WO2011049272A1

WO2011049272A1 - Data print-out vending machine

Info

Publication number: WO2011049272A1
Application number: PCT/KR2010/000414
Authority: WO
Inventors: 정용주
Original assignee: Jung Yong Ju
Priority date: 2009-10-21
Filing date: 2010-01-22
Publication date: 2011-04-28

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device that allows a user to receive a doc file uploaded to a business home page from a management server of the business homepage and then convert the doc file into a hard copy. The device of the present invention comprises a means for authenticating and managing a user as a member of a system operation manager by a card already possessed by the user, not by a card issued by the system operation manager; and a means for analyzing spool data to determine a fee to charge the user based on the size of a print-out, application of a color printing service, document density, number of pages and so on, and then providing a print service once the fee is paid. This data print-out vending machine not only allows users to pay with various payment means, but also it has various functions for the convenience of the users.

Description

Data output vending machine

The present invention relates to a data output vending machine capable of performing a series of processes such as fast login, payment, and output in a simple manner of checking a consumer authentication medium.

In the past, students who have difficulty using personal printers can print out the data they need to print and print out the report in their own e-mail. There was a cumbersome process of printing out the printing centers and department offices that were not in use, and the time spent printing each time was not enough.

The present invention provides a vending machine data output device that requires little human management, can be installed in a large number of easy-to-use places, such as in front of the classroom, regardless of the installation location and the unit price is low. There is a purpose.

In addition, the present invention is a member registration, membership authentication to a specific medium (magnetic media, barcode printed card, RFID card, mobile phone, USB with a stored personal identification information, such as a USB certificate is stored) already possessed by the user And to provide a data output vending machine that can provide services such as earning points.

In addition, the present invention can calculate a reasonable printing cost in consideration of the number of copies of the printed matter and the density of the manuscript, can determine the billed amount by reflecting the deductions in consideration of the member point or advertisement output point, and outputs when the billed amount is settled The purpose is to provide a vending machine for data output operated to provide a service.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is a device for receiving a document file uploaded by the user on the operator homepage received from the management server of the operator homepage to provide a type, the user interface for inputting the user's operation signal; A signal recognition conversion unit for recognizing a specific signal of the member authentication medium and converting the signal into an electrical signal; A server connection unit connected online with the management server through a wired / wireless communication network to exchange information; An information storage unit for storing the data received from the management server or the portable memory and establishing a unique identification information database of a medium previously registered as a member authentication medium; A display unit which displays the received data or input by the user as screen information and a guide message; Cost estimating means for determining the billed amount according to the document output amount of the user and the computer usage time; A payment processing unit including a cash recognition unit for recognizing the administered banknote or coin and a card reader for reading the card information by an electromagnetic signal and subtracting the billed amount from the recorded balance according to the type of the card or approving the credit card; A print processing unit which outputs data received from the management server; And a central control unit electrically connected to the user interface, the signal recognition conversion unit, the server connection unit, the information storage unit, the display unit, the cost calculation unit, and the payment processing unit to control respective functions. The central control unit is configured to match the unique identification information of the medium recognized by the signal recognition conversion unit with the unique identification information database of the medium registered as a member authentication medium established in the management server, the matching When the unique identification information is retrieved, the data output automatic vending device is configured to authenticate as a member to convert the display unit of the terminal to the use screen, and to convert the display unit of the terminal to the membership registration screen if the matching unique identification information is not found. to provide.

In addition, the present invention is characterized in that the central control unit functions to register the unique identification information of the new medium recognized in the state that the display unit is switched to the use screen by the member authentication in the database of the management server by the user's selection A data output automatic sales device is provided.

The present invention also analyzes the spool data of the file to be printed, and automatically calculates the data output, characterized in that the cost calculating means functions to determine the billed amount by determining the color, size, document density and number of printed matters. Provided with the device.

In addition, the present invention determines the billed amount by calculating the consumption amount of toner or ink when the original image density of the printed matter exceeds the preset ratio, and calculates the number of sheets by the size of the printed matter when the original image density of the printed matter is less than or equal to the preset ratio. And a data output automatic vending device, characterized in that the cost calculating means functions to determine the billed amount.

In addition, the present invention is an option for whether the double-sided printing before the determination of the charge amount is added, the cost calculating means for determining the charge amount by subtracting the paper cost when receiving a double-sided printing command from the user interface, characterized in that the data characterized in that It also comes with a vending machine for printing.

In addition, the present invention is characterized in that the option for the use of the member point before the determination of the charge amount is added, the function of the cost calculating means to determine the charge amount by deducting the requested member point when receiving the request for deducting the member point from the user interface A data output vending machine is provided.

In addition, the present invention is characterized in that the option for determining whether to print the supplier ad insertion before the billing decision is added, the cost calculation means to determine the billing amount by subtracting a specific amount when receiving the ad insertion print request from the user interface A data output automatic sales device is provided.

In addition, the present invention is an automatic data output sales device, characterized in that the cost calculation means to calculate a compensation point proportional to the calculated billing amount to use it as a payment cost or to store in the management server by the user's selection .

In addition, the present invention is controlled to be driven when the print processing unit receives a print command for a file to be printed from the user interface, after receiving the payment completion information for the billed amount calculated by the cost calculating means from the payment processing unit It provides a data output automatic vending device characterized in that.

In addition, the present invention card charging means for converting the bill or coins administered to the cash recognition unit into the amount of charge of the transportation card; Provides with a data output automatic vending device further comprising a.

In addition, the present invention further comprises a camera, a microphone and a headset, and provides a data output automatic vending device, characterized in that configured to communicate with the counselor connected to the management server by video or voice.

According to the present invention has the following effects.

1. Data output vending machine installed at the place where user can easily access work data such as report made in home or computer room, etc. in university classroom can be easily output as tangible. This allows users who do not own a personal printer to perform tasks that require printing, such as creating a report, without difficulty.

2. As the user can receive member authentication through a media such as a transportation card, the operator does not need to issue a separate member authentication medium, and the user can conveniently obtain various benefits without having to carry multiple authentication media. You can enjoy. In addition, when the user has lost the media previously registered as a member authentication medium or needs to register a new medium as a member authentication medium, the user can be additionally registered.

3. Through spool data analysis, the overall printing cost can be calculated in advance, and the billing amount can be determined in consideration of user options such as double-sided printing, membership point use, and partner advertisement insertion, so that prepaid post-printing service can be operated. do.

4. In addition to contactless smart cards such as transportation cards, payments can be made more easily by using various payment methods. In addition, by accumulating and counting the user's usage by using the unique information of the smart card it can be reflected in the billed amount without going through a separate procedure.

5. By allowing affiliates' advertisements to be inserted in the data output, operators can earn advertising revenue and consumers can operate to reduce or exempt the cost of using the service.

1 illustrates one embodiment of a data output vending machine in accordance with the present invention.

2 is a conceptual diagram of a connection state for each component of a data output vending machine according to the present invention.

3 is a conceptual diagram of a data output vending machine operating system according to the present invention.

4 is a flowchart of information processing of a data output vending machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a data output service process by an actor and a system component.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a process in which the controller is driven after recognizing the unique identification information of a specific medium in the signal recognition conversion unit of the data output vending machine.

7 is a flowchart of a process in which a member additionally registers a new medium as a member authentication medium.

8 is a flowchart illustrating a printing cost charging and printing command processing process in a data output vending machine.

9 is a flowchart illustrating a billing amount calculation process according to spool data analysis and additional options in a data output vending machine.

100: data output vending machine 110: user interface

120: signal recognition conversion unit 130: server connection unit

140: information storage unit 150: display unit

160: cost calculation means 170: payment processing unit

171: cash recognition unit 172: card reader

180: print processing unit 190: central control unit

200: user terminal 300: member authentication medium

400: management server

The best form of the automatic data output vending device includes a user interface for inputting a user's operation signal; A signal recognition conversion unit for recognizing a specific signal of the member authentication medium and converting the signal into an electrical signal; A server connection unit connected online with the management server through a wired / wireless communication network to exchange information; An information storage unit for storing the data received from the management server or portable memory; A display unit which displays the received data or input by the user as screen information and a guide message; Cost estimating means for determining the billed amount according to the document output amount of the user and the computer usage time; A cash recognition unit for recognizing the administered banknote or coin; A card reader which reads card information by an electromagnetic signal and subtracts the billed amount from the recorded balance according to the type of the card or approves the credit card; A print processing unit which outputs data received from the management server; And a central control unit electrically connected to the user interface, the signal recognition conversion unit, the server connection unit, the information storage unit, the display unit, the cost calculation unit, the cash recognition unit, and the card reader to control respective functions. The central control unit checks the unique identification information of the medium recognized by the signal recognition conversion unit with the database of the management server, and if the matching unique identification information is found, authenticates as a member and displays the display unit of the terminal. The screen is switched to the use screen, and if the matching unique identification information is not found, the display unit of the terminal is switched to the registration screen.

At this time, the central controller functions to register the unique identification information of the new medium recognized in the state where the display unit is switched to the use screen by member authentication in the database of the management server by the user's selection,

The cost estimating means functions to analyze the spool data of the file to be printed, determine the billed amount by grasping the color, size, document density and number of printed matters,

When the print processing unit receives a print command for a file to be printed from the user interface, the print processing unit is controlled to be driven after receiving payment completion information for the billed amount calculated by the cost calculating unit from the cash recognition unit or the card reader. It is preferable to construct.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The present invention relates to a data output vending machine for converting a document file uploaded to a homepage of a business operator through a user terminal from a management server of the homepage of a business and converting the document file into a tangible object. The data output vending machine according to the present invention includes a user interface as shown in [FIG. 1] and [FIG. 2]; Signal recognition conversion unit; Server connection unit; An information storage unit; A display unit; Cost estimating means; Cash recognition unit; Card reader; A print processing unit; And a central controller; It is configured to include. The user interface collectively refers to a keyboard, an operation button, a mouse, and a touch screen that can input various command information such as text and symbols, and the display unit can view various files, data, and information input through the information input unit. CRT monitor, LCD monitor, and PDP monitor can be collectively referred to. On the other hand, even if a user does not have a member authentication medium or is lost, the user can directly log in by inputting an operator's homepage address and a consumer's ID and password through the user interface to check and output the uploaded data through the display unit. In addition, the information input unit 140 may further include a diskette drive, a connection port, and the like, so that the data input unit 140 may directly output data stored in the removable disk according to a consumer's situation. The data output vending machine is provided with an information storage unit for storing the data received from the management server. The user's work file downloaded to the information storage unit can be checked on the display unit, modified and edited through a user interface, stored in the information storage unit again, and then sent back to the management server. And the management server is connected through the server connection unit. The specific signal of the consumer authentication medium is converted into an electrical signal and transmitted to the management server, and the operations such as downloading data stored in the management server are all performed through the server connection unit.

The data output vending machine is connected to the management server of the operator's homepage online (internet) so that the operator's homepage is always displayed through the display unit. In the management server, a database of medium-specific identification information registered as a member authentication medium is established, and the database preferably stores and manages various pieces of personal information described at the time of membership registration. When a user wants to use the data output vending machine, ① Sign up through the business website and enter the ID and password in the data output vending machine, or ② The user possesses the data output vending machine. After registering various authentication media as a member authentication medium, the user can log in directly by recognizing the member authentication medium, or use in a non-member state.

In order to realize the above method, the central control unit compares the unique identification information of the medium recognized by the signal recognition conversion unit with the database of the management server, and if a matching unique identification information is found, authenticates the member as the terminal. The display unit is switched to the use screen, and if matching unique identification information is not found, the display unit of the terminal is switched to the member registration screen. The signal recognition converting unit recognizes a specific signal of a medium possessed by the user and converts it into an electrical signal, which reads a magnetic signal of a magnetic card, a device for reading a barcode, and a radio wave generated from an RFID card. An apparatus etc. are mentioned, for example. Two or more of the above devices may be used interchangeably, and when a new medium and an information exchange method emerge as technology for recording and exchanging various kinds of information is developed, the signal recognition conversion unit reflects the various aspects. Can be improved.

When the central control unit recognizes the unique identification information of the medium (for example, 16 digits in the case of Seoul traffic card) in the signal recognition conversion unit to operate the system as follows according to the flow chart shown in FIG. do. The central controller detects the unique identification information of the medium recognized by the signal recognition conversion unit, and then checks whether the same unique identification information is recorded in the database by comparing with the database of the management server. If information matching the unique identification information of the medium is recorded in the database, the medium holder is authenticated as a member and the display unit is immediately switched to the use screen to use the necessary services. In other words, the member login is achieved only by recognizing the medium of the signal recognition conversion unit. The user may log out after using a unique service provided by the data output vending machine, and after logging out, the display unit may switch to the standby screen. On the other hand, if information matching the unique identification information of the medium is not recorded in the database, the central control unit switches the display unit to a member registration screen to induce a new member to join. After completing the registration process, new media such as a card is registered as a member authentication medium in the database of the management server. After that, the display unit is switched to the use screen so that the user can use the necessary services. If a user who has registered as a new member wants to use the data output vending machine in the future, the registered member authentication medium is recognized as a member simply by recognizing the registered member authentication medium, and a separate ID or password is obtained. You can easily get the services you need without having to remember them. On the other hand, when the user refuses to register, the display unit may immediately switch to the standby screen.

Of course, since the user may not have a medium registered as a member authentication medium, it is possible to use the service provided by the terminal through general authentication means such as ID and password stored in the database of the management server separately. In addition, a general user who is not a member may use the service provided by the terminal.

In addition, the central control unit by operating the system to register the unique identification information of the new medium recognized in the state that the display unit is switched to the use screen by the member authentication in the database of the management server by the user's selection, When an existing member authentication medium is lost, or when a new medium is to be used mainly and other users need to add a new medium as a member authentication medium (see FIG. 7).

On the other hand, if a general user who is not a member can use the service provided by the terminal, the general user can be induced to join as a member by paying only the reward points according to the payment amount to the member. Since it is reasonable to pay the compensation point corresponding to the payment amount, the cost calculating means determines the billing amount according to the use of the data output vending machine, calculates a reward point proportional to the billed amount and stores the information. It can be stored in a wealth database so that it can be used for payment. The cost calculating means is connected to the cash recognition unit, the card reader and the print processing unit through the central control unit. That is, when the amount calculated by the cost calculating means is settled in the cash recognition unit or the card reader, the prepaid system in which the print processing unit operates is driven. The print processing unit converts the document file data received from the management server into a tangible object and provides the printing function. The print processing unit performs a printing function for outputting the data.

The prepaid system applied to the data output vending machine according to the present invention comprises the steps of: (a) receiving a print command for a file to be printed from a user interface; (b) analyzing the spool data of the file to be printed and determining the billed amount by identifying the size, color, original density and number of printed matters; (c) receiving payment completion information on the billed amount from the payment processing unit; And (d) transmitting spool data and a print command of a file to be printed to the print processing unit. It is implemented in a process that includes.

When a control unit (central processing unit) of a general computer receives a print command from a user interface such as a keyboard or a mouse, it transmits spool data for a file to be printed to a printer. At this time, if the size of the file to be printed exceeds the buffer capacity of the printer or there are several files to be printed, the file is temporarily stored in the memory in the computer and the files are sequentially buffered as the printer prints. To send. However, in the present invention, when the central control unit receives a print command for a file to be printed from the user interface (step (a)), the control unit determines the billed amount prior to analyzing the spool data rather than sending it directly to the print processing unit. (b), and the print command is sent to the print processing unit only after the billing amount is completed (step (c)). That is, it is configured to provide a print service after the printing cost is prepaid. Therefore, it can be said that the prepayment system is characterized in steps (b) to (d).

In the step (b), the central controller analyzes the spool data of the file to be printed and determines the billed amount by identifying the size, color, document density and number of printed matters. An example of the method for calculating the billed amount at this stage according to the spool data analysis is shown in a flowchart in FIG. 9. In the example shown in FIG. 9, when the original image density of the printed matter exceeds a preset ratio (for example, 20%), the amount of toner or ink is calculated to determine the billed amount, and the original image density of the printed matter is determined in advance. If the set ratio is below, the billed amount may be reasonably determined by calculating the number of sheets by the size of the printed matter (by the commonly used standards such as A4, B4, and B3). That is, for a general document with a low manuscript density of printed matters, the billing amount is calculated according to the output size and number of printed matters, but for documents that contain pictures or photographs or are written in small letters, Since the amount of toner or ink is increased, the billed amount of the toner or ink is calculated.

In addition, in step (b), ① the option of duplex printing is added before the billing amount is determined, and upon receiving the duplex printing command from the user interface, the bill is deducted by subtracting the paper cost, or ② the member before the billing amount is determined. If the option to use points is received, and a member point deduction request is received from the user interface, the requested member point is deducted to determine the billed amount, or ③ the option of printing a supplier advertisement before the billing amount is added, When the advertisement insertion print request is received from the user interface, a specific amount may be subtracted to determine the billed amount. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, the steps 1, 2, and 3 described above are sequentially performed, Steps 1, 2, and 3 can be selected together regardless of the order.

In step (c), the central control unit receives payment completion information on the billed amount from the cash recognition unit or the card reader, and step (d) includes the spool data and a print command of a file to be printed to the print processing unit. The step of transmitting. That is, in the present invention, even if the central control unit receives a print command from the user interface, the print job is not immediately started, but the charge is taken into consideration while analyzing the spool data and other options while the print job is held. This prepayment is required for the print job to proceed. By this prepayment method, the user can confirm in advance the total amount of use of the print service and allow a series of print jobs to be performed at once.

The payment means processing unit is provided with a cash reader for recognizing administered bills or coins, and a card reader for reading and charging card information such as transportation cards, smart cards, credit cards, and so on. Both cash and card can be used at the same time.

In addition, the present inventors data output vending machine can also be used as a transportation card charging means, it is possible to use for the purpose of charging the transportation card according to the consumer's choice after calculating the cash input through the cash recognition unit. To this end, the card charging means for performing the above functions should be additionally provided.

In addition, the data output vending machine of the present invention is further provided with a camera, a microphone, and a headset, which can be used as a voice or video telephone. That is, it is possible to consult with a counselor connected to the management server by voice or image, and also to communicate by image or voice between the data output vending machine of the present invention. The inventors of the data output vending machine are connected to a wired / wireless communication line network through a management server, so that a telephone call can be made to each other.

The data output vending machine as described above may be given a complex function to be connected to a government office or a bank online to perform a specific task. In order to carry out a business online with a government office or a bank, personal authentication is generally required. For this purpose, the signal recognition conversion unit described above is used. Since the consumer can log in to a bank or government office only through personal authentication, the signal recognition converter recognizes a specific signal of the member authentication medium and converts it into an electrical signal to authenticate the consumer. At this time, the signal recognition conversion unit is connected to the central control unit and is under the control of the central control unit. Once you have completed your personal verification, you will be connected to various banks online to handle deposits, bank transfers, and more. When the data output vending machine is connected to the government office online, it is possible to pay the bill of the bill issued by the government office. Since the bill has a unique number, it can be utilized if it is provided with a barcode reader that can recognize the bill even if there is no separate login and connected to the central control unit. In other words, it is possible to classify bills by recognizing the unique number in the barcode reader, it is possible to pay bills without going through a separate personal authentication.

However, in the case of outputting test reports of other public documents or private companies, personal authentication is required, so it can be used only after personal authentication through the signal recognition conversion unit described above. After personal certification, it is possible to download and print official documents such as resident registration copies and resident registration copies issued by the government office, and to download and print out documents issued by various institutions such as certificate of enrollment, TOEIC, TOEFL score report, etc. It is possible. Of course, these functions are only possible if you are connected online to each government office and company.

In addition, it is possible to use a barcode to increase the convenience of the consumer. The barcode can perform the function of the unique number, so it is not only possible to play a role similar to the login ID of each member, but also very simple because it can be simply authenticated by the signal recognition conversion unit. How to use is to register the data on the homepage of the management server and enter the mobile phone number bar code is sent to the mobile phone using the transmitted barcode as an authentication medium when the proximity or contact with the signal recognition conversion unit is completed the personal authentication It is possible to receive data from a server for viewing or output. In addition, the barcode may be used once or may serve as a permanent ID. In particular, when an error or the like occurs while using the data output vending machine of the present invention, it is possible to log in at another vending machine having the same function by automatically transmitting a barcode, thereby adding convenience to its use.

In addition, in the present invention, it is possible to add a function of inserting the advertising text of the affiliate to increase the efficiency of use of the device and to reduce the cost. The inventors of the data output vending machine can output a variety of private documents and official documents, and since it is essential that a receipt is issued after performing other functions such as payment of payments, deposits, and bank transfers, it is necessary to insert advertisements of affiliated companies in the receipts. It is possible. The position of the inserted advertisement may be any position of data output such as a receipt. Inserting an affiliate's ad can greatly increase your income on advertising costs, and you'll also enjoy the additional side effect of advertising your affiliate. However, whether or not to insert advertisements of affiliated companies in the data output is desirable to the consumer's choice. If the advertisement is inserted, the cost estimating means gives an incentive to reduce or exempt the billing amount for using the service. can do.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the accompanying drawings as mentioned above, various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and may be used in various fields. Therefore, the claims of the present invention include modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of the present invention.

The multi-function vending machine provided by the present invention is provided on the campus of the university so that students can print reports and class materials at any time, and are provided on the street so that citizens can recharge transportation cards or handle public offices or banking. You can do that.

Claims

As a device that receives a document file uploaded by the user on the operator homepage received from the management server of the operator homepage to convert into tangibles,

A user interface for inputting a user's operation signal;

A signal recognition conversion unit for recognizing a specific signal of the member authentication medium and converting the signal into an electrical signal;

A server connection unit connected online with the management server through a wired / wireless communication network to exchange information;

An information storage unit for storing the data received from the management server or portable memory;

A display unit which displays the received data or input by the user as screen information and a guide message;

Cost estimating means for determining the billed amount according to the document output amount of the user and the computer usage time;

A payment processing unit including a cash recognition unit recognizing the administered banknote or coin and a card reader which reads the card information by an electromagnetic signal and subtracts the billed amount from the recorded balance according to the type of the card or approves the credit card;

A print processing unit which outputs data received from the management server; And

A central control unit electrically connected to the user interface, signal recognition conversion unit, server connection unit, information storage unit, display unit, cost estimating unit, cash recognition unit, and card reader to control respective functions; Consists of including

The central controller compares the unique identification information of the medium recognized by the signal recognition conversion unit with a unique identification information database of a medium registered as a member authentication medium built in the management server, and when matching unique identification information is found, And a display unit of the terminal to switch to a use screen by authenticating as a member, and converting the display unit of the terminal to a member registration screen if matching unique identification information is not found.
In claim 1,

The central control unit is configured to register the unique identification information of the new medium recognized in the state where the display unit is switched to the use screen by the member authentication in the database of the management server by the user's selection. Output vending machine.
In claim 1,

And the cost calculating means analyzes the spool data of the file to be printed, and determines the billed amount by identifying the color, size, document density and number of printed matters.
In claim 3,

The cost estimating means calculates the consumption amount by calculating the consumption amount of toner or ink when the original image density exceeds the preset ratio, and calculates the number of sheets for each print size when the original image density of the printed article is less than or equal to the preset ratio. And a data output automatic selling device, characterized in that it functions to determine the billed amount.
In claim 3,

And the cost calculating means is provided with an option of whether to print on both sides before the billing amount is determined, and when the two-sided printing command is received from the user interface, the billing means is deducted from the paper cost to determine the billed amount.
In claim 3,

The cost estimating means is provided with an option for the use of member points prior to the determination of the charge amount, and when receiving a request for deducting the member point from the user interface, the data output function is automatically determined by deducting the requested member point. Vending device.
In any one of claims 3 to 6,

The cost estimating means is provided with an option for whether or not to insert a supplier advertisement before determining the billing amount, and when receiving the advertisement inserting print request from the user interface, deducting a specific amount to determine the billing amount automatically. Vending device.
In claim 7,

And the cost calculating means calculates a reward point proportional to the calculated billed amount and uses it as a payment cost or stores it in a management server according to a user's selection.
In claim 1,

The print processing unit is controlled to be driven when receiving a print command for a file to be printed from the user interface, after receiving payment completion information for the billed amount calculated by the cost calculating means from the cash recognition unit or the card reader. Automatic data output vending machine, characterized in that.
In claim 1,

A card charging means for converting a bill or a coin administered to the cash recognition unit into a charged amount of a transportation card; Data output auto-sale device further comprising a.
In claim 1,

And a camera, a microphone, and a headset, and configured to communicate with a counselor connected to the management server by video or voice.