WO2010032253A2

WO2010032253A2 - A system and method for enabling distributed kiosk services

Info

Publication number: WO2010032253A2
Application number: PCT/IN2008/000597
Authority: WO
Inventors: Girish Patil
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-09-19
Filing date: 2008-09-19
Publication date: 2010-03-25
Anticipated expiration: 2011-03-19
Also published as: WO2010032253A3

Abstract

A customisable, multi-lingual, modular, distributed architectural framework for kiosks (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26), which enables self-service to multiple users, while being aware of the users orientation and agnostic to the users mobility constraints and changes in the facility or the kiosks dispensing information. The key components of the framework are a system (29), which includes means to assimilate and process data from various sources, to convert the same into meaningful information and to process queries from the users. The architecture of the system has a client-server model to enable distributed and networked processing. The system further encompasses means to place advertisements, gather summary information, presented as reports, allow the user to provide feedback and access help material for navigation. A method to enable this distributed framework, which encompasses the main features of the system, is also proposed.

Description

A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENABLDfG DISTRIBUTED KIOSK

SERVICES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a system and method for providing a distributed framework for kiosks that are provided in a facility to enable self-service.

PRIORART

A kiosk is defined as a small stand-alone device capable of providing information and services by means of an interactive screen. The most common places where kiosks are used are in airports, shopping centres, banks and other similar buildings wherein customers or people using the building need information. Kiosks also have means to accept queries from the customers, which could be the touch-screen or an optional keypad. A central system is in place to store, retrieve and present the information pertaining to the users query. This system can be either centralized or distributed.

Kiosks find their uses in several fields including retail, airports, financial centres and any service wherein the users need to obtain information pertaining to goods, services or directions.

KR20010019549 discloses a System for managing kiosk at remote location wherein a kiosk management system at a remote location is provided to manage a software and hardware module. This is equipped to handle an issuing and malfunction history and can be powered from a remote location in real time. The system comprises a remote management device and a kiosk device. WO20071012 discloses a Customisable Kiosk Software wherein a kiosk device and method for operating a user-interactive device is claimed such that the method initiates an interactive browser along with a user input device to allow a user to enter information, a display device to display information to a user and processing capability including memory to execute the user's programs. This invention does not provide orientation-based information for users seeking directions or provide the capability for administrators to utilize the kiosks while incorporating information feeds from various sources. DE102004051563 discloses a Content transmission method for data and/or software from data source to mobile appliance with which contents to be transmitted are provided via display of transaction system e.g. kiosk wherein a method for content transmission is used for data and/or software from data sources to mobile appliances such that the contents to be transmitted are listed via display of computer based information or via a kiosk such that the user is allowed to select appropriate content for transmission from data sources to mobile appliances. US2005049027 discloses a Lottery kiosk having game enhancement wherein an apparatus and system used in purchasing and dispensing lottery tickets and participating in lottery activities. The Lottery kiosk comprises several integrated functions enabled by means to purchase lottery tickets, means for the user to play games integrated into the purchase means, means for receiving player funds and establishing a player credit meter account, and means for player selection of game means in combination with purchase means whereby participation in game makes a player eligible for winning additional lottery tickets. This kiosk is primarily used to lottery ticket purchases and gaming and is not used for finding directions or assimilating information from remote sources. DE20319761U discloses an Information display kiosk for use in such as stations, airports etc has mobile wireless link to server to access data including a terminal, a radio server serving up information and a display kiosk used at various facilities including wireless, mobile access. A terminal is also provided to act as an interface to render data and user-information as a mixture of picture and text. US6597970 discloses an Automated library kiosk wherein automated dispensing equipment and a self-service kiosk capable of dispensing and accepting returns of a large variety of items of differing size and packaging configurations is provided. A self-service kiosk having a walk-in enclosure, interactive selection panel, multi-section inventory storage area for dispensing items and accepting returns is disclosed in this invention. The dispenser having multiple storage locations and shelving that supports bottomed and bottomless slide drawers that contain inventory and end effects that manipulate the items to and from user access dispensing and/or return ports and finds its use solely in library environments. US2003038835 discloses a Digital camera/e-mail kiosk wherein a system and method for the Digital camera/e-mail kiosk offers the capability to interface digital camera components and a processor, download selected digital images, and e-mail selected of such images to a desired recipient and provides various hardware components for use in conjunction digital imaging system and method to the user. An interactive electronic image station for viewing and sending electronic images comprising a computer having an Internet connection, interface connected to computer for uploading an electronic image from a storage medium to computer, and a display screen connected to computer, wherein a user stores electronic image on a storage medium with an electronic storage device and transfers electronic image from storage medium to computer via interface; and wherein user views electronic image on display screen and electronically sends electronic image to a desired recipient over the Internet, is provided. US2002046122 discloses a System and kiosk for commerce of optical media through multiple locations wherein the main purpose of the invention is o be able to provided automated retail distribution of recorded optical disks, freestanding distribution and retrieval system for recorded optical disks, which is linked to a central server computer using the Internet wherein a carousel or shuttle system provides access to multiple media selections within the kiosk. US2002120500 discloses a Retail outdoors communication kiosk system that is used to provide marketing, advertising and other information for drive-up customers of financial institutions. The kiosk is designed to deliver marketing and advertising communications to customers of financial institutions while they are waiting for their transactions to be processed at drive-up lanes. Further a marketing and advertising system for a retail establishment consisting of a marketing software presentation, a computer, a drive-up lane and a monitor, the monitor, in communication with the computer, would be positioned to be visible in daylight conditions to a customer in the drive-up lane of the retail establishment, and the computer would relay the marketing software presentation to the monitor for displaying to the customer is also provided. WO0105477 discloses a Network enabled gaming kiosk wherein a method and system for Network enabled gaming kiosk is proposed such that a network-enabled gaming entertainment system, which features one or more game stations that provides interactive Internet and/or Intranet gaming. CA2277621 discloses a Multimedia interactive computer-based order entry and information kiosk system wherein the kiosk provides a common set of user interactive computer software driven methods utilized in multimedia interactive touch screen entry means. This kiosk utilizes multimedia interactive touch screen entry, point-of information, and point-of sale computer based applications and system along with contextual multi sensory multimedia user interface aidsUS2003088461 discloses a Virtual couponing method and apparatus for use with consumer kiosk that is used for tracking marketing data using electronic couponing techniques. This kiosk is arranged for generating coupons, by accessing a database including a list of consumer names, consumer identification data and virtual coupon data corresponding to each consumer name, wherein consumer identification data can be entered for a consumer using said. This invention is primarily an apparatus and method for distributing, generating, authenticating, and redeeming discount coupons and the like electronically. US6078848 discloses a Browser kiosk system wherein a self-service browser is provided permitting users to access and display documents and electronic information in a user-friendly, tamper-resistant kiosk environment. Further, a microphone, speaker, camera and serial input device can be added to the kiosk to extend its functionality and serial input devices can be provided as a card swipe reader, a bar code reader, a smart card reader, a personal identification verifier and combinations of these. JPl 1265478 discloses an Advertisement managing method in kiosk system wherein the system is constituted by connecting a plurality of kiosk terminals with one kiosk server. In this case, all pieces of the advertisement data to be displayed on each of the plurality of KIOSK terminals are held and managed by the single KIOSK server, pieces of the advertisement data related to the terminals are acquired from the single KIOSK server and the advertisement is displayed by each of the KIOSK terminals. This invention deals with advertisements alone and does not handle providing directions to users, etc. WO9710562 discloses a Programming interface for a smart card kiosk wherein the kiosk allows vendors to interact with smart cards inserted into the kiosk in order to perform various functions by providing application-level services for smart card related applications. It provides an interface for vendors to install applications in a kiosk in order to conduct transactions with smart card users such that the interface includes, an operator interface including display and data entry functions, card data access services which can be used independently of the type of smart card or file structures used on the cards, stored value functions which can be used independently of the type of smart card or file.

US2008083416 discloses a Footcare product dispensing kiosk wherein the kiosk is used to recommend shoes to a customer after measuring the characteristics of their feet by means of sensors. CA2559420 discloses a Self service card kiosk with return and reissue capability wherein the kiosk is used to issue, re-issue and authenticate card-holders to grant access to buildings. The kiosk in this invention is comprised of a housing, a user- interface that is interactive, a retrieval and return area where the cards are disposed, an object storage area within the housing and an optional enterprise access control system that controls access to building sites. KR20070119196 discloses a System for providing location information guide services by kiosk wherein the location of various services is provided by the kiosk. WO2008021594 discloses a Secure storage digital kiosk distribution wherein a user can receive digital content including movies, from a kiosk used to dispense the content. US2008040421 discloses Systems and methods for integrating a patient kiosk with a healthcare information system wherein the kiosk is integrate with a healthcare information system such that the user's queries are answered in conjunction with the healthcare information system, said system and kiosk being coupled by web services. US200803377 discloses a Ticket upgrade self-service kiosk wherein an on-site kiosk allows users to upgrade their tickets based on availability and seating preference, hi this invention, the user can change their seating at a venue by using the kiosk, which displays the available seats on a screen, to the user and involves connecting the kiosk to an on-line ticketing system to gather information. US2006000903 discloses a System and method for a smart passenger travel kiosk wherein a passenger has access to directions towards terminals, services and other information by means of the kiosk apparatus.

The state of the art in the area of kiosks and information provision and retrieval is used for a multitude of end-uses however certain challenges remain when considering a larger audience or set of users, that might ultimately use the kiosk. One of these challenges is the language of interaction. US6061646 discloses a Kiosk for multiple spoken languages wherein the method for providing a response to a question in multiple spoken languages processes the query by means of several small dictionaries for European languages such as French, Spanish, Portuguese and Italian. KR20020087297 discloses a Kiosk having voice processing function wherein one of the potential methods of the user inputting the query is by speaking into a microphone such that a speech recognition unit works in the background to assist in retrieving the information. Most kiosks support one or two languages at most with a majority of them being limited to providing information in English. Supporting a wide variety of languages involves complex query processing and support at the back-end. Furthermore, the kiosk has to be able to process user input more intelligently, when multiple languages are supported. A second challenge, which presents itself with kiosks, is location awareness. When providing users with such information as direction to stores within a building, understanding the users orientation when presenting the information is an important aspect of providing correct directions. If the kiosk is rotatable or accessible with the user potentially facing any of the East, West, North or South directions and any of the degrees in between, the ultimate presentation of information will depend on which way the user is facing when entering the query to the kiosk. Further, the delivery of the information needs to be location-aware in that the presentation of information differs if the customer is standing stationary while accessing the kiosk or if the customer is moving around with a PDA in hand and trying to access information from the kiosk.

Patent application 1797/DEL/2004 discloses a method and system for remote monitoring of a kiosk wherein the kiosk self initialises the system triggers one more modules, sends the kiosk ID, registers the said ID compares the version information with the software module available at the server for the kiosk and sending the server side version to the kiosk. 2682/DELNP/2007 discloses Providing medical service at a kiosk wherein the attributes of a medical kiosk is elucidated. The medical kiosk is responsible for determining the medical test and dispensing the pertinent test kit. The test kit performs the requisite tests and the results are recorded. 2925/DELNP/2006 discloses a Distributed system and method for colour coordination wherein colour coordination concept is used to store personal information and colour selection on a server, which is expansively connected to a remote computer and also a in-store kiosk. The personal information and colour selected stored on a remote computer is configured to store the same on the server which in turn is connected to an in store kiosk with an execution and colour coordination software responsible for retrieving the data on a server.

1472/CHENP/2003 discloses a Self-service touch screen kiosk for use in banks wherein a method for touch screen kiosk is used to conduct a variety of banking transactions in a efficient manner, using a variety of touch screen monitor combined with a computer system, executable software control a defined sequence of operations and variety of electronic devices. 3383/DELNP/2007 discloses a Medical kiosk with multiple input sources wherein the method for medical kiosk helps in generating or updating personal information device for patients on to computer. 847/DEL/2001 discloses an improved cognitive kiosk for use in rural outdoor and tropical environment wherein the kiosk relating to cognitive Internet for rural outdoor tropical use is elucidated. The kiosk design incorporates embedded controllers, which gives details of ambient environmental conditions. However it is not necessary that the controllers be connected to kiosk PC. The kiosk also senses and records status of UPS and UPS Batteries and the design is also able to report the external environment-using camera, microphone etc. IN/PCT/2002/01758/CHE discloses a method of Internet - based medical record database configuration and system thereof by mutual certification between patient and doctor wherein the electronic prescription system based on the Internet is provided. The kiosk disburses the electronic prescription of patient rapidly and accurately which is issued by a doctor or pharmacy. 147/MUM/2002 discloses one stop kiosk based communication and entertainment center wherein the various public utility services such as video, data, internet etc are provided at an affordable cost comprising a portable module which is accessible to public by means of franchisees or sell. 515/MUMNP/2006 discloses a Modular colour pallet display system wherein the modular colour display system with interchangeable components permit assembling display system in plurality of configuration such as to reduce cost of assembling and manufacturing by minimizing the number of interchangeable parts. 1684/CHE/2007 discloses a Method and system for a fully automated real-time tele-health kiosk wherein a system for web based and tele- health care solution is enunciated. The kiosk provides solution of various problems through Internet and tele-health care aim to ensure lifelong coverage to patient using Internet. 802/KOLNP/2007 discloses a Vision centre kiosk wherein the system and method for kiosk is for assessment of a vision needs and advertising vision related products and services respectively. 416/MUM/2001 discloses a thermal processing system and method including a kiosk wherein the multiple processing options for a user with the help of thermal processing kiosk is elucidated. The kiosk includes a user control in the form of touch screen, which enables the user to prepay for processing the film at the time of purchase, and therefore simplifies the interaction of the user with the kiosk at the time of processing. IN/PCT/2002/1277/CHE discloses the extended order communication system based Internet and method thereof wherein the electronic prescription system based on the Internet is provided. The kiosk disburses the electronic prescription of patient rapidly and accurately which is issued by a doctor or pharmacy. 5674/DELNP/2007 discloses a Colour selection and coordination system wherein colour coordination concept is used to store personal information and colon selection on a server, which is expansively connected to a remote computer and also an in-store kiosk. The personal information and colour selected stored on a remote computer is configured to store the same on the server which in turn is connected to an in store kiosk with an execution and colour coordination software responsible for retrieving the data on a server. 2923/DELNP/2006 discloses Kiosk and method for colour selection and NBSP; and coordination wherein the colour selection and co-ordination system is elaborated. The kiosk provided with display device, input device and processing unit is responsible for receiving the colour, determination the differed colours and provide one/more combination via display device. 4323/DELNP/2007 discloses Multi-purpose kiosk and methods wherein the kiosk is used to dispense funds and to dispense a portion of which has a value less than lowest from of currency. The kiosk includes receiving information, identifying the source and verifying the funds the displaying the amount available for payment. 3383/DELNP/2007 discloses a Medical kiosk with multiple input sources wherein the kiosk generates and updates personal information device, which includes patient identification number medical history etc. SUMMARY

The present invention proposes a system and method, which enable a distributed framework for kiosks providing interactive applications to multiple users accessing the kiosk. The present invention is envisioned to find its utility in multiple areas including providing path-information to users within a building or a multi-level facility, self-service information such as weather forecasts, latest news etc. whose nature may be either static or dynamic, transportation information to enable users to understand their options between two points of interest by various transport means such as public and private transport providers, insurance, catalogue engines, quiz engines, item locators, path planners, shopping list way-finders, etc. The framework incorporates several desirable features with a focus on modular design, enabling redundant, fault-tolerant and real-time interactions with the kiosks. The present invention is able to cater to users in multiple languages and serve various users, no matter what their physical orientation is, when interacting with the kiosk. For example, a user trying to find the path to a store may be facing the store or have their back to the store, and therefore the initial orientation of the user is a concern in most systems at the present time. The present invention is further context-sensitive and works to minimize both access latency and bandwidth requirements of individual entities in the framework.

The system of the present invention comprises:

1. The means to assimilate data from a variety of sources varying between architectural data (such as the floor-plans of various buildings), static information feeds and dynamic information feeds.

2. The means to process the data and static/dynamic feeds in order to create meaningful information, which can be retrieved easily to provide responses to the users.

3. The means to setup store and retrieve the data in a permanent data-store. 4. The means to accept a user's input in the form of queries, feedback, requests for assistance, etc. 5. The means to process the user's queries meaningfully, in order to provide correct output.

6. The means to display the results of the processing within real-time constraints.

7. The means to enable a distributed framework of kiosks, using a client-server architecture, with multiple user-roles to enable authenticated access.

8. The means to provide useful features such as advertisements for the users, reports for system administration, feedback modules for quality control and help features to assist users.

The method of the present information comprises the steps of:

1. Assimilating data from various sources such as architectural floor plans, static and dynamic information feeds, etc.

2. Pre-processing the data and static/dynamic feeds in order to create meaningful information, to be retrieved at a later stage to provide responses to user inputs. 3. Setting up, storing and retrieving the data from a permanent data-store.

4. Accepting user inputs in the form of queries, feedback, requests for help, etc.

5. Processing the users queries in order to provide correct responses to the user, in real-time.

6. Displaying the results of the users query or input while working with real-time constraints.

7. Enabling a distributed framework of kiosks, using a client-server architecture, with multiple user-roles to enable authenticated access.

8. Providing useful features such as advertisements, reports, feedback and help material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Fig 1 shows how a kiosk could be used to answer several queries such as places to buy toys within a facility.

Fig. Ia shows several features of the present invention such as the support for multiple languages. Fig. 2 shows the overall view of the system of the present invention.

Fig. 3a shows how the kiosk of the present invention could help a user find their way from a known origin to a known destination within the facility.

Fig. 3b shows another application of the present invention dealing with the presentation of static and dynamic information to the users.

Fig. 3c shows another application of the present invention relating to conveying the best possible transportation methods.

Fig. 4 shows the client-server architecture of the present system.

Fig. 5 shows the shows the roles of the various entities. Fig. 6a-b shows the means to assimilate data from a variety of sources varying between architectural data, static information feeds and dynamic information feeds.

Fig. 6a shows how floor plans are assimilated into the system of the present invention.

Fig. 6b shows how schema is created in order to accept static and dynamic information feeds into the system of the present invention. Fig. 7a-b shows the means to process the data and static/dynamic feeds in order to create meaningful information, which can be retrieved easily to provide responses to the users.

Fig. 7a shows the creation of path and space blocks within a cleaned up version of the architectural drawings.

Fig. 7b shows the processing of static data where the data is entered into the system including several fields of information such as the source of the information the destination of the flight the flight number the departure information the arrival information the frequency of flights etc.

Fig. 7c shows the processing of dynamic data where the feeds are parsed based on predefined fields, which the administrators see fit to serve on the kiosk. Fig. 8a-e shows the means to setup store and retrieve the data in/from a permanent data- store. Fig. 8a shows how the data-store is configured to reflect the use of multiple languages with varying font information.

Fig. 8b shows how the data-store is configured to reflect the general terms in use in the present system. Fig. 8c shows the configuration of categories within the system. Fig. 8d and 8e show the configuration of sub-categories and spaces within the system as it is entered into the permanent data-store.

Fig 9 shows the means to accept a users input in the form of queries, feedback, requests for assistance, etc. Fig. 10a shows the means to display the results of the processing a query for a path between two points in a facility, possibly across two different levels in the facility.

Fig 10b shows the means to display the results of processing a query for some static information such as details of a tourist destination, the Vidhan Soudha.

Fig. lla-p shows the means to provide useful features such as advertisements for the users, reports for system administration, feedback modules for quality control and help features to assist users.

Fig. 11a shows the means to provide a feature for advertisements to be placed on various kiosks in the system.

Fig. 1 Ib shows advertisers are customized by entering the details of the advertisers into the system.

Fig. lie shows Advertisements are customized by entering details of the ads themselves.

Fig. 1 Id shows granularity of display, the advertisements can be set up to be displayed by dates.

Fig. l ie shows granularity of display, the advertisements can be set up to be displayed by days of the week.

Fig. 1 If shows granularity of display, the advertisements can be set up to be displayed by weeks of a month.

Fig. Hg and Hh shows granularity of display, the advertisements can be set up to be displayed by months in a year. Fig. 1 Ii-I Ij shows several parameters such as the base rate per second in terms of revenue, can be set depending on the type of ad (scrolling, click-on, full-screen etc.)

Fig.l Ik shows rates assist the administrator to compute the final revenue to be collected from the advertisers based on when the ads were displayed and one way to perform rate calculation. Fig.11m shows a time-slot summary yields specific details on how many time-slots remain on a specific week, date, month or year, in order to optimise the placement and display of ads in the system

Fig.lln-o shows a billing summary enables viewing all advertisers with their advertisements, total time-on-air duration, last bill cleared and amount pending.

Fig.l Ip show customization and accessing statistics are typically administrator functions as are the setting up of reminders within the advertisement sub-system.

Fig 12 shows to enable a feedback feature within the system

Fig. 12a-g shows the features of the feedback sub-system in the present invention. Fig. 12a shows that the system can accept feedback in multiple languages.

Fig. 12b shows that the feedback can be related to both the users interaction with the system itself.

Fig. 12c shows the system accepting feedback from the user.

Fig. 12d shows the feedback with respect to the services provided by the kiosk. Fig. 12e shows a simple question and response format where the responses are binary.

Fig. 12f shows a more complex question and response format where the responses are full-text. Fig. 12g shows the exit screen, once the user has completed the feedback session.

Fig 13 shows reporting feature of the present invention. Fig. 14 shows the overall method of the present invention.

Fig. 15a shows the method of assimilating and preparing the information for use by the kiosk and the users.

Fig 15b shows details pertaining to assimilating data from various local or networked feeds. Fig. 16 shows how the user can query the information and how it is presented to the users in the third embodiment.

Fig. 17a-d shows the step of setting up advertisements.

Fig. 17a shows the various parts of the advertisement sub-system being methodically setup. Fig 17b shows the process of setting up advertising frequency related to each advertiser and their particular advertisement. Fig. 17c shows the configuration of rates wherein a number of slots are initially selected for the ad bar.

Fig. 17d shows the inclusion of various features such as language sensitivity, context sensitivity and interactivity. Fig. 18 expands on the step of setting up and utilizing reports within the method of the present invention.

Fig. 19 shows the steps in the method of the present invention relating to feedback. Fig 20 shows the steps in the method to enable the data replication service, which enables modularity and makes for robust client-server architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Fig 1 shows how a kiosk 1 could be used to answer several queries such as places to buy toys within a facility 2, the best business hotels in a particular place 3, relative location within the facility 4, wanting to buy a certain appliance such as an adapter plug 5 or wanting to access a list of urgent jobs 6. Fig. Ia shows several features of the present invention such as the support for multiple languages, wherein the user can interact with the kiosk in one of many languages including English 7, Hindi 8, French 9, Kannada 10, Dutch 11, Malay 12 and Spanish 13. Kiosks in the present invention further have varying sized panels housing static information such as date and time 14, news flashes 15, which are populated from dynamic feeds. The system provides an interactive feature by means of an easily manipulated navigation bar 16 and additional features such as advertisements 17, feedback 18, help 19, search 20 etc. Fig. 2 shows the overall view of the system of the present invention. Several kiosks 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 are placed at various locations, facing different directions, within a facility such as an airport, shopping mall, exhibition centre, etc. Clients could connect to the information made available on these kiosks over both wired and wireless networks. The kiosks are configured 27 to identify the location and orientation of each kiosk. Since the final output to the user always takes into account the relative orientation of the user, the kiosks are configured to provide this level of accuracy for the user's convenience. The administration of the entire system 27 could be either from a stand-alone system or a mobile computer 26 and only authorized administrators can perform these administrative tasks. Several additional parallel servers 28 act in conjunction to help balance the system's load and user-queries.

Fig. 3a shows how the kiosk of the present invention could help a user find their way from a known origin 30 to a known destination 31 within the facility. The query can optionally include several points of interest along the way where the stops could be ordered according to the user's preference. The present invention allows the introduction of several points of interest along the users path from source to destination, further providing support for displaying routes across various levels in the facility. The final information that is provided to the users of the facility and the kiosk or the point of view shown on the map on the kiosk screen, matches the actual view of the facility. This takes into account the orientation of the user who is accessing the kiosk and the users do not have to. do any further deciphering of where they are, in order to access their ultimate destination, hi order to provide the users with accurate paths, the system has means to assimilate and prepare the information, means to accept queries from the user and means to present the information.

Fig. 3b shows another application of the present invention dealing with the presentation of static and dynamic information to the users. This application of the invention pertains to users who want any type of information ranging from flight schedules, emergency contact numbers, currency exchange rates, transport schedules, restaurant locations and menus, tourist destinations within cities etc. This embodiment is distinct from the first embodiment in that apart from being able to accurately direct a user to the facilities they require, this embodiment is capable of incorporating dynamic information from third- party locations. Such information as flight schedules, exchange rates and transport schedules are prone to change at very regular intervals. Information such as tourist attractions 32, emergency contact numbers, restaurants and menus also tend to undergo updation. hi this embodiment of the invention, the system is able to interface with other servers and sources of information via the world-wide-web, RSS feeds etc. in order to assimilate and present dynamic information. The information being assimilated could be from an information feed in any format including textual and graphical information. Fig. 3c shows another application of the present invention relating to conveying the best possible transportation methods for a user wanting to access directions to a place that can be reached using a combination of public and private transport. A user may wish to travel between places using a combination of public and private transportation. This application combines features of using various information feeds, both static and dynamic and calculating the best possible mode of transport between two points thereof, hi this figure, the user is recommended to take an auto up to a certain point and a taxi thereof 33 if they prefer private transport. The user is also given the alternative of taking a direct bus 34 between those two points.

Fig. 4 shows the client-server architecture of the present system. The overall components of this architecture include the storage 40, the server side components 41 and the client side components 42. The storage component is comprised of a database 40a, which could be any standard database application server available such as SQL Server, Oracle, MS Access etc. The server side 41 is comprised of a database 41a, external data sources 41bl..41bn, an XML importer or transformer application 41c, a middle tier 41d and a Data Replication Service Application (DRSA) 41e. Each of these components is explained further. The DB 41a is any external database that stores material specific to airport facilities. The external data sources 41bl..41bn are the information feeds that can be either static or dynamic feeds, with real-time update characteristics. The means to process these feeds also differ, depending on whether they are static or dynamic feeds. These feeds can be displayed in two ways, as a list of records in a grid or as a single formatted record. An administrator with the proper permissions configures the feeds, hi order to support dynamic feeds, an XML schema mapper (not shown) and an XML hnporter/Transformer 41c are developed. The XML feed schema is mapped with the mapper application and the importer/transformer acts as a single service application to import the data from XML feeds to the final information databases, either in a transformed format or just as is. The Data Replication Service Application (DSRA) 41e runs on the server and utilizes the data access layer 41d and exports the required data from the systems data-store to XML data-files. These XML data-files are in turn pushed to each registered user module client on the network or the kiosk clients 43a, 43b, 43c. The data access layer 41d is typically a COM component hosted within a COM+ application to support remote administration of the system's database by an administrator client 42a, 42b, 42c. This component is further used by the DRSA 41e and the XML importer/transformer 41c modules. The XML importer/transformer module is a service application that continuously monitors all the external data-sources for updates from them. This application further makes use of the mapping configuration between the XML versions to the system's database, carried out at an earlier stage through the administrator module's XML mapper wizard (not shown). On the client side, two roles are defined, with the administrator 42a, 42b, 42c and the user 43a, 43b, 43c. All the database interactions and updates will be done through the administrator modules 42a, 42b, 42c, which make use of the DAL 41d. The administrator modules 42a, 42b, 42c further have XML-DB mappers (not shown) that help mapping external schema to internal representations, stored optionally in a configuration file. The user modules 43a, 43b, 43c connect to the XML data files available locally, enabling the user modules to work independently without requesting for data from the server by creating redundant copies. The user module connects to the DAL with restricted access and updates user activity logs (not shown). The present system can work whether or not the clients and server are connected with different processing and refresh criteria for static and dynamic information feeds. Further, central multi-site management is enabled in the present invention.

Fig. 5 shows the shows the roles of the various entities. Two entities, the facility administrator 50 and the facility user 51 participate by using an administrator module 52 and a user module 53, interconnected by a data access layer 54 that ultimately interfaces with database 55 storing information. The Administrator Module is primarily responsible for setting up the facility maps, configuring various parameters including languages of interaction, DAL user module interfaces, information feeds and advertisements. Further, this module defines different categories and sub-categories for grouping the information, defines spaces on maps and associates them with the various categories and defines kiosk position and orientation. The administrator module is further detailed in Fig. 5a wherein the main functions within initial setup 60, are shown. These include setting up the map 61, the database 62, the kiosks 63, the information feeds 64, the advertisements 65, setting up the feedback sub-system for the kiosks 66, setting up the reports sub-system 67 and the help features 68. Within map setup 61, the maps are first loaded 61a and then the database is populated 61b. In database setup, the languages are first added 62a, followed by creating categories and sub-categories of information 62b followed by associating spaces with said categories and sub-categories 62c. Within kiosk setup 63, the kiosks are simply setup based on the location on the map 63a. When the information feeds are setup 64, new tables are created 64a or information is uploaded 64b from both remote and local sources and this is followed by data-entry 64c. hi setting up advertisements 65, the advertisements are simply added to the database along with relevant information on their display status. The user module is what is ultimately loaded onto the physical kiosks or devices disseminating the information.

Fig. 6a-b shows the means to assimilate data from a variety of sources varying between architectural data (such as the floor-plans of various buildings), static information feeds and dynamic information feeds. Fig. 6a shows how floor plans are assimilated into the system of the present invention by accepting either vector or raster representations of these drawings. Vector formats include all popular Auto CAD formats such as DWG, DXF, popular Windows formats such as EMF, WMF or other vector based image formats containing the floor plan of a facility 70. In case the drawings are received in raster or bitmap formats, they are vectorized before pre-processing them. Fig. 6b shows how schema is created in order to accept static and dynamic information feeds into the system of the present invention. The schema typically has a field name 6bl and a field type 6b2 associated with it. This can easily extend to other attributes to describe a field. This schema is applicable to both static and dynamic information feeds. Further, the schema can be created by the user by either specifying the schema themselves or pulling the schema from a pre-existing source.

Fig. 7a-b shows the means to process the data and static/dynamic feeds in order to create meaningful information, which can be retrieved easily to provide responses to the users. Fig. 7a shows the creation of path 7a2 and space 7al blocks within a cleaned up version of the architectural drawings wherein the path and space blocks are identifiers user to categorize the co-ordinates of various places within the facility and the navigable paths connecting them in order to intelligently guide the user with a meaningful path. Fig. 7b shows the processing of static data where the data is entered into the system including several fields of information such as the source of the information 7b2 the destination of the flight 7b3 the flight number 7b4 the departure information 7b5 the arrival information 7b6 the frequency of flights 7b7 etc. This example is for information pertaining to flight arrival 7bl and can be generalized to any information feed, having its own set of fields. Fig. 7c shows the processing of dynamic data where the feeds 7cl are parsed based on pre-defined fields 7c2, which the administrators see fit to serve on the kiosk.

Fig. 8a-e shows the means to setup store and retrieve the data in/from a permanent data- store. Fig. 8a shows how the data-store is configured to reflect the use of multiple languages 8a2 with varying font information 8al. The present invention presents a novel way in using special font files to represent symbols. The usual methods of using fonts to show symbols on a map are to create raster images and then draw them on the screen. This presents several drawbacks including taking up a lot more resources to render the image, restricting the colour of the symbol to what was used in the original image and reducing the quality of the output even if complex algorithms are employed. One other known method is to create vector images and draw them on the screen, which presents the limitations of having to create vector images with no real standards with an expensive drawing tool, the colour of the symbol is again restricted and although the quality is maintained when enlarging the symbol, the time taken to render is increased as the solutions are algorithmic and overhead-intensive. In the present invention, a true type font is created (or a type 1 font), which contains all the symbols. A standard set of system text drawing commands are then used to output them to the screen. This has the advantage of handing the complexity of computation to the operating system, rather than leaving it in the algorithm thereby simplifying program logic, with no restrictions on the colour. Furthermore, the fonts can be created using simple font editors that are not proprietary while changes to the symbols can be done by changing the font file, which is external to the program thereby providing a backwards-compatible solution, which requires no re-compilation. Fig. 8b shows how the data-store is configured to reflect the general terms in use in the present system. The normal term 8b 1 and the administrator's choice of general terms 8b2 are recorded in this aspect of the system. Fig. 8c shows the configuration of categories within the system, wherein the data-store is able to accept various attributes related to the categories of services or stores, located at certain areas within the facility, as input from an administrator. Similarly fig. 8d and 8e show the configuration of sub-categories and spaces within the system as it is entered into the permanent data-store. Each category typically has one or more sub-categories. For example, the category transport may have several sub-categories such as bus and airport shuttle, taxis, autos, non-polluting two-wheelers, etc. Spaces refer to the association of a physical location in the facility to the name of the store 8el or the service available at that location 8e2. For example, the actual physical location of a health and service store is shown in Fig. 8e and typically associated with one of the blocks or spaces in the map of the facility.

Fig 9 shows the means to accept a users input in the form of queries, feedback, requests for assistance, etc. The user has the choice of using a keyboard 9b to enter either a partial or complete query by typing it in. Further, the user can also use the touch screen 9a to choose their requirements. By means of interactive query and response, the kiosk is capable of providing the required information via the same screen that the user utilizes to enter their queries. In case the system of the present invention is presenting the user with directions to get to a certain facility, the user has a number of options available to them. The queries submitted by the user can be in a variety of languages as the kiosk of the present invention is able to support multiple languages of interaction. Further, the user can submit a variety of queries including (a) need-based queries, (b) service-based queries, (c) absolute queries and (d) relative queries. Need-based queries are defined as those queries in which the user expresses their need in their own terms, such as "clothes", "shoes", "beverages" etc. These terms need not correspond to the actual term assigned at the time the information is prepared in the previous step of assimilating and preparing information. For example, all the stores in a mall that sell coffee may have their own group under "coffee stores" and those selling other beverages may have their own group under "liquor stores", "retail outlets" etc. However, when the user enters a query, asking for "beverages", the system of the present invention is able to associate the users query, expressed in their own terms to the groups that were created at the time the information was assimilated and prepared. In the case of service-based queries the user may know the exact store and express this in a query such as "restaurant" and the system associates this with the groups it has and displays both the general category of restaurants and any sub-categories, including various cuisines grouped together in those sub-categories, for the user to choose from. Absolute-queries pertain to the user seeking directions from the location where they are accessing the kiosk. This means that the system has to present directions from an absolute location and give the user directions, also taking into account their orientation, at the time of entering the query. Relative-queries refer to the class of queries wherein the user may seek directions from starting points, other than where the kiosk is currently located. This would involve a complex query wherein the user is allowed to enter the start and end points where they wish to traverse. This class of queries enables such applications as allowing security personnel within a facility plan their monitoring routes or schedules, the facility management training incoming staff in the layout of the facility etc.

Fig. 10a shows the means to display the results of the processing a query for a path between two points in a facility, possibly across two different levels lOal in the facility. Additional information such as stops along the way 10a2, details of the facilities 10a3 etc. can also be provided in this display. Fig 10b shows the means to display the results of processing a query for some static information such as details of a tourist destination, the Vidhan Soudha.

Fig. lla-p shows the means to provide useful features such as advertisements for the users, reports for system administration, feedback modules for quality control and help features to assist users. Fig. 11a shows the means to provide a feature for advertisements

Hal to be placed on various kiosks in the system. Both administrators Ha2 and users Ila3 use the advertisement sub-system. Several features can be customized Ila4 within the system including display, advertisers, advertisements and the rate of advertisements. While customizing the display for the advertisements, several options including scrolling ad on bars, enlarged ad on and click on bars along with specifying the number of ads to be placed with the specific interaction or navigation methods (scrolling, clicking etc.) are available. The ad itself can be a still image or video/animation in appropriate dimensions. The user can also be shown a path from the point at which they are accessing the advertisement for a facility to the actual facility itself. Idle time ads are also displayed to the users either in full-screen mode or on part of the screen of the kiosk. Advertisers are customized by entering the details of the advertisers into the system as shown in Fig. 1 Ib. Advertisements are customized by entering details of the ads themselves, as shown in Fig. lie. While customizing advertisements, several parameters are specified including the location of the ad itself, within the system. Further search engine optimisation keywords can be specified in order to access certain advertisements based on the keywords the users might enter, hi terms of granularity of display, the advertisements can be set up to be displayed by dates, as showing in Fig. 1 Id or days of the week, as shown in Fig. 1 Ie or weeks of a month, as shown in Fig. 1 If, months in a year (Fig. 1 Ig) and years (Fig. 1 Ih). Advertising rate control refers to the amount of time a particular ad is being served up at the kiosks. Several parameters such as the base rate per second in terms of revenue can be set depending on the type of ad (scrolling, click-on, full-screen etc.) as shown in Fig. 1 li-j. Input multiplication factors on the base rate can be set based on the placement of the ad within the screen of the kiosk and the time of day when the ads are displayed, the day of the week, special days or holidays when the ads are served up etc. The rates assist the administrator to compute the final revenue to be collected from the advertisers based on when the ads were displayed and one way to perform rate calculation is shown in 1 Ik.

Several statistics Ila6 can be summarized including advertisement, time and billing statistics. Advertisement statistics can be collected for an administrator to view details by choosing either a particular advertisement or campaign or any other parameter to classify the collection of statistics. Advertiser details can also be summarized in a similar fashion. A time-slot summary yields specific details on how many time-slots remain on a specific week, date, month or year, in order to optimise the placement and display of ads in the system as shown in Fig. 111-m. A billing summary enables viewing all advertisers with their advertisements, total time-on-air duration, last bill cleared and amount pending, as shown in Fig. 1 ln-o. Customization and accessing statistics are typically administrator functions as are the setting up of reminders within the advertisement sub-system as shown in Fig. lip.

In addition to this, the interaction Ha5 with the advertisement sub-system is context sensitive in that it shows ads that are relevant to the users search. For example, is an ad is linked to an entity in the facility (say, a shoe store), all keywords, category and sub- category ads are filtered to be relevant ads (i.e., all shoe stores, retail outlets and foot- accessory stores are displayed for this query for a shoe store). Language sensitivity is provided to the users of this sub-system such that the system caters to a multi-cultural and multi-national audience. During the set-up phase for the advertisement, the administrator can choose to set up ads in multiple languages and associate different terms with the same entity to cater to different people. This sub-system is also interactive in order to capture the extra interest which the users might have in the ad and to provide additional information to users wanting to browse further, in order to learn more, hi order to enable interactivity the ad-bar is touch sensitive, ads can be linked to entities and spaces within the facility, ads can link to bigger ad campaigns or information sheets providing more details and all interaction with the ad is logged for further use.

In order to enable a feedback feature within the system, as shown in Fig. 12, the feed- back sub-system is described herein, wherein the user 12a6 is allowed to interact wit the system to express their experiences with the system and their questions and concerns. The main features of this sub-system are language-sensitivity 12al wherein the user is granted total freedom to reach the wide range of users by allowing interaction in multiple languages. Content-customization 12a2 is another feature of this sub-system wherein the questions for feedback can be altered and edited by the administrators at any time.

Hierarchical nesting 12a3 is yet another feature, which refers to organizing, dividing and ordering groups of different areas within a facility on which feedback is to be received. Question and Response 12a4 setup allows the administrator 12a5 to configure how the questions are to be posed and how the responses are to be gathered (polls, entering text etc.). Time-stamps are also incorporated within the feedback module to keep track of when responses were generated. Fig. 12a-g shows the features of the feedback subsystem in the present invention. Fig. 12a shows that the system can accept feedback in multiple languages. Fig. 12b shows that the feedback can be related to both the users interaction with the system itself and the services it provides, for example, airport facility information. Fig. 12c shows the system accepting feedback from the user wherein the user is allowed to rate such parameters as the usefulness of the system, the ease of use, the clarity of the directions and their overall experience. Fig. 12d shows the feedback with respect to the services provided by the kiosk, such as information about a facility such as an airport. Here the user is allowed to rate such parameters as the time taken for screen bags, the quality of assistance, the most popular facilities used etc. Fig. 12e shows a simple question and response format where the responses are binary. Fig. 12f shows a more complex question and response format where the responses are full-text. Fig. 12g shows the exit screen, once the user has completed the feedback session.

A reporting feature is provided in the present invention wherein several summary reports can be created for the users 13a and administrators 13b such that query parameters are set and selected by choosing categories, sections and question response options. Further, feedback reporting 13c, user-activity reporting 13e and advertisement reporting 13d are available. This feature is shown in Fig. 13.

Fig. 14 shows the overall method of the present invention comprising the steps of assimilating data 14a from various sources including architectural plans, static feeds and dynamic feeds. This is followed by the step of pre-processing the data 14b wherein the data is cleaned, tagged, indexed and specific fields are chosen from feed information, in order to create meaningful information used to serve the users of the kiosk. The step of data-store interaction 14c involves setting up various configuration information pertaining to the languages supported by the system, the terms used in the system, the categories and sub-categories of information made available by the system, the spaces associated with services and facilities, etc. This is followed by the step of accepting user input 14d while simultaneously providing a plurality of useful features 14e such as advertisements 14f, reports 14g, feedback 14h and help material 14i. Once the users input has been accepted 14d, the user queries are processed 14j and the results are displayed in a modular manner, which exploits locality 14k.

hi order to assimilate information to provide users with accurate directions to facilities, detailed maps of the facilities are accepted by the system. Programs that assist architects with Computer Aided Design (CAD) typically generate these maps. These maps indicate the layout of the facility around which the kiosk can provide directions to various places, for the end-user. The map is converted from this raw CAD format and mapped to a set of spaces, each space corresponding to an actual physical location in the facility. Each of these spaces are further indexed and tagged with appropriate identifiers, in order to create an association between the space and the final facility or service or occupant that resides in them. This mapping could vary over time. For example, a bookshop within an airport may initially reside next to a coffee shop and the check-in terminals and over time move from that physical location to another (say, it moves to where the coffee shop originally was). A second example would be the use of the kiosk in an exhibition where the occupants of the various stalls will vary, as different exhibitions are held in the same facility. Since the mapping is not permanent, the indexing and tagging process allows the administrator of the system to customize and configure the kiosk as the locations of various services within the facility change over time, etc. The final format of the maps used in the system are prepared arid stored in a format specific to the system. The system is able to process initial maps or layouts in a variety of formats including CAD, and enables compatibility across these formats. When preparing the information, besides converting the maps to the required formats, the services are grouped or clustered into service categories, as the administrator of the system sees fit. For example, all the eating outlets in a mall may be grouped under the category of "food", the shopping centres having to do with clothing may have their own category of "apparel" and all the perfume and cosmetics stores in an airport may have a category called "cosmetics". This grouping is entirely customizable and the administrator could further group services based on more logical preferences such as group coffee shops and bookstores together, etc. Sub-groups or sub-categories are also created, when relevant. Examples of these include grouping similar cuisines together such as all Indian food stores under the sub-group or sub- category "Indian" and so on. Fig. 15a shows the method of assimilating and preparing the information for use by the kiosk and the users. The process starts 15al by taking in floor drawings describing the architectural layout of the facility 15a2. These drawings are typically in AutoCAD format and have to be converted 15a3 in order to convert the floor plan to a set of spaces. Spaces are an abstract representation of the facility and different occupants can reside in the spaces, move from the original location, set up branches etc. Further the maps can be accepted for several floors or levels within the facility. The navigable pathways are then marked 15a4 in order to guide the user correctly. This could be dynamic in that in cases such as construction or parts of the facility being shut down for various reasons, these pathways would be updated at that point in order to create a path for the user, avoiding the problematic areas. After this step, a database is created 15a5, which stores information mapping the spaces to their respective identifiers, pathway information etc. The user is allowed to group spaces 15a6 in order to categorize or cluster the occupants of the spaces in some logical manner, such as grouping all eating areas or restaurants under the category or group of "food". The database is then updated 15a7 to reflect the users input and the process is then complete 15a8.

The details pertaining to assimilating data from various local or networked feeds is shown in Fig. 15b. Information feeds can be both static and dynamic. Examples of static information feeds include names of historic locations within a city etc. Examples of dynamic information feeds include flight schedules, emergency contact numbers, currency exchange rates, transport schedules, restaurant locations and menus, tourist destinations within cities etc. In order to assimilate information, the process described in Fig. 15b is used. Occasionally, such information feeds may be available from third-party services or servers, both local and remote. At first, a check is performed to see if a schema already exists 15b2. If so, the feed is configured from the beginning 15b3, the fields alongside their data-types are defined 15b4 and this is saved in an internal database. If no schema exists, the feed has to be created by copying the schema from another database wherein a connection is first established 15b6 to other databases. Tables and fields that are required are selected 15b7 and the table with the data is saved in an internal database 15b8.

Fig. 16 shows how the user can query the information and how it is presented to the users in the third embodiment. The user is initially presented with a start screen in any of the user's preferred languages 180. The user may then navigate to a category screen 181, which lists the various choices of information available to the user within the kiosk. Examples of these choices include finding the path to any store or service within the facility, finding information for travel, sightseeing or other static or dynamic information such as schedules, weather information, currency information etc. Depending on whether the user wants to retrieve information or find directions, the user then navigates to the information feed buttons with search options 182, or the space sub-category with search options 183. m case the user wants to retrieve information, the user is provided with a list of records in the selected information feed with further search options 184. hi this case, the user can further search this list 185 to obtain the desired information, hi case the user seeks directions 183, the user can further search based on categories 186 or sub- categories, hi either case, the user is presented with a map screen with the destination list 187. This screen is navigable back to the original search for space sub-categories. Upon the user selecting a destination, the user can view the destination with a path appearing on the screen 188. On arriving at any of the multi-lingual start screen 180, the category screen 181, the space sub-category with a search option 183, the information feed buttons with search options 182, the list of records in the information feed 184, the map screen with a list of destinations 187, the final destination that the user views 188, the user has the option of clicking any of the areas of the screen, which present options to the user. The user may click 189 on three broad categories of options, search, feedback and help. Upon choosing to search, the user is sent to a general search screen 189a, navigating through which the user arrives at the destination view, with the path appearing on the screen 188. Upon choosing to provide feedback, the user is presented with a feedback screen listing questions and responses 189b. Upon choosing the help option, the user is presented with help hints 189c for the user-interface controls available on the present screen.

Fig. 17a-d shows the step of setting up advertisements. Fig. 17a shows the various parts of the advertisement sub-system being methodically setup. This includes setting up the advertiser 17al by simply entering the advertiser details 17a2 such as personal information, contact information, contract information, etc. This is followed by setting up the advertisement information 17a3, which includes the step of setting up the display information 17a4 pertaining to how the advertisement should look, the actual image or video used to render the ad etc. This is followed by the step of setting up the monetary rates for the advertisements 17a5 wherein several parameters such as frequency and timing of the advertisement affect the rate of the advertisement. This is followed by the step of setting up advertisement reminders, if any 17a6. Fig 17b shows the process of setting up advertising frequency related to each advertiser and their particular advertisement 17bl. Various parameters associated with the advertisements are set in this part of the method such as the campaign title, the ad type, the graphics or media associated with the ad, various languages the ad is to be rendered in, the keywords associated with the ad etc. The advertisements can be configured at multiple granularities including dates 17b2, days 17b3, weeks 17b4, months 17b5 or date-range 17b6. Fig. 17c shows the configuration of rates wherein a number of slots are initially selected for the ad bar 17cl. This step also includes setting up rates for different ad types and a rate factor for every ad-bar slot. This is followed by the step of setting the rate factor for time-slots, days of the week and special days 17c2. Configuring special days 17c3 follows this. Fig. 17d shows the inclusion of various features such as language sensitivity, context sensitivity and interactivity. In the steps explained here, in order to be language sensitive, the method automatically filters ads based on language upon the user selecting a language 17dl. This is followed by filtering ads automatically based on the category or sub- category selected 17d2 to enable context sensitivity and the step of linking the ads back to their original spaces in the facility or area 17d3 in order to encourage interactivity. Fig. 18 expands on the step of setting up and utilizing reports within the method of the present invention. Initially, the administrator logs into the system 18a and can choose between report generation 18b and report scheduling 18c. Within report generation, the steps include starting the design of reports 18d, setting the type of report 18e amongst a plurality of choices including guest experience profiling, statistical reports etc., this is followed by the step of setting parameters on the basis of which, reports are generated 18f. The step of specifying group criteria such as "response based grouping", "time based grouping", "system variable based grouping" etc is carried out 18g followed by the step of viewing or analysing the reports 18h and saving the reports in various formats 18i. There is a further option to mail the reports depending on user choice 18j. Within report scheduling 18c, the first step is selecting a designed report 18k, followed by the step of setting the date/time interval when the report should be sent 181 and e-mailing the report 18m.

Fig. 19 shows the steps in the method of the present invention relating to feedback. Initially, all the languages supported by the method to accept feedback in are taken in 19a. This is followed by the step of entering the feedback area and department in each language 19b. Associating the departments with their parent departments 19c if applicable by means of setting token parameters such as the parent department's email address, is the next step. Any parameter may be used here and email is just an exemplary parameter. This if followed by entering the questions raised during feedback in all languages 19d followed by entering all the choices for responses in all languages 19e.

Fig 20a shows the steps in the method to enable the data replication service, which enables modularity and makes for a robust client-server architecture. Initially, the list of kiosk clients along with their shared folders is loaded 20al. This is followed by a check for a service stop request 20a2. If such a request has been made, the service stops 20a3. If not, the path where the XML data files are updated by the XML generator service and data-importer service is checked 20a4 and upon finding a changed file, the changed data is copied onto the shared folder of the kiosks 20a5. If not, the process goes back to polling for a request to stop the service 20a2. This set-up ensures a fault-tolerant mechanism to allow the system to continue functioning correctly in both connectionless and connected states. For example, if one kiosk or information disseminating device is disconnected from the main server, this architecture and method enables the disconnected kiosk to continue working as if it were still connected.

Claims

1. A distributed, customisable kiosk system, which is capable of assimilating and distributing multi-lingual information, which can be both static and dynamic in nature, to a variety of users, whose constraints, physical orientation and queries are varied having one or more central servers with the main sub-systems for storage and the intelligence to act upon user-queries, one or more client kiosk terminals that are used to display the results of the user's queries to the user, an administrator module used to setup, configure and administer the system, a user module used to accept queries and present information back to the user with a client-server, distributed architecture to enable quick and efficient delivery of the required information to a multitude of users comprising: a. The means to assimilate data from a variety of sources such as architectural , facility, building floor plan data, static information feeds and dynamic information feeds; b. The means to pre-process the data and static/dynamic feeds in order to create meaningful information, which can be retrieved easily to provide responses to the users; c. The means to setup, store and retrieve the data in a permanent data-store; d. The means to accept a users input in the form of queries, feedback, requests for assistance, etc; e. The means to process the users queries meaningfully, in order to provide correct output; f. The means to display the results of the processing within real-time constraints; g. The means to enable a distributed framework of kiosks, using a client- server architecture, with multiple user-roles to enable fault-tolerant, authenticated access in both connected and connectionless states; and h. The means to provide useful features such as advertisements for the users, reports for system administration, feedback modules for quality control and help features to assist users.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the means to assimilate data from architectural layout information accepts drawings in popular formats such as: a. Vector-based formats including DWG, DXF, EMF, WMF; and b. Raster-based formats including bitmap files.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the means to assimilate data from static and dynamic feeds works with one or more local or networked sources of information wherein the data is imported based on a pre-specified schema wherein the feeds can be in any format including XML and CSV formats.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the means to pre-process architectural data further comprises: a. Means to clean up the drawings of facilities by utilizing well known drawing programs; b. Demarcating the layout of the facility into space and path blocks wherein i. Space blocks are used to identify the physical location of distinct units in the facility assigned to stores; and ii. Path blocks are used to identify navigable pathways; and c. Indexing the identified blocks and connecting them in order to create a path for the user.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the means to pre-process static and dynamic information feeds further comprises: a. Means to update static feeds by manual entry or automatic updates; b. Means to update dynamic feeds on preset intervals from pre-defined sources in a plurality of formats; and c. Means to setup store and retrieve the data in a permanent data-store.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the means to setup, store and retrieve the data in a permanent data-store further comprises: a. Means to configure the data-store to reflect the support of one or more languages within the system, while specifying special fonts and specific color combinations for symbols and other text on the graphical user interfaces, tailored to the_' client's requirements; b. Means to configure the data-store to create one or more general terms in use by the system; c. Means to configure the data-store to reflect various categories; d. Means to configure the data-store to reflect various sub-categories, associated with main categories from .c; and e. Means to configure the data-store to reflect a mapping between spaces in the facility to its actual occupants.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the means to accept a users input in the form of queries, feedback, requests for assistance further comprises: a. Means to accept user input via a touch screen through which the user makes their choice known; and b. Means to accept user input via a keyboard, where the user can type in their queries.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein the user can input queries belonging to four classes queries (a) need-based queries, (b) service-based queries, (c) absolute queries and (d) relative queries wherein:

1. Need-based queries are defined as those queries in which the user expresses their need in their broad categories such that the terms need not correspond to the actual term assigned at the time the information is prepared in the previous step of assimilating and preparing information;

2. Service-based queries are those where the user may know the exact store and express this in a query and the system associates this with the groups it has and displays both the general category of services and any sub-categories, including various cuisines grouped together in those sub-categories, for the user to choose from;

3. Absolute-queries pertain to the user seeking directions from the location where they are accessing the kiosk such that the system has to present directions from an absolute location and give the user directions, also taking into account their orientation, at the time of entering the query; and

4. Relative-queries wherein the user may seek directions from starting points, other than where the kiosk is currently located involving a complex query wherein the user is allowed to enter the start and end points where they wish to traverse.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein the means to process the users queries meaningfully, in order to provide correct output further includes: a. Means to construct pains between points in a facility by utilizing information from space and path blocks; and b. Means to execute a plurality of searches across information feeds.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein the means to display the results of the processing within real-time constraints further comprises: a. Means to display path information for points in a facility across various levels of the facility with one or more intermediate points of interest along with their details; and b. Means to display information from feeds in an easily navigable manner for users to utilize.

11. The system of claim 1 wherein the means to enable a distributed framework of kiosks, using a client-server architecture, with multiple user-roles to enable authenticated access further comprises: a. A storage sub-system comprised of one or more data-stores; b. Server side components including (a) a database, (b) one or more external data-sources, (c) XML importer applications, (d) middle-tier components and (e) a data replication service application; and c. Clients comprising (a) one or more administrative clients and (b) one or more kiosk clients.

12. The system of claim 1 wherein the storage sub-system may be a known system such as SQL Server, Oracle and MS Access.

13. The system of claim 1 wherein the server components include: a. One or more external data sources that can be static or dynamic with real- time update characteristics; b. XML importer module which is a service application that continuously monitors all the external data-sources for updates from them and further makes use of the mapping configuration between the XML version to the system's database, carried out at an earlier stage through the administrator module's XML mapper wizard; c. A Data Access Layer (DAL) which is a COM component hosted within a COM+ application to support remote administration of the system's database by an administrator client and is further used by the DRSA and the XML importer/transformer modules; and d. A Data Replication Service Application (DRSA) that runs on the server and utilizes the data access layer and exports the required data from the systems data-store to XML data-files such that these XML data-files are in turn pushed to each registered user module client on the network or the kiosk clients.

14. The system of claim 1 where the client components include: a. One or more administrators that controls all database interactions and updates that make use of the DAL in conjunction with XML-DB mappers; and b. One or more users that connect to locally available XML files.

15. The system of claim 1 wherein means to provide authenticated access to the parts of the system requiring setup or configuration by assigning roles to entities who can access the system includes: a. One or more administrators that are co-located or distributed, that can perform a variety of configuration tasks; and b. One or more users that can access the information they desire from the system.

16. The system of claim 1 wherein the means to provide advertisements further comprises: a. Interaction with an advertisement sub-system by users and administrators; b. A set of features that can be customized including: i. Display customization which is used to control the size of the panels wherein the ads are placed, selecting different types of ads including scrolling ads and click through ads; ii. Advertisement customization which is accomplished by entering the content of the advertisement including images and media; iii. Advertiser customization which is accomplished by entering the advertisers details; iv. Reminder customization to alert administrators of events; and v. Rate customization, which involves setting the cost of advertising based on the periodicity and days on which the ads are displayed. c. A set of features that help in summarizing various aspects including: i. Time slot summaries which display the population of time-slots by advertisement material; ii. Billing summaries which show the revenue generated and outstanding bills etc.; and iii. Advertisement summaries, which summarize the popularity of the ads. d. A set of interaction features including: i. Context-sensitivity, ii. Language sensitivity; and iii. Interactivity by linking the advertisements back to the services or stores within the facilities that have placed the advertisements.

17. The system of claim 1 wherein the means to provide multi-lingual feedback on both the system and the services enabled by the system further comprises: a. Means to provide language sensitivity, b. Means to provide content customization; c. Means to provide hierarchical nesting with the capability to reorder categories of questions and sub-categories of questions associated with a category; d. Means to create summaries of feedback sessions; and e. Means to set up question and response pairs wherein: i. Responses may be simple binary "yes" or "no" responses; ii. Responses may be multiple-choice; and iii. Responses may be text entered via a keyboard.

18. The system of claim 1 wherein the means to provide reports further comprises: a. Means to report feedback; b. Means to report user-activity, and c. Means to report advertisement statistics.

19. A method to enable a distributed, customisable kiosk system, which is capable of assimilating and distributing multi-lingual information, which can be both static and dynamic in nature, to a variety of users, whose constraints, physical orientation and queries are varied having one or more central servers with the main sub-systems for storage and the intelligence to act upon user-queries, one or more client kiosk terminals that are used to display the results of the user's queries to the user, an administrator module used to setup, configure and administer the system, a user module used to accept queries and present information back to the user with a client-server, distributed architecture to enable quick and efficient delivery of the required information to a multitude of users comprising the steps of: S a. Assimilating data from various sources such as architectural floor-plans, static and dynamic information feeds, etc.; b. Pre-processing the data and static/dynamic feeds in order to create meaningful information, to be retrieved at a later stage to provide responses to user inputs; 0 c. Setting up, storing and retrieving the data from a permanent data-store; d. Accepting user inputs in the form of queries, feedback, requests for help, etc.; e. Processing the users queries in order to provide correct responses to the user, in real-time; 5 f. Displaying the results of the users query or input while working with realtime constraints; g. Enabling a distributed framework of kiosks, using a client-server architecture, with multiple user-roles to enable authenticated access; and h. Providing useful features such as advertisements, reports, feedback and0 help material.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein the step of pre-processing architectural data further comprises the steps of: a. Converting one or more maps from a predefined, known format and5 mapped to a set of spaces, each space corresponding to an actual physical location in the facility; b. Indexing the spaces generated in .a. and tag the spaces with appropriate identifiers, in order to create an association between the space and the final facility or service or occupant that resides in them such that said0 mapping could possess a time- varying nature whereby the indexing and tagging means allow the administrator of the system to customize and configure the kiosk as the locations of various services within the facility change over time such that final format of the maps used in the system are prepared and stored in a format specific to the system; c. Processing initial maps or layouts in a variety of formats and enables compatibility across these formats; d. Grouping or clustering spaces into service categories, customizable by an administrator; e. Marking the navigable pathways are marked in order to guide the user correctly, and f. Creating and updating a data store with information mapping the spaces to their respective identifiers, pathway information and other attributes.

21. The method of claim 19 wherein the step of pre-processing data from feeds further comprises the steps of: b. Pre-processing static feeds including the steps of:

1. Creating a schema;

2. Specifying data from a pre-existing storage location;

3. Accepting manual entry of data;

4. Displaying configuration details; . 5. Specifying themes for the information feeds; and

6. Storing the information in a storage sub-system. c. Pre-processing dynamic feeds including the steps of:

1. Specifying the input data-source;

2. Specifying data from either of a local or remote server; 3. Setting a timer for the next retrieval of information. d. Storing the information in a storage sub-system.

22. The method of claim 19 wherein the step of accepting queries from the users further comprise the steps of: a. Accepting queries in one or more languages; b. Accepting queries for information in one or more categories; c. Accepting queries for path information for various spaces; d. Accepting feedback from the users; e. Accepting queries pertaining to help requested by the user; and f. Accepting input from the user pertaining to cues about their location if the user is on the move.

23. The method of claim 19 wherein the step of present information to the users further comprise the steps of: a. Presenting information in one or more languages; b. Providing information across various levels of the facility; c. Displaying one or more lists for the user to further filter their query; d. Displaying the path to one or more destinations of interest to the user; and e. Displaying various pieces of information based on whether the user scrolls over certain destinations, requests information that can be relayed using various known media.

24. The method of claim 19 wherein the step of enabling advertisements further comprises the steps of: a. Setting up the advertisements methodically including: i. Setting up the advertiser; ii. Entering the advertisement details including images and media associated with it;

Ui. Setting up the display for the advertisement; iv. Setting up the rates for the advertisements; and v. Setting up reminders associated with advertisements. b. Setting up advertisement frequency including: i. Setting up the frequency for every advertisement from every advertiser, and ii. Configuring advertisements at various granularities of time such as various dates, months, years and days of the year. c. Configuring advertisement rates including: i. Setting up rates wherein a number of slots are initially selected for the ad bar, and ii. Setting a rate factor for time-slots, days of the week and special days.

25. The method of claim 19 wherein the step of providing reports further comprises the steps of: a. Logging the administrator into the system; b. Generating reports comprising the steps of: i. Starting the design of reports; ii. Setting the type of report; iii. Setting parameters on which reports are generated; iv. Specifying group criteria; v. Viewing and analysing reports; vi. Saving reports; and vii. Emailing reports if the client so desires; and c. Report scheduling comprising the steps of: i. Selecting a designed report; ii. Setting the date and/or time intervals associated with that report; and iii. Emailing the reports.

26. The method of claim 19 wherein the step of providing feedback further comprises the steps of: a. Entering languages in which feedback is accepted; b. Entering the feedback area and department in each language; c. Associating the departments with parent departments; d. Entering questions raised during feedback in all languages; and e. Entering the choices for responses for all questions.

27. The method of claim 19 wherein the step of enabling a distributed framework of kiosks, using a client-server architecture, with multiple user-roles to enable authenticated access further comprises a methodical data replication service, comprising the steps of: a. Loading a list of kiosks along with their shared folders; b. Polling for and servicing any stop requests; and c. Checking the path in which the XML data files that are updated by the XML generator service and data-importer service to see if it has undergone any changes; i. If changes have occurred in .c, copying the changed data onto the shared folder of the kiosks; ii. If no changed have occurred, returning to step b.