Method for making a video call through a multimedia totem, multimedia totem for making a video call and equipment box

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of remote communication through multimedia totems installed at public transport stops. The present invention relates to a method (100) for making a video call through a multimedia totem (1), comprising the following steps: - provide (110), via the multimedia totem (1), at least one means to request a video call; - upon detecting (115) a request, request (120) a video call to a command center; - accept (130) the request for a video call and start the video call; - capture and record (140), through a camera, the images around the multimedia totem (1) during the video call; - capture and record (140), through a microphone, the sounds around the multimedia totem (1) during the video call; - end (150) the video call, ending the capture and recording of images by the camera and ending the capture and recording (140) of the sounds by the microphone.

Description

[0001] METHOD FOR MAKING A VIDEO CALL THROUGH A MULTIMEDIA TOTEM, MULTIMEDIA TOTEM FOR MAKING A VIDEO CALL AND EQUIPMENT BOX FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a method of remote communication through multimedia totems installed at public transport points.

[0003] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Multimedia totems, also known as out-of-home media devices, are image display equipment (electronic panels) installed in public or commercial places to provide various information in real time, mostly advertisements and publicity.

[0005] The content of the images displayed by the multimedia totem can be controlled remotely through a network, without the need for people to travel for this function, only for possible equipment maintenance.

[0006] Although technological advances allow for more robust and reliable installation, the purpose of multimedia totems has not evolved significantly beyond their function as advertising panels.

[0007] Multimedia totems are mostly installed in places with high traffic of people in large urban centers, but also in places where the traffic of people fluctuates and, depending on the time, becomes deserted, for example, when pedestrians are walking through the city or waiting for public transport, especially at night, with low visibility and longer waiting times between buses, a situation that leaves them vulnerable and makes them feel insecure.

[0008] Therefore, there is a clear opportunity and need to implement more functions in multimedia totems with the aim of providing greater comfort and safety to pedestrians.

[0009] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The objective of the present invention is to provide a remote communication method to a user through multimedia totems installed in public places, preferably at public transport stops.

[0011] The method for making a video call through a multimedia totem of the present invention comprises the following steps:

[0012] - provide, through the multimedia totem, at least one means to request a video call;

[0013] - upon detecting a request, request a video call to a command center;

[0014] - accept the request for a video call and start the video call; - capture and record, through a camera, the images around the multimedia totem during the video call;

[0015] - capture and record, through a microphone, the sounds around the multimedia totem during the video call; and

[0016] - end the video call, ending the capture and recording of images by the camera and ending the capture and recording of the sounds by the microphone.

[0017] Additionally, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a multimedia totem for making a video call, comprising: a screen, a camera, a microphone, speakers, and a means for connecting to the internet, the multimedia totem being responsible for executing the method.

[0018] In one embodiment, it is an objective of the present invention to provide an equipment box installed in a multimedia totem, the equipment box comprising a camera, a microphone, speakers, an infrared sensor, and a processor, wherein the equipment box is in communication with the multimedia totem and executes the method.

[0019] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] To illustrate the invention, embodiments will be described with reference to the following figures:

[0021] - Figure 1 represents a public place, specifically a bus stop, with a multimedia totem next to it;

[0022] - Figure 2 represents the steps of the method for making a video call of the present invention;

[0023] - Figure 3 represents an equipment box installed on the multimedia totem.

[0024] DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Before any embodiments of the present invention are explained in detail, it should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of components shown in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The invention may comprise other embodiments and be practiced or carried out in various ways. It should also be understood that the phraseology and terminology used in the present invention are for the purpose of description and are not to be considered limiting.

[0026] The present invention relates to a method 100 for making a video call through a multimedia totem 1. The method 100, via the multimedia totem 1 , provides 110 at least one means for requesting a video call. After detection 115 of the request, a video call is requested 120 to a command center.

[0027] After the request is accepted 130, the video call is initiated. During the video call, a camera captures 140 the images around the multimedia totem 1 , which are simultaneously recorded 140. Also, during the video call, a microphone captures 140 the sounds around the multimedia totem 1 , which are simultaneously recorded 140.

[0028] When the video call ends, the capture and recording of the sounds and images by the microphone and camera ends.

[0029] The command center is responsible for accepting 130 the video call request and is also responsible for ending 150 the video call.

[0030] The means for requesting a video call, in a preferred embodiment, is a virtual button available on the screen of the multimedia totem 1. This virtual button is displayed together with other images and videos.

[0031] Detection 115 of the activation of the virtual button is performed by at least one of an infrared sensor to detect the touch on the screen of the multimedia totem 1 and / or a touch screen installed on the multimedia totem 1 .

[0032] As long as a request for a video call is not detected, the screen of the multimedia totem 1 displays images and / or videos.

[0033] In one embodiment, the step of providing 110 at least one means to request a video call only becomes available after a time determined by the command center, and / or as soon as a presence sensor is triggered.

[0034] Communication between the multimedia totem 1 and the command center occurs via a fiber optic internet network or via a 4G or 5G mobile data connection. In one embodiment, the command center is capable of displaying images on the screen of the multimedia totem 1 during the video call.

[0035] The sounds and images captured and recorded by the microphone and camera are stored by the command center. In one embodiment, the camera is equipped with facial recognition.

[0036] In one embodiment, the camera, the microphone, speakers and a means for connecting to the internet are present in the multimedia totem 1. The multimedia totem optionally further comprises an infrared sensor, a presence sensor and / or a touch screen. In a preferred embodiment, the camera 3, the microphone 4, speakers 5, an infrared sensor 6 and a processor 7 are present in an equipment box 2 installed in the multimedia totem 1 and in communication with the multimedia totem 1. The equipment box 2 also optionally comprises a means for connecting to the internet and / or a presence sensor.

[0037] The equipment box 2 allows multimedia totems that do not have the necessary devices mentioned above to be able to execute the method 100 for making a video call. For example, the infrared sensor 6 of the equipment box 2 allows the detection of the request for making a video call to be possible on a multimedia totem 1 that does not have a touch screen.

[0038] In one embodiment, the microphone and camera are a single device.

[0039] The presence sensor is at least one of an infrared sensor, ultrasonic sensor, microwave sensor, or buried cable sensor.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the multimedia totems 1 are equipped with a touch screen and / or use an infrared sensor to detect user touch.

[0041] By touching the screen, a video call with the command center is initiated. The command center is able to provide information to the user, such as information about public transportation and landmarks in the area. The command center is also able to activate emergency services, such as an ambulance, fire department or the police depending on the user's situation.

[0042] The command center keeps the video call active while the user waits for public transport. The video call is recorded throughout its duration and stored for future review by the competent authorities if necessary.

[0043] The multimedia totem 1 , through a camera and microphone installed in the multimedia totem 1 itself or in an external equipment box 2 installed in the multimedia totem 1 , captures the sound and image of the user and the environment. The images of a command center operator can be displayed on the screen of the multimedia totem 1 and, in this case, the sound of the command center operator is reproduced by speakers installed in the multimedia totem 1 itself or in an external equipment box 2 installed in the multimedia totem 1 .

[0044] The multimedia totem 1 has a means for connecting to the internet. The means for connecting to the internet is installed in the multimedia totem 1 itself or in an external equipment box 2 installed in the multimedia totem 1 , providing a stable internet connection to enable real-time data transmission during the video call. Thus, it is concluded that the embodiments and details of the invention can be varied considerably from what has been described and illustrated purely by way of non-limiting example, without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

SET OF CLAIMS1. METHOD (100) FOR MAKING A VIDEO CALL THROUGH A MULTIMEDIA TOTEM (1 ), characterized by comprising the following steps:- provide (110), via the multimedia totem (1 ), at least one means to request a video call;- upon detecting (115) a request, request (120) a video call to a command center;- accept (130) the request for a video call and start the video call;- capture and record (140), through a camera, the images around the multimedia totem (1 ) during the video call;- capture and record (140), through a microphone, the sounds around the multimedia totem (1 ) during the video call; and- end (150) the video call, ending the capture and recording of the images by the camera and ending the capture and recording (140) of the sounds by the microphone.

2. METHOD (100), according to claim 1 , characterized in that the command center is responsible for accepting (130) the video call and for ending (150) the video call.

3. METHOD (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that at least one means for requesting a video call is a virtual button available on a screen of the multimedia totem (1).

4. METHOD (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that an infrared sensor and / or a touch screen is responsible for detecting (115) the request for making a video call.

5. METHOD (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the step of providing (110) at least one means for requesting a video call is released only when a presence sensor is triggered.

6. METHOD (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the step of providing (110) at least one means for requesting a video call is released only after a certain time defined by the command center.

7. METHOD (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the screen of the multimedia totem (1 ) displays images and / or videos while not detecting the request for a video call.

8. METHOD (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 7,characterized in that the virtual button for requesting a video call is positioned on the screen of the multimedia totem (1 ) at the same time as other images and / or videos.

9. METHOD (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the communication with the command center is through a fiber optic internet network or through a 4G or 5G mobile data connection.

10. METHOD (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the command center is capable of displaying images to the user during the video call.

11. METHOD (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the sounds and images captured and recorded (140) by the camera and microphone of the multimedia totem (1 ) are stored by the command center.

12. MULTIMEDIA TOTEM (1 ) FOR MAKING A VIDEO CALL, characterized by comprising:- a screen,- a camera,- a microphone,- speakers, and- a means of connecting to the internet, the multimedia totem (1) being configured to perform the method (100) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. MULTIMEDIA TOTEM (1 ), according to claim 12, characterized in that the camera and the microphone are a single device.

14. MULTIMEDIA TOTEM (1 ), according to any one of claims 12 to13, characterized in that it comprises a presence sensor and in that the presence sensor is at least one of an infrared sensor, ultrasonic sensor, microwave sensor or buried cable sensor.

15. MULTIMEDIA TOTEM (1 ), according to any one of claims 12 to14, characterized by comprising a touch screen.

16. MULTIMEDIA TOTEM (1 ), according to any one of claims 12 to15, characterized by comprising an infrared sensor.

17. MULTIMEDIA TOTEM (1 ), according to any one of claims 12 to16, characterized in that the camera is equipped with facial recognition.

18. MULTIMEDIA TOTEM (1 ), according to any one of claims 12 to17, characterized by the means for connecting to the internet connecting to the internet through a fiber optic internet network or through a 4G or 5G mobile data connection.

19. EQUIPMENT BOX (2), installed in a multimedia totem (1), the equipment box (2) characterized by comprising a camera (3), a microphone (4), speakers (5), and a processor (7), wherein the equipment box (2) is in communication with the multimedia totem (1 ) and executes the method (100), as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11 .

20. EQUIPMENT BOX (2), according to claim 19, characterized in that it additionally comprises a presence sensor and in that the presence sensor is at least one of an infrared sensor, ultrasonic sensor or microwave sensor.

21. EQUIPMENT BOX (2) according to any one of claims 19 to 20, characterized in that the camera (3) and the microphone (4) are a single device.

22. EQUIPMENT BOX (2), according to any one of claims 19 to 21 , characterized in that the camera (3) is equipped with facial recognition.

23. EQUIPMENT BOX (2), according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that it comprises a means for connecting to the internet and the means for connecting to the internet connects to the internet via a fiber optic internet network or via a 4G or 5G mobile data connection.

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