WO2000007112A1

WO2000007112A1 - Terminal for public information utilization and system for public information utilization

Info

Publication number: WO2000007112A1
Application number: PCT/JP1998/003423
Authority: WO
Inventors: Satoshi Hamada; Toshikazu Nishi
Original assignee: Try Angle Inc.; Institute Of Global Communications Inc.
Priority date: 1998-07-31
Filing date: 1998-07-31
Publication date: 2000-02-10

Abstract

A terminal for public information utilization, which is installed in a publicly utilizable space and connected to the Internet to receive various services and which has a browser function added thereto. The public information utilization terminal (100) is characterized in that it is provided with a circuit connection unit (306) which can make an access to a public circuit network, voice I/O units (312, 318, 320) for the input/output of voice information, an image display unit (316) for the display of information, an input unit (314) for the input of information, and a browser function unit (302) for realizing various internet-related jobs.

Description

Description Public information use terminal and public information use system

The present invention relates to a public information use terminal and a public information use system, and more particularly to a public information use terminal installed in a public use available space and allowing a user to use various kinds of information by using a public line network. Public information utilization station terminals that are installed in the space and allow users to use various information by using the public line network, host stations, and public lines connecting the public information utilization station terminals to the host stations. It relates to a public information utilization system consisting of a network. Background art

With the rapid spread of the Internet, an advanced information society is about to be realized. In addition, the development of Internet browser technology and various security technologies (SSL (Secure Sockets Layer), SET (Secure Electronic Transactions), etc.) and the establishment of open standards have enabled electronic commerce and electronic information exchange. It is feasible. With the realization of the information superhighway, the information-oriented society has been expanding to the world wide. As a result, the information user can use the desired information at the desired location, at the desired location, at the desired location, and at the desired location, not only in the company or home where computers and other terminals are located. It is becoming necessary to build an environment that can do this.

In this regard, the spread of mobile communications such as mobile phones and the With the development, some power users use a so-called portable information terminal to create an environment where they can use their favorite information / necessary information at their favorite places / necessary places at any time / need. It is getting ready. However, since the setting of protocols and the like for portable information terminals and the like are difficult and expensive, ordinary users cannot use them easily.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and enables a general user who is not a power user to use a public telephone like a desired time / necessary when desired / necessary. The purpose is to provide a new and improved public information use terminal and public information use system that can use favorite / necessary information in various places.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved public information utilizing terminal and a public information utilizing system which can be used as a conventional public telephone terminal or a television telephone terminal. It has been the target.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved public information use terminal and a public information use system that can be used as an Internet connection terminal or an e-mail use terminal. It is an object.

Further, another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved public information use terminal and a public information use system that can be used as a personal information management terminal.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved public information utilizing terminal and a public information utilizing system which can be used also as a terminal of an electronic commerce system. Further, another object of the present invention is to provide a terminal for various authentication systems. It aims to provide a new and improved public information use terminal and public information use system that can be used.

Further, another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved public information use terminal and a public information use system which can realize various functions by connecting various portable information terminals. It is intended to be Disclosure of the invention

In order to solve the above problems, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a public information use terminal which is installed in a public available space and in which a user can use various information using a public line network. Is done. The public information use terminal has a line connection unit that can access a public line network, a voice input / output unit that inputs and outputs voice information, an image display unit that displays image information, and can input various types of information. It features an input section and a browser function section that implements various Internet-related jobs. As described above, in the public information use terminal according to the present invention, since a public terminal that can be used by anyone is provided with a browser function for connecting to the Internet and receiving various services, general users can use the public information terminal. With the same feeling as using a public telephone, you can head to the terminal and access various types of information while receiving and transmitting information while viewing the image shown on the image display unit such as a display device.

If the voice input / output unit is configured as a telephone terminal, it can be used as a conventional public telephone terminal. Alternatively, if a voice input / output unit is equipped with a microphone or speaker, transmission and reception of voice mail and the like can be easily performed, and if used in combination with a digital camera, it can function as a videophone. Both are possible.

Further, the input unit may be configured as a touch panel for performing input operations by directly touching the display screen, or may be configured as a keyboard composed of predetermined key statuses such as character keys and numeric keys. You may. If such an input unit is provided, it can be used not only as an information receiving terminal but also as an information transmitting terminal.

Furthermore, if an image information input unit such as a digital camera or scanner is provided, or an image information output unit such as a printer is provided, the use of image information becomes more convenient. Furthermore, if a scanner and a printer are used in combination, they can be used as a fat terminal, and if a digital camera is used, it can be applied to various authentication systems in addition to the videophone described above. It is.

In addition, if an IC card-based terminal that can read, Z, or write to Ic is installed, it is possible to conduct various electronic transactions such as electronic money services, online shopping services, and farm banking services. Becomes

Furthermore, by providing digital signal input / output ports and analog signal input / output ports, the user can connect various portable terminals to those ports and expand the functions of the public information use terminal to provide the desired information service. Can be enjoyed, and convenience is further improved.

Furthermore, the public information use terminal is fixedly installed in a public available space, and if the public information use terminal is installed in a box capable of storing the public information use terminal, the user can use the public information terminal according to the present invention in the same sense as using a public telephone. Use of information It is possible to use terminals easily. Furthermore, if the public information terminal is stored in the box, the privacy of each user will be protected. Therefore, users can use highly confidential information in the public space.

Further, according to a second aspect of the present invention, a public information use local terminal which is installed in a public use available space and allows a user to use various information by using a public line network, a host station, There is provided a public information utilization system comprising a public information utilization station terminal and a public network connecting a host station. The public information use local terminal employed in this public information use system has almost the same functional configuration as the public information use terminal according to the first aspect of the present invention. It has a line connection unit that can be used, an audio input / output unit that inputs and outputs audio information, an image display unit that displays image information, and an input unit that can input various information.

In addition, the system is preferably connected to a certificate authority. Since the system according to the present invention is constructed as an open network, when a user accesses highly confidential information, he / she accesses a predetermined certificate authority and obtains access after authentication. By doing so, it is possible to further enhance network security. Further, the system is preferably connected to various electronic commerce systems such as a farm banking service, an electronic money service, and an online shopping service. With such a configuration, the user can use a public telephone. It will be possible to use various electronic trading services in the same sense as above.

Further, the system is preferably connected to a personal information management database. With this configuration, the user can access, for example, the necessary information by accessing a personal information management database existing in his / her own server. For example, if you access your email address or phone number book This makes it possible to read out the necessary addresses and telephone numbers, making it possible to use the public information terminal as if it were a personal terminal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an embodiment of a public information using terminal according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of the outer surface configuration displayed on the display unit of the public information use terminal according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an embodiment of the public information using terminal according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an embodiment of the public information utilization system according to the present invention. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the public information use terminal and the public information use system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description and the accompanying drawings, members having substantially the same function and configuration will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

First, an embodiment of a public information use terminal according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the public information use terminal 100. As shown in the figure, the public information terminal 100 is housed in a box 102 fixedly installed at a place accessible by an unspecified number of people, such as a square or sidewalk. The box 102 is configured as an open type in the example shown in the figure. In order to create an empty space, a door that can be opened and closed may be provided to make it a closed type.

The public information use terminal 100 has its entire configuration equipment housed in a housing 104, in which a maintenance space for storing various control devices and print paper is provided. ing. Outside the housing 104, a user operation unit is provided as a man-machine interface for the user to use various types of information. In the example shown in the figure, an image display unit 110 composed of a telephone 106, a digital camera 108, a CRT and a flat panel display device, and a keyboard unit composed of character keys and numeric keys are used as the user operation unit. 1 1 2, card insertion / ejection section 1 1 4 such as IC card, microphone mouth phone 1 1 6, cursor key 1 1 7, original feeder 1 1 8 for inserting originals, etc. and feeder for supporting originals Unit 120, Documents that have been scanned successfully, Document output unit 122 that discharges fax-received documents, Document receiver 124 that receives discharged documents, and various warnings to the user. Warning lamps 1 26, 1 28, etc. are provided. Note that the public information use terminal 100 shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example, and it goes without saying that various configurations can be adopted by taking into account the types of functions provided in the terminal and design elements. No.

Next, an example of a service menu displayed on the screen of the image display device 110 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, screen 200 is constructed as a user-friendly GUI environment so that general users who are not power users can easily handle it. As shown in the figure, a tag for selecting various functions included in the public information use terminal 100 is provided at the top of the screen 200. In the example shown, the tags are public telephone function tag 201 and Internet function tag 2. 02, electronic transaction tag 203, fax function tag 204, print function tag 205, and help tag 206. On the right side of the screen 200, a bar 210 for scrolling the screen is displayed. This bar 210 can be operated by using the keys on the keyboard unit 112 or the trackball. It is. Below the tag, the title 220 of the currently displayed image is displayed. In the illustrated example, “Usage menu” is displayed. Further below that, a search section 230 is displayed. The search unit 230 has a function for a user to input an appropriate key, search for a necessary function, and jump to a page related to the function. Below that, icons and explanations for selecting functions related to the currently displayed screen 200 are displayed. In the example shown in the figure, the icon for telephone function 24 1 a and its description “Public telephone service” 24 1 b, the icon for e-mail function 24 2 a and its description “E-mail service” 24 24 b , A home page function icon 2 43 a and its description “Home page use service” 2 43 b are shown.

The screen 200 shown in FIG. 2 is a part of the function of the image display unit 110 of the public information use terminal 100 according to the present embodiment. It goes without saying that the screen can be displayed. Also, regarding the screen display method, it goes without saying that various configurations are conceivable from the viewpoint of the functions mounted on the terminal and the design, and these naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention. I understand.

Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the functions installed in the public information use terminal 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. As shown in the functional block diagram of Fig. 3, the public information use terminal function block 300 A facsimile input / output device 304 including a control unit 302, a scanner unit 304a and a printer unit 304b, a line control unit 303, a digital camera function unit 310, It is mainly composed of an IC card control section 310, a telephone function section 312, a keyboard section 314, a display device 316, a speaker 3180, and a microphone 320. I have. Briefly describing each function, the main control unit 302 is composed of a central processing unit, a storage device, software, and the like, and controls each function mounted on the public information use terminal 100. For example, the jobs executed by the system control section 302 include browser functions, such as Internet connection processing, Internet telephone connection processing, IC card control processing, communication processing with a host computer, and credit processing. G Calling with the online banking center, output processing to the display device, input control processing from the keyboard, input / output processing to e-mail and voice mail, home page information, e-mail fax output processing, fax Information input / output processing is included. Of course, the terminal according to the present invention is not limited to these functions, so that the control performed by the system control unit 302 can be changed as needed.

The fax input device 304 is capable of receiving and transmitting fax information. In the case of fax transmission, it is possible to scan a predetermined document by the scanner section 304a and transmit the fax information to the user-specified fatality number. Note that this scanner section 304a is not used only when the fax function is selected. For example, when reading predetermined information from a manuscript, pasting it to an e-mail, and transmitting it to an address designated by the user. Is also available. In the case of fax reception, for example, the fax information transmitted from the fax information It is possible to print out on a predetermined sheet from the printer section 304b. The printer section 304b is not always necessary, and may be configured to display the received fax information on the display device 316. Even when the printer section 304b is employed, the received content can be displayed on the display device 316 when the paper runs out. The printer section 304b is not only used when the fax function is selected, but can be used for printing various information.

The line control unit 306 is a function block that performs connection processing with an external line network, and includes communication functions such as a modem and terminal adapter. The line controller 306 can perform connection, call, and disconnection processing with digital lines such as ISDN, and can also perform failure processing when a line error occurs.

The digital camera function section 308 can take pictures of users and other objects with a digital camera and attach the images to e-mail and voice mail. The digital camera function section 308 includes a PCMCIA interface, and when connected to a portable digital camera, can capture and process image information captured by the user at another location. In addition, the digital camera function unit 108 captures the retina of the user's eyes, etc., and sends it to a certification authority, which will be described later. . Although not shown, a fingerprint recognition device can be installed as an authentication terminal.

The IC card control section 310 is a functional part that controls reading and writing of the IC card, and can perform various electronic transactions by connecting to a credit / punk-on-line center described later. It is possible. For example, in the case of an IC card for electronic money, by inserting the IC card into the public information use terminal according to the present invention, a predetermined amount of money can be transferred from one's own passbook to the IC card, or the balance of the IC card can be transferred. It is possible to receive services such as confirmation. Alternatively, it is also possible to access the website where an online shop is available, purchase the necessary commodities, and settle the payment using an IC card.

The telephone function section 312 functions as a terminal for processing telephone calls on the Internet using an Internet line, in addition to the function of a normal telephone currently used, or a voice mail. It also functions as an input device for voice information attached to.

The keyboard section 314 includes key matrices such as character keys and numeric keys, and a cursor control device such as a trackball. The user can obtain necessary information according to the service menu displayed on the display section 316. It functions as an input device used to access or transmit by inputting predetermined information from the user.

The display device 316 is composed of a CRT, flat panel display device, etc., and has functions to display Internet web information, e-mail, fax information, etc., and input from the keyboard unit 314. It displays the operation. Needless to say, it is also possible to adopt a touch panel display configuration in which the display device 316 and the input device are integrated.

Further, the speaker 318 is a block having a function of outputting voice information, and the microphone 320 is a block having a function of inputting voice information. Note that, in the present embodiment, the speaker 318 and the microphone 320 are configured separately. However, it goes without saying that it is possible to substitute the microphone and the microphone provided in the handset of the telephone 312 for speed.

Note that the functions shown in Fig. 3 are some of the functions that can be mounted on the public information use terminal according to the present invention, and that various functions can be added and extended as necessary. Needless to say. Conversely, it goes without saying that unnecessary functions can be deleted as appropriate to reduce the weight and size of the terminal.

Next, referring to Fig. 4, the system is constructed by using the public information use terminals 300 (300-1-1, 300-2, ..., 300-n) shown in Figs. A preferred embodiment of the public information utilization system 400 described below will be described.

As shown in the figure, the public information use system 400 has a plurality of public information use terminals 300 (300-1, 300-2,..., 300-n) and these terminals 300 (3 00—1, 300—2,..., 3 0—n) to which a digital circuit network 410 such as an ISDN switching network is connected, and a digital circuit network 410 and a dedicated circuit 4 A credit / banking online center 4 20 connected by 1 2, an internet network 4 3 0 connected by a digital network 4 1 2 and a general line 4 1 4, and this internet network 4 3 It mainly consists of a host computer 432, a certificate authority 434, and a personal server 436 connected to 0. In the following, each function of the public information use system 400 shown in FIG. 4 will be described. The digital network 410 is connected to each terminal 300 (300-1, 300-2, ..., 300). -n), access the necessary information, and send the returned information to each terminal 300 (300-1-1, 300-2,…, 300-n). Functions as a relay network for distribution. In general, the digital network 410 is connected to an Internet network 430 that extends to the wild through a general line 414, and users can connect the Internet network 430 to the network. It is possible to use various Internet services via the Internet.

On the other hand, the digital network 410 is also connected to the credit / punk online center 420 via a dedicated line 412, and the user can access the credit / banking online center 420. By accessing, various electronic trading services can be used. Note that the details of the provided electronic transaction service are not directly related to the present invention, and therefore, detailed description is omitted.

In addition, a host computer 432 that comprehensively controls the public information use system according to the present embodiment is connected via the Internet circuit network 430. The host computer 432 controls the entire system as a central station, and performs various jobs, such as Internet telephone connection processing, Internet Web server processing, e-mail and voice mail collection and distribution, and so on. , Fax information collection and delivery processing, payment processing with the Credit Z Banking Online Center, IC card electronic money payment processing, and IC card information transfer to terminal 300 (300-1, 300) — 2,..., 300 0-n), and sends it to the certification authority 4334 to execute various functions such as authentication processing for receiving authentication.

In addition, the certificate authority 4 3 4 receives the IC card information, password, ID, digital camera After receiving retinal information or fingerprint information imaged in the above and confirming the identity, the access right is set, and the user's access to the level information is set according to the access right. It is possible to authenticate.

Further, in the illustrated example, each terminal 300 (300-1-1, 300--2, ..., 300-n) can also access the personal server 436. This personal server 436 is, for example, a personal personal computer of a user, and a user accesses his / her own computer to read out various information, for example, an address book, etc. It is also possible to make a telephone call or send an e-mail from (300--1, 300-2, ..., 300-n).

As described above, the preferred embodiments of the public information use terminal and the public information use system according to the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is clear that those skilled in the art can conceive various changes or modifications within the scope of the technical idea described in the patent claims. It is understood that it belongs to.

For example, in the above embodiment, the public information use terminal 100 is installed in the fixed installation type box 102, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. The public information use terminal according to the present invention can adopt the same installation method as telephones and ATM terminals that are now widely used, and can be installed in open spaces or in various stores. Needless to say,

Also, the functions added to the public information use terminal are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and as a minimum necessary configuration for realizing the excellent effects of the present invention, a line connection unit capable of accessing a public line network is provided. And an audio input / output section that inputs and outputs audio information, an image display section that displays image information, an input section that can input various information, and a browser function section that implements various Internet-related jobs. Any other aircraft It goes without saying that functions can be added and extended.

For example, in the example shown in Fig. 1, a fax function including a scanner function and a printer function, an IC card processing function, and an imaging function using a digital camera are added, but such functions may be omitted in some cases. It is possible. Alternatively, in the example shown in Fig. 1, the microphone and the speaker are replaced by the handset of the telephone. However, it is needless to say that a microphone mouth speaker with a different configuration can be provided.

Furthermore, in the example shown in the figure, a CRT screen is used. However, a flat panel display device such as a liquid crystal display device is used, or a touch panel type display device is used so that a user can directly access the screen. It is also possible to configure so that information can be input.

The system shown in Fig. 4 is also an example, and it goes without saying that not only ISDN lines but also various public line networks can be used regardless of whether they are wired or wireless. It is needless to say that various cases are assumed for service @ servers, etc., depending on the times and social situations, and that a terminal having the functional configuration according to the present invention uses a network capable of accessing information. If any, it goes without saying that they all belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

An example of a service that can be connected to this information terminal is a PHS (Persona 1H and Phone System) system that is linked to a PHS location information utilization system. According to such a system, it is also possible to search for the position of the PHS terminal holder from each terminal according to the present application. For example, if an information terminal is installed in an amusement park, etc., and each PHS terminal is provided to a child, it will be lost by any chance. Even if this is the case, it is possible to build a system that can easily find the position of the child. Industrial applicability

The present invention integrates the Internet function, telephone function, and electronic transaction function into a terminal installed in a public place, and is configured so that even non-power users can use it easily. It is applicable not only to the field of telecommunication technology by telephone, but also to the field of Internet technology and the field of electronic trading technology. It is made possible.

Claims

(1) At a public information terminal that is installed in a publicly available space and allows users to use various information using a public line network:

A line connection unit capable of accessing a public line network;

A voice input / output unit for inputting / outputting voice information;

An image display for displaying image information;

An input unit for inputting various information;

A public information terminal that is equipped with a browser function that realizes various Internet-related jobs.

(2) The public information use terminal according to claim 1, wherein the voice input / output unit is a telephone terminal.

(3) The public information use terminal according to claim 1, wherein the voice input / output unit includes a microphone.

(4) The public information use terminal according to claim 1, wherein the voice input / output unit includes a speaker.

(5) The public information use terminal according to claim 1, wherein the input unit includes a touch panel.

(6) The public information use terminal according to claim 1, wherein the input unit includes a keyboard.

(7) The public information use terminal according to claim 1, further comprising an image information input unit.

(8) The public information use terminal according to claim 7, wherein the image information input unit is a digital camera.

(9) The public information use terminal according to claim 7, wherein the image information input unit is a scanner.

(10) The public information use terminal according to claim 1, further comprising an image information output unit.

(11) The public information use terminal according to claim 10, wherein the image information output unit is a printer.

(1 2) The public information use terminal according to claim 1, further comprising an IC card use terminal capable of freely reading, Z, and writing on the IC card.

(13) The public information use terminal according to claim 1, further comprising a digital signal input / output port.

(14) The terminal according to claim 1, further comprising an analog signal input / output port.

(15) The public information use terminal according to claim 1, further comprising a box fixedly installed in a public available space and capable of storing the public information use terminal.

(16) A public information use local terminal, a host station, and a public information use station terminal and a host station that are installed in the public available space and allow the user to use the public line network to use various information. A public information utilization system comprising a public line network connecting

The local terminal using public information,

A line connection unit capable of accessing a public line network;

A voice input / output unit for inputting / outputting voice information;

An image display for displaying image information;

An input unit for inputting various information;

A public information utilization system characterized by having a browser function that realizes various Internet-related jobs.

(17) The voice input / output unit is a telephone terminal. Use of public information according to claim 16

(18) The public information utilization system according to claim 16, wherein the voice input / output unit includes a microphone.

(19) The public information use system according to claim 16, wherein the audio input / output unit includes a speaker.

(20) The public information use system according to claim 16, wherein the input unit includes a touch panel.

(21) The public information use system according to Claim 16, wherein the input unit includes a keyboard.

(22) The public information use system according to claim 16, further comprising an image information input unit.

(23) The public information utilization system according to claim 22, wherein the image information input unit is a digital camera.

(24) The public information use system according to claim 22, wherein the image information input unit is a scanner.

(25) The public information use system according to claim 16, further comprising an image information output unit.

(26) The public information utilization system according to claim 25, wherein the image information output unit is a printer.

(27) The public information use system according to claim 16, further comprising an IC card use terminal capable of freely reading and / or writing to the IC card.

(28) The public information utilization system according to claim 16, further comprising a digital signal input / output port.

(29) The use of public information according to claim 16, further comprising an analog signal input / output port. (30) The public information use system according to claim 16, further comprising a box fixedly installed in a public available space and capable of storing the public information use system.

(31) The public information utilization system according to claim 16, further comprising a connection to a certification authority.

(3 2) The public information utilization system according to claim 16, further characterized by being connected to an electronic commerce system.

(3 3) The public information use system according to claim 16, further comprising a personal information management database.