ELECTRONIC KIOSK SYSTEM, SUPPORTING COLUMN AND USE OF A HOLLOW PROFILE

Abstract

An electronic kiosk system (1) including at least one supporting column (2) which has a cavity in which at least one storage compartment is formed with one insertion opening, wherein at least one processor unit is inserted into the at least one storage compartment. At least one input and/or output module (3, 15, 36) is arranged on an outer side (4) of a wall (5) of the supporting column and is held thereby. The wall has at least one breakthrough (6) which leads from the inside to the outside and by which an interface (7) is formed between the processor unit and the at least one input and/or output module, as a result of which at least one self-service terminal (8, 17, 38) is formed. In addition, a supporting column, the use of a hollow profile (14) and to a kit for producing an electronic kiosk system (1) are provided.

Claims

1. An electronic kiosk system (1) comprising: at least one supporting column (2) including a wall (5) and at least one storage compartment with an insertion opening, at least one processor unit inserted into the at least one storage compartment, at least one input and/or output module (3, 15, 36) arranged on an outer side (4) of the wall (5) of the supporting column (2) that is held by the supporting column (2), at least one breakthrough (6) in the wall (5) of the supporting column (2), the at least one breakthrough (6) leads outward, and an interface (7) arranged on at least one breakthrough (6) by which the at least one processor unit is electrically coupled to the at least one input and/or output module (3, 15, 36) in order to form at least one self-service terminal (8, 17, 38).

2. The electronic kiosk system (1) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a central cooler device arranged in the supporting column (2), the central cooler device is configured to suction in cooling air from the outside into the supporting column (2) via an inlet point (9), and provide an air flow via an air flow duct (11), formed by the supporting column (2), past the at least one processor unit to an outlet point (10).

3. The electronic kiosk system (1) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the air flow duct (11) runs from a first end (12) of the supporting column (2) to a second end (13) of the supporting column (2).

4. The electronic kiosk system (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supporting column (2) is embodied in one part at least partially from a hollow profile (14).

5. The electronic kiosk system (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least input modules and/or output module comprises at least two of the input modules and/or output modules (3, 15, 36) which are arranged offset with respect to one another in at least one of a circumferential direction or longitudinal direction (16) of the supporting column (2), on the outer side (4) of the wall (5), and are secured by the supporting column (2), and a separate one of the breakthroughs (6) and a separate one of the interfaces (7) for connecting to one of the processor units are formed for each of the input modules and/or output modules (3, 15, 36).

6. The electronic kiosk system (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor unit comprises two or more of the processor units which are arranged in storage compartments that are arranged offset with respect to one another in a longitudinal direction (16) of the supporting column (2), the at least input modules and/or output module comprises at least two of the input modules and/or output modules (3, 15, 36), and each said processor unit is coupled to at least one input and/or output module (3, 15, 36) and forms an independent self-service terminal (8, 17, 38).

7. The electronic kiosk system (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one input and/or output module (3, 15, 36) comprises a module or a plurality of modules selected from the group consisting of: a display (18), a touchscreen (19), a balance (20), a payment module (21), a card reader (22), a scanner (23), a sensor module (24), a printer (25), a camera (26), a goods output module, a goods return module, a shelf module (27), or a storage module (28).

8. The electronic kiosk system (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one self-service terminal (8, 17) or each said self-service terminal (8, 17) includes the at least one input and/or output module (3, 15, 36) which is embodied as a display (18).

9. The electronic kiosk system (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic kiosk system (1) has a central power supply unit via which the at least one processor unit is adapted to be supplied with current during operation.

10. The electronic kiosk system (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the insertion opening of the storage compartment is covered in a position of use by a cover (29).

11. The electronic kiosk system (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of a width (30) of the supporting column (2) or a width of an air flow duct formed by the supporting column is determined by at least one of a width of the at least one storage compartment or an envelope space of the at least one processor unit.

12. The electronic kiosk system (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor unit is formed without a separate power supply unit.

13. The electronic kiosk system (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor unit is formed with a local cooler unit.

14. The electronic kiosk system (1) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the outlet point (10) of the air flow duct (11) is configured to be connected to a ventilation system of a ventilation installation via a connecting line (32).

15. The electronic kiosk system (1) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one of a display or lighting device (33).

16. The electronic kiosk system (1) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a supporting foot (34) having a footprint that is larger than a cross-sectional area of the supporting column (2).

17. The electronic kiosk system (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic kiosk system (1) is configured to be mounted in a positionally fixed fashion on the ground or in a positionally fixed fashion in a position of use by a securing device (35).

18. A supporting column (2) configured for producing an electronic kiosk system (1), the supporting column including a hollow profile (14) as a base body, the hollow profile having a wall (5) that includes at least one insertion opening into a storage compartment in an interior of the base body and at least one breakthrough (6) into the storage compartment for setting up an interface (7), and an air flow duct (11) which is bounded by the wall (5) of the base body is formed in the interior of the base body.

19. A method of providing a kiosk system, the method comprising: providing a hollow profile (14) for producing a supporting column (2), accommodating computer components in the hollow profile (14) which acts as a housing (37) for the computer components in order to protect them against external influences, using the hollow profile as an air flow duct (11) for cooling the computer components and also as a stand element for at least one input and/or output module (3, 15, 36) which is arranged on an outer side of the hollow profile (14).

20. A kit for producing an electronic kiosk system (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the kit includes the supporting column (2) and at least two of the input and/or output modules (3, 15, 36), and a mounting position of the at least two of the input and/or output modules (3, 15, 36) on the supporting column (2) is adapted to be freely selected.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to a plurality of exemplary embodiments, but is not restricted to these exemplary embodiments. Further exemplary embodiments result from the combination of the features of individual claims or of a plurality of claims with one another and/or with individual features or with the plurality of features of the exemplary embodiments.

[0033] FIGS. 1-4 show a plurality of views of a first configuration variant of an electronic kiosk system according to the invention, wherein the kiosk system has a single self-service terminal which has two input and/or output modules,

[0034] FIGS. 5-8 show a plurality of views of a second configuration variant of an electronic kiosk system according to the invention, wherein the kiosk system has two self-service terminals which are oriented in opposite directions, wherein each self-service terminal has five input and/or output modules, and

[0035] FIGS. 9-12 show a plurality of views of a third configuration variant of an electronic kiosk system according to the invention, wherein the kiosk system has four self-service terminals which are oriented partially in opposite directions and partially in the same direction, wherein each self-service terminal has a plurality of input and/or output modules.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] FIGS. 1-12 illustrate a plurality of different embodiment variants of an electronic kiosk system, wherein the electronic kiosk system is denoted in its entirety as 1. The commonalities and differences of the configuration variants are described in more detail below.

[0037] The electronic kiosk system 1 has in each case a supporting column 2 which forms the central unit of the kiosk system 1. The supporting column 2 has here a plurality of functions which are described below in detail.

[0038] A cross section of the supporting column 2 can have a non-round shape, in particular an oval shape, as can be seen in the plan views in FIGS. 4, 8 and 12.

[0039] In the interior of the supporting column 2, at least one storage compartment is formed into which at least one processor unit is inserted via an insertion opening which breaks through a wall 5 of the supporting column 2. Just one processor unit is preferably inserted in each storage compartment. The supporting column therefore functions as a housing 37 for the sensitive components of the kiosk system 1.

[0040] The electronic kiosk system 1 also has at least one input and/or output module 3, 15, 36 which is, in particular, connected in a releasable fashion to the supporting column 2 on the outside of the supporting column 2 via a coupling point, so that the at least one input and/or output module 3, 15, 36 is held by the supporting column 2. The supporting column 2 therefore also functions as a stand unit for the at least one input and/or output module 3, 15, 36, in particular for all the input and/or output modules 3, 15, 36 of the kiosk system 1.

[0041] The wall 5 of the supporting column 2 has at least, per input and/or output module 3, 15, 36, at least one or precisely one breakthrough 6 via which an interface 7 is formed between the at least one processor unit and the at least one input and/or output module 3, 15, 36. The breakthrough 6 can therefore be formed in a part of the wall 5 which bounds the storage compartment. The interface 7 can be embodied, for example, as a peripheral component interconnect interface (abbreviated as PCI interface). In particular, the interface can be configured in such a way that it is possible to replace an input and/or output module 3, 15, 36, connected to the processor unit via said interface, while the processor unit and/or the entire kiosk system 1 is operating (hot swapping). However, the interface 7 can also alternatively or additionally be embodied as one or more interfaces selected from USB, FireWire, PCMCIA, SCSI, eSATA and SAS and/or else as a Bluetooth interface.

[0042] By use of the interface 7, an electrical coupling is set up between the at least one input and/or output module 3, 15, 36 and the at least one processor unit in the position of use. The processor unit forms, together with the at least one input and/or output module 3, 15, 36, a self-service terminal 8, 17, 38 which can be operated by a user.

[0043] The electronic kiosk system 1 can, however, also have a plurality of self-service terminals 8, 17, 38, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 5-12. Therefore, a plurality of users can use the electronic kiosk system 1 simultaneously.

[0044] The kiosk system 1 has one processor unit per self-service terminal 8, 17, 38. This has the advantage that the self-service terminals 8, 17, 38 thereof have comparatively high computing power. Each processor unit can be connected here to a plurality of input and/or output modules 3, 15, 36.

[0045] Each processor unit can have at least one local cooler unit which can be embodied, for example, as a cooler/fan combination, ventilator, water cooler and/or passive heat sink. In addition, each processor unit can have at least one processor, RAM memory, BIOS chip, interface module and at least one expansion card.

[0046] A central cooler device is arranged on or in the supporting column of the embodiment variants. The central cooler device is configured to suck in cooling air from the outside into the supporting column 2 via an inlet point 9 and to convey it past the at least one processor unit through an air flow duct 11 as far as an outlet point 10. The air flow duct 11 extends here from a first end 12 up to a second end 13 of the supporting column 2. As can be seen in FIGS. 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11, the inlet point 9 can be formed in a foot region at the first lower end 12. The central cooler device can alternatively or additionally to this also be arranged in the foot region of the supporting column 2 and/or in the direct vicinity of the inlet point 9. The inlet point 9 can be formed by a breakthrough 6 or a plurality of breakthroughs 6 in the wall 5 of the supporting column 2. The central cooler device can be embodied, for example, as a flow machine for generating an air flow, such as for example as a blower.

[0047] As is illustrated in FIGS. 1-12, the supporting column 2 can be embodied in one piece or can have a single-piece, in particular monolithic, base body. For example, the supporting column 2 or the base body can be configured as a hollow profile 14. One possible way of producing the hollow profile 14 can be extrusion, as a result of which an extruded profile can be produced. The use of a hollow profile 14 and/or an extruded hollow profile has the advantage that its production is particularly cost-effective, the wall 5 is sufficiently solid for it to be able to be used as a stand for relatively heavy components, and an air flow duct 11, which can be used to convey the cooling air, is already formed by the cavity.

[0048] As is already shown in FIGS. 1-12, each self-service terminal 8, 17, 38 of the depicted electronic kiosk systems 1 has at least two input and/or output modules 3, 15, 36.

[0049] In the embodiment variant in FIGS. 1-4, the kiosk system 1 has just a first self-service terminal 8 which has a first input and/or output module 3 which is embodied as a display 18 and/or touch-sensitive screen (touchscreen) 19, and a second input and/or output module 15 which is embodied as a payment module 21 and/or card reader 22.

[0050] In the embodiment variant in FIGS. 5-8, the kiosk system 1 has a first self-service terminal 8 and a second self-service terminal 17, wherein each self-service terminal 8, 17 has a first input and/or output module 3 which is embodied as a display 18 and/or touch-sensitive screen (touchscreen) 19, a second input and/or output module 15 which is embodied as a payment module 21 and/or card reader 22, a third input and/or output module 36 which is embodied as a balance 20, a fourth input and/or output module 36 which is embodied as a shelf module 27, and a fifth input and/or output module 36 which is embodied as a storage module 28.

[0051] In the embodiment variant in FIGS. 9-12, the kiosk system 1 has a first self-service terminal 8, a second self-service terminal 17 and a third and fourth self-service terminal 38, wherein each self-service terminal 8, 17, 38 has a first input and/or output module 3 which is embodied as a display 18 and/or touch-sensitive screen (touchscreen) 19 and second input and/or output module which is embodied as a scanner 23 and/or sensor module 24 and/or printer 25 and/or camera 26. The four self-service terminals 8, 17, 38 are oriented in such a way that in each case two of them are oriented in the same direction and two are oriented in an opposite direction.

[0052] However, an angle between the self-service terminals 8, 17, 38 and/or an orientation of the individual self-service terminals 8, 17, 38 is/are basically freely selectable.

[0053] A general advantage of the electronic kiosk system 1 is therefore that virtually any desired configuration of the kiosk system 1 is possible by mounting different input and/or output modules 3, 15, 36 on the supporting column 2 so that the kiosk system 1 can be used for a large number of different fields of use. In this context, the input and/or output modules 3, 15, 36 can also be combined in virtually any desired way. For example, the at least one input and/or output module 3, 15, 36 can be embodied as a module or as a plurality of modules selected from the group composed of a display 18, touchscreen 19, balance 20, payment module 21, card reader 22, scanner 23, sensor module 24, printer 25, camera 26, goods output module, goods return module, shelf module 27, storage module 28, wherein this list is not exhaustive.

[0054] Therefore, a further aspect of the invention relates to a kit for producing an electronic kiosk system. The kit has at least one supporting column 2 and at least two, preferably differently configured, input and/or output modules 3, 15, 36. By virtue of the freely selectable mounting position on the supporting column 2 it is possible, by using the kit, to produce a large variety of different kiosk systems 1, as have already been described below with respect to the three embodiment variants shown in FIGS. 1-12.

[0055] The decision as to where the individual input and/or output modules 3, 15, 36 are attached to the supporting column 2 and what orientation they have is very flexible, since a mounting location is not predefined by the supporting column 2.

[0056] The electronic kiosk system 1 has a central supply unit. The central supply unit can supply the at least one processor unit or all the processor units with current during operation. This has the advantage that there is no need for installation space for a plurality of supply units for each processor unit which is provided. Furthermore, a central supply unit produces overall less heat than a plurality of supply units which are respectively assigned to the individual processor units. Therefore, the power of the central cooler device and/or of the local cooler units can be reduced so that the overall current consumption is reduced.

[0057] In order to be able to better prevent undesired access to the storage compartment or the storage compartments, the kiosk system 1 can have a cover device 29 which covers and/or closes the latter in the position of use.

[0058] A width 30 of the supporting column 2 is determined by the space required by the at least one processor unit. Since the wall 5 bounds the air flow duct 11 at least partially, a width of the air flow duct 11 can be defined by a width of the at least one storage compartment.

[0059] The outlet part 10 of the air flow duct 11, which can be formed, for example, by one or more breakthroughs in the wall 5 of the supporting column 2 and/or a tube extension in the longitudinal direction 16 of the supporting column 2, can be capable of being connected or be connected to a ventilation system of a ventilation installation via a connecting line 32. Therefore, the discharge air is transported away and not output into the surrounding space.

[0060] The kiosk systems 1 according to the illustrated embodiment variants each have a display and/or lighting device 33. The display and/or lighting device 33 can be controlled here by an, in particular, central display and/or lighting control circuit board.

[0061] As is shown in the embodiment variant in FIGS. 9-12, the kiosk system 1 can have a supporting foot 34 of which the footprint is embodied so as to be larger than a cross-sectional area of the supporting column 2. Alternatively or additionally to this, the supporting column 2 and/or the supporting foot 34 can have a securing device 35 by which the entire kiosk system 1 can be attached to the floor. For example, this can be achieved by a screwed connection.

[0062] The invention therefore relates, in particular, to an electronic kiosk system 1 comprising at least one supporting column 2 which has a cavity in which at least one storage compartment is formed with an insertion opening, wherein at least one processor unit is inserted into the at least one storage compartment, wherein at least one input and/or output module 3, 15, 36 is arranged on an outer side 4 of a wall 5 of the supporting column 2 and is held by the supporting column 2, wherein the wall 5 of the supporting column 2 has at least one breakthrough 6 which leads from the inside to the outside and by which an interface 7 is formed between the processor unit and the least one input and/or output module 3, 15, 36, as a result of which at least one self-service terminal 8, 17, 38 is formed. In addition, the invention relates to a supporting column 2, to the use of a hollow profile 14 and to a kit for producing an electronic kiosk system 1.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0063] 1 Electronic kiosk system [0064] 2 Supporting column [0065] 3 First input and/or output module [0066] 4 Outer side [0067] 5 Wall [0068] 6 Breakthrough [0069] 7 Interface [0070] 8 First self-service terminal [0071] 9 Inlet point [0072] 10 Outlet point [0073] 11 Air flow duct [0074] 12 First end [0075] 13 Second end [0076] 14 Hollow profile [0077] 15 Second input and/or output module [0078] 16 Longitudinal direction [0079] 17 Second self-service terminal [0080] 18 Display [0081] 19 Touchscreen; touch-sensitive screen [0082] 20 Balance [0083] 21 Payment module [0084] 22 Card reader [0085] 23 Scanner [0086] 24 Sensor module [0087] 25 Printer [0088] 26 Camera [0089] 27 Shelf module [0090] 28 Storage module [0091] 29 Cover device [0092] 30 Width of supporting column [0093] 31 Depth of supporting column [0094] 32 Connecting line [0095] 33 Display and/or lighting device [0096] 34 Supporting foot [0097] 35 Securing device [0098] 36 Further input and/or output module [0099] 37 Housing [0100] 38 Further self-service terminal