Interactive environmental management system in commercial, healthcare and educational settings and the like

Abstract

The present invention relates to an interactive environmental management system in commercial, healthcare and educational settings and the like. The system comprises a series of operational modules (1) integrating at least an acoustic detection system (3), a user interface system (4) and a communication system (5) configured to transmit data between the operational modules (1) and a central unit (6).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Interactive environmental management system for commercial, healthcare, educational and other environments

[0003] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention, as the title of this descriptive document states, is an interactive environmental management system for commercial, healthcare, educational, and other environments. It is an innovation that offers advantages previously unknown within current techniques, helping to prevent environmental degradation and its negative impact on health.

[0005] TECHNICAL SECTOR

[0006] The present invention falls within the field of physics, metrology and testing, especially in the measurement of mechanical vibrations or ultrasonic, sound or infrasound waves.

[0007] Similarly, it falls under the classification of calculation and counting in electrical processing of digital data, specifically in input arrangements for the transfer of data intended to be processed in a form usable by the computer, output arrangements for the transfer of data from the processing unit to the output unit, for example interface arrangements, as well as in digital output to a display device.

[0008] STATE OF THE ART

[0009] The present invention arises from identifying the problem of excessive noise in environments such as restaurants, health centers, training centers and others where high sound levels affect both the experience of customers and the health of employees, patients and visitors, students and teachers, as well as users of other environments.

[0010] In these spaces, noise from loud music, conversations, utensils, and other sources often reaches levels that approach or exceed the limits recommended by environmental health regulations. This situation can cause discomfort, difficulty communicating, an unpleasant environment, and dangerous health problems.

[0011] Therefore, this invention presents an interactive environmental management system for commercial settings, healthcare facilities, educational centers, and other locations, designed to monitor and reduce noise levels, complying with current regulations and promoting a healthier environment. This system not only optimizes user comfort but also contributes to improving the perception of the environment and the quality of service, offering an efficient and sustainable solution for noise control in commercial spaces, healthcare facilities, educational centers, and other locations.

[0012] Currently, there is no known existence of any interactive environmental management system in commercial environments, health centers, training centers and others that presents structural and constitutive technical characteristics equal or similar to those described in this descriptive report, as claimed.

[0013] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The object of the present invention is the creation of an interactive environmental management system in commercial environments, health centers, training centers and others that brings a notable innovation within its field of application in the current state of the art, the characterizing details that make it possible being conveniently included in the final claims that accompany this description.

[0015] The present invention relates to an interactive environmental management system for use in commercial settings, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and other environments. In the case of restaurants, it will consist of operational modules that integrate a napkin dispenser, an acoustic detection system, a user interface system, and a communication system configured to transmit data between the operational modules and a central unit. These modules are designed for multifunctional use at interactive tables or bars in commercial areas, allowing users to interact digitally with menus, offers, and other commercial services. In the case of healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and other environments, it will consist of an acoustic detection system for specific areas and / or floors with corresponding communication screens, a user interface system, and a communication system configured to transmit data between the operational modules and a central unit.It is also applicable in other types of environments such as hospitals, schools and other training centers, public transport, stations, port and airport areas, etc.

[0016] This invention addresses the need to manage and improve the environment in commercial settings, facilitating user interaction with menus, offers, and services, while contributing to the organization, sustainability, and comfort of the space. Furthermore, this invention aims to substantially improve environments requiring significant noise reduction, such as healthcare facilities, educational centers, and others, creating a healthy environment for patients and visitors, students and teachers, as well as users of other spaces.

[0017] Furthermore, it optimizes the experience for both customers and users of the different spaces as well as for administrators, improving the perception of the environment, raising the quality of service and offering an efficient, healthy and sustainable solution for noise control in these spaces.

[0018] The operating modules that generally form part of this invention, in the section of the restaurant, have a rectangular box structure with napkin dispensing openings strategically arranged on their faces and screens of a certain format in the rest of the functionalities.

[0019] These modules are manufactured using advanced technologies, such as 3D printing, allowing for customization with messages, logos, or other distinctive elements tailored to the needs of the commercial environment in which they are implemented. For the remaining functionalities, screens customized to the specific function will be used.

[0020] A fundamental element of this system is the acoustic detection system, which normally includes noise level sensors, microphones, transducers, and a processing circuit capable of converting acoustic waves into electrical signals.

[0021] These signals are processed to transmit noise level data to the main display unit, where they are compared to predefined thresholds that classify the levels as low, medium, and maximum. In the case of installations designed to serve specific plants and zones / spaces, the status will be displayed on screens installed in those areas, which in turn will report to the main display unit for monitoring and sending of relevant information. Furthermore, when decibel levels exceed the established limits, the system generates visual or audible signals that are sent to the main display unit, allowing for both general and specific monitoring of each operating module.

[0022] The user interface system consists of touchscreens located on the operating modules. These screens are managed by software programmed according to the business activity or functionality of the sector in which they are used.

[0023] Depending on the environment where the installation takes place, they offer a wide range of functionalities, such as the display of menus, messages, recommendations, environmental information, promotions, advertising content and interactive games.

[0024] In the case of restaurants, they also allow interactions such as selecting menu options, service requests, participating in surveys, personalizing preferences, and direct communication with the establishment's staff, thus optimizing the user experience.

[0025] The communication system of the operating modules preferably uses wireless technologies, such as Wifi or Bluetooth, to ensure the efficient transmission of data between these modules and the central unit and other managed functionalities.

[0026] This connectivity facilitates the real-time updating of key information, such as noise levels and other related data, ensuring a constant flow of information for the management of the business environment and other managed functionalities.

[0027] The central unit plays a crucial role in the overall management of the system. It consists of a central panel linked to at least one large-format screen located in a strategic and visible location for employees and, optionally, for visitors. This unit displays the operational modules as interactive icons, providing detailed information, including noise levels, menu requests, alerts, and messages related to environmental sustainability. It also reinforces visual communication with institutional messages such as "ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE LOCAL" or "WE PROTECT YOUR HEALTH." To ensure system security, the operational modules are equipped with proximity or contact detectors located at their bases, connected to an alarm system linked to the central unit.

[0028] This security system can be temporarily deactivated by authorized personnel through authentication via password, PIN code or biometric reader, ensuring exclusive and secure handling during maintenance work.

[0029] Finally, the central unit includes a controller system for administrators, which allows for the management of various operational aspects, such as advertising, interactions with distributors, and resource management.

[0030] In the restaurant sector, this controller optimizes product rotation, storage, purchasing and resource forecasting, and stockout management. It also monitors consumption amounts based on confirmed orders and evaluates payment methods, contributing to efficient transaction management.

[0031] In the case of the restaurant, it also regulates the advertising periods on the screens of the operating modules and on the large format screen, allowing commercial agreements with distributors, chains and local businesses, which promotes the economic sustainability of the system.

[0032] In this functionality and to use the operating modules, the user can interact with the touch screens to perform various functions, such as taking napkins, making order requests and consulting menus or promotions.

[0033] Administrators, in the restaurant functionality, can monitor and control noise levels at each table and throughout the entire space in real time, managing alerts if levels exceed predefined thresholds. They can also manage product rotation, monitor advertising performance, and coordinate with distributors, all through the central unit.

[0034] In this way, in the restoration functionality, this interactive environmental management system in commercial environments optimizes user interaction and improves the operational efficiency of the commercial environment. EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES

[0035] To complete the description being made and in order to help in the better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, this descriptive report is accompanied, as an integral part thereof, by figures in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented.

[0036] Figure 1 shows a perspective of the interactive environmental management system in commercial environments.

[0037] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of one of the operational modules in use.

[0038] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION.

[0039] The present invention relates to an interactive environmental management system for commercial, healthcare, educational, and other settings, comprising a series of operational modules (1) identified as multifunctional elements designed for integration into interactive tables or bars in commercial areas. Each operational module (1) includes at least a napkin dispenser (2), an acoustic detection system (3), a user interface system (4), and a communication system (5) configured to transmit data, primarily that captured by the acoustic detection system (3), to a central unit (6) and to receive any data required when the user interacts with the user interface system (4). This configuration allows users to interact digitally with menus, offers, and commercial services, enhancing both the functionality of the space and the user experience.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the operating modules (1) have a rectangular box shape with dispensing openings (1.1) located on their faces. These modules (1) are manufactured using advanced technologies, such as 3D printing, which allows them to be customized with messages, logos, and other distinctive elements that adapt to the needs of each commercial environment.

[0041] Typically, the acoustic detection system (3) included in the system incorporates noise level sensors, such as microphones and / or transducers, along with a processing circuit that converts acoustic waves into electrical signals. These signals are processed to transmit noise level data to the central unit (6), allowing comparison with predefined thresholds, classified as low, medium, and maximum levels.

[0042] Alternatively, the acoustic detection system (3) generates visual or auditory signals, which are sent to the central unit (6) when noise levels exceed the established limits. This applies both to the overall noise level of the space and to each individual operating module (1), facilitating effective acoustic management.

[0043] In another preferred embodiment, the user interface system (4) consists of touchscreens located on the operating modules (1). These screens (4), managed by software programmed according to the business sector or other functionality, offer features such as displaying menus, messages, recommendations, advertising content, and interactive games. Furthermore, they enable interactions such as product selection, service requests, preference customization, and direct communication with staff, thus optimizing the user experience.

[0044] Generally, the communication system (5) used in the operating modules (1) employs wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to efficiently transmit data between the operating modules (1) and the central unit (6). This connection allows for real-time updating of relevant information, such as noise levels or user requests.

[0045] Preferably, the central unit (6) is equipped with a central panel and at least one large-format display strategically located in the commercial area. This system displays key information, such as noise levels, alerts, and sustainability messages, as well as reflecting the operational modules (1) as interactive cones. It also includes environmental and health messages aimed at both employees and visitors, reinforcing the system's sustainable focus.

[0046] Preferably, the operating modules (1) are equipped with a security system that includes proximity or contact detectors located at their bases. This system is connected to an alarm linked to the central unit (6) and can be temporarily deactivated for maintenance using password, PIN code, or biometric reader authentication, ensuring its operation is restricted to authorized personnel. Typically, the central unit (6) incorporates a management system designed for administrators, which handles advertising, interactions with distributors, and resources for the sales area. In its restocking functionality, this system optimizes processes such as product rotation, inventory control, and resource forecasting, in addition to managing consumer transactions and advertising periods on the screens.It also allows collaboration with local distributors and businesses, promoting the economic and operational sustainability of the interactive system.

[0047] In one implementation mode, each waiter, staff member, or robot in the room can carry the interactive system that measures noise and sends the information about the existing noise to a central unit, where an alert can be issued if the noise level exceeds a certain value.

[0048] Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the manner of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to make its explanation more extensive so that any expert in the field may understand its scope and the advantages that derive from it, it being noted that, within its essentiality, it may be put into practice in other modes of embodiment that differ in detail from the one indicated as an example, and which will also achieve the protection sought provided that its fundamental principle is not altered, changed or modified.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Interactive environmental management system in commercial, health, training and other environments characterized by comprising a series of operational modules (1) that integrate at least an acoustic detection system (3), a user interface system (4) and a communication system (5) configured to transmit data between the operational modules (1) and a central unit (6).

2. Interactive environmental management system in commercial, health, training and other environments according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a napkin dispenser (2).

3. Interactive environmental management system in commercial, healthcare, educational and other environments according to claim 1, characterized in that the acoustic detection system (3) includes noise level sensors that transmit the noise level to the central unit (6).

4. Interactive environmental management system in commercial, healthcare, educational and other environments according to claim 1, characterized in that the user interface system (4) comprises touch screens.

5. Interactive environmental management system in commercial, healthcare, educational and other environments according to claim 1, characterized in that the communication system (5) includes wireless communication modules.

6. Interactive environmental management system in commercial, healthcare, educational and other environments according to claim 1, characterized in that the central unit (6) comprises a central panel linked to at least one screen.

7. Interactive environmental management system in commercial, health, training and other health, training and other environments according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating modules (1) are provided with a security system that includes a proximity or contact detector, located in their bases, connected to an alarm linked to the central unit (6).

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