FR2844909A1 - General public installation audio visual message recording/storing/replay having recorder/camera/video display with keyboard interface with central processing and integrated operating software. - Google Patents

Abstract

The audiovisual message storing and recording mechanism (1) has a camera (6), a sound recorder (7) and video display (4) with loudspeaker (5) with a keyboard (3). There is a visual and sound processor and a central processing unit with a recorder. Integrated software operates the system.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for recording

  audiovisual messages, the storage of recorded messages as well as the consultation of stored messages, this device being intended to be installed in a public place. Deferred and / or remote communication between individuals is most often done today by writing (letters, postcards, classified ads in the print media,

  e-mails' "e-mail", "SMS", Internet forums, 10 "chat" ...) or that of speech (telephone, answering machine ...).

  It therefore appears as an obvious and ideal lack in these means of communication supplementing or replacing certain

  of them: the audiovisual message.

  Certain projects meeting this need have been developed, such as audio-visual classifieds broadcast on cable television channels. However, this process quickly became marginalized, being too restricted both in terms of the possibilities offered when recording places and in terms of means.

of proposed diffusion.

  Likewise, the videophone, allowing telephone and visual communication, has remained fairly confidential, the simultaneous telephone and visual communication in this case not really satisfying the public, one of the advantages of the telephone being the possibility of travel and anonymity 25 visual, and the quality of the transmitted images being relatively average. Another example is the possibility offered today to record on your personal computer using a camera ("web cam") and to send messages by electronic mail 30 ("e-mail") an attachment. This was made possible in particular thanks to powerful means of compressing video and sound ("MPEG-4" format for example) and thanks to the increase in network transmission flows ("ADSL" in particular). However, the relatively expensive access to suitable equipment and the need for a certain knowledge of computers are also unsuitable.

more to the greatest number.

  7 'With this same equipment, it is also possible to communicate but simultaneously with other people who also have the appropriate equipment and are available when needed; however, such a device brings the same constraints as above, and the availability problems posed by simultaneous communication and still fairly average image quality despite good speeds on the Internet are arguments which

  make this technique still marginal today.

  A final example is the imminent arrival of third generation mobile phones which are capable of transferring video but which will present inevitable problems such as the quality of the transmitted images (degraded because of the bit rates granted and the size of the screens). display), the difficulty in having a framed shooting, the discomfort that this brings, the cost of such equipment and finally a limited capacity for storing non-direct audiovisual communications (answering machine). In general, the solutions mentioned above have drawbacks in that they limit access to audiovisual means of communication to a very limited number of individuals by introducing order constraints.

  technical, geographic or even material.

  In order to overcome all of these drawbacks, the invention proposes to produce a device intended for the general public, capable of being implemented in a simple manner by the latter and not requiring prior knowledge, allowing the recording of audiovisual messages, storage of recorded messages as well as consultation of stored messages. To this end, according to a first characteristic, the device according to the invention comprises, housed in the same functional unit: - means of taking pictures capable of receiving the images of an individual facing the device, - means of taking sound capable of receiving the words emitted by the individual, - video display means, the images of which are capable of being perceived by the individual, - means of sound emission, the sounds of which are capable of being perceived by the 'individual, - a communication interface allowing the individual to act on the device, and - a computer system connected to all the above elements and enabling control, comprising visual processing means, sound processing means, a central data processing unit loaded with integrated software 10 which conducts the process and allows interaction with the individual, and at least one recording medium allowing the

information storage.

  According to the invention, the video display means attract the attention of a potential user. In this sense, in particular during the phases of non-use of the device and the phases of recording messages, they broadcast live the video captured by the means of taking pictures (so that the individual sees his own image) . The potential user, using such a device, is then able to stage himself to record an audiovisual message at his convenience whether or not it is intended for a person or a group of people. To do this, he controls the device through the communication interface connected to the computer system. The integrated software guides it, by means of display, so as to give it the possibility in an easy way, of accomplishing the desired steps. Once recorded, his message is stored on the recording medium. The user can also consult the messages recorded previously by himself or by others

  users. The integrated software gives him this choice, guiding him, 30 in the same way as for recording.

  This device is therefore particularly easy to use for the user public insofar as the latter does not need any material or prior knowledge to use it. In addition, the user thus filmed, when he records his message, is not restrained by the presence of other people, except

  proximity, for equipment management or for other reasons.

  According to other characteristics of the invention: - the user specifies, if desired, the characteristics of his message (name of the user, subject of the message, recipients) of the message) after recording with in particular the possibility of block access by password; - the computer system includes a data transmission and reception circuit, which makes it possible to connect the device to a communication network (Internet for example), so as to transfer the messages (while keeping them on the local recording medium ) and their characteristics towards a dedicated server (comprising at least one recording medium allowing the storage of transferred messages), and warn the desired persons who are connected to the network, on the desired medium, of the locations where they can consult them ( while notifying them of the characteristics of the messages and the passwords if there are any; an access to the server, via the network, then allows the consultation (from the device, from other devices according to the invention connected or from any other means of access to the network) of all the messages transferred by all the 20 devices according to the invention connected to the network; it should be noted that the device may or may not be connected to the network (the choice belonging to the owner of the device taking into account the costs, geographic possibilities and material possibilities of doing so), the device being able to operate without connection but then only local (local recording, local storage and consultation of local messages); the advantage of transferring messages to the server for remote consultation, instead of consultation on the device via the network, in addition to not saturating the device with requests for consultation from remote sites, resides in the fact that people wanting to consult a message on a particular device are not sure of finding it connected (possible connection problems) or in working order 35 (this due to time differences between countries). Such storage of all messages therefore makes it possible to consult all of the messages all over the world at any time (with the condition that the invoked network is global: Internet for example); the integrated software, loaded at the start of the computer system, comprises an automated procedure capable of freeing up space on the recording media of the computer system when these are saturated or close to saturation. This procedure works by erasing older messages from recording media and stops once a sufficient level of free space has been reached; - remote operation of the "park'T of devices in accordance with the invention connected is possible from the server using the data transmission and reception circuit of the devices. This remote operation allows updates to computer programs, and in particular integrated software, 15 from a remote site. It also allows the maintenance of defective devices remotely (as far as possible). In addition, a permanent and automated procedure allows repatriation from connected devices, messages not transferred to the server (this due to a network failure, non-connection to the network for a given period or other reasons); - video images reproduced live on the display means from the capture means of views, returned horizontally, so as not to lose their bearings to the individual used to seeing his reflection in a mirror (reflection which is reto urinated in the same way.) However, the video images of the stored messages are not returned; in this way, the writings present (on the users or in the background) in the messages are intelligible when the reading of the messages is made; - the integrated software contains a "language" option allowing you to choose the desired language (from a list of languages offered) so as to have a display of sentences and words

  guiding the user in the chosen language (particularly useful for tourists and foreign residents).

  According to particular embodiments - so that the user looks carefully at the means of taking pictures during recording, so as to give the impression that he is looking at the recipient of the message, while he is looking at the means of display to see his performance live, and so that the shooting restores the horizon to the rear of the user, and not the ground which is of no interest: the shooting means can be placed straight, behind the display means which comprise a window without tint, with an inclination of about 450 (transparent on the side of the recording means and reflecting on the other), and a screen placed flat under the window without tint and diffusing a image flipped vertically so that the intelligible reflection is restored to the user and that the means of shooting can film it through; - for the same reasons as above, the image-taking means can be placed straight, behind the display means consisting of a holographic projection system, the hologram being visible from the side of the user but transparent from the other (shooting side); - for the same reasons as above, the means of taking pictures can be placed straight, behind the display means consisting of a diffusing glass, which diffuses the images on the user side and which is transparent on the other (taken side views); - To suit people of all sizes, a seat, with a height that may be adjustable, can be placed in front of the functional unit, and linked to it; - to obtain good lighting for the user if the environmental conditions do not allow it, a lighting system can be arranged on the functional unit which activates at the time of recording if the light is too weak and s 'stops when recording is finished; - an input device can be placed on the front of the functional unit, allowing the filing of user fees for the device; - It can be envisaged, when the device is not in use, to provide episodes of video spots (advertising messages, instructions for using the device or other). These spots can be integrated into the software program, and changed thanks to updates made by remote control from the server; - instead of notifying the desired persons (connected to the network), of the recording of a message intended for them, the message can be directly transferred to them with its characteristics (from the server, once the message and its characteristics have been transferred on the server of course); - Access to the images received by the recording means 10 and to the sound received by the sound recording means of each device according to the invention connected to the network may be possible from access to the server; - direct and simultaneous audiovisual communication with other devices in accordance with the invention connected or with different devices but using common protocols and being connected to the same network, may be possible, the integrated software guiding the user for this possibility and the device being calling or called; - the software integrated into the device can contain a voice recognition program so that the user can act on the device through speech; - the device can be equipped with pressure-sensitive display means so that the user can act on the

  device thanks to the display means, effectively integrating the communication interface into the display means.

  The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, given only by way of nonlimiting example and in which: - Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a device according to the invention with the right panel open so as to allow a view of the interior elements, - Figure 2 is a schematic front view of the same cut base device, - Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the operation of the device according to the invention, - Figure 4 shows the partial graph of the functions of the software integrated into the device according to the invention, - Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of a variant of the previous device according to the invention with the right panel open so as to allow a view of the interior elements, - Figure 6 is a schematic front view of this cut base variant, - Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of a last va laughing of the previous device according to the invention with the right panel open so as to allow a view of the 10 interior elements, and - Figure 8 is a schematic front view of this

last variant, base cut.

  With reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the device according to the invention, generally designated by the reference 1, comprises a basic structure 1A constituting a single functional unit, which can be generally arranged in

any public place.

  The device 1 is provided with a computer system 2. It comprises a video card 6A, an audio card 7A, a central information processing unit 9 (of the programmable logic controller or computer type) loaded with integrated software, a hl data transmission and reception circuit (modem card, network card, satellite antenna circuit, "ADSL" card, cable card, radio wave circuit or other), and recording media 10 (electronic memories, hard disks, disks recordable optics or any other type of mass memory)

  allowing the storage of information.

  The device 1 is then provided with means for taking pictures. These means include a video camera 6. The video signal 30 captured by the camera 6 is converted to a computer format using the card 6A and the information thus obtained is sent to

the central processing unit 9.

  The device i is further provided with sound pickup means. These means include a microphone 7. The sound signal entered by the microphone 7 is converted to a computer format using the card 7A and the information thus obtained is sent.

  to the central processing unit 9.

  When recording an audiovisual message, the video and sound formats coming from the cards 6A and 7A are processed and combined together by the central processing unit 9 and the audiovisual message thus obtained in a single computer format is stored on the media. 10.

  The device 1 is also provided with video display means.

  These means include a display screen 4, of the television or computer monitor type, broadcasting the information transmitted from the central processing unit 9, via the electronic card 6A, 10 which converts this information to a compatible video signal for the 'screen. The device 1 is further provided with transmission means

  sound. These means include one or more speakers 5.

  The loudspeakers broadcast the information transmitted from the central processing unit 9, via the electronic card 7A, which converts this information to an audio signal compatible for the

speakers 5.

  When reading an audiovisual message stored on the recording media 10, the message of single computer format 20 is separated into two formats by the central processing unit 9 (a video and an audio), then after processing, the visual and audio information obtained is sent to the respective cards 6A and 7A to be broadcast on the screen 4 and

speakers 5.

  The location and sizing of the display screen 4 is such that the public, passing close to the whole of the

  device 1, have the attention drawn to the images broadcast.

  In this sense, during the phases of non-use of the device in particular, the screen 4 broadcasts live the video captured by the camera 6 (in this way, the individual passing nearby sees his

own image).

  The device 1 is finally provided with a communication interface. This interface includes a keyboard and a ball

  navigation 3. It is connected to the central processing unit 9 35 and allows the user to act on the device.

  The data transmission and reception circuit It also allows a connection to a communication network 12 (Internet for example), which thus allows a dialogue with a dedicated server 14 having recording media 15. The circuit likewise allows sending information to a

  recipient 13 connected to network 12.

  As shown in Figure 3, computer system 2 is

  connected to all the elements of the device 1.

  The software integrated into the device, loaded when the computer system 2 is started, allows interaction with the user, via the communication interface 3 and the display screen 4. 10 This software is in the form of pages which follow one another, as the individual progresses in his approach. This progression is done by action on textual links (for example "start recording") in the pages (links which light up when you pass the cursor over it using the navigation ball, this illumination being accompanied by a sound, a sound also being emitted when the links

  are activated by the action button on the keyboard).

  FIG. 4 representing the partial graph of the functions of the integrated software allows a better understanding of it. Graph 20 presents 10 main steps in the software, numbered from A to J. During the non-use phases of the device 1 (step A), the display screen broadcasts live, on a page, the video captured by the camera, so as to attract the attention of passersby who see themselves. This video image is integrated into a viewing window that does not necessarily cover the whole

of the page.

  Some information such as the time is added on this page. The mention "connected" or "not connected" is also present to inform the user about the connection status of the device 1. Finally, the number of the device (each device

  according to the invention has a unique number) is indicated.

  The video images reproduced live from the camera are flipped horizontally, so as not to cause the 35 accustomed to seeing his reflection in a mirror to lose his bearings

  (reflection which is returned in the same way).

  When the user wishes to use the device 1, he deposits a usage fee in a body provided for this purpose, present on the front of the functional unit lA, or press on the

  link triggering if the taxes are free.

  A first menu, accompanied by a small musical interlude, 5 then appears (on the same page as previously, for example centered on the video broadcast live) (step B), leaving the individual the choice between recording t 'a message or the

  consultation of the recorded messages.

  If he chooses the recording, a second menu replacing the first 10 is sent to him (likewise on the same page, centered on the video) (step C), with three choices: start recording directly, set the recording views or return to the previous menu. If the user chooses to return to the previous menu, he finds himself again in step B. If the user chooses the setting of the shots (not shown in FIG. 4), a page appears giving access to the adjustment options such as the format of the shooting (4: 3, 16: 9, cinemascope), the zoom level of the camera 6, 20 adding a virtual background to the message, the type of lighting (continuous, strobe) or other. Note that for any new recording, these settings are initially set to default values. Once the settings have been made, a link allows you to

start recording.

  If the user chooses to start recording, step D begins: a page appears with a countdown (3 ... 2 ... 1 ...)

  visual and audible to prepare for recording.

  Once the countdown is finished, the recording begins with a new page containing a small viewing window where the user sees himself live so as to manage his

  performance (the images are flipped horizontally there too).

  The fact that the recording is in progress is notified to the user (the words "recording in progress" are displayed for example and a small red circle in one of the corners of the viewing window flashes). A countdown is also integrated showing the remaining recording time taking into account the maximum time allowed for recording (time limited and defined by the software). As the recording progresses, the message is temporarily stored on the recording media 10; At the end of the maximum time or before (if the user clicks 5 to stop), the recording stops and the user is informed on a page (accompanied by the text "recording finished")

and a musical interlude).

  It is then possible for the user to make a second take if he is not satisfied with his first service. 10 This choice is offered to him in a new page. If the user agrees to save his message again, the first message that was temporarily stored is deleted and a second

  hold is launched (in the same way as the first).

  Next, a page appears (step E) used to specify, 15 using the keyboard of the interface 3 and the navigation ball,

  the characteristics that the user wants to give to his message.

  In particular: - name of the user, - name of the recipient (s), references of the recipients 13 to be notified (electronic mail addresses "e-mail", numbers "SMS or other), - subject of the message, - free text of a few lines to attach to the memo warning the persons referenced 13, - password (with cache of typed characters), and message section (classified ad, personal message ...), this facilitating for subsequent searches for messages Once these characteristics are fulfilled (which is optional 30 for all) thanks to the keyboard and the navigation ball 3,

  the user confirms by clicking the validation link.

  A page specifying the smooth running of the process is then intended for him (comprising a text and broadcasting a musical interlude) before returning to step A. The software, thanks to the information provided by the individual, takes care of the rest: it stores (step F) in a database internal to the device 1 (on the recording media 10), all the information, with in addition the date and time of recording as well as the duration of the message and the number of the message (autonomous additions made by the software), each message having a unique number (numbers taken for example in ascending order: 1,2,3 ...). The software also compresses the video to a lighter format (compression which takes place just after the end of the recording of the message to save time in the process), then stores the final message (compressed and named with

  its number) locally (step F always), the temporarily stored message 10 (uncompressed) then being erased.

  The software then transfers, while keeping it in memory on the recording media 10 of the device 1, the message with its characteristics (step G) to the server 14 (by "IFTP" protocol for example). The server 14 then integrates the message into all of the messages already taken into account (storage of the message on the recording media 15 in a place reserved for the device 1; taking into account of the device 1, if not already done , in the database at the scale of all the devices according to the invention connected; taking account of the characteristics of the message in the database of

  messages from device 1 on the server).

  The software continues by warning the referenced persons 13 connected to the network 12, in a memo intended for them and on the indicated medium ("email", "SMS" ...), notifying them how to access the message ("URL" link direct to the location of the message on the recording media 15 of the dedicated server 14, and message number / device number if the recipient 13 prefers a consultation via access to the server). Is also notified in the memo of who is the message, what is the subject, 30 what text the user wrote ... and what is the password

if it is a protected message.

  Note that we return to step A directly after entering the parameters and the process operation page, as written above; however, the device 1 does not allow new use until the steps explained above (steps F and G) are finished (it still displays the live shooting and indicates the state in which it is located: " compression in progress ",

"transfer to server" ...).

  Note also that the video images of the stored messages are not flipped horizontally; in this way, the writings present (on the users or in the background) in the messages are intelligible when the reading of the messages is done. Note further that for a device 1 not connected to the network 12, the parameters relating thereto (to the network) are not accessible (references e-mail "," SMS "... free text), and the

  transfer to server 14 is not done.

  In step B, if the user now chooses to consult the recorded messages in the menu, a third menu (step H) the replacement appears (on the same page, 15 centered on the video broadcast live) with three choice: consultation of locally recorded messages, consultation of

  messages recorded worldwide or return to the previous menu.

  If the user chooses to return to the previous menu, he finds himself again in step B. If the user chooses to consult the messages recorded locally (step I), a list of messages, displayed in small groups, appears, with on each line the characteristics of the message (apart from the password of course, the addresses "e-mail", "SMS" ... and free text) and a small display window displaying the first image of the video message (small photo taken just at the start of the recording), from

  so that you can see the applicant's face.

  Above the message lines, at the top of the page, a line appears containing the name of the characteristics 30 (message number, message from, intended for, ...), with each characteristic of the messages displayed in the columns

  overlooked by their names.

  The messages are displayed by default in descending order of their recording (from the most recent to the oldest), 35 but if the user specifies it (by clicking on the name of the characteristic in question), they can be displayed. '' after the name of the applicant, the date, the section, the number of consultations (a counter is integrated into the software counting the number of consultations of each message) or according to any other characteristic; by clicking on the chosen denomination, by default, the display is done in ascending order (alphabetical or numeric) of the corresponding characteristic, but the display can also be done in reverse order (descending alphabetical or numeric) by clicking again on the

  designation of the characteristic chosen.

  Links "continuation" and "return" allow the display of

  other elements of the list, always in groups of the same number.

  Once the message to consult chosen, the user clicks on it (on his line) and it follows the opening of the message in a page, the reading starts after a period of time for

  so that the user can prepare to watch the video.

  During this pause time, the first image is displayed with a small musical interlude in the background, then, the reading of the

message begins.

  Under the viewing window where the video is broadcast, all the characteristics of the message are displayed (password 20 aside, "e-mail" "SMS" ... and text), with their

denomination above.

  For messages protected by password, the procedure is much the same. Their password protection is

  specified in the list by displaying a small padlock on their line.

  By clicking on a protected message, a page asking for the password appears, leaving "n" attempts to the user (the characters are also hidden there, entered using the keyboard). If the user gets the password wrong, the software 30 informs him in a page of the fact that his password is not valid ("invalid password" for example and interlude -musical ) and returns it to the device non-use page (step A), causing it to lose its credit in the process.

  otherwise (the password entered is the correct one), the message is played 35 as for unprotected messages.

  At the end of reading the message, a sentence is sent to the user in a new page ("end of the message" for example

and musical interlude).

  Note that a search engine based on the message database is integrated into the software, for consultation, so as to make the search for a message much faster, by searching by keywords (on the name of the user

  saved the message, the message section or other).

  The user, to do this, types in a reserved place (on the consultation page), using the keyboard of the interface 3, the keyword he is looking for. It starts the search by clicking on a link ("start search"). The software then displays all the messages (always in small groups) containing this keyword (and no longer all of the stored messages), with the possibility of displaying them according to the desired characteristic. 15 If the user chooses to consult the messages recorded worldwide (this choice is also left to him only if the connection to the network 12 is effective), the page displayed (step J) is then the choice of the desired device through the world (among all the devices according to the invention connected), then on another page, the choice of the desired message (in the same way as for local messages). Regarding the choice of the device, it is made by means of successive maps (choice of the country in a world map, choice of the region in the country, choice of the city in the region, choice of the device in the city) . This "network" phase of the consultation procedure is actually a connection and display of access to the server. This access to the server 14 is similar to an Internet site. The site is accompanied by a search engine based on all of the devices in accordance with the invention and all of the stored messages (to make the search for a message

much faster).

  Note that access to the server 14 is possible not only from the device 1 and any other device according to the invention, but also from personal computers, third generation mobile phones or more

  general from any means of network access 12.

  The server 14 then proves to be very useful in particular for the concept of small visual advertisement, in the sense that the gathering of all the messages allows (via the search engine), an easy search for advertisements throughout the world. 5 After consultation, a sentence is sent to the user

  in a new page ("reading finished" and musical interlude).

  It finally follows (after local or global consultation), if the device 1 is connected only, an optional page for transmission ("forward") of the message to prevent (by e-mail ", 10" SMS "or other) wanted people from the place on the server 14 where they can also consult the message. These people will be warned but will not have access to the original free text which was not intended for them, nor to the references of the people to be warned initially (the code is transmitted to them if it is a coded message insofar as the person who consulted it had it. On this same page, a link allowing to reply to the message is integrated ("reply"). The user, with a new payment of user fees, then records a message which will be intended for the person who had deposited the previously consulted message. After transmission ("forward"), response ("reply") or neither neither (after a few seconds of no action on device 1 or by clicking on the "exit" link), device 1 returns to the no step

use (step A).

  Note that an initial welcome message (message number 0) is integrated into the local message base, so as to present the device 1, and so that the person wishing to consult the messages finds at least one, even if none have

yet been saved.

  Note that the software contains a "language" option allowing you to choose the desired language (from a list of languages offered) so as to have a display of the sentences and words guiding the user in the chosen language (particularly useful for tourists and foreign residents). In this case, after use if the language has been changed, the language is reset

  to the language of the country where device 1 is installed.

  In this regard, it is essential to make a configuration at the first start-up of the device 1, taking into account the parameters of connection to the network 12 and the parameters of the place of residence of the device 1 (owner, name of the place, type of place, address, country ...). The owner of device 1 is guided by the integrated software for this start-up process. Note also that a remote operation of the devices according to the invention connected is set up from the server 14 (using the data transmission and reception circuit 11 of the devices), so as to be able to perform remote software updates

  devices, troubleshoot if problems arise or whatever.

  It should also be noted that the software contains an automated procedure 15 capable of freeing up space on the recording media 10, when the latter are saturated or close to saturation. This procedure takes place before any new registration. It works by deleting the oldest messages and stops when the minimum tolerated free space is found. Deleted messages are no longer available for viewing on device 1 (locally), but are on the other hand on server 14 (which stores everything on its recording media 15) if device 1 had transferred them at the time. . Such a procedure also allows an indefinite lifetime of the device 1 and only linked to any purely material problems due to its architecture. The minimum space allowed corresponds at least to the size of a maximum uncompressed time message, while not obscuring an additional margin of free space to allow the software to function properly.

  (good access to all the resources of the computer system 2).

  By way of nonlimiting example, the recorded video can be of 384 * 288 pixel format (correct image quality), in 25 frames per second, and with a maximum recording duration of seconds. After compression (in "MPEG-4" format for example), the video obtained has a size of approximately 2500 kilobytes. This is therefore quite correct for storage on device 1: by taking a recording medium of the hard disk type of 100 gigabytes for example, approximately 40,000 messages can be kept,

which is amply satisfactory.

  Regarding the transfer to the server 14, using the previous example and knowing that high speed connections have transmission rates of the order of several hundred kilobytes per second, a few seconds are enough to transmit a message to the server . It is the same for consulting messages on the server: a few seconds

  enough to open a message on the server 14 if the connection 10 to the server is broadband.

  Finally, with regard to storage on the server 14 (or more precisely on its recording media 15), it is entirely possible to be able to keep all of the messages transferred from all the devices in accordance with the invention, 15 insofar as recording media today allow a large volume of storage, and this will be all the more

more true in the future.

  As a result, sending audiovisual messages to the server 14, from different devices (personal computers or other), is conceivable; messages being taken into account in the database of messages already stored. Such a possibility is particularly interesting for the posting of small visual advertisements. Again concerning the server 14, a permanent and automated procedure 25, allows repatriation from the devices according to the invention connected, messages not transferred to the server (this due to a failure of the network 12, to the non connection to the network during a given period or for other reasons). To do this, the repatriation procedure acts on each device according to the invention connected during its non-use by the public (after a certain period of non-use for example), by looking at all of the messages it keeps (except, if there are any, those erased to free up space in the recording media) and by comparing 35 with the messages that the server 14 has itself stored. If elements are missing, an automated transfer of the missing messages and their characteristics is done until the repatriation of all the missing messages, and this on all the devices according to the invention connected to the network 12 (the procedure acts for example by repatriating the messages of the most

recent to older).

  It should be noted that in the embodiment presented here, the network 12 invoked is a global type network (Internet), to show the scope of the invention; but it is entirely conceivable to base the invention on a local network 12 ("LAN" type for example), all the devices according to the invention 10 connected, as well as the server 14, possibly being in a

even local.

  In addition, the shape of the functional unit 1A presented here of the video game type is not limiting but given solely by way of example. Other shapes and sizes are possible for this device 1 depending on the place where it is arranged, such as

  in particular the shape of a telephone booth.

  Concerning the sound, the speakers 5 do not in any case broadcast live the sound captured by the microphone 7, so as to avoid any feedback effect. Speakers actually play only 20 software sounds and message sounds

audiovisuals played.

  In the embodiment according to FIGS. 5 and 6, so that the user can look carefully at the shooting means, which include a video camera 6, during recording, so as to give the impression that he is looking at the recipient of the message, while watching the video broadcast on the display means to see his performance live, and so that the shooting restores the horizon to the rear of the user, and not the ground which is of no interest: the video camera 6 is placed straight, behind the display means which include a window 4B without tint, of inclination approximately 450 (transparent on the side of the video camera 6 and reflective on the other) , and a screen 4A (of the television or computer screen type) placed flat under the window without tint 4B and 35 diffusing an image turned vertically so that the intelligible reflection is restored to the user and that the

  camera 6 can film it through.

  In the embodiment according to FIGS. 7 and 8, for the same reasons as above, the recording means, which comprise a video camera 6, are placed straight, behind the display means consisting of a holographic projection system 4C, the hologram being visible from the side of

  the user but transparent on the other (shooting side).

  The hologram can be rendered in two dimensions if the shooting is done using a single camera or three dimensions

  in the case of two or more cameras.

  According to variants not illustrated - for the same reasons as above, the shooting means, which include a video camera 6, can be placed straight behind the display means consisting of a diffusing glass, which diffuses the images from the side user and 15 which is transparent on the other (shooting side); to suit people of all sizes, a seat (a stool for example), of possibly adjustable height, can be placed in front of the functional unit lA, and linked to it; - to obtain good lighting for the user if the environmental conditions do not allow it, a lighting system (of halogen, neon or other type) can be placed on the functional unit lA, which activates when recording (or just before when the countdown begins in the recording procedure so that the sharpness of camera 6 is properly adjusted when recording actually starts), if the light is too dim (a photocell for example to detect if the light is actually too weak) and stops once the recording is finished. The lighting may not be activated the rest of the time so as not to dazzle passersby or users; - An input device can be placed on the front of the functional unit lA, allowing the deposit of user fees for the device 1. This device can allow the introduction of coins, bank cards ... or even analysis of fingerprints, hand shapes and other means of biometric identification of the individual for tele-payment through his bank; - it can be envisaged, when the device is not used (step A), to provide video spots (advertising messages, instructions for use of the device or other) after a determined time

  of non-use for example and for a determined time, with stopping of the spot broadcast before the end if use of the device.

  These spots can be integrated into the software program, and changed thanks to updates made by remote operation from the server 14; - instead of notifying the desired persons 13 (connected to the network 12), of the recording of a message intended for them, the message can be directly transferred to them with its characteristics (from the server 14, once the message and its characteristics transferred to the server of course). This transfer can be done for example by sending an "email" with the audiovisual message attached; - Access to the images received by the camera 6 and to the sound received by the microphone 7 of each device according to the invention connected to the network 12 may be possible from access to the server 14. The server in fact allows the consultation of messages recorded but also this access to the devices in accordance with the invention connected (offering the possibility of seeing what is happening at the place where this or that device is in real time, in any point of the planet, in the style of "web cam" located in the main tourist places of the world); - direct and simultaneous audiovisual communication with other devices in accordance with the invention connected or with different devices but using common protocols (personal computers, third generation mobile phones or other) and being connected to the same network 12, can be possible, the integrated software guiding the user for this possibility and the device 1 being calling or called (telephone booth system with vision in addition); the software integrates this possibility in its menu (step B), with, once the option chosen, the appearance of a page for entering the parameters of the person to call (telephone number, address of the personal computer , device number if it is a device according to the invention or other); once the parameters have been completed and validated, if the connection to the remote device is established, a video viewing window displaying the remote contact appears in a new page (the contact receives the user's video image) and the communication is effective and stops after a given time if the credits reach exhaustion (possibility of handing over credits during the communication) or 10 before if one of the two protagonists cuts the connection; the video images received by the user and his interlocutor are not flipped horizontally; in this way, the writings present (on individuals or in the background) are intelligible; if the call is not answered, the user is returned to the main menu (step B) and can then attempt a new connection, consult the messages or record a message (for example if he wishes to leave a message for his absent interlocutor or busy); in the case where the device 1 is called and no longer calling and if the device is not in use, a ringtone can be heard from the sound emission means 5 until the action button of the communication interface 3, making it possible to open the connection with the calling person. The ringing can also be interrupted if the calling person stops the call before pressing the action button on the device 1. If the connection is established, the costs are then borne by the calling person; it should be noted that this variant as well as the two preceding variants (direct sending of messages to recipients 13 and access to the devices in accordance with the invention from the server 14) can only be envisaged insofar as the transmission rates are very high on network 12; this is already possible on local "VLAN" networks, and "Intranet" networks, 35 but will also be soon for the Internet; the software integrated into the device 1 can contain a voice recognition program so that the user can act on the device 1 by speaking. This does not call into question the communication interface 3, essential for mute people; the device 1 can be equipped with display means (4, 4A and 4B, 4C or diffusing glass) sensitive to the pressure (for example a touch screen), so that the user can act on the

  device thanks to the display means, effectively integrating the communication interface 3 into the display means.

  Concerning the field of action of the invention, the device according to the invention, allowing the recording, the storage and the consultation of audiovisual messages, can have multiple interests: audiovisual postcards (for people traveling with in the background the signature of the place: for example a tourist site, an airport ...), classified ads (which are global and easy to access thanks to the server), greeting cards (birthday, wedding or other), personal messages (answering machine type by phone but with the extra vision), memories with friends (at a cafe, in an evening ...), confessions (the person can confide in the device knowing that their message will go somewhere even if it is not intended to anyone in particular avowedly) ... The device can be integrated into any public place: cafe, games room, airport, train station, hotel ... and tourist place. In addition, such a device can be particularly useful for people using sign language, and who cannot benefit from conventional telephony services (mobile

or not).

  In addition, the storage for an indefinite time of all the messages coming from the whole world, preserves the memory, the memory of the user public, and gives a playful aspect to the invention in the fact of being able to see expressed by unknown people,

other countries, other cultures.

  The invention is therefore capable of industrial application 35 for example by renting the device to any person wishing to do so (to have it in a public place), the rental being paid for by the device use tax (tax which must remain accessible for everyone). Likewise, the sale of

  devices in certain specific cases is possible.

  The device can be connected to the global Internet network if its owner so wishes, noting that a broadband connection is recommended (the transferred video is intended to be of good quality and therefore of non-negligible size even if small) , even if the invention can quite work

over a conventional connection.

  However, this global connection is not essential: the device can also be connected to a local type network ("LAN '," Intranet "...), with other devices according to the invention, possibly on a same place (for example a cafe where the devices allow the deposit and the consultation of

offers).

  Finally, the device may not be connected, not altering the principle of the invention, but the latter operating

only locally.

Claims (19)

  1. Device (1) allowing the recording of audiovisual messages, the storage of the recorded messages as well as the consultation of the stored messages and intended to be installed in a public place, characterized in that it comprises, housed in the same unit functional (lA), - taking means (6) able to receive the 10 images of an individual facing the device (1), - sound taking means (7) able to receive the words emitted by the 'individual, - video display means (4) whose images are suitable for being perceived by the individual, - sound emission means (5) whose sounds are suitable for being perceived by the individual, - a communication interface (3) allowing the individual to act on the device (1), and - a computer system (2) connected to all the above elements and allowing control, comprising visual processing means (6A ), sound processing means (7A), a central processing unit information (9) and at least one recording medium (10) allowing the storage of information. Software integrated into the device (1), loaded when the computer system is started (2), allows interaction with the individual user, via the communication interface (3) and the video display means (4).   2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the user specifies, if desired, the characteristics of his message after recording, in particular his name, the subject of the message, the recipient (s) of the message. and the password if he wishes to block access by password. During the consultation of the messages, the characteristics thus specified of the recorded messages, are used to allow the user to choose the message which he wants to consult, with password request, if the chosen message is blocked by word password.   3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the computer system (2) comprises a data transmission and reception circuit (11), which makes it possible to   connect the device (1) to a communication network (12).   This connection makes it possible to transfer the recorded messages and their characteristics, while keeping them in memory on the local recording medium (10), to a dedicated server (14) comprising at least one recording medium (15) allowing storage forwarded messages. Connection to the network (12) also makes it possible to warn the desired persons (13) who are connected to the network (12), on the desired medium, of the   characteristics of the messages intended for them as well as locations where they can consult them on the server (14).   Access to the server (14), via the network (12), then allows consultation from the device (1), from the other devices according to the invention connected or from any other means of access to the network (12) , of all the messages transferred by all the devices according to the invention connected to the network (12).   4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3,   characterized in that the integrated software, loaded at the start of the computer system (2), comprises an automated procedure capable of freeing up space on the recording media (10) of the   computer system (2) when these are saturated or close to saturation.   5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4,   characterized in that remote operation of the "fleet" of devices according to the invention connected is possible from   the server (14), via the network (12), using the data transmission and reception circuit (11) of the devices.   This remote operation allows updates of the computer programs of the devices, and in particular of the integrated software, this from a remote site. It also allows the maintenance of defective devices remotely. In addition, a permanent and automated procedure allows repatriation from the connected devices of messages not transferred to the server (14).   6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5,   characterized in that the video images restored live on the display means (4) from the shooting means (6) are turned horizontally. However, the video images of the stored messages are not flipped horizontally.   7. Device according to any one of the claims   previous, characterized in that the integrated software contains   a "language" option allowing to choose the desired language from a list of languages offered, so as to have a display of the 10 sentences and words guiding the user in the chosen language.   8. Device according to any one of claims   above, characterized in that the recording means (6) can be placed straight, behind the display means which comprise a window without color (4B), of inclination approximately 450, 15 transparent on the side of the taking means of views (6) and reflecting of the other, and a screen (4A) placed flat under the window without tint (4B) and diffusing an image turned vertically so that the reflection, intelligible, is   returned to the user and the filming means (6) 20 can film it through.   9. Device according to any one of claims   previous, characterized in that the image taking means (6) can be placed straight, behind the display means consisting of a holographic projection system (4C), the hologram being visible from the user side but   transparent on the shooting side.   10. Device according to any one of the claims   previous, characterized in that the image taking means (6) can be placed straight, behind the display means consisting of a diffusing glass, which diffuses the images from the side   user and which is transparent on the shooting side.   11. Device according to any one of the claims   previous, characterized in that a seat, of height   possibly adjustable, is arranged in front of the functional unit 35 (1A), and linked to it.   12. Device according to any one of claims   previous, characterized in that a lighting system is arranged on the functional unit (lA) which activates at the time of recording if the light is too weak and stops once the recording is finished.   13. Device according to any one of claims   previous, characterized in that an input member is arranged on the front of the functional unit (lA), allowing the deposition   taxes for the use of the device (1).   14. Device according to any one of claims   above, characterized in that the display means (4, 4A 10 and 4B, 4C or diffusing glass) dispense in episodes, when the device (1) is not in use, video spots. These spots are integrated into the software program, and changed thanks to updates   updated by remote operation from the server (14).   15. Device according to any one of the preceding claims 15, characterized in that, instead of preventing   desired people (13) connected to the network (12), from the recording of a message being intended for them, the message can be directly transferred to them with its characteristics, from   the server (14), once the message and its characteristics have been transferred to the server (14).   16. Device according to any one of the claims   above, characterized in that access to the images received by the recording means (6) and to the sound received by the sound recording means (7) of the device (1) and of any device conforming to the invention connected to the network (12) is possible from the access to the server (14).   17. Device according to any one of the claims   above, characterized in that direct and simultaneous audiovisual communication is possible with other devices 30 according to the invention connected or with different devices but using common protocols and being connected to the same network (12), the integrated software guiding the user for this possibility and the device (1) being calling or called.   18. Device according to any one of claims   above, characterized in that the software integrated into the device (1) contains a voice recognition program so that the user can act on the device (1) by speaking.   19. Device according to any one of claims   previous, characterized in that the display means (4, 4A 5 and 4B, 4C or diffusing glass) are pressure sensitive so that the user can act on the device (1) thanks to the display means (4 , 4A and 4B, 4C or diffusing glass), effectively integrating the communication interface (3) into the   display means (4, 4A and 4B, 4C or diffusing glass).