JP2000194449A - Public information service terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily utilize this terminal for a long time, to simplify the structure of a printer part and to miniaturize the device. SOLUTION: A pair of armrests 37 and 38 which project forward with gap horizontally opened to each other is provided in a front side of a housing, oblique edge parts 37a and 38a which extend externally and obliquely is formed in the inner edge part of the armrests and a paper ejection port 49 is formed along the part 38a of the armrest 38 in the shape of a slit. A printer 56 in the housing is arranged at the back of the port 49 while the paper ejection direction goes obliquely against the direction where the paper ejection port extends.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a public information service terminal that collects a fee from an unspecified person, displays various information, and prints out the information.
The present invention relates to a technique for simplifying the structure of a printer unit.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, when an individual obtains various information using the Internet, conventionally, a personal computer and a communication adapter such as a modem that can be used only by the individual or a specific person including the individual are used. A line is connected to a computer of an Internet service provider contracted in advance, and the computer is connected to an Internet circuit via the computer of the service provider to obtain necessary information.

However, when trying to obtain information from the Internet while away from home, there is an inconvenience that at least a small computer must be carried at all times.

For this reason, in recent years, public facilities such as stations and the like have been developed so that unspecified persons such as public telephones and vending machines can always receive information provision from the Internet or the like.
It has been proposed to install a public information service terminal 10 as shown in FIG. 9 in a store or in a store.

[0005] The public information service terminal 10 has a vertically long box-shaped casing 11 like a vending machine.
A display device 12 of the CRT type is built in the upper part with its display surface facing forward. A touch-operable switch panel (not shown) is provided on a display surface of the display device 12, and speakers 1 are provided on both sides of the display surface of the display device 12.
3 and 13 are provided.

A user detection sensor 1 for detecting the approach of a user is provided below the display device 12 on the front of the housing 11.
4, a card insertion slot 15, a paper ejection slot 16 are provided, and below the paper ejection slot 16, a bill insertion slot 17, a coin insertion slot 18, a coin return slot 19, and the like are provided.

As shown in FIG. 10, a printer 2 which prints information on a paper 20 and discharges the information from a paper discharge port 16 in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the paper discharge port 16 as shown in FIG.
1, a card processing device for reading and writing information on a card inserted into the card insertion slot 15 other than the printer 21, a bill insertion slot 17, a coin insertion slot 18, and the like. There is provided a processing device for inspecting the money inserted into the storage device and storing or returning it, a communication device such as a terminal adapter or a modem for performing data communication via a telephone line, and a control device including a microcomputer and the like.

When the approach of the user is detected by the user detection sensor 14, the control device displays a menu screen of available services on the screen of the display device 12, and switches to the service designated by operating the switch panel. A corresponding program is executed to control each device.

For example, when the use of the Internet is designated by a menu and a charge equal to or more than a predetermined amount is inserted into the bill insertion slot 17 or the coin insertion slot 18, a dial-up connection is made to a computer of a predetermined Internet connection company and the charge is made. Collect and launch a program for browsing the homepage.

[0010] Thus, the user can use the Internet, and can check necessary information on the screen of the display device 12.

During use of the Internet, at least a print command key is displayed on the display screen in association with the switch panel so that the contents displayed on the screen of the display device 12 can be printed out. Is operated, the information displayed on the screen of the display device 12 is printed by the printer 21 and discharged from the paper discharge port 16.

By using the public information service terminal 10 configured as described above, various types of information can be obtained at public facilities such as stations and shops, without having to carry a small computer at all times.

[0013]

However, in the conventional public information service terminal 10 described above, the user must use the terminal in a standing posture at all times, and is tired when using for a long time. There was a problem.

Further, the above-mentioned public information service terminal 1
0, the paper discharge port 16 is provided on the flat front surface of the box-shaped housing 11, and the printer 21
Since the printer 21 is arranged so as to be orthogonal to the length direction, if the printer 21 is provided at a position close to the paper discharge port 16, most of the cut paper comes out from the paper discharge port 16 and falls. In order to prevent this, a paper press or the like is required inside the paper discharge port 16. Further, if the printer 21 is provided at a position far from the paper discharge port 16 so that only the leading end of the cut sheet comes out of the paper discharge port 16, a paper guide is required between the printer 21 and the paper discharge port 16, and In addition, the depth of the housing must be increased, and the device becomes large.

An object of the present invention is to provide a public information service terminal which can solve these problems, can be easily used for a long time, can simplify the structure of the printer section, and can reduce the size of the apparatus.

[0016]

In order to achieve the above object, a public information service terminal according to the present invention comprises a housing installed on a floor and a display surface visible from the front side of the housing. A display device provided at an upper portion of the housing, a printer provided in the housing, a paper discharge port for discharging paper printed by the printer from the housing, and a user-operated operation. Operating means, provided in the housing, for displaying information on the display device in accordance with an operation of the operating means, printing the displayed information by the printer, and discharging the printed paper from the paper output port A public information service terminal having a control device that collects a usage fee from a user, and a pair of armrests that project forward with a horizontal gap therebetween on the front side of the housing. Establishment At least one inner edge of the pair of armrests is formed with a slanted edge extending obliquely outward, and the discharge port is formed in a slit shape along the slanted edge of the one armrest. And the printer is disposed behind the paper outlet and such that the paper discharge direction is oblique to the direction in which the paper outlet extends.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 4 show the public information service terminal 30 of the embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing of the public information service terminal 30 is integrated with a base 31, a stand 32, a chassis 33, a display operation unit 34, and a desk 35. Is formed.

The base 31 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape with a flat lower surface so as to be in close contact with the floor on which the terminal is installed. The stand part 32 is erected from the front end of the base part 31 so as to be curved slightly backward. The base part 31 and the stand part 32 are formed in a hollow shape,
The insides are continuous.

At the upper end of the stand 32, a chassis 33 is provided.
Has been fixed. The chassis portion 33 includes a bottom plate 33a having a front end horizontal and a rear end extending upward, a front plate 33b erected on the front edge of the bottom plate 33a, side plates 33c erected from both ends of the bottom plate 33a to face each other, 33d, bottom plate 33
A rear plate 33e is provided upright on the rear edge of the bottom plate 33a to form a box having an open upper surface, and the lower surface of the front portion of the bottom plate 33a is supported by the upper end of the stand portion 32.

The inclined rear upper surface of the chassis section 33 is closed by a display operation section 34. Display operation unit 34
Is formed in a rectangular shape wider than the chassis portion 33, and its front side is largely opened in a rectangular shape, and a liquid crystal display device 41 is attached to this opening portion.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, on the display surface of the display device 41, a touch-operation-type transparent switch panel 42 is provided as operation means. The operation means includes a display device 41 in addition to the switch panel 42 described above.
May be a push-button type switch provided at a position separated from the display surface, or an infrared remote controller that outputs an infrared signal that can be received by an infrared transmitter / receiver 46 described later.

Speakers 4 are provided at both upper corners of display operation unit 34.
3 and 43 are provided, and a CCD camera 44 and a microphone 45 are mounted side by side at the center of the front upper part of the display operation unit 34.

At the center of the lower front part of the display / operation unit 34, an infrared transceiver 46 for bidirectional communication by infrared is provided. This infrared transmitter / receiver 46
In order to receive a signal from an infrared remote controller as the operation means or to perform non-contact data communication with an infrared transmitter / receiver provided in a small portable terminal mounted on a terminal mounting table 39 described later. belongs to.

The desk portion 35 is formed so as to cover the horizontal upper surface of the chassis portion 33 with a wider width than the chassis portion 33. The desk portion 35 includes a base portion 36 extending in a trapezoidal shape forward from the lower portion of the display operation portion 34, and a base portion 36.
And a pair of armrests 37 and 38 extending forward from both ends of the front part with a space therebetween in the horizontal direction and projecting so that the front end side is slightly lowered.

The height from the lower surface (installation surface) of the base portion 31 to the desk portion 33 is set in the range of 90 to 100 cm, for example, about 95 cm.

In the center of the base 36, a terminal mounting table 39 having a flat upper surface is formed in a rectangular shape so as to stably mount a small portable terminal such as a notebook personal computer. In the center of the front end of the base 36,
A card insertion slot 47 for receiving an IC card to a predetermined depth is provided in a horizontally elongated slit shape. Around the card insertion slot 47, an escape portion 48 is provided which is depressed inward into a substantially spherical shape so that the IC card can be pulled out by hand.

At the inner edges of the armrests 37 and 38, a beveled edge 37 extending obliquely in a U-shape so that the distance between the armrests increases from the front side of the base 36 toward the front.
a, 38a are provided, and a paper discharge port 49 is provided in a slit shape along one oblique edge 38a.

A user detection sensor 5 for detecting infrared rays emitted from a human body is provided on the inner edge of the armrest 37 on the distal end side.
0 is provided. The detection range of the user detection sensor 50 is set to a narrow range, for example, about 1 meter.

The detection of the user is performed not only with the infrared-type user detection sensor 50 but also with the CCD camera 44.
An image may be captured by the D camera 44, and it may be determined whether or not the captured image is a human image. In this way, it is possible to distinguish whether a person approaches or an animal other than a person approaches.

A fingerprint reader 51 is provided at a boundary between the base 36 of the desk 35 and the display / operation unit 34. The fingerprint reader 51 is used, for example, when the center performs fingerprint collation when paying a fee by credit.

On the other hand, inside the housing, as shown in FIG. 4, a card processing device 55 for reading and writing information from and to the IC card inserted into the card insertion slot 47, and prints the information on paper. Printer 5 ejected from paper ejection port 49
6. A control device 60 including a communication adapter 57 (modem) for performing data communication via a telephone line and a microcomputer is provided.

Here, the card processing device 55 is mounted behind the card insertion slot 47,
The IC card is inserted into the IC card to a predetermined depth, and a contact (not shown) is brought into contact with a terminal on the surface of the IC card so that information can be exchanged with the IC card.

The printer 56 is disposed in the vicinity of the paper outlet 49 and in the vicinity. The printer 56 is, for example, a thermal head type which does not require ink replenishment. The printer 56 draws out a thermal roll paper 58 supported by a holder (not shown) in a housing, prints the thermal roll paper 58 on the surface thereof, sends it out to a paper outlet 49, and cuts it. Note that the paper is not limited to roll paper, but may be card paper that has been cut in a fixed form (for example, B5 size or A4 size) in advance.

The paper discharge direction of the printer 56 is
The direction perpendicular to the third front plate 33b, that is, the direction obliquely intersecting with the direction in which the sheet discharge port 49 extends. Therefore, the paper 58 sent from the printer 56
As shown in FIG. 5 (a), the paper obliquely moves with respect to the paper discharge port 49 and comes out from one corner 58a of the leading end.

The communication adapter 57 is attached to, for example, the base 31 of the housing, and a line (not shown) drawn from the lower surface of the base 31 together with the power supply.
Connected to.

The control device 60 is disposed in, for example, the chassis portion 33 of the housing. Although not shown, in addition to the CPU, ROM, and RAM constituting the microcomputer, an external storage device such as a hard disk and its controller, A sound processing circuit and a display controller for converting digital audio data into analog signals and outputting the analog signals from the speakers 43 and 43 and converting the analog signals input from the microphone 45 into digital audio data;
It includes interfaces to a CD camera 44, an infrared transmitter / receiver 46, a user detection sensor 50, a fingerprint reader 51, a card processing device 55, and a communication adapter 57.

The control device 60 collects information services and charges in accordance with programs stored in the ROM and the external storage device in advance.

This information service is realized by changing the contents stored in the ROM and the external storage device.
It can be set arbitrarily according to the site and the like.

For example, when providing an information service including the use of the Internet, the control device 60 displays the advertisement image of the company on the display device 41 until the user detection sensor 50 detects the approach of the user, Speaker 4 for advertising voice
3 and 43 (information on the advertisement image and audio may be either stored in the apparatus in advance or information transmitted via a line).

When the user detection sensor 50 detects that the user is in the vicinity between the armrests 37 and 38, the screen of the display device 41 or the speakers 43 and 43 are detected.
Prompts the user to insert an IC card.

When the user inserts the IC card,
If the information of the C card is read and whether or not this IC card is usable, that is, whether or not a predetermined amount or more of money information or frequency information is recorded, or if a credit number is recorded on the IC card, The credit number is referred to a predetermined center by communication, and it is determined whether or not the result of the reference is correct. The IC card processing device locks the IC card once inserted so that the user cannot pull out the IC card at an arbitrary timing.

If the inserted IC card is usable, an explanation screen for the usage fee, usage time, payment method (amount subtraction, frequency subtraction, credit), etc. is displayed and the user confirms the screen, and the user selects the IC card. After the user can select one of the available services, a menu screen of available services including the Internet is displayed corresponding to the switch position of the switch panel 42.

When the use of the Internet is specified on the menu screen, if the address information of the Internet connection company is not stored in the IC card, dial-up to a computer of a predetermined Internet connection company set in advance. When the IC card is connected and the address information or the like of the Internet connection company normally used by the user is stored in the IC card, the predetermined Internet connection company set in advance and the Internet connection stored in the IC card are stored. A selection screen of a provider is displayed, and a dial-up connection is made to the computer of the selected Internet connection provider.

When the dial-up connection is confirmed, a predetermined usage fee is collected for the IC card, a usage time timer is started, and a program for browsing home pages is started. Note that this fee collection process is based on I
In addition to the case of the subtraction processing of the amount information and the frequency information of the C card, the case of the billing by communication to the credit company is also included. Further, when the public information service terminal is provided with a money processing device for processing bills and coins, a fee is collected from the money inserted by the user.

As a result, the user can use the Internet, and can check necessary information on the screen of the display device 41.

When the user uses the Internet, a pair of armrests 37, 3 protruding forward from the front side of the housing.
8 while holding the upper body with hands and arms,
, And the operation of the switch panel 42 can be performed, so that the user does not get tired even after long-time use.

During the use of the Internet, at least the remaining time, a key for inputting the address of a site that the user wants to access, a key for printing information displayed on the screen, and use of the Internet Is displayed in association with the position of each switch on the switch panel 42.

Here, when the user operates a key for printing the information displayed on the screen, the content displayed on the screen is printed on roll paper 58 by the printer 56 and Is discharged.

At this time, the sheet 58 sent out from the printer 56 is skewed with respect to the sheet discharge port 49 as shown in FIG. 5
8a immediately passes through the left end (rear side) of the discharge port 49. For this reason, the paper 58 sent from the printer 56 is guided by the paper discharge port 49 and moves forward by a predetermined length, and as shown in FIG. 5
8b is close to the right end (front end) of the paper discharge port 49, and when the paper is roll paper, it is cut by the printer 56.

For this reason, of the paper sent from the printer 56, only a part including the one corner 58a at the leading end passes through the paper discharge port 49, and the remaining part including the other corner 58b at the leading end is formed as a casing. Since the sheet sent from the printer 56 does not fall from the sheet ejection port 49 because the sheet is inside the body, if the sheet is pulled forward with the portion passing through the sheet ejection port 49,
The entire sheet can be easily taken out. Note that a printing fee is collected for the IC card every time printing is performed on one page, for example.

While the information is being obtained using the Internet in this way, if the use time timer expires, the balance of the IC card runs out, or the user operates the end key, the control device 60 Then, the user unlocks the IC card of the card processing device and returns the IC card. When the user stays within the detection range of the user detection sensor 50, the user is prompted to insert the IC card. When you leave the 50 detection range,
The display returns to the display state of the advertisement.

As described above, the public information service terminal 30 is provided with the pair of armrests 37 and 38 projecting forward from the front side of the housing. It is possible to check the contents displayed on the screen of the display device 41 in an easy posture with the body in place with respect to 37 and 38, and to check the switch panel 4 on the screen of the display device 41.
Since operation 2 can be performed, it is possible to use it for a long time easily with less fatigue.

As described above, the paper discharge port 49 is provided along the obliquely extending inner edge of the one armrest 38, and the paper discharge direction of the printer 56 is set to be inclined with respect to the paper discharge port 49. By doing so, even if the printer 56 body is arranged close to the paper outlet 49, the paper sent from the printer 56 does not fall from the paper outlet 49,
Since there is no need for a paper guide or paper press, the structure can be simplified and the volume of the housing can be reduced.

The shape of the housing is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the housing of the public information service terminal 30 is similar to the public information service terminal 30 'shown in FIGS. The base 31, the stand 32, and the chassis 33 may be replaced with a vertically long box-shaped base 31 '. The other parts of the public information service terminal 30 'are the same as those of the public information service terminal 30.

Further, the pair of armrests need not be symmetrical as in the above-mentioned public information service terminal 30, but may be asymmetrical. For example, as shown in a public information service terminal 30 ″ shown in FIG. 8, an inner edge on one armrest 38 ′ side has a beveled portion 38 that extends obliquely outward.
a 'is provided, and a paper outlet 49 is provided along the beveled edge 38a', and the printer 56 is positioned behind the paper outlet 49 and the paper discharge direction is inclined with respect to the direction in which the paper outlet 49 extends. Arrange to run. The other parts of the public information service terminal 30 "are the same as those of the public information service terminal 30 or the public information service terminal 30 '.

[0057]

According to the present invention, a pair of armrests projecting forward from the front side of the housing with a gap in the horizontal direction are provided, and an inner edge of one of the armrests is provided with a beveled portion extending obliquely outward, and the beveled edge is provided. A paper discharge port is provided along the section, and the printer is arranged behind the paper discharge port so that the paper discharge direction is oblique to the direction in which the paper discharge port extends.

[0058] Therefore, the user can leave his / her body by holding his hand on the armrest, and it can be used easily with less fatigue even when used for a long time.

Further, since the paper printed by the printer is discharged obliquely to the paper discharge port, there is a possibility that the paper sent from the printer may fall even if the printer itself is brought close to the paper discharge port. In addition, there is no need for a paper guide or paper press, and the structure of the printer unit is simplified, and the entire apparatus can be downsized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view for explaining the operation of the main part of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a front view of an embodiment in which a housing is modified.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of an embodiment in which an armrest is modified.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a conventional apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view for explaining the operation of the main part of the conventional device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 30 public information service terminal 31 base unit 32 stand unit 33 chassis unit 34 display operation unit 35 desk unit 37, 38 armrest 37a, 38a beveled edge 41 display device 42 switch panel 49 paper outlet 56 printer 58 paper 60 control device

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission Date] January 14, 1999 (1999.1.1)
4)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Drawing

[Correction target item name] All figures

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG.

FIG. 2

FIG. 3

FIG. 4

FIG. 5

FIG. 6

FIG. 8

FIG. 9

FIG. 10

FIG. 7

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI theme coat ゛ (reference) B41J 29/00 TF term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP10 AQ04 AS02 AS12 BB02 BB10 BB35 CQ02 CQ04 CQ32 HJ04 HK11 4E360 AB04 AB05 AB62 AC23 AD20 EA22 EA23 EC05 ED03 ED29 FA03 FA04 FA17 GA46 GB06 GB15 GB45 GB48 GB97 5C062 AB20 AB22 AB23 AB35 AD06 BA01 BB02

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A housing provided on a floor, a display device provided on an upper portion of the housing so that a display surface can be viewed from a front side of the housing, and a printer provided in the housing. ,
A paper discharge port for discharging paper printed by the printer from the inside of the housing, an operation unit for a user to operate,
A user is provided in the housing, displays information on the display device in response to an operation of the operation means, prints the displayed information by the printer, and discharges the printed paper from the paper discharge port. In a public information service terminal equipped with a control device that collects a usage fee from, a pair of armrests are provided on the front side of the housing, projecting forward with a horizontal gap therebetween,
On at least one inner edge of the pair of armrests,
An oblique edge portion extending obliquely outward is formed, and the discharge port is formed in a slit shape along the oblique edge portion of the one armrest, and the printer is provided behind the discharge port. A public information service terminal, wherein the paper discharge direction is arranged obliquely to the direction in which the paper discharge port extends.