Abstract:
A kiosk includes a first display and a second display. An interactive interface is also included to allow a user to interact with the kiosk and select content for display on the second display. A computing device is operatively coupled to the first display, second display and interactive interface for storing content for display on the first and second displays and for responding to input by the user on the interactive interface. A connection, operatively coupled to the computing device, is provided for interacting with a user&#39;s portable device. The first display, second display, interactive interface, computing device, and connection are enclosed and supported in an enclosure. Advertising content is stored on the computing device for display on the first display, and interactive content is stored on the computing device for display on the second display. A network of the kiosks includes a central server and a plurality of the kiosks operatively connected to the central server to provide two-way data flow between the central server and a kiosk and between a kiosk and the central server.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/287,111, filed Dec. 16, 2009. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention is a kiosk of the variety commonly found in airports, railroad stations, and other public places through which large numbers of people pass on a daily basis. More specifically, the present invention is a kiosk combining content and convenience including digital content available for transfer to a portable device; connectors for charging portable electronic devices, including, but not limited to, tablet devices, such as the Apple iPad, cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and music and gaming devices; providing advertisements, news, weather, travel schedules and other targeted useful information; providing coupons and offers relevant to the location and user; and collecting and aggregating data related to those using it. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    Kiosks are familiar fixtures in public places having a high volume of pedestrian traffic, and have been used for selling railroad tickets and the like in locations of this type. 
         [0006]    In recent years, the use of cellular telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet devices, netbooks and laptops, has grown to such a level that most working people have at least one of these portable devices, and many have several. Typically, these portable devices and others are sold with adapters for charging the batteries in the devices. The adapters, typically, include a transformer, rectifier, and connector, which fit into the device, and plug into a standard electrical outlet. In use, the adapter converts the AC electrical power supplied through the electrical outlet to DC power at considerably lower voltage for charging the battery in the portable device. 
         [0007]    As anyone owning such a device can attest, the battery may require charging at the most inconvenient time, such as, when one is traveling and has left the required adapter at home. The owner of the device may then find himself in an unfortunate position, unable to make or receive telephone calls or to send or receive e-mail messages while away from home or office. The present invention has been designed to address this need felt, at one time or another, by all who own such devices. 
         [0008]    Prior attempts to address this need are disclosed in several prior-art references, specifically British Publication No. GB 2 395 847 A, U.S. Pat. No. 5,744,933, International Publication No. WO 97/10638 A2, European Publication No. EP 0 905 962 A1, British Publication No. GB 2 379 547 A, U.S. Pat. No. 5,544,784, German Publication No. DE 100 64 960 A1, and British Publication No. GB 2 440 007 A. Each of these prior-art references shows a kiosk able to charge cell phones, but fails to show the enhanced functionality required as our society becomes more mobile, information-dependent and Internet-based. 
         [0009]    While it is apparent that battery charging kiosks are known in the art, the present multi-function kiosk system provides many additional functions not previously available to users of kiosks, or the convergence of mobility and content that our world increasingly requires. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    Accordingly, the present invention is a kiosk which comprises a first display, a second display, and interactive interface for allowing a user to interact with the kiosk and select content for display on the second display. Computing is operatively coupled to the first display, second display and the interactive interface for storing content for display on the first and second displays, and for responding to input by the user on the interactive interface. A connection, operatively coupled to the computing is included to enable the kiosk to interact with a user&#39;s portable device. The first display, the second display, the interactive interface, the computing and the connection are enclosed and supported within an enclosure. Advertising content is stored on the computing means for display on the first display, and interactive content is stored on the computing for display on the second display. 
         [0011]    The present invention is also a kiosk network which includes a central server and a plurality of the kiosks, which are operatively connected to the central server to provide two way data flow between the central server and a kiosk and between a kiosk and the central server. 
         [0012]    The present invention has as one goal to provide a solution to this long-felt need for a multi-function kiosk system providing many additional functions not previously available to users of kiosks, along with the convergence of mobility and content that our world increasingly requires. It does so through a convergent kiosk, which provides content and functionality to mobile users and their portable electronic devices. One feature available is the charging of cellular phones, PDAs, or other personal electronic devices in busy public places. Other features include advertising, information on train and airplane schedules, local restaurant information, downloading of digital media content, and use of data relating to users of the kiosk, which provide revenue to its owners from advertisers and those interested in mining and aggregating the data for advertising and marketing uses. As will be discussed below, these additional functionalities are tailored to the location where the kiosk is disposed and operated. In the discussion to follow, the use of the kiosk in a newsstand in an airport will be highlighted as an example, although it should be understood that that the potential locations are much broader. In particular, the kiosks can be placed in fixed locations, such as pharmacies, universities, train and bus stations, and other retail locations, but can also be mobile event-driven kiosks, such as at a trade show, Super Bowl, or political convention. 
         [0013]    Moreover, the present invention is much more than merely a kiosk for charging batteries in cell phones and PDAs, but is a system for advertising and selling a large number of products and services; providing targeted content and offering digital media downloads. The system is customizable in that it may be varied and tailored to the location of the kiosk. In this broad context, the cell phone charging capability of the kiosk, as well as a large display which continually displays advertising and location-specific video content, are intended to attract users to the kiosk, so that they may respond to the advertisements displayed thereon immediately by using the kiosk, and, in so doing, provide personal data about themselves for subsequent use by advertisers. In addition, there is an ability to provide offers or coupons for the kiosk&#39;s setting and proximate locations. 
         [0014]    The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combinations of elements and arrangements of part and processes which will be exemplified in the constructions and processes as hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    The present invention will be described below with frequent reference being made to the following figures. 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  is a functional block diagram of a kiosk in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a functional block diagram of a system of kiosks in accordance with the invention dispersed in a variety of locations; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the kiosk of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a view of what might be displayed on the touch screen of the kiosk before user interaction; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a view of the first image seen by a user of the kiosk on the touch screen when interaction is begun; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is the first image seen by the user after choosing the phone charge function; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  shows the beginning of the terms of use displayed on the touch screen; 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  shows another portion of the terms of use; 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is the image seen by the user after accepting the terms of use; 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is the image seen by the user after entering a four-digit secret code; 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is the image shown on the touch screen after the user has touched the “UNLOCK” icon in  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  is the image shown on the touch screen after the user has touched the “FINISH” icon in  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  is the first image seen by the user after choosing the retrieve phone function; 
           [0029]      FIG. 14  is an image of a warning shown to the user when retrieving a cell phone; 
           [0030]      FIG. 15  is the image seen by the user after touching the “OK” icon in  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 16  is the image seen by the user after entering a four-digit secret code; 
           [0032]      FIG. 17  is the image shown on the touch screen after the user has touched the “UNLOCK” icon in  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 18  is the first image seen by the user after choosing the flight information function; 
           [0034]      FIG. 19  is the image seen by the user after touching the “Departures” icon in  FIG. 18 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 20  is the image seen by the user after touching the “Departure Times” icon in  FIG. 19 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 21  is the image seen by the user after touching the “Find Another Flight” icon in  FIG. 19 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 22  is the image seen by the user after touching the “Arrivals” icon in  FIG. 18 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 23  is the image seen by the user after touching the “Arrival Times” icon in  FIG. 22 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 24  is the image seen by the user after touching the “Find Another Flight” icon in  FIG. 22 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 25  is the first image seen by the user after choosing the news function; 
           [0041]      FIG. 26  is the image seen by the user after touching the “WORLD CLOCK” icon in  FIG. 25 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 27  is the image seen by the user after touching the “SPORTS” icon in  FIG. 25 ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 28  is the image seen by the user after touching the “BUSINESS” icon in  FIG. 25 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 29  is the image seen by the user after touching the “WEATHER” icon in  FIG. 25 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 30  is the image seen by the user after touching the “US” icon in  FIG. 29 ; 
           [0046]      FIG. 31  is the image seen by the user after touching the “STOCKS” icon in  FIG. 25 ; 
           [0047]      FIG. 32  is the image seen by the user after choosing a particular stock in  FIG. 31 ; 
           [0048]      FIG. 33  is the first image seen by the user after choosing the help function; 
           [0049]      FIG. 34  is an image seen by the user on the touch screen after the image in  FIG. 33  has been displayed for several minutes; and 
           [0050]      FIG. 35  is a view of a media cards reader and several types of memory devices which may be used therewith. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0051]    In preferred embodiments of the invention, the kiosk has several key components.  FIG. 1  is a functional block diagram illustrating the components of the kiosk  100 , and  FIG. 2  is a functional block diagram of a system  140  of kiosks  100  dispersed in a variety of locations. 
         [0052]    With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the kiosk  100  includes a structural enclosure  102 , which may enclose one or more computers and other hardware components in an attractive manner for location in a public place. Alternatively, the computer or computers may be located remotely, that is, not within the structural enclosure  102 , and may in such a case operate the kiosk  100  through a communication means  104  within the enclosure  102 . 
         [0053]    The kiosk  100  also includes an interactive interface  106 , which can be a touch screen, keyboard or both, or other interface including a voice-activated interface; and a large display  108  for use in connection with advertising. 
         [0054]    For the purposes of the present discussion, the computer  110  within the structural enclosure  102  comprises a first computer  112  and a second computer  114 . First computer  112  may be used to control the interactive interface  106  and display  108 . Communication means  104 , which may be wired or wireless, enables first computer  112  to remain in communication with a central control computer  150  at another site, whereby it may update the advertisements shown on the display  108 , and possibly extending onto the interactive interface  106 , with location- and time-specific content. At the same time, communication means  104  forwards data on the use of the kiosk  100  to the central control computer  150  for subsequent analysis. WiFi communication means  116  and Bluetooth communication means  118 , both also operatively connected to first computer  112 , enable users of the kiosk  100  to communicate with the kiosk  100  using their own mobile devices, so that those devices may function as an extension of the interactive interface  106 , thereby enabling several users to interact with the kiosk  100  at the same time, so that, for example, the users may make purchases at the retail outlet where the kiosk  100  may be located. In this way, the likelihood of a line forming at a kiosk  10  with the consequence that people will leave the location out of frustration may be reduced. The WiFi or Bluetooth communication may be limited to communications with the kiosk  100  itself, or may enable full Internet communication, as desired. In some preferred embodiments, the user would use the kiosk interface screen on his or her portable device&#39;s screen. 
         [0055]    Second computer  114  may be dedicated to storing media content for download onto user devices. Such local storage will enable extremely fast downloads of media content to be provided to users. Alternatively, or in addition to local media storage, content may be downloaded onto user devices over the Internet from the central control computer  150  through the communication means  104 . 
         [0056]    Users may obtain digital media for their portable electronic devices, either by media download means  120 , which transfers the digital content directly onto the portable electronic devices, or by media card reader  122 , which downloads the desired digital media onto one of the commonly used memory devices, which may be attached, plugged into, or inserted in the user&#39;s portable electronic device. 
         [0057]    Kiosk  100  also includes a charging means  124  for charging the battery in a user&#39;s portable electronic device, such as a cell phone, personal digital assistant, such as a Blackberry, netbook, or the like. Kiosk  100  further includes a printer  126 , which may be used to print coupons, offers, tickets, photographs, e-mail messages, and any other content that a user may obtain by using the kiosk, in color or in black and white. In addition, a scanner  128  is included to enable a user to scan any barcode, uniform product code (UPC), coupon, boarding pass, enabling the kiosk  100  to print an offer or e-mail it to the user. 
         [0058]    A camera  130  is also included in the kiosk  100 . The camera  130  may be used to characterize the actual audience in front of the kiosk  100  at any given time, in terms of gender and age, and can be used to offer picture taking and printing, and for security purposes. It may also be employed to target audiences for gender and/or age specific advertisements. 
         [0059]    Finally, a magnetic card reader  132  is provided so that a user may pay for such purchases as digital content with credit or debit cards. 
         [0060]    The possible locations for the kiosk  100  and variety of functions with which it may be provided are very broad. Reference is now made to  FIG. 2 , which is a functional block diagram of a system of kiosks  100  dispersed in a variety of locations. That only four are shown, it should be understood, is for the purpose of illustration. In reality, many kiosks  100  are dispersed in a variety of locations of different types. 
         [0061]    The system  140  of kiosks  100  includes central control computer  150  at a location remote from the kiosks  100 . The central control computer  150  is in communication with the dispersed kiosks  100  through wireless or wired communication means included in each. In a currently preferred embodiment, the communication means in each kiosk  100  updates the central control computer  150  on its activity every five seconds, keeping track of every action made using the interactive interface  106  of each kiosk  100  by users. Information provided by users, such as their e-mail addresses and other pertinent personal information, namely, addresses, telephone numbers, genders, ages, income levels, which they may input into the kiosk  100  via the interactive interface  106 , is also transmitted to the central control computer  150 . Each kiosk  100 , as previously noted, includes a camera  130 , which may be used to take and transmit an image of the user to the central control computer  150 . The image may then be analyzed to determine and profile the individual user&#39;s gender and approximate age. All of this information will then be available to mine people&#39;s preferences, target advertising and advertisements, by brand, by time, by user, and can also be monetized by “selling” the information to advertisers or other companies that monetize personal information, such as blast lists, AMEX, and others. 
         [0062]    Local communication at the site of a kiosk  100  may also include communication between the kiosk  100  and a location computer  160 , that is to say, a computer at the specific location of the kiosk  100 . Such a computer  160  may be one tied into the cash registers at a retail outlet, such as a newsstand. When this particular capability is provided, a user of the kiosk  100  may respond to an advertisement shown on the display  108  for a product available at the retail outlet by purchasing it at the kiosk  100 , perhaps using a credit or debit card, by printing out a receipt using the printer  126 , and by presenting the receipt at the cash register after finding the item of interest in the retail outlet. 
         [0063]    With reference to  FIGS. 3 through 35 , the embodiment and functionality in connection with a current preferred embodiment of the kiosk system as used in one specific type of location, that of a newsstand in an airport, is shown. The various functions that will be described below are tailored to that location, but would not necessarily be used in a location of another type. The user may log on to the kiosk system, if a certain functionality is required. One way to log on is to enter an e-mail address, which may be checked to verify that it is a current working address by the computer, before the user is able to proceed. 
         [0064]    Turning now to these figures,  FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a kiosk  210  of the present invention. The kiosk  210  includes a display  212  on which a variety of information may be displayed to passersby, such as greetings from the proprietors of the location of the kiosk  210  and advertisements. 
         [0065]    Display  212  may, for example, be a high-definition 46-inch screen (diagonally measured and having a 16:9 ratio) mounted in a vertical or portrait orientation and having stereo sound capability. Screens of this variety may be obtained from NEC Display Solutions of Itasca, Ill., or from other high definition TV monitor display manufacturers. The entire screen area may be used to display the desired images, or the screen area may be divided into top, middle and bottom portions, or other configurations, where separate images, perhaps coordinated, may be displayed. 
         [0066]    The display  212  may be used to display advertisements or other images and information in a loop of any desired overall length. Individual advertisements may, for example, be of any desired length, and presented in a full-screen or split-screen format as suggested above. Other content, such as news or stories of local interest, may be interspersed with the advertisements. Advertisements may also be displayed based on the interactions the user has with the kiosk  210 . 
         [0067]    For example, a four-minute repeat loop may be used for display  212 . Such a repeat loop may include 1.5 minutes of original programming, such as site-specific information, and ten 15-second advertisements, all repeating fifteen times per hour. The site-specific information, which may be marketing and promotion for the location of the kiosk  210 , will then repeat fifteen times per hour. 
         [0068]    The kiosk  210  in a currently preferred embodiment includes two computers  112 , 114 , one of which controls display  212  and stores the information being displayed thereon. The kiosk  210  may be configured such that the same computer controls the information displayed on touch screen  214 . In such a case, the information displayed on the display  212  may extend downwardly to continue in a coordinated manner on touch screen  214 . Kiosk  210  further includes a touch screen  214 ; several charging drawers  216 , in which cell phones, PDAs, or gaming devices may be connected for charging; a bar-code scanner  218  for reading one- or two-dimensional bar codes; a printer  220  within kiosk  210  for printing a receipt or other output; stereo speakers  222 ; a magnetic card reader  224  for credit and debit cards; a media card reader/writer  226 ; and a digital camera  228 . 
         [0069]    Touch screen  214  may, in a currently preferred embodiment, be a Planar PT 22 Touch Screen which is available from Planar Systems, Inc. of Beaverton, Oreg. Touch screen  214  is a 22-inch touch screen (diagonally measured) having a 16:9 length-to-width ratio. It is used in a horizontal or landscape orientation in the kiosk  210 . Different sizes and configurations are possible depending on the anticipated use. 
         [0070]      FIG. 4  is a view of what may be displayed on touch screen  214  before a user has begun to interact with kiosk  210 , KEO being a provider of the kiosk  210  and Hudson News, which operates newsstands in many airports in the United States, refers to a location of the kiosk  210 . When the user has decided to interact with the kiosk  210 , he or she touches the screen as instructed, and is presented with an image like that shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0071]    Arranged across the bottom of the image shown in  FIG. 5  are icons relating to various functions of the kiosk  210 . The labels on the icons are self-explanatory: the user would press one of them to charge or retrieve a telephone or other device, or to obtain required information. It should be understood that the kiosk  210  may be provided with additional functions beyond those indicated. In that event, additional icons would be arranged along the bottom of the touch screen  214 . Some of those additional functions will be discussed below. 
         [0072]    For the moment, let us assume that the user wishes to have the battery in his or her cell phone or PDA charged. To proceed, the user would touch the phone charge icon  230 . Having done so, the touch screen  214  may display an image like that shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0073]    In  FIG. 6 , the user is presented with four additional icons corresponding to the four charging drawers  216  of the kiosk  210  and arranged in corresponding relative positions. It will be noted that one of the four additional icons indicates that the charging drawer  216  on the lower right-hand side is in use. The user, then, must use one of the remaining three charging drawers  216 . If it should happen that all four of the charging drawers  216  are in use, all four additional icons will so indicate. The user then has the choice of touching one of the other icons arranged across the bottom of the touch screen  214 , or of walking away. If he or she does the latter, the touch screen  214  will display the image shown in  FIG. 4  after a suitable amount of time. 
         [0074]    If the user touches one of the other three icons in  FIG. 6 , he or she will be presented with the “KEO CONNECT™ TERMS OF USE AND PRIVACY POLICY” shown in the image displayed in  FIG. 7 . It will be noted that these “Terms of Use” are nine pages long, page  3  being shown in  FIG. 8 . The user may scroll back and forth through these “Terms of Use” using the arrows at the bottom of the right-hand side of the image if he or she touches the “Read” icon, but, in any event, must touch either the “Accept” or “Decline” icons. If he or she touches the “Decline” icon, he or she will not be able to charge a device and, after a suitable amount of time, the touch screen  214  will again display the image shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0075]    Assuming that the user has touched the “Accept” icon, the image shown in  FIG. 9  will be displayed. This image requests the user to enter a four-digit secret code, which will be needed to retrieve the telephone to be charged. The “Delete” icon functions like a backspace to correct errors; the “Cancel” icon is used if the user has changed his or her mind about recharging. Having entered a four-digit secret code, the image shown in  FIG. 10  is shown. By touching the “UNLOCK” icon, the previously chosen charging drawer  216  will be unlocked. In a sense, the word “drawer” is a misnomer because the charging drawer  216  does not open and close like a drawer in a piece of furniture. Rather, the charging drawers  216  are more like compartments or “cubbies”, which are accessed by opening doors in a downward direction at the four indicated places on the front of the kiosk  210 . 
         [0076]    Having touched the “UNLOCK” icon in  FIG. 10 , the image shown in  FIG. 11  appears on the touch screen  214 .  FIG. 10  includes an image of the inside of one of the charging drawers  216 , each of which includes seven charging adapters labeled “A” through “G”. Charging adapters “A” through “F” are the six most commonly used adapters for cell phones and PDAs, accommodating all of the most popular cell phones and PDAs, such as Blackberries. The seventh charging adapter “G” is of the type used to charge the Nintendo DS portable gaming system. The user must hold the door open and connect his or her cell phone, PDA, or gaming system to the appropriate charging adapter. Once the device is connected, the door is closed, and the charging compartment  216  locks automatically. 
         [0077]    When the door is closed, and the “FINISH” icon in  FIG. 11  is touched, the touch screen  214  displays the image shown in  FIG. 12 , advising the user that the charging drawer  216  is locked. When the user touches the “OK” icon, the charging session begins, and the user can leave the kiosk  210  and allow the device to be charged for the time available to the user. 
         [0078]    When the user wishes to retrieve the device being charged, he or she must return to the kiosk  210 . The touch screen  214  will appear as shown in  FIG. 4 , and, when the touch screen  214  is touched, it will appear as shown in  FIG. 5 . The user will then touch the retrieve phone icon  232 . The image shown in  FIG. 13  will then be shown on the touch screen  214 . 
         [0079]    Of course, the user must remember not only the four-digit secret code entered when the device was left for charging, but also the charging compartment  216  it was left in, as two of the four charging compartments  216  are indicated as being in use. Once the user makes his or her choice, the touch screen  214  displays the image shown in  FIG. 14 . The message on the touch screen  214  is important because, assuming that the user looked at his device and saw that further charging was required, if he or she simply left it there for further charging and shut the door, the previously chosen four-digit secret code would no longer work and the device could not be retrieved. That is why the user is told, by the image in  FIG. 14 , to start a new charging session in the manner described above, and to touch the “OK” icon to proceed. 
         [0080]    Then the user is presented in  FIG. 15  with an image like that shown in  FIG. 9  with instructions to enter the previously entered four-digit secret code (PIN), and, when this has been done successfully, the user is presented in  FIG. 16  with an image like that shown in  FIG. 10  with instruction to touch the “UNLOCK” icon to retrieve the device. When the “UNLOCK” icon is touched, the touch screen  214  shows the image in  FIG. 17  saying that the charging drawer  216  has been unlocked. 
         [0081]    If the user is interested in obtaining flight information, he or she can touch flight information icon  234 , as shown in  FIG. 5  and subsequent figures, to obtain the image on the touch screen  214  shown in  FIG. 18 .  FIG. 18  shows an airport-specific listing of flight departures within several minutes before and after the current time. At this point, the user can either search for information on departures or arrivals by touching the appropriate icons on the touch screen  214  in  FIG. 18 . When the “Departures” icon in  FIG. 18  is touched, additional departures are shown in an image like that of  FIG. 19 . 
         [0082]    On the right-hand side of the image shown in  FIG. 19  are additional icons for departure times and for finding another flight. If the “Departure Times” icon is touched, the user is presented with the image shown in  FIG. 20 . Using the touch screen  214 , the user can then search for any flights departing at a specific time. 
         [0083]    On the other hand, if the “Find Another Flight” icon is touched, the user is presented with the image shown in  FIG. 21 . Using the touch screen  214 , the user can then search for any specific departing flight by airline code and flight number. 
         [0084]    Similarly, when the user is viewing the initial flight information image in  FIG. 18 , he or she can search for information on arrivals by touching the “Arrivals” icon on the right-hand side of the image below the “Departures” icon. Having done so, arrivals within several minutes before and after the current time are shown in an image like that of  FIG. 22 . 
         [0085]    On the right-hand side of the image shown in  FIG. 22  are additional icons for arrival times and for finding another flight. If the “Arrival Times” icon is touched, the user is presented with the image shown in  FIG. 23 . Using the touch screen  214 , the user can then search for any flights arriving at a specific time. 
         [0086]    On the other hand, if the “Find Another Flight” icon is touched, the user is presented with the image shown in  FIG. 24 . Using the touch screen  214 , the user can then search for any specific arriving flight by airline code and flight number. 
         [0087]    If the user is interested in obtaining news, he or she can touch the news icon  236 , as shown in  FIG. 3  and subsequent figures, to obtain the image on the touch screen  214  shown in  FIG. 25 . 
         [0088]    Referring more particularly to  FIG. 25 , it will be noted that there are several new icons arrayed across the bottom of the touch screen  214 . Firstly, by touching the “BACK” icon at any time, the user will be returned to the image on the touch screen  214  shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0089]    By touching the “TOP NEWS” icon, the user can, by touching the “Prev” and “Next” icons, scroll through the most current top news stories, which are obtained by means of an RSS feed and updated at two-minute intervals. 
         [0090]    By touching the “WORLD CLOCK” icon, the user will be shown an image like that appearing in  FIG. 26 . The image is of a world map divided into twenty-four time zones. The user may touch the image at a particular point to find the time at a location within the particular time zone. 
         [0091]    By touching the “SPORTS” icon, the user will be shown an image like that appearing in  FIG. 27 . By touching the “Prev” and “Next” icons, the user will be able to scroll through the most current sports stories, which are also obtained by means of an RSS feed and updated at two-minute intervals. 
         [0092]    By touching the “BUSINESS” icon, the user will be shown an image like that appearing in  FIG. 28 . Again, by touching the “Prev” and “Next” icons, the user will be able to scroll through the most current business stories, which are also obtained by means of an RSS feed and updated at two-minute intervals. 
         [0093]    By touching the “WEATHER” icon, the user will be shown an image like that appearing in  FIG. 29 . The user can obtain a five-day weather forecast for a U.S. or foreign city by touching the appropriate icon. Assuming that the “US” icon was touched, an image like that in  FIG. 30  appears on the touch screen  214 . The user then enters the name of the city using the touch-screen keyboard, and, if the city is among those available, a five-day forecast will appear on the touch screen  214 . When the “INTERNATIONAL” icon in  FIG. 29  is touched, an image similar to that in  FIG. 30  appears to permit the user to enter the name of a city outside of the United States in a similar manner. 
         [0094]    Finally, by touching the “STOCKS” icon, the image in  FIG. 31  appears on the touch screen  214 . When the user enters a ticker symbol, an image like that shown in  FIG. 32  appears to provide the latest data on the stock in question. By touching the “MORE” icon in  FIG. 32 , the user will be returned to the image shown in  FIG. 31  and enabled to enter another ticker symbol. 
         [0095]    As stated above, the user may touch the “BACK” icon at any time to exit from the news function and return to the image shown in  FIG. 5 . If it should happen that the user needs help, he or she may touch the help icon  238  shown in  FIG. 5  and in subsequent figures. Help might be required, for example, if a user cannot retrieve his or her cell phone because it is locked in a charging compartment  216 , and the user has forgotten the four-digit secret code previously chosen. 
         [0096]    When the help icon  238  is touched, the image shown in  FIG. 33  is displayed on the touch screen  214  to direct the user to a clerk at the location of the kiosk  210 . After several minutes have passed, the image shown in  FIG. 34  appears. If the “Yes” icon is touched, several more minutes will be obtained. If the “No” icon is touched, or if neither icon is touched, the touch screen  214  will return to the image shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0097]    Additional functions may be included in the kiosk  210  either with or instead of those discussed so far, depending on the location of the kiosk  210 . For example, a currency converter function, with a specific icon on the touch screen  214  may be included for the convenience of travelers in airports. If the kiosk  210  is located in a train station, rather than in an airport, particularly in Europe where travel by train in more widespread than in the United States, train schedules with arrivals and departures and relevant track numbers may be provided in a manner similar to the flight information discussed above. 
         [0098]    Media downloads are another function that may be included on the kiosk  210 . To this end, a media card reader/writer  226  has been included in the kiosk  210 . Media card reader/writer  226  may, for example, be an XM-35U media card reader which is available from Atech Flash Technology, Inc. of Fremont, Calif. As shown in  FIG. 35 , media card reader  240  is designed to download content onto several types of memory devices, namely, the xD-picture card  242 , the micro SD  244 , the SD digital card  246 , the mini SD  248 , the USB flash drive  250 , the compact flash drive  252 , the microdrive  254 , the memory stick  256 , the duo  258 , and the M 2   260 . The kiosk  210  may be equipped to dispense these devices for users with appropriate payment. In addition, where media download capability is included in the kiosk  210 , one of the four charging drawers  216  may also be devoted to media downloads, instead of cell phone charging. In that event, the seven charging adapters “A” through “G” previously described would be replaced by three connectors, namely, a mini connector, a micro connector, and a thirty-pin dock connector, the latter of which is used by Apple devices. Other suitable connectors can be added to fit the demand. Content, including movies and other video, music, books, magazines, newspapers, may be provided by one or more media vendors. 
         [0099]    The content, of course, is generally available for purchase. In order to make the necessary payment for this and other functions of the kiosk  210 , the magnetic card reader  224  is provided for payment by credit and debit cards. 
         [0100]    As noted earlier, the kiosks  100  of the present invention may be situated in a wide variety of locations other than newsstands in airports. For example, the kiosks may be dispersed in car rental sites, where they might provide those renting cars with information on local places of interest and with directions. 
         [0101]    Universities are also suitable locations. There, information and advertising targeted to the student population may be used to attract students to the kiosks  100 , which may be used to offer debit cards to the students. Pharmacies are another example; there, the advertisements would optimally relate to items actually being sold at the pharmacy, and may include directions to the aisle in the store where the item is displayed for sale. In a pharmacy setting, it would also be appropriate that the kiosk  100  have a health information function, enabling the user to obtain health-related information, such as from an Internet site like WebMD, which might ultimately direct the user to specific products sold in the pharmacy. Kiosks  100  located in stadiums might be provided with seating charts and information on future events, so that a user may purchase tickets for those events using the kiosk  100 . Kiosks  100  may also be provided temporarily, on a truck or other suitable vehicle, for use at a special event, such as the Super Bowl, U.S. Open, or a political convention. It should be understood that the functions shown on the touch screen  214  would be tailored to the specific location of the kiosk  100 , and would not necessarily be identical to the functions at other locations. In short, the kiosk  100  is customizable for use at a given location. A single Kiosk  100  can also be formed with multiple separate faces with their own screens and interface for multiple concurrent users. 
         [0102]    The system  140  is also able to send e-mail messages to users to convey information of interest, such as information about ultimate travel destinations, or the best restaurants at a current location; this kind of information can be sent directly to the user&#39;s portable electronic device. 
         [0103]    The data mining aspects of the present invention include e-mail address recognition; a user loyalty club, like a “Frequent Flier Club”, and other revenue models as well, such as CPM, cost per click, cost per lead, cost per activation, and so forth. 
         [0104]    The e-mail capability of the kiosk system will also tie in with social networking and with onsite activation and engagement. The kiosk system&#39;s unique positioning and touch-screen capability will allow users to interact with the advertisement shown on the display  108 , 212 , the content, the applications and the offers. All this can be done while the user is getting a free phone charge. 
         [0105]    The kiosk and the website will utilize social networking tactics. The user will “check-in” at each KEO kiosk, and then can “like” KEOCONNECT and KEO on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and other similar sites. 
         [0106]    The kiosk system will offer customers the ability to purchase movies, books, magazines, newspapers, videos, songs, periodicals, and other digital content. Anything available in hard copy will be available digitally, instantly if it is resident and local in the machine and not a download over the Internet. Rather, in such a case, it will be a transfer, to the customer&#39;s media stick, memory cards or directly into their device. 
         [0107]    The touch screen  214  tracks every touch point touched on the touch screen and every advertisement that plays on the display  212 , so that the operators of the kiosk system will know how many people charged their phones, how many checked their flight, weather, and so forth up to the second. 
         [0108]    The kiosk system will host all of the data it collects in its own database at a central control computer or server  140  located off-site for data-mining purposes. 
         [0109]    It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent in the preceding description, are efficiently obtained, and, since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense. 
         [0110]    It is also understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.