WO2018189603A1

WO2018189603A1 - A system for providing access to a kiosk using a mobile device

Info

Publication number: WO2018189603A1
Application number: PCT/IB2018/051919
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dr. Maruthi VISWANATHAN
Original assignee: RxPrism Health Systems Pvt. Ltd
Priority date: 2017-04-13
Filing date: 2018-03-22
Publication date: 2018-10-18

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system (100) for providing access to a kiosk machine (101) using a mobile device (102,103) through a Wi-Fi network. The system (100) eliminates laborious task of waiting in queues and further enables pre-population of forms with user-specific data by tracking the Wi-Fi media access control (MAC) address of their smartphone, thereby allowing quicker completion of tasks when compared with traditional kiosk machines (101). The system (100) is supported with portable barcode readers and printers that enable barcode scanning through the mobile device (102,103) and printing. The system (100) provides live concierge services provided to help users avoid physical visits to service counters and yet meet their concierge service personnel virtually. This advanced new generation kiosk machine (101) helps physically challenged persons to access the kiosk interface on their mobile using self-assistance options such as voice command, tilt/shake, screen enlargement and special vibration patterns.

Description

A system for providing access to a Kiosk using a mobile device

[0001] PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION:

[0002] The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:

[0003] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0004] Technical field of the invention

[0005] The present invention relates to a system for providing access to a kiosk machine using a mobile device thereby eliminating the need for a touch screen or keyboard-mouse interface to ensure privacy of the user's data.

[0006] Background of the invention

[0007] Kiosk is an interactive computer terminal featuring specialized hardware and software which provides access to information and applications for communication, commerce, entertainment and education. Further, the kiosk requires a simple user interface which can be used without training or documentation. Usually as a part of the kiosk hardware, touch screen or keyboard- mouse interface are provided to facilitate entry of information per say.

[0008] However, the touch screen or keyboard-mouse interface provided as a part of the kiosk hardware limits the usage of a kiosk to only one person at a time. This in turn leads to people waiting in long queues to access a kiosk thereby rendering the purpose of having a kiosk machine ineffective as the machine fails to serve them instantly. Further, physically challenged personnel do not have a separate kiosk counter which may create difficulties for them to stand in queues and operate a kiosk as fast as a normal person could do. [0009] Deploying many kiosk machines to accommodate the surge in usage consumes more space, increases power consumption and thereby the cost, and aggravates maintenance troubles. [0010] A person standing adjacent or behind the user can peep into the kiosk machine screen thereby breaching the privacy of the present kiosk user. Further, kiosk machines can't be programmed to remember the details of a user to expedite form fillings or any other operations during his/her subsequent usage. [0011] Existing technology does not replace certain concierge services which mandatorily require people to visit a particular counter for registration or place a request for other services.

[0012] For instance, the patent application number US20150105901A1 discloses a method for accessing kiosks using a mobile device in which a kiosk is equipped with wireless communication hardware and/or software to receive messages from the mobile device for performing various kiosk -related operations. Further, the mobile device consists of input features such as voice-control and GUI-based buttons that assist visually impaired people to send wireless messages for accessing features of a kiosk. However, the major drawback of this invention is that it does not enable multiple users to access and operate a physical kiosk machine and concierge services simultaneously through a smartphone without installing any app or connecting to the Internet. Further, this invention does not reveal any information about remembering a user and storing his/her credentials by tracking the Wi-Fi media access control (MAC) address of their smartphone. [0013] The patent application number US20120170728A1 discloses a method for enabling voice communication with kiosk systems using a mobile device. Further, the invention discloses the use of a barcode reader for scanning passport or bar codes for print using mobile device or mouse-keyboard interface wherein multiple users can scan any bar codes or identify any pictures or images using their smartphone camera and send the data to the kiosk. However, the major drawback of this invention is that it does not provide a platform to enable physically handicapped people to use the kiosk machine. Further, this invention does not reveal any information about remembering a user and storing his/her credentials by tracking the Wi-Fi media access control (MAC) address of their smartphone. [0014] The patent application number US20120170728A1 discloses an apparatus for facilitating insurance-related transactions using a mobile device enabling voice communication with kiosk systems using a mobile device. Further, the invention provides access to a "KIOSK" machine mainly using a mobile smartphone and not a touchscreen or mouse-keyboard interface. This patent document also employs a "Bar-Code Reader" to scan bar codes through smartphone and print them using a printer of bar-code reader. Further, this invention discloses the kiosk being connected to the Internet or other network, either wired or wirelessly, or both, thereby providing voice, video, and other data to be transmitted in real time through their smartphone or any other device. However, the major drawback of this invention is that it does not provide a platform to enable physically handicapped people to use the kiosk machine. Also, this invention does not disclose any information regarding the storage of the user's passwords and other credentials to expedite form fillings or any other operations during his/her subsequent usage. Further, this invention does not reveal any information about remembering a user and storing his/her credentials by tracking the Wi-Fi media access control (MAC) address of their smartphone.

[0015] Hence, there exists a need for an advanced next-generation kiosk machine which enables multiple users to access the machine through the convenience of their mobile device thereby eliminating the need for a touch screen or keyboard- mouse interface to ensure privacy of the user's data.

[0016] Summary of the invention:

[0017] The present invention overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art by disclosing a system for providing access to a kiosk using a mobile device. Further, the system comprises of a mobile device which acts as a user interface for the parking kiosk and a kiosk machine which allows the mobile device to be connected through a Wi-Fi network and is capable of performing various operations including scanning barcodes, printing required documents, providing live concierge services from remote locations and so on. [0018] In accordance to one or more embodiment of the present invention, the system provides access to a kiosk machine without a touchscreen or keyboard- mouse interface. Further, the system enables multiple users to access and operate a physical kiosk machine and concierge services simultaneously through their smartphone using Wi-Fi intranet.

[0019] In accordance to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the system enables multiple users to scan any barcodes that they print or identify/capture any pictures or images using their smartphone camera and send the data to the kiosk or concierge service personnel. [0020] In accordance to one embodiment of the present invention, the system allows multiple users to pay for the kiosk or concierge services by merely scanning or entering their credit card or other payment details from their smartphone securely. Further, the system supplies printouts when the user flashes the barcode of a particular page from their mobile device on the barcode reader of the portable receipt printer.

[0021] In accordance to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the system remembers a user and stores his/her information by tracking the Wi-Fi media access control (MAC) address of his/her smartphone without requesting for any personal identifiable information and provides suggestions when the user subsequently visits any of the similar kiosks around the world. This feature of the present invention ensures that the users do not have to waste their time in repeatedly entering their credentials at different kiosk machine counters thereby facilitating quick and convenient usage of the kiosk machines in different locations such as the airports, hospitals, coliseums and so on. [0022] In accordance to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the system allows physically challenged persons to access the kiosk machine interface on their mobile using self-assistance options such as voice command, tilt/shake, screen enlargement, and special vibration patterns.

[0023] Thus, the method of the present invention includes a full range of development features that set apart the existing kiosks to this advanced next- generation kiosk designed to eliminate waiting in queues, usage of a touchscreen and keyboard-mouse interface, minimize space and most importantly help physically disabled people by providing services at the comfort of their smartphones. [0024] Brief description of the drawings:

[0025] The foregoing and other features of embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements. [0026] FIG 1 illustrates a system to connect one or more user terminals with a kiosk machine, in accordance to one or more embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG 2 illustrates a user interface indicating a process of registering an individual to a kiosk network using a mobile device, in accordance to one or more embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG 3 illustrates a user interface that enables one or more individuals to access different options of the kiosk machine in a vicinity, in accordance to one or more embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG 4 illustrates a method to connect one or more user terminals with a kiosk machine through their mobile devices, in accordance to one or more embodiment of the present invention

[0030] Detailed description of the invention:

[0031] Reference will now be made in detail to the description of the present subject matter, one or more examples of which are shown in figures. Each example is provided to explain the subject matter and not a limitation. Various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplation of the invention. [0032] The present invention overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art by providing an advanced next-generation kiosk machine with varied electronics, communication components, and servers that enables many people including physically handicapped individuals to access a kiosk simultaneously on their smartphone by connecting to a Wi-Fi network thus allowing them to access the kiosk menu or content through a faster intranet technology. Further, the kiosk machine does not require a touchscreen or keyboard-mouse interface for its efficient operability. Bar-code readers along with printers are provided at the kiosk machine to facilitate scanning and printing the required document by the user. The proposed invention further involves live video concierge services with a video chat option which helps users to avoid physical visits to any service counters and yet meet their concierge service personnel virtually.

[0033] FIG 1 illustrates a system to connect one or more individuals with a kiosk machine through their mobile devices, in accordance to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The system (100) comprises of a kiosk machine (101) connected to one or more mobile devices (102, 103) through a Wi-Fi network. This eliminates the monotonous task of standing and waiting in queues as well as helps physically handicapped individuals to carry out the desired operation at the convenience of their smartphones. Further, the system (100) proves to be cost effective, promotes better space management and is very easy to maintain.

[0034] In accordance to one or more embodiment of the present invention, the mobile devices (102, 103) may be a tablet, a personal digital assistant (PDA) or any electronic device with a graphical user interface (GUI) for providing two-way communication between the kiosk machine (101) and the user(s). [0035] In accordance to one or more embodiment of the present invention, the system (100) consists of a kiosk machine (101) which further comprises of various computer hardware and software applications. The kiosk machine (101) kit consists of electronics or hardware components including Microcontroller, server with hard disk drive (HDD), Wi-Fi router shield, External antennas, Global system for mobile communication (GSM) shield with subscriber identity module (SIM) card, Ethernet card shield, Uninterrupted power supply (UPS), Portable receipt printer (barcode reader and printer), Enclosure case and External interface plugs and connectors. One or more extended Wi-Fi routers and portable receipt printer modules can be attached (wired or wireless) and made available in and around the kiosk machine (101). After interacting with the kiosk machine (101) interface, the user may receive a barcode. The user can then print a statement, receipt, or page as required by flashing the barcode in the barcode reader available in the portable receipt printer module at the kiosk machine (101).

[0036] The software applications running on the kiosk machine (101) includes Router firmware, Linux operating system (OS), Apache server, Live video streaming server, MySQL database, Akka-based proprietary application: highly concurrent, distributed, and resilient message-driven applications, Kafka-based proprietary distributed message streaming, Proprietary Java application, Domain name system (DNS), Dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) and Other utility programs & drivers. [0037] The kiosk machine (101) is powered through a UPS and consists of a GSM shield or Ethernet module using which the kiosk machine (101) accesses cloud server hardware, server operating systems, and proprietary CMS applications to ensure regular updates, data processing and easy maintenance. Further, the cloud CMS also allows users to fast track their operations by remembering user information and providing auto populate data in the forms next time when they operate any similar kiosk machine (101).

[0038] The concierge services team can connect to the kiosk machine (101) service interface by means of the remote concierge kit which includes Microcontrollers and computing hardware and hardware drivers, Webcam, Wi-Fi and Ethernet shield, Monitor, Headphone and mic. This facility provides an easy and instant video chat with the concierge personnel who would be physically present inside or outside (remote location) the premises. In addition to the convenience that this service provides for the user, it also offers flexibility to set up the call center at a remote location, thereby saving physical space within the airport. [0039] FIG 2 illustrates a user interface indicating a process of registering an individual to a kiosk network using a mobile device (102,103), in accordance to one or more embodiment of the present invention. Often people find themselves standing in long queues in hospitals for different purposes such as registration, payment and so on. In the present invention, the mobile device (102,103) connected to a kiosk machine (101) acts as a personal assistant for the visitors as they can now register themselves at the convenience of their smartphones thereby eliminating the conundrum that is created during such tasks.

[0040] FIG 3 illustrates a user interface that enables one or more individuals to access different options of the kiosk machine in a vicinity, in accordance to one or more embodiment of the present invention. During the time patients wait to meet the doctors, they usually waste their time doing nothing. The present invention allows the patients to perform different tasks during their waiting time like find out more about their illness (104), track their water consumption and nutrition level (106) , evaluate their overall health so that they can discuss it during their meeting with the doctor (105), make online payments post appointment and so on. Further, live video concierge services (107) are also available to assist the patients during their presence in the hospital vicinity.

[0041] FIG 4 illustrates a method to connect one or more user terminals with a kiosk machine through their mobile devices, in accordance to one or more embodiment of the present invention. At step 201, multiple users may connect to a single kiosk machine (101) using a Wi-Fi network provided by the kiosk machine (101) which allows user registration by tracking the Wi-Fi media access control (MAC) address of their mobile device (102,103). Further, the kiosk machine (101) interface will then automatically pop up on his/her smartphone. If it does not appear automatically, the user can also type www.kioskinhand.com or any custom Uniform Resource Locator (URL) to access the kiosk machine (101) interface.

[0042] At step 202, the users can access the user interface screen on their mobile devices upon log-in to the kiosk machine (101) Wi-Fi network. Different options (104,105,106,104) appear on their mobile device (102,103) out of which the user can select a desired option. Once the necessary task has been performed, a barcode may be generated as a result of bookings or payments as indicated at step 203.

[0043] At step 204, the generated barcode can further be scanned and receipts or tickets could be printed using the barcode in the barcode reader available in the portable receipt printer module at the kiosk machine (101). Step 205 includes the live concierge services (107) provided to help users avoid physical visits to any service counters and yet meet their concierge service personnel virtually.

[0044] Thus, the method of the present invention includes a full range of development features that sets apart the existing kiosks to this advanced next- generation kiosk designed to eliminate waiting in queues, usage of a touchscreen and keyboard-mouse interface, minimize space and most importantly help physically disabled people by providing services at the comfort of their smartphones. [0045] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist.

Claims

We claim:

1. A system (100) for providing access to a kiosk machine (101) using a mobile device (102,103), comprising of:

a) mobile device (102,103);

b) kiosk machine (101), wherein the kiosk machine (101) is configured to:

- allow the mobile device (102,103) to be connected through a Wi-Fi network; and

- perform various operations including scanning barcodes, printing required documents, providing live concierge services from remote locations.

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mobile device (102,103) acts as a user interface for the parking kiosk.

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) provides access to a kiosk machine (101) without a touchscreen or keyboard-mouse interface.

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) enables multiple users to access and operate a physical kiosk machine (101) and concierge services simultaneously through their smartphone using Wi-Fi intranet.

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) enables multiple users to scan any barcodes that they print or identify/capture any pictures or images using their smartphone camera and send the data to the kiosk machine (101) or concierge service personnel.

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) allows multiple users to pay for the kiosk machine (101) or concierge services by merely scanning or entering their credit card or other payment details from their smartphone securely. The system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the system (100) supplies printouts when the user flashes the barcode of a particular page from their mobile device (102,103) on the barcode reader of the portable receipt printer.

The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) remembers a user and stores his/her information by tracking the Wi-Fi media access control (MAC) address of his/her smartphone without requesting for any personal identifiable information and provides suggestions when the user subsequently visits any of the similar kiosk machines (101) around the world.

The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) allows physically challenged persons to access the kiosk machine (101) interface on their mobile device (102,103) using self-assistance options such as voice command, tilt/shake, screen enlargement, and special vibration patterns.