Patent Application
20240265365
The present invention relates to a modular article, and a method of modifying a modular article. In particular, the invention relates to a modular kiosk, and more particularly to a modular self-service kiosk.
Articles such as kiosks provide functionality to users in, for example, a transportation hub such as an airport.
Existing kiosks include various components, some of which may be housed within the kiosk. These kiosks are built with the existing components in mind. In other words, hardware connections and mountings for, for example, computer modules, displays, and dispensing means such as printers or cash dispensers are specifically designed or selected for those components. Such kiosk designs suffer from a number of drawbacks.
Both hardware and software development for kiosks is relatively fast. When new technology is developed, whether it be a single component of a kiosk or many, existing kiosks must be replaced in their entirety, or at least significantly modified even after the kiosk is implemented or installed at, for example, a transportation hub. For example, to modify a kiosk to replace a component, significant dismantling and rebuilding must take place to replace even a single upgraded component. This is both inefficient and expensive.
In addition, kiosk components will often require servicing. In existing kiosks, it is often inconvenient to provide such servicing due to their non-versatile design.
Inventors of the present invention have appreciated the need for a “future-proof” kiosk capable of facilitating the efficient upgrade and servicing of its hardware and software components in order to keep up with technology development without the need to replace or significantly modify the kiosk. In particular, the inventors of the present invention have appreciated that a kiosk, and particularly a self-service kiosk such as an airport self-service kiosk, can be provided that is configured to receive various modules and devices, each of which can be conveniently removed, replaced, or serviced. In doing so, as certain elements of self-service kiosks are designed or improved upon, any new technology or module can be incorporated into the existing modular kiosk without replacing an entire kiosk. This is advantageous in terms of convenience, cost, and for environmental reasons.
The invention is defined by the independent claims to which reference should now be made. Optional features are set forth in the dependent claims.
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular article comprising: a core module including: a back panel and an internal compartment configured to house one or more internal modules and one or more modular devices; a door to the internal compartment coupled to the core module and being configurable to comprise at least one aperture configured to facilitate use of the one or more modular devices in the internal compartment; and an interface portion coupled to the core module, the interface portion having a first portion and a second portion, each of the first portion and the second portion being configured to receive one or more modular interface devices. In other words, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a modular article configured to receive, mount, or house one or more modules or devices either within the interior, or on the exterior of the article, in order to provide desired functionality for an owner or user of the article, whilst allowing the article to be modified, upgraded, or serviced with any new or alternative modules if desired. That is, the modular article according to embodiments of the present invention is conveniently configured to be fully customizable, upgradeable, and/or serviceable.
The core module and the interface portion may comprise a plurality of connection means, the one or more modular devices and the one or more modular interface devices being configured to be releasably securable to the plurality of connection means. The connection means may be any suitable connection means that facilitates releasable attachment of said module or device to the modular article. For example, the attachment means may comprise connection holes such as screw or bolt holes to allow a module or device to be releasably attached with screws or bolts. Where the module or device comprises electrical components, the connection means may comprise means for electrical connection to the modular article.
The core module may further comprise side panels forming sides of the internal compartment. The side panels may be side weldments. That is, at least some of the core module may be formed by a single weldment or single piece of material. The core module may comprise the back panel and the side panels or side weldments, such as two side panels or side weldments. The back panel may be coupled to the side panels, forming the core module. The back panel and side weldments may define the internal compartment configured to house the one or more internal modules and the one or modular devices. In other words, the space between the back panel and the side panels may define the internal compartment.
Each of the side panels may comprise at least one releasable attachment point configured to releasably attach a side panel layer to one or each of the side panels. A side panel layer may be, for example, an advertisement panel or branding panel. By providing the releasable attachment point, an advertisement panel or branding panel (for example) may conveniently and easily be changed. Attachment of the side panel layer may be made more secure by grooves or protrusions on each of the side panels. That is, a groove or protrusion may be provided at or towards the base of one or both of the side panels The side panel layer may slot into the groove or between the side panel and the protrusion, and then subsequently be connected to the releasable attachment point. The side panel layer may be arranged such that, when inserted into the groove or protrusion, the groove or protrusion cannot be seen externally.
The modular article may further comprise a sidecar module releasably attachable to one of the side panels. The sidecar module may be configured to receive one or more modular devices and/or one or more modular interface devices. That is, the sidecar module may be considered an extension of the modular article. This allows additional modules or devices to be incorporated into the functionality of the modular article when such modules or devices may not have been able to fit into the existing article arrangement due to size or space limitations. The releasable attachment between the sidecar module and the modular article may comprise an electrical connection to facilitate use of one or more electrical modules or devices at the sidecar. The sidecar may be releasably attached to either side of the modular article, and a plurality of sidecar modules may be attached to the article.
The core module may further comprise cross members arranged between the side panels, the cross members comprising at least some of the plurality of connection means. The cross members may comprise an elongate portion and a tab at each end of the elongate portion, each tab being substantially perpendicular to the elongate portion, the tabs facilitating connection to the side panels. The cross members may also be formed as the same piece of material as the side panels. The back panel may be coupled to the side panels via the cross members to form the core module.
The door may be configurable to comprise the at least one aperture by arranging one or more removable insert portions to provide an aperture configuration. The insert portions may be made of metal. The desired aperture configuration may correspond to a configuration of modular devices housed in the internal compartment. For example, the one or more modular devices housed in the internal compartment may comprise one or more dispensing means. The one or more dispensing means may comprise one or more of: a boarding pass printer; a bag tag printer; and a receipt printer. Where the internal compartment houses modular devices in the form of printers, such as two printers, an aperture configuration may be provided to facilitate dispensing from the printers. The aperture configuration may then be conveniently adjusted to correspond to the devices or printers in the internal compartment as they are added, removed, or replaced. In some embodiments, the configurable aperture is the only modular or customizable aspect of the door.
Different dispensing means may be of different sizes, allowing for different configurations of different dispensing means. For example, the internal compartment may be configured to house a plurality of bag tag printers or receipt printers, such as three of these printers, but a boarding pass printer may be larger. Therefore, in some embodiments, where the internal compartment houses a boarding pass printer, the internal compartment may only house one of a bag tag printer or receipt printer. In some embodiments, the maximum number of printers the internal compartment may house may be three printers. It will be understood that such an arrangement is exemplary, and any suitable configuration of dispensing means may be used as desired by a customer or user.
The first portion may comprise an interface device shelf configured to receive the one or more modular interface devices, the device shelf being releasably coupled to the core module. The device shelf may be releasably coupled to the core module with a locking mechanism. The device shelf may be interchangeable with one or more device shelves having different configurations to facilitate different configurations of modular interface devices. The first portion may be nearly, but not, horizontal. For example, the first portion may be arranged at an angle of 81.5 degrees to the vertical. By enabling replacement of the device shelf in its entirety, an entirely different configuration of devices may be provided on the device shelf of the modular article. Each differently configured device shelf may have one or more differently configured apertures configured to receive a corresponding modular interface device. In some embodiments, a device shelf may comprise at least one aperture having an aperture cover, which can later be removed and an interface device can be installed, thereby allowing convenient customization in the future without having an open aperture in the device shelf.
The one or more modular interface devices may non-exhaustively comprise one or more of: a passport scanner; a display such as an LCD display; payment means; a card reader; a pin pad such as for a payment card chip reader; a near field communication (NFC) reader; a barcode reader such as an LSR barcode reader; a fingerprint scanner; a lighting device such as a light emitting diode (LED); one or more cameras such as a border kiosk camera; directional buttons; selection buttons; and an audio jack input. The first portion or device shelf may comprise one or more of these interface devices. One or more of the interface devices may be configured to meet ADA requirements, for example an ADA compliant passport scanner. The card reader may be a payment card reader, or may be for authorization such as for a system login. The LEDs may comprise directional arrows configured to illuminate, directing a user to interact with a particular device on the device shelf such as a fingerprint scanner. Alternatively or in addition, the light may comprise an indicator light, configured to indicate that part of the module needs servicing or maintenance. The lighting device may also comprise a camera flash. The display may be an information display, for example to display instructions to a user interacting with the article, or to display branding or advertisement information.
In some embodiments, the second portion may comprise one or more modular interface devices, for example a display such as an LCD display, and a camera. The display may be a touch screen display. The second portion may comprise a face portion and a hinge mechanism configured to allow opening and closing of the face portion, and the modular interface devices may be mounted to the face portion. In some embodiments, one or more modular interface devices may be mounted to the face portion (such as the display) and one or more other modular interface devices may be mounted to the second portion, not on the face portion (such as one or more cameras). For example, the display may be mounted to the face portion and coupled to the core module via the hinge mechanism, allowing the display to be pivoted or opened away from the modular article about the hinge, thereby allowing access behind the display. In this way, the display or other installed modular interface devices may be conveniently serviced or replaced. The hinge mechanism may be located at or towards the base of the face portion. Advantageously, the face portion may be secured in a closed position using one or more connection means such as quick release screws, allowing for fast, convenient access to behind the face portion. The second portion may comprise at least one camera not mounted to the face portion, such as a camera configured for facial recognition. Such a camera may be mounted to the second portion, such as above the display and above the top of the face portion. The second portion may be substantially upright, but not necessarily vertical, for example to allow a user of the modular article to easily view a display on the second portion.
The second portion may also be extended. For example, the second portion of the interface portion may be configured to receive an extension portion, which may extend functionality of the interface portion. In some embodiments, such an extension portion would extend the interface portion vertically upwards. The extension portion may additionally be configured to receive one or more modular interface devices. In some embodiments, the extension portion may receive one or more of a camera device, a display, and an external camera flash. In addition, the position of the extension portion may be adjustable such that the position of a device, for example a camera, may be adjusted. Alternatively or in addition, differently configured extension portions may be coupled to the modular device, providing for interface devices at different locations, such as at different heights to meet the particular needs or a customer or user of the modular article.
The modular article may further comprise a base portion coupled to the core module, the base portion being configured to support the core module and to receive one or more base modules. That is, the base portion can extend the functionality of the modular article by facilitating connection or installation of yet further modules or devices. For example, the one or more base modules may include one or more of: a battery pack; a mobility module; a stability plate; and an adapter module. The battery pack may comprise a battery configured to provide power to the modular article, removing the need for a connection to an external power source. The mobility module may comprise means for conveniently relocating the modular article, such as one or more wheels driven by a motor. The stability plate may be a support plate having a surface area larger than that of the base of the modular article, thereby providing increased stability to a modular article at rest, meeting relevant stability requirements. The adapter module may enable the modular article to adapt to a legacy connection point. Differently configured base portions may be alternatively coupled to the modular article. For example, differently configured base portions may adjust the height of the modular article at rest. The base portion may be configured to meet ADA requirements, such as ADA height requirements.
The one or more internal modules may comprise a processor configured to identify and control the one or more internal modules, the one or more modular devices, and the one or more modular interface devices. The one or more internal modules may comprise a one or more of: computer modules, computer devices, or power modules. The power module may comprise an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), or an IP power bar. The modular article may comprise a computer device configured to control operation of the devices or modules currently installed in the modular article. The internal modules are housed in the internal compartment and may be coupled to the kiosk. For example, the internal modules may be mounted to the base portion, inside the core module's internal compartment. The internal modules may be coupled to the back panel. For example, the internal modules may comprise a power module, and said power module may be coupled to a power switch on the back panel. The back panel may also comprise one or more of a power distribution board, an LED controller, and an adapter, one or more of which may be coupled to one or more internal modules.
In some embodiments, the modular article may be of similar dimensions to a typical self-service kiosk. In some embodiments however, the modular article may be slimmer (have a smaller width) than such an article, for example having half the width of a typical self-service kiosk. This may depend on the needs of a customer or user. For example, where fewer modules and devices are required, a slimmer article may be provided which advantageously takes up less physical space. In some embodiments, the modular article having a smaller width than a typical kiosk may comprise, at maximum, two printers. The modular article having a smaller width may have a display arranged in a portrait orientation. In contrast, in some embodiments, a modular article having similar dimensions to a typical self-service kiosk and being wider than the slimmer modular article may comprise, at maximum, three printers. The modular article having typical dimensions may have a display arranged at a landscape orientation.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a modular article comprising: a core module including: a back panel and an internal compartment configured to house one or more internal modules and one or more modular devices, and an interface portion coupled to the core module, the interface portion having a first portion and a second portion, each of the first portion and the second portion being configured to receive one or more modular interface devices. In other words, a modular article may be provided without the door having configurable apertures according to embodiments described above. Whilst it will be understood that such an article may have a door having configurable apertures as described herein, such a modular article may not necessarily comprise said door, and may instead, for example, have a panel coupled to the core module.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of modifying a modular article comprising: providing a modular article according to any embodiment as described herein; and mounting or installing one or more of: an internal module, a modular device, and a modular interface device to the modular article. The method may also comprise modifying, replacing, upgrading, or servicing one or more of the internal module, the modular device, and the modular interface device.
The core module and the interface portion may comprise a plurality of connection means, and the mounting or installing comprises releasably securing one or more of: the modular device and the modular interface device to at least some of the connection means.
The core module may further comprise side panels forming sides of the internal compartment. Each of the side panels may comprise at least one releasable attachment point, and the method may further comprise releasably attaching one or more of: a sidecar module; and a side panel layer to one or each of the side panels. The method may further comprise mounting or installing one or more modular devices and/or one or more modular interface devices to the sidecar module.
The core module may further comprise cross members arranged between the side panels, the cross members comprising at least some of the plurality of connection means, and the method further comprises mounting or installing the one or more modular devices to the plurality of connection means of the cross members.
The method may further comprise arranging one or more insert portions at the least one aperture to provide an aperture configuration.
The first portion may comprise an interface device shelf releasably coupled to the core module, and the method may further comprise mounting or installing the one or more modular interface devices to the interface device shelf. The device shelf may be releasably coupled to the core module with a locking mechanism.
The method may further comprise replacing the device shelf with a differently configured device shelf configured to facilitate a different configuration of modular interface devices.
The one or more modular devices housed in the internal compartment may comprise one or more dispensing means. The one or more dispensing means may comprise one or more of: a boarding pass printer; a bag tag printer; and a receipt printer.
The second portion may comprise a face portion and a hinge mechanism configured to allow opening and closing of the face portion, and the method may further comprise opening the face portion via the hinge to modify or install one or more modular interface devices. The one or more modular interface devices may comprise a display coupled to the core module via the hinge mechanism.
The method may further comprise coupling a base portion to the core module. The method may further comprise mounting or installing one or more base modules to the base portion. The one or more base modules may comprise one or more of: a battery pack; a mobility module; a stability plate; and an adapter module.
The one or more internal modules may comprise a processor configured to identify and control the one or more internal modules, the one or more modular devices, and the one or more modular interface devices.
The one or more internal modules may comprise one or more computer modules. The one or more modular interface devices may comprise one or more of: a passport scanner; a display such as an LCD display; payment means; a card reader; a pin pad such as for a payment card chip reader; a near field communication (NFC) reader; a barcode reader such as an LSR barcode reader; a fingerprint scanner; a lighting device such as a light emitting diode (LED); one or more cameras such as a border kiosk camera; directional buttons; selection buttons; and an audio jack input.
Embodiments of the present invention have been described. It will be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to the described embodiments within the scope of the present invention.
The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Like features are denoted by like reference numerals.
The following description is of a kiosk application for use by any one of a number of merchants, passengers or users of, for example, airlines, but it will be understood that this application is only exemplary and other applications of the invention will be also be discussed.
For example, embodiments of the invention may also find application in any environment, where users interact with a terminal or computing device. Exemplary environments may include: airport kiosks, parking, ground transportation, gates and check-in areas; buses, hotel check-in/out areas, kiosks and room based ordering services; government services; security, license provisioning, park passes, vendor provisioning; shopping mall, multi-merchant stores or markets, retail order and checkout; car rental kiosks; telephone card dispensing; food court ordering and pickup; takeout and food ordering systems; train ticketing and check-in; cruise terminals; and taxi stands. Embodiments of the invention may have general application in the transportation or travel industries and moreover in any environment where infrastructure is used by a number of different users in, for example, the shipping, rail, and road transportation industries.
An example device will now be described with reference to
In this example, the back panel 103 is coupled to the cross members 115 (and therefore side weldments 111) by means of bolts. It will be appreciated that any suitable method of coupling may be used. Explained in more detail below with reference to
Similarly to the rest of the core module 101, the back panel 103 comprises connection means in the form of holes for mounting or installing devices or modules. The internal modules 117 may include, for example, computer modules, power modules, or electronic modules. For example, the internal modules 117 may include a computer having a processor configured to identify and control the modules or devices installed in the modular article 100. The internal modules 117 may also comprise electrical devices such as a battery pack or power adapter for connection with a mains power supply. The internal modules are coupled to the kiosk, and in this example, to the base of the kiosk explained more below. Where an internal module is an electrical module, the connection means at which the internal modules are coupled to the kiosk may comprise electrical connections for providing electrical connection with the modular article 100. In this example, the internal modules 117 comprise an uninterrupted power supply, a computer device, and an IP power bar.
Conveniently, depending on the needs of a particular customer or user, different configurations of modules and devices may be installed into the modular article, providing the desired functionality. What is more, as technology advances or requirements change, modules and devices may be advantageously updated or replaced without needing to replace the entire article.
The side weldments 111 also comprise releasable attachment points 113 for coupling a sidecar module to the modular article 100, explained in more detail with reference to
In particular, modular devices 107 have been installed. The modular devices 107 are dispensing means, which can be boarding pass printers, bag tag printers, or receipt printers. Depending on the needs of a customer or user, differing configurations of printers may be desired.
In the embodiment illustrated in
The width of the modular article affects the modules and devices that may be installed. For example, in this example, the modular article of
The modular articles of
The modular article of
The modular article also comprises a door 301 to the internal compartment. The door 301 is coupled to the core module by a hinge mechanism 309 and is illustrated in more detail in
The second portion, and in particular the device shelf, is substantially arranged at an angle close to horizontal, but not horizontal, for example an angle of 81.5 degrees to the vertical.
The device shelf 401 is coupled to the core module by a locking mechanism 403. The locking mechanism comprises a smart releasable mechanism with a screw 409 at each side of the mechanism positioned towards the front of the modular article, allowing the device shelf 401 to be conveniently interchanged for a differently configured device shelf 405.
Attachment of the side panel layer is made more secure by a groove or protrusions at or towards the base of the side panels 111 as illustrated in
Whilst the only base module illustrated in
In addition, the base portion 601 illustrated in
ADA requirements, all components potentially requiring interaction with a user may need to be below a particular height. The base portion may have a height such that this is the case.
In practice, a user or customer may be provided with a modular article having any of the features described herein, but may for example comprise the core module, the interface portion, and in some cases the door to the internal compartment. A method of modifying such a modular article may then be carried out. The method comprises mounting or installing one or more of: an internal module, a modular device, and a modular interface device to the modular article.
Broadly, the modular article disclosed provides a structure configured to receive modules and devices, and is capable of having those modules and devices replaced, upgraded, modified, serviced, or maintained, by virtue of the modular articles' modularity. A method of modifying the modular article may therefore comprise the installation of any described module or device, and/or the replacement, upgrade, modification, servicing, or maintenance of any such module or device. Such flexibility removes the need for replacement of the entire article or kiosk when only a particular aspect of the kiosk is to be modified in some way.
Embodiments of the present invention have been described. It will be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to the described embodiments within the scope of the present invention.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2115154.3 | Oct 2021 | GB | national |
This application is a continuation of International Patent Application No. PCT/EP2022/079305, filed Oct. 20, 2022, and entitled “A MODULAR ARTICLE,” which claims the benefit of and priority to United Kingdom Application No. 2115154.3, filed Oct. 21, 2021, and entitled “A MODULAR ARTICLE,” each of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/EP2022/079305 | Oct 2022 | WO |
| Child | 18640942 | US |
