capture device is activated in response to the user actuating the interface means.
5. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the interface means comprises a touch sensitive screen. * S

S S S *5
6. An interview apparatus for enabling a primary user to *:.

conduct interview proceedings with a user, wherein the interview *:.

apparatus comprises: a)the apparatus of any preceding claim; and b)a primary interface arrangement having a display means, the primary interface arrangement being in operative communication with the apparatus, the interview apparatus being configured such that the prompts and the nature of the responses provided by the user in response to the prompts are displayed on the display means of the first interface arrangement for the information of the primary user.
7. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the interview apparatus is configured such that the prompts may be presented to the user in a first language whilst the nature of the prompts and the responses given by the user are displayed for the primary user in a second language on the display means of the primary interface arrangement.
8. An apparatus according to claims 5 or 6, further comprising a plurality of information gathering systems in accordance with * * any of claims 1 to 4, such that the primary user can conduct interview proceedings simultaneously with a plurality of users. .* * *** * * S 5.
9. A computer system, for gathering information from a user, comprising a first interface arrangement configured to present the user with at least one prompt and configured to enable the user to respond to the at least one prompt wherein the computer system is configured to render the interface arrangement unresponsive for a predetermined time period upon presentation of the or each prompt such that the user is prevented from responding to the or each prompt until the predetermined time period has expired.
10. A computer system, for enabling a primary user to conduct interview proceedings with a second user, comprising a primary interface arrangement and a second interface arrangement, the second interface arrangement being configured to present the second user with at least one prompt and comprising means to enable the second user to respond to the at least one prompt wherein on receiving the response from the second user the S S * computer system is configured to determine whether or not the second user is permitted to continue with the interview *.

proceedings and to present an alert on the primary interface arrangement for the primary user if the second user is not permitted to continue.
11. A networked computer system for enabling a primary user to simultaneously conduct interview proceedings with a plurality of users, the computer system comprising a primary interface and a plurality of user interfaces, each of the user interfaces comprising text entry means and being configured to enable a user to select a preferred language of the proceedings from a plurality of languages, the system being configured such that each user can select a different language of the proceedings according to their requirements and the system being further configured to display text in the selected language of the proceedings on each user interface prompting the user to enter text via the text entry means, the system being further configured to display text on the primary interface for the primary user in a default language different from the language of the proceedings. * * * . *
12. A computer system, for enabling a primary user to conduct interview proceedings with a user, comprising a primary * *** * * * interface arrangement and a user interface arrangement, the user *.S* interface arrangement being configured to present the user with **,, *** S a first prompt and comprising means to enable the user to respond to the first prompt wherein the system is configured such that the user interface arrangement will not present a second subsequent prompt until a response has been provided to the first prompt.
13. A computer system according to claim 12, wherein the system is configured to allow the primary user to enter an override command into the primary interface, the override command resulting in a second subsequent prompt being presented on the user interface arrangement, if the user has failed to respond to the first question.
14. A computer system according to claim 13, wherein the system is configured such that on entry of an override command, the system records a data record confirming that an override command was entered. * * * S * ** S.
15. A computer system, according to claim 13 or 14 wherein the * * *** system is configured to only allow an override command to be * *. * entered once the user has requested representation of the same s...' S..

prompt at least once.
16. A computer system, for enabling a primary user to conduct interview proceedings with a user, comprising a primary interface arrangement for the primary user and a user interface arrangement for the user, the user interface arrangement being configured to present the user with a sequence of prompts and comprising means to enable the user to respond to each of the sequence of prompts wherein the system is configured to permit the user to operate the user interface arrangement to return to the previous prompt in the sequence and amend the response given and is also configured to prevent the user from amending the response given to any earlier prompts.
17. A computer system according claim 16, wherein the system is configured to prevent the primary user operating the primary or user interface arrangement to return to any earlier prompt, including the previous prompt, in the sequence and amending the response given.

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18. A computer system, for enabling a primary user to conduct * S. S interview proceedings with a user, comprising a primary *5 * interface arrangement for the primary user and a user interface arrangement for the user, the user interface arrangement being configured to present the user with a sequence of prompts (1) to (n) and comprising means to enable the user to respond to each of the sequence of prompts wherein the system is configured to allow the primary user to suspend the interview proceedings via the primary interface arrangement, and to reopen the interview proceedings via the primary interface arrangement wherein the system is configured such that on reopening the proceedings the user interface arrangement can only revert to presenting the prompt closest to (1) in the sequence to which no response was entered before the suspension of the proceedings.
19. A computer system for enabling a primary user to conduct interview proceedings with a user, the computer system comprising a primary interf ace arrangement and a user interface arrangement, the user interface arrangement and/or the primary. : interf ace arrangement being configured to enable the user and/or primary user to select a preferred language of the proceedings from a plurality of languages, the system further being * .** configured such that upon selection of the required language by S.. S the user or primary user, an active link to a database of contact information specific to the particular language selected becomes available on the primary interface arrangement for access by the primary user.
20. A computer system for enabling a primary user to conduct interview proceedings with a user, the computer system comprising a primary interface arrangement for a primary user and a user interface arrangement for a user, the user interface arrangement being configured to enable the second user to select a preferred language of the proceedings from a plurality of languages, such that the user is presented with prompts in the selected language to which responses can be entered by the user via the user interface arrangement, and wherein the system is configured to present text via the primary interface arrangement to the primary user in a default language different to the language of proceedings, the system further being configured such that once the interview proceedings have commenced either the primary user or the user can change the language of the proceedings via the primary or user interface arrangement such that the prompts are subsequently presented to the user in the amended language of the proceedings via the user interface arrangement.