FR2813981A1 - Communication facility for use by pedestrians in urban environment has document scanner, a voice recorder, card reader and electronic devices for touch control panel - Google Patents

Abstract

A booth (2) includes a touch control device (10), a microphone (12), a paper media processing box (14), a memory reader (16) and a camera (20) for collecting information provided by user and a screen (26) supported by a roll (28) to bring closer or move it away from a surface of the window (6). An electronic device (52) includes a document scanner (36), a voice recorder (38), a card reader (40) and electronic device (48) for touch control (10). The booth also may include a program device (42) for operating voice recognition (46) and OCR (46). It may provide an access to database a local database (60) and a remote database (62) that may be accessed by a communication media (64). An Independent claim is included for: (a) no claims

Description

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Device for interactive communication between a user of urban pedestrian routes and an information resource center. The invention is in the field of everyday life activities, and it relates to an interactive communication device between a user of the pedestrian paths and an information resource center.

There are known devices made available to pedestrians to communicate information based on directed questioning of users. For example, interactive terminals are known which are arranged in a museum environment to allow users to consult documents or obtain practical information. For example, there are known terminals installed in a commercial environment to indicate prices, or even place orders, or still to communicate practical or advertising information. In general, these terminals are in the form of tables or posts, which support a control keyboard and a display member, or screen. The user's consultation of the information is carried out in a targeted framework, by selecting information offered in a contextual menu displayed on the screen. The information communicated is information pre-recorded in memory means, which are located, as the case may be, either inside the terminal itself, or in a remote resource center to which several consultation terminals are connected by telematics. spread over a specific territory. Incidentally, and in particular in the case where the terminal allows an order to be recorded, the resource center has means of analysis and statistical calculation

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 information entered by the user, to determine the needs of the public.

Various electronic interfaces between man and machine are also known for entering and / or restoring information, in particular keyboards, microphones and speakers associated with voice recognition programs, or associated graphic readers (scanner). typographic or writing recognition programs.

Finally, there are known individual means of consulting data banks by telematics, in particular by the global telematic network (World Wide Web).

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an interactive communication device between a user of urban pedestrian routes and an information resource center, which occupies urban space so as to enhance their environment, which is friendly and open to a non-directed consultation of non-targeted information, and which is protected from possible attacks by unscrupulous people.

The overall inventive step of the present invention consisted in temporarily or durably exploiting the space of disused shop windows of commercial premises, in order to set up interactive communication devices or information consultation terminals and / or of a playful nature.

These devices are arranged so as to house the sensitive organs, that is to say in particular the electronic organs for reading, processing and broadcasting of information, inside the building and to group together a complete palette of means of communication allowing '' provide answers to users in

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 the most diverse and unexpected fields. The consequent congestion which results from it does not however induce a prejudicial and untimely occupation of the pedestrian space and enhances the urban environment, thanks to the provisions of the invention relating to the means of contribution of the device on both sides. of the showcase.

For this, the external dimensions of the communication device are generally limited to a frame surrounding the display case to support and make accessible, preferably by flush, the bodies for collecting consultation information supplied by the users. Inside the building, the device comprises the most diverse organs for reading the information collected and automated means for processing the latter, comprising network access to remote information sources. The information collected is also advantageously subject to statistical processing in order to assess the concerns of users. It is also possible to directly attach the control members to an area on the internal face of the display case.

The information restored, that is to say provided to the user in response by the device, is in particular displayed on at least one screen which generally occupies the surface of the display case in the vicinity of its internal face.

The device comprises means of mobility of the screen to bring it closer or vice versa away from the display case, in particular as a function of the ambient medium, more particularly ambient light, and / or as a function of the information displayed, and / or as a function of the user wish.

It therefore appears that the invention as a whole is characteristic, according to a first aspect in the structure and

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 the arrangement of the mechanical elements carrying the various means and organs participating in the device of the invention, and according to a second aspect, in the completeness and arrangement between them of the interactive communication means made available to the users of the pedestrian routes in urban environment, or in shopping malls.

Thus, according to a first aspect of the invention, the chassis of the interactive terminal of the invention consists of an external frame fixed at the edge of the external face of the display case and an attached internal framework, or even fixed against, the inside of the window. The external frame supports organs for collecting by the user consultation information, while the internal framework supports at least one screen for displaying restitution information, in response to the consultation information. The screen is supported by the interior frame in a mobile way to bring it closer or away from the window.

The bodies for collecting, or even for steering by the user of the means for processing and restoring information, are flush with the exterior frame as much as possible and advantageously, to avoid their degradation. The collection members consist for example of a microphone, an outlet of a collection box for a paper medium, or an electronic memory medium, or else consist of a camera placed on the side of the inside of the display case, whose transparency is used to advantage. The electronic means usually associated with these collection devices for processing the corresponding information, are in turn placed on the side of the interior face of the showcase, which includes in its frame small openings to allow a connection between the electronic reading means and the corresponding collection organs. Connections can also be provided by infrared or by radio through the display case.

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 These provisions are such that a building showcase constitutes a communication device between a user and an information resource center. Such a display case of the invention is equipped with interactive means of communication which are arranged on either side of its outer and inner faces. Overall, these means respectively comprise bodies for collecting information transmitted by the user, and a resource center and for transmitting information. The arrangement of the chassis and the distribution in the above-mentioned manner of the organs of the device on either side of the display case, the transparent wall of which is used, is such that the sensitive organs of the device are preserved from the external environment and safe from improper actions by users.

Thus again and according to a second aspect of the invention, the interactive communication device of the invention comprises means for collecting information supplied by the users, which meet a requirement of openness to the nature and the content of the information collected. In particular, the means for collecting and reading information include a graphic reader (scanner) associated with a typographic or writing recognition program, and / or a microphone associated with a voice recognition program. These provisions are such that the information collected by the device is not necessarily directed or recorded in a consultation framework according to which the collection of information is carried out by choices imposed on the user.

The questions asked by the user are processed either by automated search and consultation of local databases or accessible by network, in particular by the global telematic network (World Wide Wet), or through a data center. remote control in which an operating staff manages a plurality of interactive communication devices of the invention distributed over a

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 specified territory. Answers to users' questions can be provided either in real time or in deferred time from an identification of the user by the collection means, and the means of reading and processing the information associated therewith.

The dissemination of information is done primarily by means of a screen occupying the space of the display case, with if necessary a display in standby of general information, in particular, cultural, tourist, political or advertising. It is also preferably proposed to provide, in response to the needs of the user, restitution information by means of broadcasting devices calling upon the different human senses, as provided by means of loudspeakers opening onto the external frame. , such as smell by means of perfume diffusers, or even such as balance by means of a mobile or vibrating floor platform. Furthermore, the communication device makes it possible to animate a virtual character displayed on the screen by a cyber-animator, and / or to project confetti or glitter distributed by means of a distributor supported by the frame, the outlet of which is flush with the exterior face of the latter, supplied from a reserve supported by the interior framework.

The present invention will be better understood and details will become apparent from the description which will be made of a preferred embodiment thereof, in relation to the figures of the appended plates, in which: FIGS. 1 and FIG. 2 are schematic representations of an interactive communication device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, respectively seen from the side and seen from the front, FIGS. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are diagrams respectively illustrating various examples of arrangement of an information dissemination screen equipping a display case of the invention.

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 In the figures, the device of the invention is a device, or terminal, for interactive communication between a user of urban pedestrian paths and an information resource center. This device is mainly characterized in that it comprises a) an external framework comprising an external frame 2 provided with means 4 for fixing at the edge and outside of a display case 6 of a building 8. This external frame 2 is bearer of data collection devices for consultation provided by the user wishing to interrogate the device.

These collection members comprise for example at least one touch control plate 10, and / or a microphone 12, and / or a housing 14 for receiving a paper medium, and / or a housing 16 for receiving a medium to be electronic memory. It will be understood that these collection members are passive members interposed between the user and corresponding active members for reading the information collected, placed on the interior side of the building. The connection of the collecting members 10,12,14,16 with the corresponding reading members is carried out in particular through openings made in the frame of the display case 6 or of a neighboring door 18. These openings, of small sizes, for example allow the passage of a sheath for circulation of electric cables, and / or a chute for receiving a rigid support, paper or memory card for example. It will also be noted that the device preferably comprises an additional collecting member consisting of a camera 20 placed inside the building, and more particularly on the participating internal framework 22 of the device. This camera 20 is in particular intended to allow the user to communicate by network with other users of a remote display cabinet equipped with the device of the invention, or by means of the global telematic network (World Wide Web).

b) the internal framework 22 comprising an internal frame 24 carrying at least one screen 26 for displaying restitution information. The inner frame 24 is supported by mobility means

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 28 to bring it closer or, conversely, move it away from the interior face of the display case 6.

It will be noted that the screen 24 is for example a plasma screen, a video screen, a picture wall, a panel of light-emitting diodes, an electroluminescent film, or even a screen of a rear projection device 30.

The mobility means 28 of the inner frame 24 are for example constituted by a couple of motorized mobile carriages, which run along respective lateral rails of the inner frame 22. It will also be noted the advantageous presence of a covering 32 of the internal frame 22, arranged in bellows, which extends from the internal frame 24 to the display case 6. This covering 32 is intended to place the screen 26 in an enclosed environment to preserve it from an undesirable ambient light.

According to various variants, the internal framework 22 is either fixed on the edge of the internal face of the display case 6, or is provided with mobile carrying means 34 to facilitate its transport, its installation and its removal.

c) the resource center, designed to be supported by the internal framework 22 and comprising * first electronic means 52, for reading and processing the consultation information collected, in relation to the collection bodies 12,10,14, 16.

These first means 52 correspond to the aforementioned reading means, and in particular comprise a scanner 36, for processing the paper supports deposited by the user, and / or a sound recorder 38, and / or an electronic card reader 40, and / or the electronic members 48 relating to the touch plate 10.

* second electronic means 54, for storing and processing the consultation information processed by the first electronic means, in connection with the latter.

These second means 54 include in particular means associated with the first electronic means,

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 in particular voice recognition programs 42 associated with the sound recorder 38, and / or typographic or writing recognition programs 44 associated with the scanner 36, and / or control programs 46 associated with the touch control plate 10 48. These second means 54 also incidentally comprise programs 50 of contextual menus to guide the user in the use of the various technical means made available to him, or even possibly to guide him in response to common questions usually asked by users.

* third electronic means 56 and 58, for collecting and processing information coming from at least one memory center 60, 62, 64, in relation on the one hand with the second electronic means 54 and on the other hand with various bodies for disseminating the information returned, in which screen 24 participates.

These third electronic means include in particular means 56 for analyzing and transcribing information coming from the second electronic means 54, and means 58 for telematic connection, in particular modem cards, to a memory center. In addition, these third electronic means also include memory means 66 for information coming from the second electronic means and means 68 for analysis and statistical calculation of this information. These latter means 68 are intended to establish, from the information collected and restored, statistical information on the frequentation of the device and on the subjects most frequently approached by the users, with a view in particular to improving the programs 50 of contextual menus of the second electronic means 54.

The memory center is for example at least one data bank 60, located in the resource center and / or located in a remote center 62 for controlling a plurality of interactive communication devices distributed over a determined territory,

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 and / or a source of information 64 accessible by telematic network, global telematic network (World Wide Web) in particular.

The organs for distributing restored information include, for example, in addition to the screen 26, a printer 70, at least one loudspeaker 72, a perfume diffuser 74, a mobile platform 76, a liquid diffuser 78, a diffuser 80 of granular elements, such as confetti or glitter. It is also possible to provide a mapping device controlled by GPS.

Preferably, the device further comprises control members supported by the external frame 2 for regulating and controlling the implementation and conversely the stopping, of any at least one of the electronic means 54,56,58, the means 28 for mobility of the screen 26, of the diffusion members, and of the means 82 for putting the device on standby. In particular, a control button 84 of the means 28 for mobility of the screen 26 disposed on the outer frame 2, allows the user to carry out the corresponding adjustment himself, possibly in addition to a spontaneous adjustment carried out under the dependence on specific control members 86, such as for measuring ambient light.

More particularly, the means 82 for putting the device on standby are placed under the control of control members 88, such as a clock for automatically activating the standby of the device when it is not used for a prolonged period or at a given time. Conversely, these means are deactivated under the control of a member 90, if necessary disposed on the external frame 2, such as a control button by the user, and / or a detector of the presence of a user in front of the display case. , and / or an ambient light detector, and / or the above-mentioned clock.

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 Preferably, the device also comprises means 92 for detection and alarm against unauthorized intrusion in the vicinity of the internal framework 22.

More preferably, the device also comprises at least one blocking member of the display case, such as a perforated film bonded to any one of the faces of the display case, or a motorized blind whose control is placed under the control of a control device, such as a button which can be operated by the user and / or a light detector.

It will be noted that the resource center is preferably linked by telematics to a remote control center 64, in which an operating staff 100 can possibly respond directly to users and monitor the proper functioning of a plurality of devices distributed over a determined territory. . This control center 64 comprises various means of communication with the resource center of each of the participating display cases of the device of the invention, such as a control console 94, means 96 for connection to at least one telematic network, and a digital camera 98.

In the examples illustrated in fig. 3 to fig. 5, the screen 26 is a projection screen or a rear projection screen. According to the variant illustrated in fig.3, the projector 30, seen from above, is placed at the rear of the screen, while in the variants illustrated in fig.4 and fig.5, the projector 30, seen from the side, is placed in the vicinity of the display case 6, respectively in the lower zone and in the upper zone of the internal framework 22.

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Claims (3)

CLAIMS 1.- Interactive and / or dynamic communication device between a user of urban pedestrian paths and an information resource center, characterized in that it comprises d) an external framework comprising an external frame (2) provided with means (4) for fixing to the edge and outside of a display case (6) of a building (8), the external frame (2) being the carrier of organs (12,10,14,16,20) of collection of consultation information supplied by the user, e) an internal framework (22) comprising an internal frame (24) carrying at least one screen (26) for displaying restitution information, the internal framework ( 24) being supported by mobility means (28) to bring it closer or vice versa move it away from the interior face of the display case, f) the resource center, arranged to be supported by the interior framework (22) and comprising - first electronic means (52), for reading and processing information of c onsultation collected, in relation to the collection organs (12,10,14,16,20), - second electronic means (54), for memory and for processing consultation information processed by the first electronic means (52), in connection with these, - third electronic means (56,58), for collecting and processing information from at least one <Desc / Clms Page number 13> memory center (60,62,64) , in relation on the one hand with the second electronic means (54) and on the other hand with organs for dissemination (70,72,74,76,78,80) of restored information, in which the screen (26 ), so that a disused showcase (6) of a building is equipped with interactive means of communication between a user of the pedestrian routes and an information resource center, being equipped on either side of its faces exterior and interior, respectively of information gathering bodies transmitted by the 'user and an information resource center, the sensitive organs of the device being preserved from the external environment and protected from unauthorized actions by users. 2.- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises control members (84,86) supported by the outer frame (2) to adjust and control the implementation and conversely the stop, any one at least of the electronic means (54,56,58), the means (28) of mobility of the screen (26), of the diffusion members (26, (70,72,74,76,78, 80), and means (82) for placing the device on standby 3.- Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the means (82) for placing the standby are placed under the dependence of any one at least control members (88, 90) of the group of members comprising at least one user control button, a user presence detector in front of the display case, an ambient light detector (86) and a clock. <Desc / Clms Page number 14>  4.- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the collection members comprise any at least one of the organs of the group of organs comprising at least one touch control plate (10), a microphone (12), a housing (14) for receiving a paper medium, a housing (16) for receiving an electronic memory medium, and a digital camera (20) placed on the internal framework (22). 5.- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first electronic means (52) comprise at least any one of the organs of the group of organs comprising a scanner (36), a sound recorder (38), a electronic memory card reader (40). 6.- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second electronic means (54) comprise any one at least of the means of the group of means comprising the programs (42) of contextual menus, the programs (44) of recognition vocal, typographic recognition or writing programs (46). 7.- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the third electronic means comprise means (56) of analysis and transcription of information from the second electronic means (54), and means (58) of telematic connection at a memory center (60,62,64). <Desc / Clms Page number 15>  8.- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the third electronic means further comprise means (66) for storing information coming from the second electronic means and means (68) for statistical analysis and calculation of these information. 9.- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the memory center is any at least one of the memory centers comprising the localized databanks (60) in the resource center, the localized databanks (62 ) in a remote control center for a plurality of interactive communication devices distributed over a determined territory, the databases accessible (64) by telematic network; 10.- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the organs for dissemination of restored information comprise, in addition to the screen (26), at least any one of the organs of the group of organs comprising a printer (70) , a speaker (72), a fragrance diffuser (74), a mobile platform (76), a liquid diffuser (78), a diffuser (80) of granular elements. 11.- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the screen (26) is any of the screens of the screen group comprising a plasma screen, a video screen, a picture wall, a panel light emitting diodes, a light emitting film, a screen of a rear projection device. <Desc / Clms Page number 16>  12.- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises means (92) for detection and alarm against an unauthorized intrusion in the vicinity of the interior frame (22); 13.- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises at least one obscuring member of the display case. 14.- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the resource center is connected by telematics to a remote control center.