Abstract:
A portable information kiosk. The kiosk has a self contained power supply for a computer, a display, a digital camera, a cellular, satellite capable telephone, an antenna, a printer and a flat bed scanner, all electrically connected to each other and capable of being stored in a small carrying case. A method of deploying the kiosk does not require any attaching of parts together and can be done quickly. The kiosk is ideal for in the field communications and data acquisition, such as in disasters, emergencies, or any in the field environmental monitoring.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/503,483, filed Sep. 17, 2003. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     This invention relates to a portable kiosk having a computer and telecommunications capabilities, and that can be used in the field in an emergency or other remote activity.  
         [0004]     2. Background of the Invention  
         [0005]     Various components and systems currently exist in the marketplace attempting to address the requirements of “Interoperable Communications.” The systems that have the largest range of functional technology are housed within large wheeled or track vehicles. Others are housed within mobile trailer configurations that must be towed to the site. Some of these types of mobile solutions incorporate a vast array of technology enabling “Interoperable Communications” from the physical location of the unit once it is deployed and operational.  
         [0006]     The problem with these solutions is multifaceted, beginning with the technology being housed in a wheeled or track vehicle. Past events such as 9/11 and its aftermath, hurricane Andrew, San Francisco earthquake (1989 Loma Prieta) and the 2003 New York City power grid failure have clearly illustrated the difficulty or impossibility of bringing the capabilities contained in these mobile vehicles to bear on site. Debris, infrastructure failure (bridges), inaccessible roadways, and evacuation routes used by pedestrians make access to the emergency site difficult if not impossible.  
         [0007]     An additional concern with these types of mobile units is the need for electrical power. Some use the vehicle&#39;s engine to provide sufficient electrical power. Others use generators or an array of battery systems, while others still require an external power supply and are dependant on them exclusively.  
         [0008]     Another major issue is the manpower required to deliver, setup and operate these types of mobile response units. Many of the subsystems are not intuitive in use or setup, and must be operated by highly trained and skilled individuals. Deploying these types of mobile response units takes a lot of time, manpower, energy and resources.  
         [0009]     Access to these mobile response units is often reserved for only the highest level of authority. Usage of the mobile response units by front line first responders or on-scene incident commanders are rarely if ever available. Mobile response units are also highly vulnerable to drive train failure. This failure could manifest itself in the form of a flat tire, engine failure, overheating, broken or damaged axles and a host of other mechanical problems or failures.  
         [0010]     The cost of mobile response units is very expensive running as high as several hundred thousands of dollars for a single unit. The high cost of these units is a barrier to the mission goal for acquisition and usage of interoperable communications for national, state, local, and commercial organizations to strengthen homeland security. Other solutions with limited functional technology include the usage of portable computers, cell phones, satellite phones, personal digital assistants and similar devices.  
         [0011]     Some of these solutions combine a number of components packaged into weather resistant transportable cases. These types of devices may include very rugged and powerful laptop computers with ancillary components such as printers and scanners either partially connected or contained within the weather resistant transportable cases to be connected upon need or during setup. Some transportable units require multiple cases to provide the level of interoperable communications required.  
         [0012]     These types of transportable systems are a kludged response of mostly commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) products not specifically designed for the task. However the inherent ability to bring technology to bear directly at the response site is very desirable and is a distinct advantage over mobile response units.  
         [0013]     Current transportable systems have many shortcomings and fail to adequately provide a comprehensive solution to the problem. Some of the problems include the inability to operate in varied environmental conditions ranging from daylight readability through extreme climate conditions.  
         [0014]     Many of the accouchements, subsystems (telephone, printer, scanner) can be cumbersome to connect and can easily be separated from the unit (i.e.: A user walks away with the cell phone). On site, many cables, connectors and subsystems must be connected or deployed for the transportable system to operate successfully. Many of the subsystems are not intuitive to use or setup and must be operated by highly trained and skilled individuals. These various subsystems also require a variety of separate battery supplies and charging systems for  
         [0015]     These types of transportable systems also require the user to locate a table or platform to place the unit upon or otherwise it must be placed directly on the ground and operated from a kneeling or other difficult position. General public usage is not viable due to the configuration and layout of these current transportable systems. This inherent design limitation fails to address the entire life cycle requirement of an event, which includes usage by the general public for relief aid processing and community restoration. The man-machine interface is not well thought out. Ease of use or access by individuals with a disability or operation while wearing a decontamination suit or winter clothing has not been adequately addressed or access provided. The costs of these types of transportable systems are highly dependent on the peripherals and configuration of the unit, ranging in price from fifteen thousand dollars to over fifty thousand dollars per unit.  
         [0016]     The current systems have not yet supplied the emergency response community with the technology that it needs for this mission. For example, the kiosk in U.S. Pat. No. 6,289,326 to the Applicant does not fold away into a small case, and does not have the telecommunications technology needed for on the field monitoring. Therefore, what is needed is a more portable kiosk that also has telecommunications capabilities so that information can be gathered and sent and received from a remote location in the field.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0017]     It is therefore, an object of the present invention to provide for an improved interoperable communications device that solves the above problems.  
         [0018]     It is also an object of the present invention to provide a portable kiosk that has telecommunications functions along with data gathering functions.  
         [0019]     It is further an object of the present invention to provide a kiosk that can be folded into a relatively small water and air tight compartment for transport.  
         [0020]     It is further an object of the present invention to provide a kiosk with integrated functions of a keyboard, a flat bed scanner, a telephone, a wireless LAN, a GPS receiver, a cellular voice/data communications module, a satellite voice/data communications module, a display, a printer, a computer, a card reader, a bar code reader, a biometric ID fingerprint scanner, a digital camera, speakers, battery power supply, an antenna in a single kiosk that is portable and does not require much skill or time to set up and store away.  
         [0021]     It is further an object of the present invention to provide a method for deploying and a method for folding away the above interactive kiosk where no parts need to be assembled and the kiosk can be easily folded away.  
         [0022]     These and other objects may be achieved by a kiosk that has telecommunication functions, data input and output functions, and computer functions. In particular, the portable kiosk of the present invention has 1) a battery power supply, 2) electronics for recharging, 3) a computer with hard disk drives, 4) an LCD display that is touch sensitive, 5) a keyboard, 6) a scanner, 7) a GPS, 8) a digital video camera, 9) a printer, 10) cellular and satellite communications, 11) radio communications, 12) internet connections, 13) fingerprint readers and card readers for security and 14) accessibility to disabled persons. All of these features are present in a kiosk that can be easily folded into a water-tight and air-tight compartment that is about 24.5 inches wide, 27.5 inches long and only 18.5 inches high.  
         [0023]     This device is known as the “Rapid Deployment Portable Interactive Kiosk” or RDPiK. It is a comprehensive solution answering the need for a unified interoperable communications delivery platform designed to meet the mission critical requirements of homeland security. Further, this device provides incident commanders, first responders, federal, state and local agencies and commercial organizations with an effective communications platform to effectively plan for pre-incident action, respond to actual events and provide general public access for relief aid processing and the restoration of community services. The RDPiK is designed for the entire life cycle of an emergency event. These and other objects can be achieved by the Rapid Deployment Portable Interactive Kiosk (RDPiK) that is at its core a folding, portable interactive kiosk designed for indoor and outdoor use. This device measures (approximately) 24.5″ wide×27.5″ length×18.5″ height in its folded and closed position and weighs under 95 lbs fully configured and easily fits in the trunk of most vehicles and can be shipped by commercial overnight carriers. The RDPiK is man portable with built-in heavy-duty handles and lifting/tie down rings. A telescoping handle extends for ease of handling and leverage to move or steer the RDPiK on the integral oversized wheels or casters. The external structure of this unit is constructed of a rotationally molded polyethylene resins case. The case is securely closed with molded-in stainless steel catches, strikes and hinges. It is an airtight and watertight case complete with an integral pressure relief valve and is designed to survive handling mishaps and to keep the internal electronic components safe and functional meeting military specifications. The case has molded in ribs and channels for self-alignment when stacking multiple units. The case features skid resistant ribs on the base to assure stable operation. Deployment is straightforward and assisted by internal gas pistons and engineered lifting mechanisms. To deploy the RDPiK one simply rolls the unit into position, unlock the catches on the exterior case structure and open the case. One then presses the single button locking mechanism, and the unit will automatically unfold to its first position; pressing the same button again then releases the screen/keyboard/scanner assembly from its stowed positing rotating into its deployed state. No time is wasted waiting for the system to startup, as it is designed for instant on usage and is automatically activated when deployed. All peripherals are pre-connected and configured for immediate usage. This device does not require any special equipment or talent to deliver to the site, setup or deploy. The entire electronics complement of the unit “floats” in three-dimensional sway space within the external case structure suspended on vibration and shock dampening isolators. During the deployment process the electronics complement engages a pair of “stud bolts” firmly locking and restricting the movement of the electronics complement to the case structure itself. The nested structural folding struts are machined from aircraft quality anodized aluminum. In addition to the inherent strength to weight ratio of this material it also possesses highly desirable decontaminable properties consistent with the mission critical design. The RDPiK when deployed is designed as a full function kiosk and stands at 54″ tall overall permitting ease of usage by persons either standing or seated (i.e. wheelchair user) for man machine interface with the technology. The following is a list of the major components and features: Battery Supply: This device features an internal self-contained, Lithium-ion polymer cell battery supply capable of operating in excess of 4 hours under full load usage without any external power source. Hot swappable battery modules are also available. Power Electronics: External power input for operation or recharging is accomplished through the use of a sophisticated power input regulation module that permits AC or DC, Military or Civilian power sources to be used worldwide. Additional sources for recharging options include a folding portable solar panel charging module. Computer System: Ultra-rugged personal computer designed for low weight factor and high-end performance that offers expanded functionality from multiple digital and analog inputs and outputs for usage and connectivity. The hard disk drive is shock mounted and is available as a solid-state drive. LCD Display: Sunlight readable LCD monitor incorporating thermal management and auto-dimming. The touchscreen is designed to work with a gloved hand in the harshest of environments. A video out connector is provided for external connectivity to other display devices. Video: A digital video camera is located on the unit enabling video conferencing from on site. An additional wireless video camera system is optionally available for the transmission and review of remote live video feeds. Keyboard/Scanner: The keyboard is a highly rugged, waterproof design backlit for nighttime operations. The keyboard assembly functions as the lid mechanism for the digital flatbed optical scanner system located directly below. The flatbed scanner is capable of scanning passports, books, and small objects as well as traditional sheet paper items. Global Positioning System: The unit has an integrated GPS capable of providing the precise location of the unit deployment. When the line of site to the sky is obstructed, a remote antenna pod is deployable from the unit. Printer: The integrated printer offers a compact and highly versatile roll fed design that can print complete website pages, text, bar codes, graphics and maps. Access to the printed material is through a sealed access door located at the front of the deployed unit. This access door can be left closed while operating protecting the printed material from the elements until needed. Telecommunications: Secure, reliable and redundant telecommunications are achieved through integrated cellular and satellite communication modules controlled through the computer system.  
         [0024]     Encryption technology is optionally available. Radio Communications: Tactical interoperability is achieved by linking up to 3 radio groups (i.e.: 800 Mhz, VHF, UHF) to this unit. As responding agencies arrive on scene, they place their portable radio into the unit and connect a single cable and it instantly links disparate radio systems permitting simultaneous communications. Encryption technology is optionally available. Data Communications: Secure, reliable and redundant data communications are achieved through integrated cellular and satellite data modules controlled through the computer system. Wireless connectivity (802.11) is incorporated in the system together with external hardwire connectivity options. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is available through these modules. Encryption technology is optionally available. Identification: Validation of user or identification can be achieved through a multitude of formats. Integrated components in this unit include: digital camera, smart card insert reader, magnetic stripe card reader, barcode reader and fingerprint reader. Other traditional forms of access are also available including password keyboard entry. Accessibility: Cross disability access is gained through the use of a combination of tools including: keyboard, touchscreen, pointing device and sound system. Incorporated in this unit is the patented EZ Access system developed by Dr. Gregg Vanderheiden of the University of Wisconsin, Trace R&amp;D Center. The following reference patents by Dr. Vanderheiden: 
    “Touchscreen for the vision impaired,” U.S. Pat. # 6,384,743, May 7, 2002     “Control Panel for Individual with Disabilities”, U.S. Pat. # D451,482, Dec. 4, 2001     “Flexible access system for touchscreen devices”, U.S. Pat. # 6,049,328, Apr. 11, 2000 The multi-role mission critical requirements for homeland security require a comprehensive solution answering the need for a unified interoperable communications delivery platform. The RDPiK represents the evolution in technology required to fulfill this mission critical objective from pre incident planning and training through event response and finally to community restoration. The current technology cannot compare to the complete embodiment of these features and solutions contained in the RDPiK. This unit is designed to take full advantage of technology upgrades when they become available. The module design of integrated components permits ease of upgrade to the latest technology in computers, processors, power supply and communications. This insures that an investment in the RDPiK will provide a valued system for years beyond the initial state of the deployed technology.   
 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0028]     A more complete appreciation of the invention, and many of the attendant advantages thereof, will be readily apparent as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference symbols indicate the same or similar components, wherein:  
         [0029]      FIG. 1  illustrates a front-right view of the inventive deployed kiosk according to the principles of the present invention;  
         [0030]      FIG. 2  illustrates a front-left view of the deployed kiosk of  FIG. 1  with the scanner and not the keyboard in use according to the principles of the present invention;  
         [0031]      FIG. 3  illustrates the kiosk in a closed and in a portable case according to the principles of the present invention;  
         [0032]      FIG. 4  illustrates a front view of the inventive deployed kiosk according to the principles of the present invention;  
         [0033]      FIG. 5  illustrates a back view of the deployed inventive kiosk according to the principles of the present invention;  
         [0034]      FIG. 6  illustrates a left side view of the deployed inventive kiosk according to the principles of the present invention;  
         [0035]      FIG. 7  illustrates a left back view down onto the deployed inventive kiosk according to the principles of the present invention; and  FIG. 7A  is a detail view in conjunction with  FIG. 7 .  
         [0036]      FIGS. 8, 9  and  10  illustrate the method for deploying and closing the inventive kiosk according to the principles of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0037]     Turning to the figures,  FIG. 1  illustrates the Rapid Deployment Portable Interactive Kiosk (RPPiK)  100  according to the principles of the present invention. The kiosk  100  in  FIG. 1  is in a fully deployed position. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , keyboard  230  is disposed 35 inches off the ground. Keyboard  230  is preferably a spill proof keyboard. Behind keyboard  230  is an EZ Access™ section 508 ADA compliant interface  290  enabling persons with limited hand use and/or limited or no vision to use the kiosk. To the left of keyboard  230  is a telephone handset  240 . Telephone handset  240  has a volume control and has a jack for a headset. The telephone handset  240  along with the other features of the kiosk can enable the user to command and control teams of people in an emergency. To the right of keyboard  230  is biometric ID  220 . Biometric ID  220  is a fingerprint scanner that is used to either grant or deny access of certain persons to the kiosk. The biometric ID  220  can provide usage authorization, ID comparison and validation and process records. Behind keyboard  230  is LCD panel  110 . The LCD panel  110  is preferably a daylight readable touch screen display that can even be activated by a person using gloves. About display  110  is a brushed aluminum housing that is maintenance free for ease of cleansing or decontamination and thermal management. At a top edge of the LCD panel  110  is a digital camera  250 . Digital camera can be used for ID comparison, validation, and for video conferencing. On either side of camera  250  are stereo speakers  255 . At one end of the top edge of the LCD panel  110  is antenna  170 . Antenna  170  is used for GPS (global positioning system) as well as cellular, satellite and wireless communications. On a front side of the kiosk  100  is a sealable opening  210  where paper from the printer can come out. Also illustrated in  FIG. 1  is a card reader  190  for smart cards and magnetic stripe cards allowing access to the kiosk to certain persons.  
         [0038]     Turning now to  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 2  illustrates the color scanner  270  disposed underneath keyboard  230 . In order to access scanner  270 , keyboard  230  is rotated about first axis  310  towards LCD panel  110  exposing scanner  270 . Scanner  270  is preferably a digital flatbed color scanner with a clutch lid assembly. The scanner can be used to scan insurance records, photographs of missing persons, small objects and for facsimile or photocopying purposes.  
         [0039]     Turning to  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 3  illustrates the kiosk completely folded up and ready for transport. Preferably, the dimensions of the container illustrated in  FIG. 3  are 24.5 inches wide, 27.5 inches long and only 18.5 inches high. Preferably, the container is both airtight and water tight, and contains a low altitude pressure relief valve. Also, the case is preferably resistant to physical or mechanical shock and is thus compliant with Mil-Std-810. The weight of the loaded container is 95 lbs. Handle  260  is disposed at one end of the container for transport. At an opposite end are a pair of casters  220  (not illustrated in  FIG. 3 ) for transport.  
         [0040]     Turning to  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 4  illustrates a front view of the kiosk when fully deployed. LCD panel  110  is open and the top side  180  of the case is upright. Handle  260  is towards the front of case bottom  160 . Handle  260  is a retractable handle and is designed to remain partially exposed in the deployed position to assist in stabilizing the device.  FIG. 5  illustrates a backside of the kiosk. Paper roll  150  is disposed near opening  210  in the top portion  180  of the case. The paper supply  150  is capable of housing rolls as large as 8½ inches wide and 1200 feet long. The paper  150  is a daylight stable paper. The paper  150  is fed into the printer (not illustrated) that is a high-peed printer with high-resolution graphics capability. The printer can be used to print forms and applications, directions and maps as well as instructions. The printed image is fed through slot  210  on the front side of the kiosk. Also on the backside is a rugged designed computer  145 . The computer  145  can connect to the Internet via the antenna  170 , or the external communications pod  330 . The computer  145  is capable of running many software applications and also allows access to material safety data sheets and preplanned response information. This computer  145  is electrically connected to display  110 , the printer, the keyboard  230 , and all of the other electronic components in the kiosk. Computer  145  is a highly rugged design and contains a minimum of moving parts. Also visible in the rear view of  FIG. 5  are casters  220  also face a backside of bottom case  160 .  
         [0041]      FIG. 6  illustrates a side view of the fully deployed kiosk. As can be seen in  FIG. 6 , the LCD panel  110 , the keyboard  230  and the scanner  270  all rotate around first pivot  310 . Further, the top portion  180  of the case rotates about second pivot  320 . The first pivot  310  and the second pivot  320  are used to open and close the kiosk. A key advantage of the kiosk  100  of the present invention is that the user does not need to assemble the kiosk. Instead, the kiosk is deployed by folding upper portion  180  of the case about second pivot  320  and the LCD panel, the keyboard  230  and the scanner  270  about the first pivot  310 . The method for opening and closing the kiosk will later be described in conjunction with  FIGS. 3 and 8 - 10 .  
         [0042]     Attention is now directed to  FIG. 7 , which is a backward-side view of the fully deployed kiosk. When fully deployed, the battery  280  and the power electronics  290  are visible inside the bottom casing  160 . Also visible is a line of site communications pod  330  disposed in the lower casing  160 . It is to be appreciated that the battery  280  is a Lithium-ion polymer cell or other self-contained power source allowing for four hours (or more) of usage. Power electronics  290  are for allowing the battery  280  to be recharged from an external power source. The external power source can be either a civilian or military power source and can be AC or DC. Also visible in  FIG. 7  is a close-up of external line of site communications pod  330  with an end portion of the 100 foot tethered cable  325  connected to the communications pod  330 . Reference numeral  345  denotes the hard point mount that locks the floating deck  350  to the case when the kiosk is deployed so that the kiosk electronics complement becomes rigidly fastened to the case structure. Reference numeral  345  denotes a gas piston. At first pivot  310  is a button that enables opening of the kiosk.  
         [0043]     It is to be understood that the kiosk  100  is not limited only to those components described above. For example, the kiosk can be modified for other additional uses. One example is to attach an air sampling and monitoring equipment as well as water and solid testing and sampling units that can be used in emergencies as well as in non-emergency situations for nuclear, biological, chemical or environmental monitoring. Other modifications could be sampling, testing and analyzing radiation levels in the air, water and soil and reporting the same over the internet or telephone to a more secure location in both emergency and in non-emergency situations. Such situations can include measuring radiation levels after a bomb is dropped, after an incident at a nuclear power plant, or after a nuclear experiment. One example is to have the kiosk specially equipped to connect air sampling and analyzing devices to the kiosk to test the air quality around a collapsed building or to monitor and measure the radiation levels after a bomb is dropped. The kiosk can then relay the results to a large number of places using the Internet or other telephony means.  
         [0044]     A method of opening and closing the kiosk will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 3 and 8 - 10 . Turning to  FIG. 8 , kiosk  100  is illustrated in a fully deployed position. In order to close the kiosk  100 , a button at pivot  310  is pushed while display  110 , keyboard  230  and scanner  270  are all rotated about first pivot  310  as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . The unit has nested struts  368  that extend upward during deployment. After being fully rotated, the entire frame  360  including the paper roll  150  and the display  110  and the keyboard  230  and the scanner  270  are rotated about second pivot  320  as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . Lastly, the cover  180  is closed onto base  160  as illustrated in  FIG. 3 .  
         [0045]     A method of opening is essentially the reverse of the method of closing. Cover  180  is rotated open, the frame  360  along with the paper roll  150 , the display  110 , the keyboard  230  and the scanner  270  are all rotated about second pivot  320 , and then the display  110 , the keyboard  230  and the scanner  270  are rotated about first pivot  310  to arrive at the fully deployed kiosk as illustrated in  FIG. 8 . It is further noted that the method for opening and closing the kiosk does not require any assembly or attaching of parts. Therefore, the process of opening and closing does not require any special skills or tools and can be accomplished quickly.  
         [0046]     While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.