Techniques and apparatus for controlling the temperature of a personal communication structure (PCS)

Abstract

Techniques for operating a personal communication structure (PCS) are described. In particular, a temperature control system for controlling the temperature of a PCS is described. The temperature control system may include a ribbed heat sink and first and second air circulation controllers. The heat sink may be coupled to the PCS's frame, adjacent to the back surface of a housing for a display module. The first air circulation controller may be configured to recirculate air in a cavity within the display module's housing. The second air circulation controller may be configured to move ambient air across the heat sink.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION[0001]The present disclosure relates generally to techniques and apparatus for operating a personal communication structure (PCS). Some embodiments relate specifically to techniques and apparatus for controlling the temperature of a PCS. Some embodiments relate specifically to techniques and apparatus for removing and / or installing displays modules of a PCS.BACKGROUND[0002]In some public or semi-public areas, various structures can be used for communication or to obtain access to goods and services. For example, telephone booths can be used to place telephone calls. Interactive kiosks can be used to obtain access to information, products, and / or services. Some interactive kiosks are self-service kiosks, which allow patrons of a business to perform service tasks that were historically performed by business employees. For example, the automated teller machine (ATM) is a self-service kiosk that allows users to deposit funds into a financial account, withdraw funds fro...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent is about personal communication structures (PCSs) that improve access to communication networks in public places. To be effective, these PCSs need to be compact and able to withstand harsh environmental conditions. The patent discusses a new PCS design that uses a temperature control system and is easier to service. The PCS also includes a display system that can be safely serviced without the need for a ladder. The technical effects of the patent are improved access to communication networks, increased convenience, and reduced costs and time of servicing.

Problems solved by technology

In recent years, public telephone booths have dwindled in number and many of the remaining booths have fallen into relative disuse and disrepair.

Furthermore, in contrast to many mobile phones, conventional public telephone booths do not allow users to access Internet-based data and services.

In short, for many people, the public telephone booth is less convenient and less functional than other readily-available options for connecting to a communication network.

Despite the seeming ubiquity of mobile computing devices, many people are often left with insufficient access to telephonic or Internet-based services.

In some areas, wireless network coverage may be poor or nonexistent.

In areas where wireless networks are available, the number of network users or the volume of network traffic may exceed the capacity of the network, leaving some users unable to connect to the network, and degrading quality of service for users who are able to connect (e.g., degrading audio quality of phone calls or reducing rates of data communication).

Even when wireless networks are available and not congested, some people may not have access to telephonic or Internet-based services because they may not have suitable computing devices or network-access agreements (e.g., a person may not own a computing device, may own a computing device but not have a network-access agreement with an Internet-service provider, may not own a mobile computing device, may have a mobile computing device with an uncharged battery, etc.).

However, operating PCSs in public locations can expose the PCS components to harsh conditions, including harsh environmental conditions (e.g., extreme heat, extreme cold, humidity, unconditioned air, etc.), vandalism (e.g., etching, painting, deliberate acts of destruction, etc.), and collisions with automobiles.

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