WO2022034362A1 - Stations modulaires, système et procédé décentralisé pour la distribution et la réception de dispositifs électroniques mobiles et de leurs périphériques - Google Patents

Stations modulaires, système et procédé décentralisé pour la distribution et la réception de dispositifs électroniques mobiles et de leurs périphériques Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022034362A1
WO2022034362A1 PCT/IB2020/057610 IB2020057610W WO2022034362A1 WO 2022034362 A1 WO2022034362 A1 WO 2022034362A1 IB 2020057610 W IB2020057610 W IB 2020057610W WO 2022034362 A1 WO2022034362 A1 WO 2022034362A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
loan
mobile electronic
dispensing
return
station
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2020/057610
Other languages
English (en)
Spanish (es)
Inventor
Jaime Alberto Reinoso Castillo
Original Assignee
Pontificia Universidad Javeriana
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Pontificia Universidad Javeriana filed Critical Pontificia Universidad Javeriana
Priority to PCT/IB2020/057610 priority Critical patent/WO2022034362A1/fr
Publication of WO2022034362A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022034362A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/06—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles

Definitions

  • the following form of implementation of the invention refers to devices, methods and systems to facilitate the process of dispensing mobile electronic devices in educational institutions such as libraries and educational spaces mainly.
  • the invention is not specifically limited to the described devices, systems and methods implemented in educational institutions and can be adapted to various applications such as shopping malls, private companies, among others.
  • dispensers and similar self-service systems have been implemented for loan purposes of a product, specifically for laptops. Such systems can also be found to rent from a bicycle on the street or order books and bibliographic material in libraries.
  • applications US2015363749A1 and WO2012174324A1 disclose systems and methods that refer to distribution kiosks equipped with control systems used to distribute and receive portable electronic devices.
  • the invention of patent US 10217311B2 teaches an apparatus for providing electronic devices in prisons. Said device controls the extraction and return of portable electronic devices and monitors the use given to the devices by inmates so that they are only used as authorized.
  • mobile electronic device refers to computing devices such as laptops, tablets, smartphones, photo or video cameras, calculators, game consoles, among others.
  • electronic devices refer to simply portable or portable computers.
  • peripherals refers to any type of accessory of electronic or mechanical composition that functions as a complementary and external accessory to the laptop. Therefore, these peripherals can correspond to chargers, batteries, mouse, keyboard, special lenses for cameras, among others.
  • the described peripheral for laptops corresponds to a charger or a power adapter for laptops.
  • the term “external device” refers mainly but not limited to cell phones and tablets that the user has at his disposal to request the loan or return.
  • API Application Programming Interface
  • Figure 1 shows a block diagram representing one of the portable dispensing stations of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 discloses a diagram of a decentralized system of stations for dispensing and receiving mobile electronic devices and their peripherals.
  • Figure 3 shows a portable dispensing station that does not require a graphical interface or input mechanisms in the user interface module.
  • Figure 4 lists a method for dispensing portable devices.
  • Figure 5 shows an example of the graphical interface of the dispensing station of the present invention.
  • Figure 6 reveals the current control diagram that allows the operation of the current control unit of each locker.
  • Figure 1 shows the block diagram of a station for dispensing laptops (100) comprising a user interface module (110), at least one module of dispensed (120) comprising a set of lockers (131, 132, 133, 134) that function as compartments for storing and securing laptops, and their peripherals such as the battery charger.
  • the user interface module (110) in the present embodiment of the invention allows the user to interact with the dispensing station (100) to request the loan or return of a laptop.
  • the user interface module (110) preferably, but not exclusively, comprises a graphical interface (111), input mechanisms (112), means for reading the user identification (113), a user interface controller user (114) and an electrical totalizer (140).
  • the input mechanisms (112) refer to the means by which the user enters data and instructions into the system of the station for dispensing (100). In the present form of implementation of the invention it refers to a touch screen, but it can be replaced by any other input mechanism such as a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone or a camera among others invented or to be invented.
  • the means for reading the identification (113) allow identifying and confirming the identity of the user who is requesting a laptop loan or return service.
  • said devices can be a MiFare-type card reader and retainer, but optionally, RFID, biometric, magnetic stripe, facial identification, iris identification or other reading means known or to be developed.
  • the user interface controller (114) refers to a programmable electronic circuit that is connected to the graphical interface (111), to the input mechanisms (112) and to the user identification means (113), and that stores and executes a series of computer instructions to make use of an API implemented in a first remote server (150), thus allowing the user interface module (110) to exchange information with a remote server (150). Therefore, the information entered through the input mechanisms (112) and through the user identification means (113), is received by the user interface controller (114) and is automatically sent to a first server server (150) making use of the functions of the API implemented in this first remote server (150).
  • the user can request a laptop loan or return service to a laptop dispensing station (100) from an external device (170) such as a smartphone, a tablet, a desktop computer, a laptop or other devices already invented or to be invented, through a mobile application, a web application or some other type of digital service for the loan or return of laptops.
  • an external device such as a smartphone, a tablet, a desktop computer, a laptop or other devices already invented or to be invented, through a mobile application, a web application or some other type of digital service for the loan or return of laptops.
  • the loan or return request from the external device (170) is received by a first remote server (150) which in turn processes the request and sends the functions to be executed by the controller of the dispensing module by means of computer instructions. (126).
  • the electrical totalizer (140) refers to a set of electronic devices that regulate and protect the equipment electrically.
  • the laptop dispensing station 100 may contain an uninterruptible power supply UPS 140 that allows power to be provided to the station during a power outage for a limited time.
  • UPS 140 uninterruptible power supply
  • Other forms of implementation could make use of alternative energies for the operation of the station, such as solar energy, wind energy, among others.
  • the dispensing module (120) of the station for dispensing laptops (100) comprises or consists essentially of a set of n lockers (131, 132, 133, 134), a controller of the dispensing module (126) and a system for ventilation (125).
  • Each locker comprises a storage space for the laptops (121, 122, 123, 124), a set of sensors (127,128, 129,130) for verifying the status of the laptops and a current control unit.
  • the ventilation system (125) receives commands from the dispense module controller (126) and connects with the locker network (131, 132, 133, 134) to manage the temperature of the laptops (121, 122, 123, 124 ).
  • each locker (131, 132, 133, 134) allows the loan of the laptop charger because it can identify when the charger has been connected to the dispensing station, and detect if the current flow is correct.
  • said unit control allows the detection of the charger even if the laptop battery is full or the equipment is turned off, it is also capable of detecting that the power cable with which the laptop is returned is the right one for that equipment.
  • the set of sensors includes an ebutton sensor that works through a magnetic field to communicate with its receiver in each laptop and detect the return or loan of a laptop, said sensor is very small by which can be easily attached to the notebook, does not allow to be taken off and wear is minimal. Additionally, the sensor can detect despite the existence of magnetic fields inside the boxes.
  • the controller of the dispensing module (126) is a programmable electronic circuit with universal communication interfaces that allow it to connect to the locker network (131, 132, 133, 134), to the sensors (127,128, 129,130 ) and to the ventilation system (125), to receive and send data for communication with each of the components of the dispensing module.
  • the controller of the dispensing module (126) has a communication interface that allows it to connect to the communication network of the institution where the invention is implemented.
  • the controller of the dispensing module (126) stores a series of computer instructions that make up an API with functions that include, but are not limited to: (a) the control of the opening of a specific locker, where this function is used by the first remote server (150) to enable the opening of one of the lockers (131, 132, 133, 134) and allow the user to extract or enter a mobile electronic device together with its peripherals; (b) reading the current status of the dispensing module (120), where the controller of the dispensing module (126) sends the number of mobile electronic devices that the station (100) currently contains, the number of available lockers, the percentage charge of each of the stored devices, and optionally, the type of mobile electronic device stored in each locker; among other functions that may be useful for the control and supervision of the dispensing module (120). Said functions are executed when the first remote server (150) makes use of the API functions.
  • the controller of the dispensing module (126) by means of computer instructions, makes use of the API implemented in the first remote server (150) to notify it when a mobile electronic device has been extracted, when the door of one of the lockers (131, 132, 133, 134) has been opened or when a fault has occurred in the station, between other control and supervision functions of the dispensing module (120), with the purpose of remotely supervising the status of the service station (100).
  • Figure 2 presents a decentralized system of stations for dispensing and receiving mobile electronic devices and their peripherals, essentially comprising a set of stations for dispensing laptops (201), a first server (202), a second server (203) and external devices such as cell phones or tablets with the mobile application (204) for the loan or return of laptops installed on them.
  • the first server is called the web application server (202), which stores and executes an API to process and manage requests for the loan and return of mobile electronic devices.
  • This first server (202) is connected to the station for dispensing (100) through a communication network (160) of the institution, optionally WiFi but not exclusively, to manage and control the loan of laptops stored in the dispenser module (120), receiving the information provided by the user for the loan or return of laptops through the user interface module (110) of the service station (100).
  • the second server also called the central server (203), is connected to the first server (202) and stores all the information related to the operation of the system for dispensing laptops; in the same way, it stores the information related to the users who use the station system for dispensing
  • the stations for dispensing laptops (201), the external devices with the mobile application (204) and the web application server (202), are connected to a communication network of the institution (205), this network allows them to exchange information using both the API implemented in the controller of the dispensing module of each of the stations for dispensing (201), and the API implemented in the web application server (202).
  • the external devices with the mobile application (204) can also communicate with the system via internet communication.
  • the user reserves the return or loan of a mobile electronic device and its peripherals at one of the dispensing stations, provides personal data for identification and validation of the loan, and manages the loan time and the costs of this.
  • the technical team of the institution in charge of the laptop dispensing system can provide remote technical support in case it is necessary to restart a station, return a card in case of failure , or any other action that requires prompt technical intervention.
  • the mobile application (204) makes use of the API implemented in the web application server (202).
  • the web application server (202) is a computer with high computational capacity, preferably with an internet connection, and connected to the communication network (205), which is responsible for receiving, processing and managing all requests for loan or return from the stations (201) for dispensing laptops and computing devices with the application for the loan or return of laptops (204).
  • the web application server (202) stores and executes a computer program that implements an API with functions that include but are not limited to: loan or return request using the user interface module of the station for dispensing, loan or return request using the mobile application, sending notifications related to the status of the dispensing stations (removal of a laptop, opening of a locker door, failure of a station), request for technical support (which contains options such as extracting a card, opening station doors, among others) and requesting information related to the dispensing of a user's mobile devices.
  • the stations for dispensing (201) and the mobile application (204) make use of the API to send or request information to the web application server (202).
  • the central server (203) is a computer with high computational capacity that connects to the web application server (202), and that stores information related to users such as: username, identification number, password, time loan, current loan, among other relevant information of the institution that implements the invention. Likewise, the central server (203) stores the information related to the status of the stations such as: number of laptops per station, status of the station's laptops, reports of faults or damage to the station, among other information that may be relevant to the institution implementing the invention. When said information changes, the web application server (202) is in charge of updating the information contained in the central server. Likewise, the validation of the loan or return of laptops is done by the web application server (202) through a query of the information stored in the central server (203).
  • the system for dispensing laptops has a single server, that is, a single computer with high computational capacity, preferably with an Internet connection and connected to the communication network, which implements the functions of both the web application server (202) and the central server (203). Therefore, this single server is responsible for receiving, processing and managing loan/return requests from the laptop dispensing stations and mobile devices with the laptop loan/return application, additionally storing the information related to users and laptop loan stations.
  • the system for dispensing laptops in a preferred form of the invention allows a user to request the loan of the laptop at a given station No. 1 (201) and make its return at any of the stations No. 2, No. 3 or No. 4 (201), either through the user interface (110) of each of the stations, shown in Figure 1, or through the use of the mobile application (204). ).
  • the station for dispensing laptops makes use of the API implemented in the web application server (202) to send the information of the user who is making the request . If the request is accepted, after being processed by the web application server (202) when consulting the data from the central server (203), the web application server (202) makes use of the API implemented in the module controller. dispensed to enable the opening of the appropriate locker of the service station, in order for the user to take or return the mobile electronic device and its peripherals, according to the request made.
  • the dispensing station uses the API to notify the web application server (202) that the laptop along with its peripherals has been checked out or returned to the locker; Based on this notification, the web application server (202) updates the information stored in the central server (203) related to said station and the user who has used the dispensing service.
  • the web application server (202) can also make use of the current status function of the API implemented in the controller of the dispensing module to request information related to the mobile electronic devices stored in the lockers, this information includes, but not limited to: number and type of mobile electronic devices in the station, number of lockers available in the station, percentage charge of mobile devices in the station, damage or breakdown of mobile devices or the station itself, among others. others.
  • the preferred form of implementation of the present invention allows all station control to be managed centrally and remotely through the use of system APIs, both the API implemented in the server of web application as the API implemented in the controller of the dispensing module of each station. In this way, the hardware complexity in each of the stations for dispensing is reduced, since all the processing is carried out in the web application server (202), while the dispensing modules of the stations (201) are limited. to execute the commands sent by the web application server (202).
  • this architecture of the station system (201) allows the institution's maintenance personnel to access the stations remotely, having complete control and supervision of them. This constitutes a technical advantage since it reduces the complexity of the hardware in each one of the stations and also allows the centralization of all the information, which translates into less cost for the implementation and maintenance of the system for the loan of mobile electronic devices and a greater control and supervision of the system.
  • FIG 3 shows a portable dispensing station (300) that does not require a graphical interface (111), nor input mechanisms (112) in the user interface module (110), as disclosed in the embodiment of Figure 1.
  • the user performs the loan or return process of laptops interacting through an external device through a mobile application, a web application (204) or some other type of digital service for the loan or return of laptops.
  • the reservation request for the loan or return of a laptop from the external device is received by a first server (202) which in turn processes the request and sends, through computer instructions, the functions that must be executed by the controller of the dispensing module (126). ).
  • Figure 4 lists a method for dispensing laptops.
  • the method refers to the implementation of the laptop dispensing system of Figure 2.
  • the method begins by receiving the loan request for a laptop (401) in some of the stations of the set of stations (201) through the interface (111) shown in Fig. 1, or through the mobile application of the external device (204) shown in Figure 2.
  • the user requests the loan of the laptop, he must provide his identification data, either through the station user identification means (113), or through the mobile application (204) (402).
  • the user interface controller (114) sends this data to the web application server (202) using the loan request function (or return, as the case may be) of the API implemented in the web server (405).
  • the station where the user is making the loan request presents, through the graphic interface (111) or through the mobile application (204), the type of mobile electronic device stored in each of the station lockers. Based on this information, the user enters the loan application specifying the box of his choice. These data together with the user identification are sent to the application server web (202) using the loan request function (or return, as the case may be) of the API implemented in the web server (405).
  • the web application server (202) When the web application server (202) receives the loan application data, it performs the validation of the user's status in the institution and the viability of the loan (406), making a query of the information stored in the central server (203). In the event that the loan request is denied (407), the web application server (202) sends a message as a response through the user interface controller (114) or through the mobile application (204) containing the reason for denial of the loan (408), this message will be displayed on the graphic interface of the station or on the mobile application, as appropriate.
  • Reasons for denial of laptop loans range from, but are not limited to, the user already has a loaner laptop, is not an authorized person in the institution to loan a laptop, has previous fines that must be paid for laptops or other loans of the institution, among others.
  • the web application server (202) enables the opening of the locker (409) where the mobile electronic device is stored to dispense, this is done using the API locker opening enable function implemented in the dispense module controller (126). '
  • the controller of the dispensing module (126) notifies the web application server (202) using the status change notification function of a API locker implemented in the same web application server (202).
  • the web application server (202) reports the loan of the laptop to the central server (203) updating the stored information referring both to the user and to the station (201) where the loan was made (411), in order to later be able to collect the fee from the user (412).
  • Figure 5 presents an example of the graphical interface (111) of the dispensing station (100), in this interface it is evident that the user has already accessed the system and can now choose which electronic device mobile to borrow, among three possible: Laptop, Tablet and Smartphone. Additionally, it is observed that the graphic interface (111) shows what is in each of the ten lockers of the dispensing station (100).
  • Figure 6 presents the current control diagram that allows the operation of the current control unit (602) of each locker (601), where said unit includes a current sensor that allows identify when the charger has been connected to the dispensing station locker, and detect if the current flow is adequate.
  • Said control unit allows the detection of the charger even if the laptop battery is full or the equipment is turned off, it is also capable of detecting if the power cable with which the laptop is returned is the right one for that equipment.
  • the current control unit (602) is connected to the neutral of the power supply of the dispensing station (100) and has an interface (603) that communicates with the central server (203) ( 605), through the web application server (202) (604), in order to know which locker is being monitored and send signals about the status of the charger's return.
  • this current control unit is important because with this technology it is possible to loan the laptop charger, which is a very useful functionality for users.
  • the figures presented in this description correspond to merely illustrative purposes of the invention. It is understood that the figures described do not limit the scope of the disclosed invention.

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un procédé, un système et une station pour distribuer des dispositifs électroniques mobiles qui comprend un module d'interface d'utilisateur, et au moins un module de distribution, dans lequel sont stockés les dispositifs électroniques mobiles conjointement avec leurs périphériques. Le système et le procédé comprennent un ensemble de stations de distribution de dispositifs électroniques mobiles interconnectés entre eux, par le biais d'un réseau, au moyen de quelques serveurs qui sont chargés de recevoir, valider, traiter et gérer la demande de prêt ou de retour du dispositif électronique mobile conjointement avec son périphérique, ladite demande étant effectuée par l'utilisateur. Le système comprend une architecture qui implémente et utilise deux interfaces de programmation d'applications (API, sigle anglais) ; une dans la station pour la distribution, spécifiquement dans un contrôleur situé dans le module de distribution, et une autre dans les serveurs.
PCT/IB2020/057610 2020-08-13 2020-08-13 Stations modulaires, système et procédé décentralisé pour la distribution et la réception de dispositifs électroniques mobiles et de leurs périphériques WO2022034362A1 (fr)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/IB2020/057610 WO2022034362A1 (fr) 2020-08-13 2020-08-13 Stations modulaires, système et procédé décentralisé pour la distribution et la réception de dispositifs électroniques mobiles et de leurs périphériques

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

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PCT/IB2020/057610 WO2022034362A1 (fr) 2020-08-13 2020-08-13 Stations modulaires, système et procédé décentralisé pour la distribution et la réception de dispositifs électroniques mobiles et de leurs périphériques

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20140128023A1 (en) * 2012-11-08 2014-05-08 Benjamin Guerra Apparatus for dispensing rented wireless devices for internet access via a local area network (lan)
US9076136B2 (en) * 2008-03-20 2015-07-07 8D Technologies Inc. Bicycle rental system and station
US9922488B2 (en) * 2013-10-16 2018-03-20 Redbox Automated Retail, Llc Wireless communication for consumer-operated kiosks
US20190206174A1 (en) * 2017-12-29 2019-07-04 Idemia Identity & Security USA LLC Automated dispensing machine with improved security
US10504086B2 (en) * 2016-05-06 2019-12-10 Mastercard International Incorporated Systems and methods for providing a tailored user experience at a self-service kiosk

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9076136B2 (en) * 2008-03-20 2015-07-07 8D Technologies Inc. Bicycle rental system and station
US20140128023A1 (en) * 2012-11-08 2014-05-08 Benjamin Guerra Apparatus for dispensing rented wireless devices for internet access via a local area network (lan)
US9922488B2 (en) * 2013-10-16 2018-03-20 Redbox Automated Retail, Llc Wireless communication for consumer-operated kiosks
US10504086B2 (en) * 2016-05-06 2019-12-10 Mastercard International Incorporated Systems and methods for providing a tailored user experience at a self-service kiosk
US20190206174A1 (en) * 2017-12-29 2019-07-04 Idemia Identity & Security USA LLC Automated dispensing machine with improved security

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