CN1199484A

CN1199484A - Information access booth

Info

Publication number: CN1199484A
Application number: CN96197509.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: J·S·马里内斯库
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1995-10-09
Filing date: 1996-10-09
Publication date: 1998-11-18
Also published as: EP0855073B1; WO1997014122A2; GB9520632D0; AU717940B2; HK1015499A1; CA2234363A1; AU7222696A; ATE216110T1; DE69620622D1; EP0855073A2; DE69620622T2; JP2000500591A; WO1997014122A3

Abstract

An information access booth (1) has a display unit (9) for displaying information and an input device (11, 12, 13) for inputting information. The booth (1) has an entrance, the orientation of the entrance, the display unit (9) and the input device (11, 12, 13) being such that a user (A, A') can at least partially enter the booth (1) sideways and use the input device (11, 12, 13) and view the display unit (9) whilst standing or sitting at least partially sideways in the booth (1). The booth (1) has a door (8) for closing the entrance. The door (8) has a concave portion (17) which is adjacent to the display unit (9) when the door (8) is open thereby to facilitate the user's view of the display unit (9). The booth (1) can be used to provide secure and private access for the public to a computer network, for example.

Description

Information access booth

The present invention relates to a kind of Information Access (visit) booth.

Use day by day along with online service, for example visit Computer Database and server and information by the Internet, people have proposed such requirement to public accessing points, promptly can utilize a computing machine to visit described online service this common access point public.In some cities, these common access point are for example to be based upon in the cafeteria.But present operable common access point but can not be for the user provides more crypticity, because the computing machine that they are arranged on the desk by and the onlooker can see is formed.But, can predict, the common access point of the online service that can at any time use those public has just proposed requirement.

The known ATM (automatic teller machine) (teller machine) that " hole within the walls " type is arranged, the user will be facing to a machine, and therefore his or her back will be facing to all onlookers.This just means: when the user imported user's authorization code, the onlooker can walk around this user and see and watch this authorization code.This also just means: the user just can not see usually near his/her, possible attacker.

Also known have various public telephone booths and a call box.But they all require the user to enter described public telephone booth or call box usually, perhaps as using ATM (automatic teller machine), are facing call box inside and are standing.

According to a first aspect of the invention, it provides a kind of Information Access kiosk, and described kiosk comprises: a display device that is used for display message; One input media that is used for input information; Described kiosk has an inlet, the orientation of described inlet, display device and input media is to set like this, promptly, make the user can allow the part health enter in the kiosk at least with leaning to one side, and use input media and watch display device, simultaneously can also stand at least in part or be sitting in the kiosk along side direction.

Because the user can enter described kiosk along side direction, so kiosk has crypticity and security.The user can be sitting in the kiosk, perhaps can " half health is in kiosk " and " second half health is outside kiosk " on one's feet.

Described inlet can be along first side, and described display device is along second side adjacent with described first side, and input media is along three side relative with first side substantially, or is supported by the 3rd side.

At the state of described " half health at interior/half health outside ", the user can be shelved on his or her arm on the one working surface/armrest that is provided with for input media.

Preferably be provided with one to close described inlet.Described door has the recess that is adjacent to the display device setting when Yi Dangmen opens, so that the user watches display device.

Can sliding opening or close described door.In this case, described kiosk has a plurality of fabricated sections, and door has one and is used for holding the groove of each fabricated section, so that door is bearing on the kiosk slidably.One of them fabricated section preferably prejudicially, be rotatably installed on the kiosk, thereby each fabricated section is alignd mutually, thereby each fabricated section can be disassembled with the installation or removal door from described groove, the described eccentric door fabricated section of installing is eccentric rotation, thereby it and another fabricated section or other several fabricated sections are not lined up, thereby each fabricated section is locked in the described groove.This system can disassemble door and change very convenient and fastly.Can be embedded in advertising information in the described door because described door can be loaded onto those, so its advantage is can more convenient ground disassembled door, has new of different advertising informations thereby can install one when needed.The described door of essential replacing also can be changed described door easily if described door takes place damaged.

Described door can have a display part, does not give when using when door is in closed condition and kiosk, and described display part can make the visible display device of people.When kiosk does not give when using, described display device can be used for display ads data or relevant instruction how to use described kiosk.

Therefore, the present invention at first provides a kind of like this device, the public utilizes the information that this device can the network of access such as the Internet, needn't be equipped with office worker's (being different from so-called " cybercafe ") for this device, therefore can use at any time, and it can provide to a certain degree security and crypticity for the user.

Kiosk can comprise be used for selling automatically article (such as floppy disk or printout data) and/the automatic sale apparatus of software.

According to a second aspect of the invention, it provides one to be used for installing a door installing mechanism with door of groove, described mechanism comprise a plurality of with groove be contained in the door in the door fabricated section, so that described door is installed slidably, one of them fabricated section is eccentric the installation, thereby each fabricated section can be alignd mutually, so that each fabricated section is disassembled from groove with the installation or removal door, the described eccentric door fabricated section of installing is eccentric rotation, thereby it and another fabricated section or other several fabricated sections are not lined up, thereby each fabricated section is locked in the described groove.

To be described one embodiment of the invention with accompanying drawing below, in each accompanying drawing:

Fig. 1 is the stereographic map of a kiosk, and the door of described kiosk is in open mode;

Fig. 2 is the vertical view of the broken section of a kiosk, and it shows the user of a usefulness right-hand operated;

Fig. 3 is the view similar with Fig. 2, and it shows the user of a usefulness left-handed operation;

Fig. 4 is the stereographic map of the modification of door shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is the front elevation at an edge of described door;

Fig. 6 (a) is one to be used for supporting the stereographic map of the mechanism of described door to Fig. 6 (c); And

Fig. 7 one shows a sectional elevation that is fixed on the door fabricated section on the track of described door.

As shown in the figure, although also can adopt other shape such as semicircle, an example of information access booth 1 is rectangle substantially in vertical view.Kiosk 1 has a long sidewall 2 and two short end walls 3,4.Kiosk 1 mainly is to be used for fixing in the wall 5 in a contiguous public street 6, for example, is used as the ATM (automatic teller machine) of " hole within the walls " type in similar identical mode.Certainly, kiosk 1 can be installed in a buildings, within the walls interior such as hotel vestibule, cafeteria or other resemble construction thing.Kiosk 1 can be installed in the shopper window, or freestanding.Long sidewall 2 can have a step 7, and the required various electron devices (not shown) of kiosk are installed under described step.

Open wide at that side kiosk 1 relative, and be provided with a door 8 that is used for closing this open ports or inlet with long sidewall 2.In an example shown, can open and close door 8 slidably.

In the inside of kiosk 1, the display device 9 such as the computer monitor of a cathode ray tube type or flat screen type (as LCD-type) is arranged on one of them short sidewall 4.Display device 9 is oriented with short sidewall 4 is a for example clip angle α of 10 °, thereby the front portion that makes display device 9 tilts slightly towards the direction of the uncovered of kiosk 1 or inlet.

One working surface 10 is along long sidewall 2 settings and be positioned at display device 9 belows.Working surface 10 can be side walls hinged in its junction with length, thereby it can be collapsed can touch each electronic component of step 7 belows to the next door.Working surface 10 is to dig out a breach 10 ' by cutting towards its rear portion, thereby can make the like that more convenient as shown and access information more cosily of user.Working surface 10 can have one can make user's arm shelve thereon backing plate part, therefore described working surface can be considered as a handrail, be used for entering described kiosk sideling and being to use in " half health at interior/half health outside " time to small part as the user.

Working surface 10 supporting one input media or some input medias 11 are such as a touch pad, tracking plate (trackpad) or keyboard 12 and tracking ball 13.Input media 11,12,13 should be provided with to such an extent that make the user A can input information, the information needed that will show on display device 9 with accessed row.Therefore, input media 11,12,13 and is positioned at kiosk 1 or the computing machine (not shown) that links to each other with kiosk 1 is connected.The data connector of kiosk 1 also is provided with and is one such as a form of renting the permanent haulage line of digital circuit, or such as the form of the wireless connections of a data cell formula circuit (cellular line) (not shown).

Kiosk 1 has one along long sidewall 2 and by the seat 14 of described long sidewall 2 supportings.Seat 14 preferably is hinged with long sidewall 2 or is connected, thus can be when needed with it to the next door folding.Seat 14 can be cut towards its front portion and dig out a breach 14 ', thereby can make the like that more convenient as shown and access information more cosily of user.Seat 14 can be provided with liner.One backrest 15 with liner can be set.

Input media 11,12 on the inlet of kiosk 1, display device 9 and the working surface 10 and 13 orientation all are such, promptly user A can resemble Fig. 2 middle part shown in distinguishing one from the other, allow the part health enter kiosk 1 from side direction.One as shown in Figure 2 the user A of right-hand operated can horizontally be sitting on the seat 14, and perhaps horizontal standing in the kiosk 1 makes his or her right arm 16 be shelved on the working surface 10 simultaneously, thus input device 11,12,13 easily.In this position, as shown in Figure 2, user A can watch display device 9 preferably.In this position, user A can also watch the scene of street 6 at least a portion preferably downwards.Meanwhile, user's back, head and two shoulders can prevent that usually the onlooker from watching display device 9 and/or input media 11,12,13, have therefore improved the crypticity of security and kiosk 1.And door 8 has certain size and shape, and is arranged to when door 8 is in full open position, and the top 8a of described door can cover display device 9.So just can prevent that the onlooker from watching display device 9, and help to prevent the dazzling phenomenon of solar radiation on display device 9.

In order to improve the visual capabilities of user A to display device 9, door 9 can or be adjacent to display device 9 places towards door top 8a and have a recess 17.This recess 17 provides a recess (recess), and user A can see display device 9 by this recess.

Door 8 opening and closing preferably by a motor or for example a Pneumatic drive system drive or carry out, perhaps more simply open and close door with hand.Can be provided with one and be used for door 8 locking mechanism, like this, user A can only be by inserting a tag card, digital cash card (digital cash card) or credit card, perhaps just door can be opened by importing a suitable access code that identifies digital such as the individual.Utilize kiosk 1, the user can take relevant debt by credit card or tag card, or from for example lending debt the digital cash card.

As shown in Figure 3, kiosk 1 is constructed to such an extent that can be used by the user A ' of left-handed operation.The user A ' of one left-handed operation can stand in kiosk 1 place as shown in the figure like that, perhaps horizontal being sitting in the kiosk 1, and still can watch display device 9 also with his or her left arm 16 ' come touch input means 11,12,13 more conveniently.

Kiosk 1 can comprise that an earphone or loudspeaker and/or a microphone or some are used for this suitable socket that can output/input audio frequency.One video input device can be set.One printer and a printer input socket can be set, and like this, the user can be with for example or come from this user's oneself portable computer or come from and utilize kiosk 1 to be printed by the data that this user received.The user one (portable) computer interface can be set, so that can link to each other his or her personal computer with described kiosk in described kiosk.The user equally, removable memory medium driver (for example being used for " soft " disk or CD) can be set, so that can be arranged in the disk reading of data of kiosk 1 or data are write described disk from one.

Kiosk 1 can comprise that one is positioned at the computing machine (not shown) of step 7 belows.This computing machine is equipped with and is used for that described kiosk is carried out integral body and controls necessary software, for example checks the access code by user's input, thereby demonstrate adequate information on display device, checks and handle the information of user by inputs such as input medias.Perhaps, kiosk 1 can be " mute (dumb) ", and only holding a suitable communicator, linking to each other at a remote central computing machine that comprises the operating position in the network of all other similar kiosks 1 simultaneously with it so that make described kiosk 1 be used for controlling kiosk 1 with some.

Now see also Fig. 4, Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, door 8 can be installed slidably with a pair of long rails 18 that is positioned on door 8 inside surfaces.The xsect one of each track 18 is all c-shaped substantially.Each track 18 has a groove 19 along its length direction.Each groove 19 has an opening 20 along its length direction, and when being installed in door 8 on the kiosk 1, described opening is the inside towards kiosk 1.It is own that the opening 20 of each groove 19 will be narrower than groove 19.

Door fabricated section 21a, 21b, the 21c that three of having a T shape head separately are adjacent are fixed in each groove 18 on the kiosk 1.In an example shown, each fabricated section 21 all is the rollers 21 that can effectively work, and each roller is to be used for being rotated around its central longitudinal axis in supporting member 22 separately.As shown in Figure 7, between each roll-type door fabricated section 21 and door mounting support spare 22, be provided with bearing 23, thereby can open or close door 8 more easily.

Though rotary door fabricated section (or " roller ") the 21st is preferable,, also can be conversely that door fabricated section 21 is fixing, so that it does not rotate.By make one or two surface in contact between a fabricated section 21 and the door track 18 with a kind of low-friction material such as PTFE, can realize the slip of door 8.

One of them fabricated section (the center fabricated section 21b in the illustrative example) is installed in its supporting member 22 prejudicially, and described supporting member self is to pivot or to be rotatably installed in the kiosk 1.

For door 8 is installed, the supporting member 22 of rotation center door fabricated section 21b, thus make center such mutual alignment shown in Fig. 6 (a) of each fabricated section 21.In case each fabricated section 21 aligns mutually,, door 8 can be installed on each fabricated section 21 by each fabricated section 21 being passed each opening 20 and stretching in the groove 19 of each track 18.Then, in order door 8 to be locked on each fabricated section 21, the supporting member 22 of rotation center fabricated section 21b, thus make the center of fabricated section 21b move away the line of centres of other two fabricated section 21a, 21c, shown in Fig. 6 (b).So just make that the installation and removal of door 8 are very simple.Therefore, when needs, for example need to substitute door 8 o'clock with a door with different advertising informations, when perhaps needing to change the door of a breakage, can very convenient and fast ground moving door 8.This locking mechanism that is used for door 8 will help to prevent that door 8 is subjected to the unauthorized damage (tampering) of acting without a plan.

In some cases, people wish and each fabricated section 21 can be installed in its fabricated section 22 prejudicially, and each supporting member 22 can be around its longitudinal axis rotation in kiosk 1.

In illustrative example, each track 18 is to be molded as holistic with door 8.As another kind of embodiment, different track 18 can be set and they are fixed in door 8.

Door 8 can be a single moulded parts of being made by the suitable material such as translucent or transparent polycarbonate.So just can with such as advertising page or picture poster or for example some advertising informations such as object of product material object be embedded in the door 8.No matter door 8 is in open mode or closed condition, these advertisements can both be seen all the time.Therefore because door 8 easy accessibility can be leased the space of a whole page on the door and do advertisement, for example a week or the advertisement that once those had required target in one month are embedded in the door 8 that is installed on the kiosk 1 termly.

Can be for door 8 provide a power supply, thus electronic dynamic demonstration thing (illuminating effect spare, mobiles, additional display screen etc.) can be arranged in the door 8 or by 8 supportings of door.

As shown in Figure 4, door 8 can comprise that one is in closed condition and kiosk 1 and is in and can makes display device 9 visible parts when not using when 8.Therefore, when described kiosk was in unused state, display device 9 can be used for the display ads data.For this reason, when described door is in closed condition, can electronic mode or display device 9 is moved with some mechanical linkages, so that the screen of display device 9 is towards the display part of door 8.Perhaps, do not give when using, can utilize optical principle to make the image of display device 9 change direction and be shown on the display part of door 8 when door 9 is in closed condition and kiosk 1.This optics changed course effect can be provided by the optical characteristics of door itself, and the optical characteristics of door self is determined by its shape and building material.

So far in conjunction with the accompanying drawings one embodiment of the invention are described.But, should be understood that, and can also make various Variant Design and the improvement that drop in the scope of the invention described embodiment.Kiosk 1 can be used as an automatic vending machine.For example, the other parts of door 8 or kiosk 1 can be used as a floppy disk Vending Machine (dispenser).Other article such as printed information can be sold automatically with described kiosk 1, also the part of door 8 automatic vending machine may be used as.Kiosk 1 can be used for selling the data such as short computer program, computer game, stored digital formula music etc.

Claims

1. an Information Access kiosk (1), described kiosk (1) comprising:

One display device (9) that is used for display message;

One input media (11,12,13) that is used for input information;

Described kiosk (1) has an inlet, described inlet, display device (9) and input media (11,12,13) orientation is to set like this, promptly, make user (A, A ') can allow the part health enter in the kiosk (1) at least with leaning to one side and use input media (11,12,13), and watch display device (9), also can stand at least in part or be sitting in the kiosk (1) simultaneously along side direction.

2. kiosk as claimed in claim 1 (1), it is characterized in that, described inlet is along first side, display device (9) is along second side adjacent with described first side, input media (11,12,13) be along three side (2) relative substantially, or supported by the 3rd side with first side.

3. kiosk as claimed in claim 1 or 2 (1) is characterized in that, overlooks described kiosk (1), and it is rectangle basically.

4. as the described kiosk of arbitrary claim (1) in the claim 1 to 3, it comprises that one is used for closing the door (8) of described inlet.

5. kiosk as claimed in claim 4 (1) is characterized in that, described door (8) has a recess (17), when door (8) contiguous display device (9) of described recess when being in open mode, thereby can be convenient to the user to watch display device (9).

6. as claim 4 or 5 described kiosks (1), it is characterized in that, can sliding opening or close described door (8).

7. kiosk as claimed in claim 6 (1), it is characterized in that, described kiosk (1) has a plurality of fabricated sections (21), and door (8) has a groove (19) that is used for holding described door fabricated section (21), so that door (8) is bearing on the kiosk (1) slidably.

8. kiosk as claimed in claim 7 (1), it is characterized in that, at least one fabricated section (21b) is prejudicially, is rotatably installed on the kiosk (1) in each fabricated section, thereby can make each fabricated section (21) alignment mutually, each fabricated section (21) can be disassembled with installation or removal door (8) from described groove, the described eccentric door fabricated section of installing (21) is eccentric rotation, thereby can make it and another fabricated section (21a, c) or other several fabricated sections do not line up, thereby each fabricated section (21) is locked in the described groove (19).

9. as claim 7 or 8 described kiosks (1), it is characterized in that each fabricated section (21) can be around its central longitudinal axis rotation.

10. as the described kiosk of arbitrary claim (1) in the claim 4 to 9, it is characterized in that, described door (8) be translucent/transparent.

11., it is characterized in that described door (8) is equipped with advertising information as the described kiosk of arbitrary claim (1) in the claim 4 to 10.

12., it is characterized in that described door (8) has an electric supply as the described kiosk of arbitrary claim (1) in the claim 4 to 11, be used for providing power supply for being arranged on door (8) each member interior or that supported by door (8).

13. as the described kiosk of arbitrary claim (1) in the claim 4 to 12, it is characterized in that, described door (8) has a display part, does not give when using when door (8) is in closed condition and kiosk (1), and described display part can make the visible display device of people (9).

14. kiosk as claimed in claim 13 (1), it is characterized in that, display device (9) is provided with when proper door (8) is in open mode or closed condition and can moves, be in closed condition and kiosk (1) with box lunch door (8) and do not give when using, make the display part of display device (9) towards door (8).

15. as claim 13 or 14 described kiosks (1), it is characterized in that, it comprises a device, does not give when using when door (8) is in closed condition and kiosk (1), and described device can make the image on the display device (9) change direction and be shown on the display part of door (8).

16., it is characterized in that it also comprises a seat (14) as the described kiosk of arbitrary claim (1) in the claim 1 to 15.

17. kiosk as claimed in claim 16 (1) is characterized in that, described seat (14) but be folding be installed on the wall (2) of kiosk (1).

18., it is characterized in that described input media (11,12,13) is supported by one working surface/armrest (10) as the described kiosk of arbitrary claim (1) in the claim 1 to 17.

19. kiosk as claimed in claim 18 (1) is characterized in that, described working surface (10) but be folding be installed on the wall (2) of kiosk (1).

20., it is characterized in that described input media comprises a keyboard (12) and/or a tracking plate and/or a tracking ball (13) as the described kiosk of arbitrary claim (1) in the claim 1 to 19.

21. as the described kiosk of arbitrary claim (1) in the claim 1 to 20, it is characterized in that, described kiosk (1) comprise be used for selling automatically article and/the automatic sale apparatus of software.

22., it is characterized in that described kiosk (1) is installed in the wall as the described kiosk of arbitrary claim (1) in the claim 1 to 21.

23., it is characterized in that described kiosk (1) is freestanding as the described kiosk of arbitrary claim (1) in the claim 1 to 21.

24. one kind is used for installing a door installing mechanism with door (8) of groove (19), described mechanism comprises and a plurality ofly is contained in door door fabricated section (21) in (8) with groove (19), be used for installing slidably door (8), one of them fabricated section is eccentric the installation, thereby each fabricated section (21) can be alignd mutually, so that each fabricated section (21) is disassembled from groove (19) with installation or removal door (8), the described eccentric door fabricated section of installing (21) is eccentric rotation, thereby can make it and another fabricated section (21a, c) or other several fabricated sections do not line up, thereby each fabricated section (21) is locked in the described groove (19).

25. mechanism as claimed in claim 24 is characterized in that, each fabricated section (21) can be around its central longitudinal axis rotation.

26., it is characterized in that it comprises that also one has the door (8) of groove (19) as claim 24 or 25 described mechanisms, each fabricated section (21) is contained in the described groove.

27. mechanism as claimed in claim 26 is characterized in that, described door (8) be translucent/transparent.

28., it is characterized in that described door (8) is equipped with advertising information as claim 26 or 27 described mechanisms.

29., it is characterized in that described door (8) has an electric supply as the described mechanism of arbitrary claim in the claim 26 to 28, be used for providing power supply for being arranged on door (8) each member interior or that supported by door (8).

30. as the described mechanism of arbitrary claim in the claim 26 to 29, it is characterized in that, described door (8) comprise be used for selling automatically article and/the automatic sale apparatus of software.

But 31. one kind be the information access booth of the spendable access information of public member, after can linking to each other with a remote computer network, it uses, and have and be used for accepting input information that the user imports and the device (11 that each signal is passed to the remote computer network, 12,13) and be used for showing the device (9) of the information that computer network provided according to user's requirement.