GB2378100A

GB2378100A - Public access terminal

Info

Publication number: GB2378100A
Application number: GB0213463A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jonathan Robert Portus; Andrew Jonathan Miles Kightley
Original assignee: Integrex Ltd
Current assignee: Integrex Ltd
Priority date: 2001-06-16
Filing date: 2002-06-12
Publication date: 2003-01-29
Anticipated expiration: 2022-06-12
Also published as: GB2378100B; GB0114800D0; GB0213463D0

Abstract

A public acces terminal, e.g. a kiosk 20 contains signal receivers, which may be a microphone 32, keyboard 34, scanner 36 or video camera 38. A user may thus compose a message including image, audio and text. The image may be of the user, or generated by the scanner. The terminal processes the mesasage into a form suitable for transmission via a landline or a radio network to a remote device e.g. a mobile phone. Text messages may be sent by inputting via the keyboard. A personalised ring tone for a mobile phone may be devised by whistling or singing and the terminal may analyse the tune, correct for freqency and/or timing and convert to a form suitable for transmission to a mobile phone as a ring tone. Any of the messages may be played back to the user and/or stored on disc or tape.

Description

Public Access Arrangement This invention relates to public access arrangements, particularly, but not exclusively, this invention relates to photo booths and/or public access terminals.

Over the past few years, mobile phones have increased in popularity, particularly with the young. With such users, it is often desired to customise and personalise their phones. With improvements in technology, users can now create their own ring tones and displays on the screens.

According to one aspect of this invention there is provided a public access arrangement comprising means for receiving a signal, means for processing said signal into a form suitable for receipt by an electronic receiving device, and means for transmitting said processed signal to said device. The electronic receiving device is preferably a mobile phone.

The public access arrangement may comprise a photo booth or a public access terminal.

In one embodiment, the signal receiving means comprises sound receiving means. The sound receiving means may comprise a microphone. In this embodiment, the signal processing means comprises analysing means to apply a spectrum and/or time analysis to said sound. The analysing means may comprise means for correcting the signal for frequency and/or timing errors. The signal processing means may comprise means for recognition of a tune, whereby an incorrect tune inputted to the signal receiving means may be corrected.

The signal processing means may comprise replay means to replay the sound, or the corrected sound to an operator. The replay means may comprise a speaker.

Alternatively, or in addition, the signal receiving means may comprise means for receiving a light signal. The light signal receiving means may comprise a camera or a scanner. The camera may be arranged to take a photograph of the operator's face or any other subject. The scanner may be adapted to scan any photograph, picture or text provided by the operator.

Alternatively, or in addition, the signal receiving means may comprise video means to receive a series of images on video supplied by the user.

The signal processing means desirably comprises means to convert the signal into, for example, a line drawing which can be accepted by the electronic device. The arrangement may include replay means to replay to the user the processed signal. The replay means may comprise a screen.

The camera may be a still camera, or a video camera which may be adapted to take a still image or a motion image of the user.

The signal receiving means may comprise any means suitable for inputting data such as graphic data into a computer.

In another embodiment, the signal receiving means may comprise means for inputting a text message to the signal processing means, for example a keyboard. The signal processing means may be adapted to process the text message in to a form suitable for use by a mobile phone.

In another embodiment, the signal receiving means may comprise means to enable the operator to input graphic material, such as pictures, drawings, patterns, logotypes and the like which may have been created by the operator. In this embodiment, the signal input means may comprise means for scanning said graphic material.

The signal receiving means may include means for reading a computer readable medium, for example a computer disc, such as a floppy disc, CD ROM,

DVD ROM or the like.

The signal receiving means may include storage means for storing prerecorded graphic material which material may comprise pictures, text and material such as famous quotes, poems and the like, whereby or operation of the storage means that selected graphic material may be inputted to the signal processing means.

The signal transmission means may comprise a modem which can be connected to a telephone line. Alternatively, the signal transmission means may comprise a mobile phone or transmission means suitable for use in a mobile phone, for example a cellular modem or a cellular engine, which may be for connection to a mobile phone network.

In one embodiment the arrangement preferably includes a studio region in which a user can sit or stand and may include a processing zone in which at least the processing means is housed. In this embodiment, the arrangement may include a housing surrounding said studio region and said processing zone. Alternatively, the arrangement may be a unit adjacent to which the operator may stand or sit.

At least one embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a perspective diagrammatic view of a public access arrangement; and Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic representation of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown a booth 10 comprising a main studio region 12 entered by a doorway 14, and comprising a seat 16 which is adjustable for height. The studio region 12 includes a front wall 18, a rear wall 20 and side walls 22,24. A further wall 26 is spaced from the front wall 18 and

defined therebetween a processing zone 28,42 and the transmission means 44. The processing zone 28 houses the processing means, as will be explained below.

A support platform 30 extends from the wall 18 into the studio region 22.

Various signal receiving means are provided on the platform 30, for example a microphone 32, a keyboard 34 and a scanning device 36.

A camera 38 is provided inside the processing zone 28, and is able to take pictures of a user sat on the seat 16 via a window 40.

Also inside the processing zone 28 is data processing means 42, and transmission means 44.

The microphone 32, the scanning device 36 and the keyboard 34 are connected via lines 46A, B and C to the data processing means 42. Similarly, the camera 38 is also connected via a line 46D to the data processing means 42.

The data processing means is connected via a cable 48 to the transmission means 44.

The data (processing means 42 is provided with suitable software to translate signals which are inputted from the microphone 32, keyboard 34, scanning device 36 and/or camera 38, to a signal which can be acceptably received by a mobile phone. The transmission means 44 is adapted to transmit the processed signal to the mobile phone. The transmission means 44 may comprise a modem connected to a telephone line, or may comprise suitable mobile phone transmission means of a type which may be found inside a mobile phone.

The data processing means 42 is connected to a speaker 50 to play back

sounds inputted to the data processing means 42, and is also connected to a screen 52 to play back images inputted to the data process means 42.

It will be appreciated that the arrangement 10 may comprise other input means, for example a video player into which the user could insert a video, or may include other means, for example means for inputting music into the data processing means, for example is means for receiving a pre-recorded cassette with music or other sounds recorded thereon.

The function of the arrangement 10 is three fold. Sounds can be inputted to the data processing apparatus 42, for example via the microphone 32 such as by whistling a tune into it, or by inputting sounds from a cassette.

Such sounds are converted by the data processing means 42 into a signal which can be transmitted by the transmission means 44 to a mobile phone such that the sound becomes the ring tone of the mobile phone.

The data processing means may be programmed to recognise a large number of tunes which would be familiar to users of mobile phones, and may also include means for recognising a tune whistled or hummed to the microphone 32, and correcting the notes and timing of the tune so whistled or hummed. Alternatively, any desired sound could be inputted to the microphone, for example, a spoken sentence or exclamation or other suitable sound.

When the sound has been inputted to the data processing means it is played back via the speaker 50. If the user is not satisfied with the sound a further sound can be inputted and played back and this can be continued until the user is satisfied. At this point the user dials the phone number of the phone to which the signal is to be sent and presses a"send"button using a keypad 54 to enable the transmission means 44 to transmit the sound to a mobile phone or phones.

Where it is desired to change the screen, for example on the user's

mobile phone, it will be necessary to input an image, which may be a still image or a moving image. In this connection, if the user wishes the display screen of the mobile phone to show an image of the user's face, he may operate the camera 38 to take a picture of the user's face. Alternatively, if the user has a picture or drawing which he wishes to be displayed on the screen of the mobile phone, this can be scanned using the scanning device 36.

If desired, the camera 38, could take moving pictures of the user for such pictures to be displayed on the screen of the mobile phone.

On receipt of signals from the scanning device 36 or the camera 38, the data processing means convert the signals into line drawings which would be suitable for receipt by the mobile phone and may display these pictures to the user.

When the user is satisfied, he may actuate the transmission means by dialling the number of the mobile phone and pressing the"send"button on the keypad 54 to transmit the pictures to the mobile phone.

As discussed above, the arrangement 10 includes a keyboard 34 to allow the user to send text messages to any mobile phone. The message is inputted to the data processing means 42 via the keyboard 34 which includes means to display the message on a screen. When the user is satisfied with the message, it can be transmitted by the transmission means 44 to a desired mobile phone, by dialling the number of the mobile phone and pressing the"send"button on the keypad 54. A plurality of numbers could be entered into the keypad 54 so that the same message can be sent to a plurality of mobile phones.

If desired, the data processing means 42 could include voice recognition software such that the user may speak into the microphone 32 and his speech is converted by the data processing means 42 to a text message.

There is thus described an arrangement 10 in the form of a booth which

can be used by users of mobile phones to change the ring tones on their mobile phone, to display a picture on the screen of their mobile phone, or to transmit text messages.

Various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention, for example, the apparatus may well include video receiving means, which may be in the form of a video player into which the user can insert a pre-recorded video, or music receiving means, while a cassette recorder or other suitable device into which the user can insert a pre-recorded cassette or disc. Also, the arrangement may include storage means for storing prerecorded graphic material such as pictures, text which the user can select. The arrangement may also include a computer disc reader such as a floppy disc drive and/or a CD/DVD ROM drive for the user to input a computer disc with pre-recorded material on it such as text, pictures (still or moving) or sounds.

In one embodiment, the user could instruct the data processing means to process several inputted signals such that graphics and sounds may be produced when the phone is actuated by a caller.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A public access arrangement comprising means for receiving a signal, means for processing said signal into a form suitable for receipt by an electronic receiving device, and means for transmitting said processed signal to said device.
2. A public access arrangement according to claim 1 wherein the electronic receiving device is preferably a mobile phone.
3. A public access arrangement according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the public access arrangement may comprise a photo booth or a public access terminal.
4. A public access arrangement according to claim 1,2 or 3, wherein the signal receiving means and the signal processing means comprises analysing means to apply a spectrum and/or time analysis to said sound, said analysing means may comprising means for correcting the signal for frequency and/or timing errors.
5. A public access arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the signal processing means may comprise means for recognition of a tune, whereby an incorrect tune inputted to the signal receiving means may be corrected.
6. A public access arrangement according to claims 4 or 5, wherein the signal processing means comprises replay means to replay the sound, or the corrected sound to an operator.
7. A public access arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the signal receiving means comprises means for receiving a light signal.
8. A public access arrangement according to claim 7, wherein the light signal receiving means comprises a camera or a scanner.

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9. A public access arrangement according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the signal receiving means comprises video means to receive a series of video images.
10. A public access arrangement according to claims 7,8 or 9, wherein the signal processing means comprises means to convert the signal into a format which can be accepted by the electronic device and the arrangement further includes replay means to replay to the operator via the processed signal.
11. A public access arrangement according to any proceeding claim, wherein the signal receiving means comprises means for inputting a text message to the signal processing means, the signal processing means being adapted to process the text message in to a form suitable for use by a mobile phone.
12. A public access arrangement according to any proceeding claim, wherein the signal receiving means includes means for reading a computer readable medium.
13. A public access arrangement according to claim 12, wherein the reading means comprises means for reading a computer disc.
14. A public access arrangement according to any proceeding claim, wherein the signal receiving means comprises storage means for storing pre-recorded graphic material selectable by the operator, whereby on operation of the storage means, the selected graphic material is inputted to the signal processing means.
15. A public access arrangement according to any proceeding claim, wherein the signal transmission means comprises a modem.
16. A public access arrangement according to claim 15, wherein the modem can be connected to a telephone line.
17. A public access arrangement according to claim 15, wherein the modem

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is a cellular modem or a cellular engine.
18. A public access arrangement according to claim 15, wherein the transmission means is a mobile phone.
19. A public access arrangement according to any preceding claim including housing defining a processing zone in which at least the signal processing means is housed and a studio region for an operator.
20. A public access arrangement according to any of claims 1 to 18, in the form of a unit adjacent to which an operator can arrange himself or herself to operate the arrangement.
21. A public access arrangement substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
22. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.