INTERACTIVE TERMINAL

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001 ] The present invention relates to an interactive terminal. In particular, although not exclusively, the invention relates to an interactive terminal for providing digital content and notification services to a user thereof.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[002] Interactive terminals are known in the art. In particular, public interactive terminals are in widespread use at various indoor and outdoor locations such as shops, hotels, restaurants, parks, malls and street corners for obtaining information and providing services such as for directions and tourist assistance, etc., without interacting face to face with a counterpart person. Such terminals may also allow users to conduct, for example, internet transactions such as electronic banking and/or purchase and immediately receive a particular commodity.

[003] It is typically costly to have interactive terminals in such locations, and more particularly in popular public locations, owing to the high expense incurred for rental of the space and the need to maintain and periodically update the terminals. Nonetheless, the commercial value of these terminals and the significant public exposure they achieve by being present in these locations is high.

[004] Accordingly, there remains a need to maximise the functionality and usage of such interactive terminals, as well as provide intelligent and tailored digital content and notification delivery, to enhance their cost effectiveness and commercial value.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[005] It is an object of the present invention to overcome and/or alleviate one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[006] In one aspect, although not necessarily the only aspect or the broadest aspect, the invention resides in an interactive terminal for providing digital content and notifications thereon, the interactive terminal comprising: a display and an audio output device; one or a plurality of sensors adapted to measure one or a plurality of environmental parameters; a processor adapted to control the display and/or the audio output device; the processor being adapted for: receiving from said sensors at least one measured environmental parameter; and processing said at least one measured environmental parameter to determine the provisioning of a corresponding visual notification on the display and/or a corresponding audible notification via the audio output device.

[007] Preferably, the one or plurality of sensors are selected from the group consisting of a visual sensor, a motion sensor, a proximity sensor, an auditory sensor, an olfactory sensor, a touch sensor, a vibration sensor, a temperature sensor, a heat sensor, a smoke sensor, a pressure sensor, a moisture sensor and any combination thereof.

[008] Preferably, the digital content is selected from the group consisting of consumer-attraction content, information-gathering facilitation content, delivered information content, user-specific content, advertising content, entertainment content and any combination thereof.

[009] Preferably, the processor is further coupled to a network interface, the processor adapted to use the network interface to at least one of: receive, at least in part, the digital content; and interact with a social-networking service.

[0010] Preferably, the digital content received from the network interface is or comprises a further notification, the further notification selected from the group consisting of a time-specific notification, an event-specific notification, a location-specific notification and any combination thereof.

[001 1 ] Preferably, upon interaction with the digital content, one or more vendible items are provided at a subsidized or nil cost.

[0012] Preferably, the one or more vendible items are or comprise drinking water. [0013] Preferably, the one or plurality of sensors is or comprises a camera and wherein the processor is further adapted for: receiving from said camera at least one measured demographic parameter of a user of the interactive terminal; and processing said at least one measured demographic parameter to select demographic-specific digital content to provide on the display and/or the audio output device.

[0014] Preferably, the demographic-specific digital content is or comprises information that relates to a product and/or service corresponding to the measured demographic parameter of the user.

[0015] Preferably, the display is or comprises a touchscreen.

[0016] Preferably, the display is or comprises a curved portion.

[0017] Preferably, the curved portion is curved outwardly about a vertical or longitudinal axis of the interactive terminal.

[0018] Preferably, the interactive terminal further comprises an external defibrillator removable therefrom.

[0019] Preferably, the external defibrillator is in communication with the processor.

[0020] Preferably, the external defibrillator comprises a communication unit for automatically transmitting information to the processor upon removal of the external defibrillator from the interactive display.

[0021 ] Preferably, the external defibrillator comprises global positioning system (GPS) location circuitry. [0022] Preferably, the communication unit automatically transmits GPS location information to the processor unit upon removal of the external defibrillator from the interactive display.

[0023] According to an alternative aspect, the invention resides in a method for providing digital content and one or more notifications to a user of an interactive terminal, the method including the steps of: providing the interactive terminal comprising a display, an audio output, one or a plurality of sensors and a processor; measurement of one or a plurality of environmental parameters by the one or plurality of sensors; reception of the one or a plurality of measured environmental parameters by the processor; processing said at least one measured environmental parameter to determine the provisioning of at least one of a corresponding visual notification on the display and a corresponding audible notification via the audio output device; and initiating the provision of at least one of the corresponding visual notification and the corresponding audible notification by the processor.

[0024] Preferably, the one or plurality of sensors are selected from the group consisting of a visual sensor, a motion sensor, a proximity sensor, an auditory sensor, an olfactory sensor, a touch sensor, a vibration sensor, a temperature sensor, a heat sensor, a smoke sensor, a pressure sensor, a moisture sensor and any combination thereof. [0025] Preferably, the method further includes the step of using a network interface coupled to the processor to at least one of: receive, at least in part, the digital content; and interact with a social-networking service.

[0026] Preferably, the digital content received from the network interface is or comprises a further notification, the further notification selected from the group consisting of a time-specific notification, an event-specific notification, a location-specific notification and any combination thereof.

[0027] Preferably, the method further includes the step of providing one or more vendible items at a subsidized or nil cost upon interaction of the user with the digital content.

[0028] Preferably, the one or more vendible items are or comprise drinking water.

[0029] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to put the invention into practical effect, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an interactive terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of components of the interactive terminal of FIG 1 ; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a method for providing digital content and one or more notifications to a user of an interactive terminal, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031 ] The present invention relates to an interactive display and a method for providing digital content and one or more notifications to a user thereof. Elements of the invention are illustrated in concise outline form in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are necessary to understand the embodiments of the present invention, but so as not to provide excessive detail that will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the present description.

[0032] In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, top and bottom and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Words such as "comprises" or "includes" are intended to define a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed, including elements that are inherent to such a method or device.

[0033] According to a first aspect, the present invention is defined as an interactive terminal for providing digital content and notifications thereon, the interactive terminal comprising: a display and an audio output device; one or a plurality of sensors adapted to measure one or a plurality of environmental parameters, a processor adapted to control the display and/or the audio output device; the processor being adapted for: receiving from said sensors at least one measured environmental parameter; and processing said at least one measured environmental parameter to determine the provisioning of a corresponding visual notification on the display and/or a corresponding audible notification via the audio output device.

[0034] Advantages of some embodiments of the present invention include the ability to provide tailored digital content together with real-time notifications with respect to local environmental conditions to the community. A further advantage is the ability to deliver such digital content together with a wide range of publically accessible amenities in a single device, thereby maximising the functionality and usage of such interactive terminals.

[0035] In the embodiment provided in FIG. 1 and 2, the interactive terminal 10 comprises a display 12 for displaying digital content, such as images and/or video clips thereon. In particular embodiments, the display 12 is an interactive display. In this regard, the display 12 can include, in whole or in part, a touch-screen display. So configured, a consumer can input responses or other instructions by touching (or appearing to touch) the display 12. Various touch-screen methodologies are known in the art. As these teachings are not particularly sensitive to any particular selections in these regards, further elaboration herein regarding such methodologies will not be presented.

[0036] It would be appreciated that the display 12, or portions thereof, may be flat, but alternatively may be contoured or curved, such as concave or convex. Mixed forms can also be provided, such that a curved arcuate panel section may adjoin one or more flat panel sections for example. In the embodiment provided in FIG. 1 , the display 12 is curved outwardly about a vertical or longitudinal axis of the interactive terminal 10. Such curvature of the display, advantageously allows for an enhanced viewing spectrum, such that images provided on the display may also be viewed, at least in part, by users situated substantially side-on to the interactive terminal 10.

[0037] The interactive terminal 10 further includes an audio output device 13, such as a high performance speaker. The audio output device 13 can serve to facilitate the rendering of audio content, such as music or an audible notification, either in synchronicity with the displayed content or otherwise as desired.

[0038] In referring to the embodiment provided in FIG. 1 and 2, the interactive terminal 10 further includes a processor 15 adapted to control the digital content provided by the display 1 2 and the audio device 13.

[0039] Advantageously, the interactive terminal 10 includes a plurality of sensors 16, 17, 18 suitable for measuring one or more environmental parameters. To this end, the sensors 16, 17, 18 may be any known in the art that may be suitable for detecting one or more environmental parameters. In particular embodiments, the sensors 16, 17, 18 may be one or more of a visual sensor, a light intensity sensor, a motion sensor, a proximity sensor, an auditory sensor, an olfactory sensor, a touch sensor, a vibration sensor, a temperature sensor, a heat sensor, a smoke sensor, a pressure sensor, a rain or moisture sensor and any combination thereof. It is also possible to provide a plurality of sensors 16, 17, 18 each dedicated to measuring a particular or different environmental parameter. By way of example, the sensors 16, 17, 18 may include a heat sensor and a smoke sensor to aid in potential detection of a fire within close proximity of the interactive terminal 10. In other embodiments, the sensors 16, 17, 18 may comprise a touch sensor and a vibration sensor, which together may be utilised in detecting any vandalism and/or malicious damage, such as graffiti, to the interactive terminal 10. Alternatively, the interactive terminal 10 may include one or more sensors 16, 17, 18 that are configured to measure a single environmental parameter only.

[0040] In one embodiment, the sensor 16 is or comprises a camera. To this end, input from the camera with respect to a user of the interactive terminal 10, if desired, may allow for the the automated determination of one or more demographic parameters of said user, such as age, gender, ethnicity etc. This information, when available, may be utilized by the processor 15 to select or tailor the digital content provided to the user and/or the manner in which that content is delivered. For example, demographically-based advertising can be automatically selected by the processor 15 and subsequently presented on the display 12 to match the perceived demographics of the user.

[0041 ] The interactive terminal 10 further comprises a power supply (not shown) that provides power to the various components of the interactive terminal, including the display 12, the processor unit 14 and the sensors 16, 17, 18.

[0042] The interactive terminal 10, and in particular the processor 15 thereof, may be configured to use any suitable software and/or hardware. From FIG. 2, a bus or other communication spine 24 enables data communication between the functional blocks, including the processor 15, of the interactive terminal 10. Additionally, the processor 15 is operably coupled to a data storage unit 22, which may include, for example, a system memory, a non-volatile memory, a storage device or the like, as are known in the art.

[0043] In particular embodiments, the interactive terminal 10 comprises a substantially stand-alone platform. If desired, however, the interactive terminal 10 may be configured to interact locally or remotely with a broader system, including other resources, servers, entities and even one or more further interactive terminals 10.

[0044] To this end and as demonstrated in FIG. 2, the processor 15 is operably coupled to a network interface 20. So configured, the interactive terminal 1 0 can have access to, for example, an extranet such as the internet. By another approach, in lieu of the foregoing or in combination therewith, such a network interface 20 could permit the processor 15 of the interactive terminal 10 to interact with one or more servers, databases, or other network elements that may comprise part of a private network servicing one or more interactive terminals 10. In this regard, the interactive terminal 10 can be configured to operate in a stand-alone mode or can communicate as desired with any number of interactive terminals 10 in said network. Such a networked architecture can also serve to facilitate regular system operational health checks, predictive maintenance, product inventory monitoring and tracking, and so forth.

[0045] Moreover, such an arrangment allows for the processor 15 to be easily and regularly reprogrammed to accommodate new information, promotions, consumables, or the like. Advantageously, such digital content pertains to the locality hosting the interactive terminal 10, to thereby facilitate geographic-, time- and/or content-specific extensions of its supported functions. If desired, the processor 15 can also be coupled via the network interface 20 to one or more social-networking services or the like, so as to provide a more individualised experience for a user of the interactive terminal 10.

[0046] This might comprise, for example, operably coupling the processor 15 of the interactive terminal 10 to a network interface 20, such as a local area wireless interface (such as but not limited to a Bluetooth-compatible interface), a so-called WIFI interface (supporting one or more 802.1 1 (x)-compatible protocols), or the like. So configured, the processor 15 can communicate with, for example, a Bluetooth or WIFi-enabled Smartphone, personal digital assistant, laptop computer, tablet computer, or the like as carried and utilized by a user who is otherwise interacting with the interactive terminal 10.

[0047] The processor 15 may also receive time and location-specific input from, for example, a central computer system of a broader system via the network interface 20 to facilitate the provision of users of the interactive terminal 1 0 with geographically-based and/or temporally-based notifications or alerts. By way of example, the central computer system may provide the processor 15 with an input as to an approaching severe weather event such as a thunderstorm, from which a notification pertaining to said weather event may be provided by the display 12 and/or audio device 13.

[0048] Additionally or alternatively, the interactive terminal 10 may provide digital content, including advertising content, pertaining to such geographically-, weather- and/or temporally-based notifications or alerts. As an illustrative example in this regard, the processor 15 of the interactive terminal 10, upon receipt of an input from the central computer system as to an approaching thunderstorm, provides digital content on the display 12 directing users to, for example, a local store selling umbrellas or the nearest coffee shop to buy a hot chocolate to watch the passing storm, or the like. In a further example, such geographically-, weather- and/or temporally-based notifications or alerts include event driven digital content so as to notify users of the interactive terminal 10 and passers-by alike of current local events, such as concerts, fireworks, sporting events and so on.

[0049] The interactive terminal 10 can also be configured, if desired, to vend for sale or free consumables, such as free product samples. In the embodiment provided in FIG. 1 , the interactive terminal 10 includes a water dispenser 38 for the provision of water to users thereof. In particular preferred embodiments, water is provided to a user by the water dispenser 38 upon or after interaction of said user with, for example, advertising and/or survey material on the interactive terminal 1 0.

[0050] Such an interactive terminal 10 can also serve to distribute (with or without monetary compensation) soft goods such as, but not limited to, mobile services, communication services, public transport services, library services, and on-line consumer services (such as health and wellness services, party and event planning services, and so forth), and digital media of various kinds (including but not limited to audio content, video content, textual content, graphic content, and so forth). In the embodiment provided in FIG. 1 and 2, the interactive terminal 10 includes a communications device 32, such as a telephone, which may be utilised by a user of the interactive terminal 10 at a subsidized or nil cost upon or after interaction of said user with, for example, advertising and/or survey material thereon.

[0051 ] As demonstrated in FIG. 2, the interactive terminal 10 includes multiple user inputs and/or outputs 40. This may include, for example, wireless communication units, USB ports, a microphone, and a printer. In particular embodiments, these user ouputs provide users with a reward, including sponsored rewards, such as a printed, SMS or email coupon or token, upon interaction with the interactive terminal in the desired fashion so as to trigger the reward.

[0052] In the embodiment provided, the interactive terminal 10 further includes a charging station 36 suitable for the charging of a user's mobile phone, tablet devices, or the like. It would be appreciated that the use of the charging station 36 may be contingent upon the payment of a fee or interaction of said user with, for example, advertising and/or survey material on the interactive display 12.

[0053] The interactive terminal 12 further includes an emergency alert unit 34 coupled to the processor 15. Activation of the emergency alert 34 may, for example, trigger the processor 15 to contact one or more emergency services and/or local security services and provide a visual and/or audible alert notification via the display 12 and/or audio output device 13 respectively.

[0054] In the embodiment provided, an automated external defibrillator (AED) 30 is also provided as a removable component of the interactive display 10. Advantageously, the external defibrillator 30 includes a communication unit for communication, such as by a WiFi or bluetooth connection, with the processor 15, so as to facilitate the automatic transmission of information, such as location and usage information, to the processor 15 upon removal of the external defibrillator 30 from the interactive display 10. In particular embodiments, the external defibrillator 30 is included with global positioning system (GPS) location circuitry, which allows for the transmission of GPS location information to the processor 15. This may assist in providing accurate directions to emergency services or the like to the precise location of the external defibrillator 30 and any relevant incident. One or more sensors 16, 17, 18, such as a camera, may also be able to utilise this information to track or provide a visual overview of any incident associated with the external defibrillator 30.

[0055] It would be appreciated that the interactive terminal 10 of the present invention may be located, for example, proximal to or within a retail venue (such as, but not limited to, a grocery store, a department store, and a shopping mall). Suitably, the interactive terminal 10 is located in a public space such as a city centre or park. Advantageously, the digital content provided by the interactive terminal 10 can vary with the location and/or desired function thereof, but can include, for example, consumer-attraction content (e.g., advertising), information-gathering facilitation content (e.g., surveys, questionairres), delivered-information content (e.g., directory services, navigation or way-finding services), entertainment content (e.g., interactive games or applications), news and weather content and so forth.

[0056] Accordingly, the interactive terminal 10 may be configured to offer entertainment content to engage the interest and imagination of a user thereof. This may include, for example, one or more interactive games or applications (such as those designed for smart phone and/or tablet devices). Additionally, this may include the use of personalized avatars or other backgrounds or components of the displayed interaction (customized by the consumer or not as desired).

[0057] In additional embodiments, the interactive terminal 10 implements gamification of the digital content, and in particular advertising and/or marketing information, provided thereon. In this regard, such gamification may improve user engagement with the digital content provided on the interactive terminal 10. Preferably, such gamification requires interaction by a user with one or more of the aformentioned sensors 16, 17, 18, such as by speech, movement and/or touch. By way of example, sensor 16 can include a laser projector (not shown) which provides a projected image of selected digital content on a surface adjacent the interactive terminal 10, such as a wall or floor, for interaction with in a game-like fashion by one or more users thereof. Additionally, users upon or after interaction with such gamified digital content may be provided with a reward, such as a coupon or token.

[0058] FIG. 3 illustrates a method 300 of for providing digital content and one or more notifications to a user of an interactive terminal, such as the interactive terminal 10, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] At step 305, the interactive terminal comprising a display, an audio output, one or a plurality of sensors and a processor is provided. The one or plurality of sensors may include those hereinbefore described.

[0060] At step 310, the one or plurality of sensors measures one or a plurality of environmental parameters. By way of example, the one or plurality of environmental parameters may include visual stimuli, such as movement, temperature, sound, gas, heat, smoke, moisture, touch and vibration. [0061 ] At step 315, the processor receives the one or a plurality of measured environmental parameters. In particular embodiments, the processor is configured to receive the one or plurality of measured environmental parameters at pre-determined intervals. Alternatively, the processor may be configured to receive a continuous feed or input thereof.

[0062] At step 320, the processor processes the one or plurality of measured environmental parameter to determine the provisioning of at least one of a corresponding visual notification on the display and a corresponding audible notification via the audio output device.

[0063] With regards to the processing of the one or more measured environmental parameters to determine whether the corresponding visual notification and/or a corresponding audible notification are broadcast via the interactive terminal, this may be performed, for example, by comparing the measured environmental parameter with at least one reference value, threshold value and/or rule corresponding to the corresponding visual notification and/or the corresponding audible notification. To this end, if the measured environmental parameter corresponds to the reference value and/or rule and/or is greater or less than the threshold value, then the corresponding visual notification is subsequently provided on the display and/or the corresponding audible notification is provided via the audio output device.

[0064] At step 325, the processor initiates the provision of at least one of the corresponding visual notification and the corresponding audible notification. This may be regardless of the presence or absence of any users having presented themselves at the interactive terminal 10. This may include presenting graphic content, audio content, or both that pertains to the particular alert or notification. By way of example, the rendered notification or alert can be, for example, a graphic representation of the notification or alert intended to attract the eye and/or an alarm intended to attract the ear of passers-by so as to likely engage the curiosity or interest of such passers-by. Such a notification or alert can be looped to permit appropriate repetition thereof.

[0065] Non-limiting examples of measured environmental parameters that the processor may consider warrants a notification include:

• particular user behaviour, such as the gathering of crowds, loitering, the leaving of objects behind and vandalism;

• sounds, such as crowd noise, laughter, breaking glass, screams, screeching tyres or the like;

• potentially harmful atmospheric conditions, such as gas leaks, smoke, excessive heat and extreme weather events.

[0066] There are various ways by which such an interactive terminal can conclude such a notification or alert and return to, for example, an interaction mode or a standby mode. For example, the processor 15 may conclude a notfication or alert when the particular measured environmental parameter associated with inducing or invoking the processor 15 to be in such a mode has returned to a range or value that the processor 15 no longer considers to warrant said notification or alert. By another approach, the alert or notification mode of the interactive terminal 10 may be maintained for a set or defined period of time upon being initiated by the processor 1 5. [0067] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications, and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.