Patent Description:
Therefore, it is desirable to provide a system or method that avoids the shortcomings of conventional approaches.

A contact-less check-in system is provided as defined by claim <NUM>.

In some embodiments of the contact-less check-in system, at least one of the display or the housing originate from a contact-required check-in system.

In some embodiments of the contact-less check-in system, the display is configured as a touchscreen display, wherein a touch function of the touchscreen may be deactivated based on an administrative input
In some embodiments of the contact-less check-in system, the communication module is configured to perform wireless IEEE <NUM> protocols to facilitate communication between the kiosk and the user device.

In some embodiments of the contact-less check-in system, the communication module is configured to determine if the user device is configured in an access position.

In some embodiments of the contact-less check-in system, the input signal is configured as an infrared signal.

In some embodiments of the contact-less check-in system, a soft copy of a boarding pass is downloaded to the user device based on the one or more input signals.

In some embodiments of the contact-less check-in system, the contact-less check-in system is configured to access biometric data from the user device.

In some embodiments of the contact-less check-in system, the user device comprises a fingerprint scanner, wherein the contact-less check-in system can access the fingerprint scanner.

In some embodiments of the contact-less check-in system, the user device is configured to download and execute an application from the contact-less check-in system, wherein the application enables the user device to access the contact-less check-in system.

In some embodiments of the contact-less check-in system, the application is configured to facilitate communication between the user device with kiosks from different airlines and having different graphical user interfaces.

Before explaining one or more embodiments of the disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the embodiments are set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings, and defined by the appended claims.

A contact-less check-in system is disclosed. The system is configured as a kiosk that facilitates checking in of customers/users (e.g., passengers) without the need to touch any part of the kiosk, including the display, utilizing the customer's user device, such as a smart phone. The system may use infrared technologies to communicate between the kiosk and the user device. The system may utilize legacy or traditional touchrequired kiosks that have been modified via hardware and software updates to add touchless capabilities.

<FIG> is a drawing illustrating a system <NUM> for contact-less check-in shown being used by a customer <NUM> (e.g., user), in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The system includes a kiosk <NUM> configured with a housing <NUM>. The kiosk <NUM> may be configured for any type of check-in or identification use. For example, the kiosk <NUM> may be an airport kiosk that facilitates the checking in of passengers before flights. For instance, the kiosk <NUM> may be configured to print of boarding passes and/or baggage tags for commercial air flights. In another example, the kiosk may be configured as a check-out kiosk at a store, such as a grocery store or convenience store, or goods store, or any other business or organization that requires a user's identification for checking out. In another example, the kiosk may be configured as a check-in kiosk for services. For instance, the kiosk may be configured as a check-in kiosk for a hospital, a clinic, a library, a secure building, or any building or structure that requires an identification of a user for entry.

In some embodiments, the kiosk <NUM> includes one or more displays <NUM> configured to display information to the user, and facilitate the input of user information into the system <NUM>. For example, the display may display relevant flight information to a passenger. The display may be configured as any type of display, including but not limited to cathode ray tube displays, flat panel displays, and touchscreens.

The kiosk <NUM> may further include or be communicatively coupled to a printer <NUM>. For example, the printer <NUM> may print out boarding passes and baggage tags based on the input provided by the customer <NUM>.

In embodiments, the kiosk <NUM> further includes a communication module <NUM> communicatively coupled to the kiosk <NUM> and configured to facilitate communication with a user device <NUM> being used by the customer <NUM> via a signal <NUM>. The communication module <NUM> includes hardware (e.g., electronic circuitry) software and/or firmware that enable the kiosk <NUM> to receive data from the customer <NUM>. The communication module <NUM> may include any type of wireless communication technology (e.g., hardware, software, or firmware). For example, the communication module <NUM> may include communication technology configured to performing WIRELESS IEEE <NUM> protocols including but not limited to WIFI, Bluetooth, BLE, WiMAX, and ZigBee. For instance, the communication module <NUM> may include a Bluetooth-enabled transceiver allowing direct communication between the kiosk <NUM> and the user device <NUM>. In another instance, the communication module <NUM> may include a WIFI-enabled transceiver that communicates with the user device <NUM> through a router. The user device <NUM> may include any communication device including but not limited to a cell phone, a tablet, or a computer (e.g., such as a laptop computer).

In some embodiments, the communication module <NUM> may include communication technology configured to perform infrared (IR) based communication. For example, the communication module <NUM> may include an IR receiver configured to receive IR signals from a user device, such as cell phone configured with an infrared blaster (e.g., IR blaster), or a smart remote. For instance, a cell phone utilizing the IR blaster may be configured to access a displayed screen on the display by executing a downloadable application (e.g., an IR blaster application). Using the IR blaster application, the customer <NUM> may navigate through various screens within a graphical user interface (GUI) of the display <NUM>, and input data into input boxes within the GUI (e.g., name, address, destination) through virtual or physical keys of the user device <NUM>.

The user device <NUM> may also navigate through the GUI of the display <NUM> via an application configured for wireless IEEE <NUM>-based communication. For example, a downloadable and executed application may facilitate the user device <NUM> to send data directly to the communication module <NUM>, where the display <NUM> is then updated based on the input data. The application may also send a real-image of the display <NUM> to the screen of the user device <NUM> (e.g., mirror casting). In this manner, the customer <NUM> may need only look at the screen of the user device <NUM> to control and see the information displayed on the display <NUM>. IR blasting and mirror casting both can be accomplished in existing kiosks that require the touch of a customer via software/firmware updates and relatively low-cost hardware updates.

In some embodiments, the system <NUM> is configured to facilitate communication between the user device <NUM> and different kiosks <NUM> from different airlines via a single application. For example, for many airline kiosks, software that correlates the pressing of a key on a virtual keyboard on a kiosk touchscreen with a letter or number is not considerably different between different airlines, and many kiosk vendors use similar software for general operation of touchscreens. Therefore, an application downloaded onto a user device <NUM> may be configured to control kiosks from different airlines that use similar kiosk technology.

In some embodiments, the system <NUM> is configured to determine whether the customer <NUM> is in an access position <NUM> from the kiosk <NUM>. For example, in crowded terminals with multiple kiosks <NUM>, the system <NUM> may determine the relative position of the customer <NUM> to the kiosk <NUM> as a way of assuring that the correct customer <NUM> is using the correct kiosk <NUM> (e.g., the customer is at an access position <NUM>). The system may use any method for determining the position of the customer <NUM> including but not limited to the use of wireless IEEE <NUM> protocols. For example, the kiosk <NUM> may utilize a Bluetooth or BLE protocol to communicate with the user device <NUM> to assure that the customer <NUM> is within approximately <NUM> meters of the kiosk <NUM>. In another example, the kiosk <NUM> may be configured to know its location, or determine its location via accessing a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), which upon communication with the position data available on the user device <NUM>, would be able to determine the relative position of the kiosk <NUM> to the user device. Alternatively, the kiosk <NUM> may be configured to allow a customer to access the kiosk remotely (e.g., not in the immediate area), and download a virtual boarding pass. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the embodiments of the present disclosure but merely as an illustration.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating electrical components of the system <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The system also includes a controller <NUM> communicatively coupled to one or more components of the system <NUM> (e.g., the display <NUM>, the communication module <NUM> and/or printer <NUM>), and configured to perform the functionality described within. The controller <NUM> may include one or more processors <NUM>, memory <NUM>, and a communication interface <NUM>.

The one or more processors <NUM> may include any processor or processing element known in the art. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the term "processor" or "processing element" may be broadly defined to encompass any device having one or more processing or logic elements (e.g., one or more micro-processor devices, one or more application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) devices, one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or one or more digital signal processors (DSPs)). In this sense, the one or more processors <NUM> may include any device configured to execute algorithms and/or instructions (e.g., program instructions stored in memory). In one embodiment, the one or more processors <NUM> may be embodied as a desktop computer, mainframe computer system, workstation, image computer, parallel processor, networked computer, or any other computer system configured to execute a program configured to operate or operate in conjunction with the system <NUM>, as described throughout the present disclosure. Moreover, different subsystems of the system <NUM> may include a processor or logic elements suitable for carrying out at least a portion of the steps described in the present disclosure. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the embodiments of the present disclosure but merely as an illustration.

The memory <NUM> can be an example of tangible, computer-readable storage medium that provides storage functionality to store various data and/or program code associated with operation of the controller <NUM> and/or other components of the system <NUM>, such as software programs and/or code segments, or other data to instruct the controller and/or other components to perform the functionality described herein. Thus, the memory can store data, such as a program of instructions for operating the system <NUM> or other components. It should be noted that while a single memory <NUM> is described, a wide variety of types and combinations of memory <NUM> (e.g., tangible, non-transitory memory) can be employed. The memory can be integral with the controller, can comprise stand-alone memory, or can be a combination of both. Some examples of the memory <NUM> can include removable and non-removable memory components, such as randomaccess memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory (e.g., a secure digital (SD) memory card, a mini-SD memory card, and/or a micro-SD memory card), solid-state drive (SSD) memory, magnetic memory, optical memory, universal serial bus (USB) memory devices, hard disk memory, external memory, and so forth.

The communication interface <NUM> can be operatively configured to communicate with components of the controller <NUM> and other components of the system <NUM>. For example, the communication interface <NUM> can be configured to retrieve data from the controller <NUM> or other components, transmit data for storage in the memory <NUM>, retrieve data from storage in the memory <NUM>, and so forth. The communication interface <NUM> can also be communicatively coupled with controller <NUM> and/or system elements to facilitate data transfer between system components.

<FIG> is a block diagram of a method <NUM> for receiving check-in documentation from a contact-less kiosk via wireless IEEE <NUM> protocols, in accordance with one or more examples. The check-in documentation may include any type of information transmitted to a customer after the customer has presented identification credentials including but not limited to boarding passes, baggage tags, bank accounts data, subscription data, and purchase data.

In some examples, the method <NUM> includes a step <NUM> of connecting the user device <NUM> to the kiosk <NUM> via the communication module <NUM>. For example, the customer <NUM> may connect to the kiosk <NUM> via a network connection. For instance, the customer <NUM> may connect to the kiosk <NUM> via a WIFI network connection specific for the kiosk <NUM>. The customer <NUM> may need to be located in an access position <NUM> relative to the kiosk (e.g., for retrieving a printed information from the printer <NUM>), or may not need to be in close vicinity with the kiosk <NUM> (e.g., for downloading a virtual boarding pass).

In one or more examples, the method <NUM> further includes a step <NUM> of opening a browser application on the user device <NUM> and loading a webpage correlating to the kiosk <NUM>. For example, once a link between the user device <NUM> and the kiosk <NUM> has been established the user device <NUM> may be prompted automatically or by a user to open a browser application and load a webpage corresponding to the kiosk <NUM>. The browser application may be a common application used by the customer <NUM>, or a kiosk-specific browser application. The user device <NUM> may also and initially be prompted to download a kiosk-specific application and/or open the kiosk-specific application.

In one or more examples, the method <NUM> further includes a step <NUM> of screen mirroring images from the kiosk display <NUM> onto the screen of the user device <NUM>. For example, the check-in screen of an airline kiosk display <NUM> may be casted over to the user device <NUM>. Wireless screen mirroring may be accomplished using various hardware devices from various vendors including but not limited to Wireless Display (WiDi), vended by the Intel Corporation, Airplay, vended by the Apple Inc. , Miracast (e.g., also known as SmartShare, AllShare Cast, Screen Mirroring, and Display Mirroring), and Chromecast, vended by Google LLC. Wireless screen mirroring may be accomplished using various software solutions including but not limited to AirServer, Reflector, and AirBeam.

In one or more examples, the method <NUM> further includes a step <NUM> of inputting information into the user device <NUM>. For example, once the check-in screen of the display <NUM> appears on the screen of the user device <NUM>, information (e.g., name, identification number, or flight number) may be inputted onto the user device <NUM> by the customer <NUM>. This information may then be updated simultaneously on the display <NUM>.

In one or more examples, the method <NUM> further includes a step <NUM> of receiving documentation from the kiosk <NUM>. The documentation may include any type of information including but not limited to a boarding pass or a baggage tag. The documentation may be printed out via the printer <NUM> or downloaded onto the user device <NUM> (e.g., as a digital file, or soft copy).

In one or more examples, the method <NUM> may further include a step <NUM> of determining whether the user device <NUM> is located at an access position <NUM>. As described herein, IEEE <NUM> waveforms (e.g., WIFI, Bluetooth) may be used to locate the position of the user device <NUM>, and determine if the position of the user device <NUM> is at the access position <NUM> (e.g., a position that assists in confirming that a specific user device <NUM> is near a specific kiosk <NUM>). Determining an access position may prevent a user device <NUM> from accessing an incorrect kiosk <NUM>, particularly if there are several kiosks <NUM> within a small space.

In one or more examples, the method <NUM> may further include a step <NUM> of using biometric information to authenticate a user device <NUM>. For example, the kiosk <NUM> via the communication module <NUM> and the application on the user device <NUM> may be able to access a fingerprint sensor (e.g., fingerprint scanner) on the user device <NUM>. The kiosk <NUM> may then request that the customer <NUM> scan their finger using the fingerprint sensor, and the resultant scan is compared to a known scan of the customer's fingerprint to confirm identification.

The step <NUM> may use other forms of biometric information to authenticate a user device using cameras on either the kiosk <NUM> or the user device <NUM> to take photos that are then compared to a known scan. Biometric information retrieved by the system <NUM> may include but not be limited to handprints, retinal scans, and facial recognition data.

<FIG> is a block diagram of a method <NUM> for receiving check-in documentation from a contact-less kiosk through an IR transmitter (e.g., IR blaster), in accordance with examples. The check-in documentation may include any type of information transmitted to a customer after the customer has presented identification credentials including but not limited to boarding passes, baggage tags, bank accounts data, subscription data, and purchase data.

In some examples, the method <NUM> includes a step <NUM> of approaching the kiosk <NUM> with the user device, the user device <NUM> configured with an IR transmitter. IR transmitters (e.g., IR blasters) are incorporated into the cell phones and other mobile devices (e.g., Xiaomi phones and some Android devices). Dedicated IR blaster devices are also available that can connect to mobile phones (e.g., via the audio jack). The distance between the user device <NUM> and the kiosk <NUM> must be short enough to allow an IR receiver on the kiosk <NUM> to competently receive the IR signal from the IR transmitter on the user device <NUM>. The IR transmitter on the user device <NUM> may be configured to communicate with the IR receiver on the kiosk <NUM> at any distance including but not limited to <NUM> meters, <NUM> meters, <NUM> meter, two meters, three meters, five meters, or ten meters.

In some examples, the method <NUM> includes a step <NUM> of initiating communication between the user device <NUM> and the kiosk <NUM>. For example, upon receiving an IR signal from the IR transmitter, the IR receiver on the kiosk <NUM> (e.g., as part of the communication module <NUM>) initiates a communication protocol (e.g., executes a software program) granting the user device <NUM> access to the kiosk <NUM>, including the display <NUM>. Initiating communication may also require downloading an application onto the user device <NUM> that facilitates communication with the kiosk <NUM>. The application may be previously downloaded (e.g., via airport WIFI or other sources), may be downloaded directly via an IEEE <NUM>-type signal transmitted from the kiosks, or may be triggered to be downloaded via an IEEE <NUM>-type signal from the kiosk or other site based on an initiating IR signal from the user device <NUM> that is received by the kiosk <NUM>.

In some examples, the method <NUM> includes a step <NUM> of entering information into the kiosk <NUM> via the user device <NUM>. For example, once access has been granted to the user device <NUM>, a user may remotely move a cursor on the display <NUM> to a region of interest (e.g., via navigation keys designated on the user device <NUM>), such as to an entry blank. The customer <NUM> may then key in information into the entry blank using the keypad on the user device <NUM>.

In some examples, the method <NUM> includes a step <NUM> of receiving documentation from the kiosk <NUM>. The documentation may include any type of information including but not limited to a boarding pass or a baggage tag, which may be printed out via the printer <NUM>. The method may also include steps of determining whether the user device is located at an access position <NUM> or using biometric information to authenticate a user device <NUM> as described above.

<FIG> is a block diagram of a method <NUM> for converting a contact-required check-in kiosk (e.g., a kiosk <NUM> that requires human contact for operation) to a contact-less check-in kiosk <NUM> in accordance with one or more examples. Kiosks <NUM> in airports and other settings are relatively expensive to purchase and install. Therefore, replacement of an entire older, contact-required check-in kiosk with an entirely new, contact-less check-in kiosk <NUM> may be undesirable. Converting an older, contact - required check-in kiosk to a contact-less check-in kiosk <NUM> (e.g., keeping the display, housing and/or other components of the older, contact-required check-in kiosk), may incur less labor and cost inputs.

In some examples, the method <NUM> includes a step <NUM> of installing hardware into the contact-required check-in kiosk, wherein the hardware is configured to facilitate the reception of input signals from a user device <NUM>. For example, a WIFI transceiver or other IEEE <NUM>-related component may be installed into the contact-required kiosk and configured to communicate with the user device <NUM>. Installation of a WIFI transceiver/IEEE <NUM>-related component into the contact-required kiosk may involve plugging in or otherwise connecting a WIFI transceiver/IEEE <NUM>-related component, a daughterboard or card containing a WIFI transceiver/IEEE <NUM>-related component, or a motherboard containing a WIFI transceiver/IEEE <NUM>-related component to the electronic circuitry of the kiosk <NUM>. In another example, an IR receiver may be installed into the contact-required kiosk that is configured to communicate with the user device <NUM>. Installation of the IR receiver into the Kiosk <NUM> may include plugging in or otherwise connecting an IR receiver, a daughterboard or card containing an IR receiver, or a motherboard containing an IR receiver to the electronic circuitry of the kiosk <NUM>.

In some examples, the method <NUM> includes a step <NUM> of installing software into the contact-required check-in kiosk. The software comprises instructions stored into memory that when executed by one or more processors, cause the contact-required check kiosk to perform several tasks. For example, the instruction may include receiving input signals from a user device <NUM> via the hardware. For instance, the instruction may include receiving a WIFI signal or IR signal that originated from the user device <NUM>. In another example, the instruction may include transmitting one or more display signals to the kiosk display <NUM> based upon the input signals. For instance, the WIFI or IR input received by the kiosks may result in a change in the imagery displayed on the display <NUM>, such as the inputting of a name in a query box. In another example, the instruction may include performing one or more business functions based on the one or more input signals. For instance, once a name is entered into the query box, a click onto the screen display <NUM>, initiated by the user device, may result in the printing out of a boarding pass. Other business functions may include printing of a baggage tag, making reservations, purchasing an item, or other functions as described herein.

Claim 1:
A contact-less check-in system comprising:
a kiosk (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>);
a display (<NUM>) configured to display check-in screen images;
a communication module (<NUM>); and
a controller (<NUM>) communicatively coupled to the communication module and the display comprising:
one or more processors (<NUM>); and characterized by:
a memory (<NUM>) with instructions stored therein that when executed by the one or more processors, cause the controller to:
screen mirror the check-in screen images to a user device receive input signals from the user device;
transmit one or more display signals to the display based on the input signals; and
execute a check-in application in the kiosk to perform a check-in operation for a flight passenger based on the input signals; the kiosk further comprising:
a printer (<NUM>) configured to print at least one boarding pass or baggage tag based upon the one or more input signals.