Multimedia Chair with Payment-Activated Locking for Secure Public Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Public waiting areas in locations like airports, train stations, and malls often lack multimedia capabilities, leading to uncomfortable and insecure use of personal devices for internet access, with potential security risks and wastefulness due to shared seating without dedicated multimedia services.
Innovation Solution
A multimedia chair with integrated features such as adjustable foot support, pivotable back seat, display, and credit card reader, which can be unlocked for use upon payment authorization, providing a secure and private multimedia experience with optional vibrating elements and USB charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multimedia capability is provided in public waiting areas, then user privacy and security are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (seating, multimedia display, payment processing, and locking mechanisms) into a single integrated chair unit. The display device is mounted on the chair, the payment terminal is integrated into the chair structure, and the locking mechanism is built into the chair frame, creating a unified multimedia seating system that provides privacy and security while managing complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The chair is designed to perform multiple functions: providing seating, displaying multimedia content, processing payments, and controlling access through locking mechanisms. This multi-functional design allows a single device to serve various purposes, improving user privacy and security while potentially reducing the need for separate standalone systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If payment-activated functionality is implemented, then seating availability for paying users is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is pre-configured to automatically engage when the chair is not in use, and the payment terminal is pre-set to activate the unlocking sequence upon successful payment. This preliminary configuration reduces the operational steps required from the user, as the system automatically transitions from locked to unlocked state after payment, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring seating availability for paying users.
3Adaptability or versatility
If locking mechanisms are added to control access, then exclusivity for paying users is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be automatically controlled by the payment system. When a user completes a payment through the integrated terminal, the system automatically activates the unlocking mechanism without requiring manual intervention. This self-service approach provides exclusivity for paying users while minimizing the operational complexity for both the user and the system operators.
4Ease of operation
If multiple features (display, foot support, vibration) are integrated, then user comfort and multimedia capability are improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chair is divided into distinct functional modules: the seating structure, the display mounting assembly, the foot support mechanism, the vibration motor integration, and the payment-terminal assembly. Each module can be manufactured and tested independently, then assembled into the complete chair unit. This segmentation reduces manufacturing difficulty by allowing specialized production of each component while still providing the comprehensive comfort and multimedia features.
Data Source
AI summary
A multimedia chair includes a base, seat support, seat, opposing side supports, and arm rests supported on the opposing side supports. A controller is supported by an arm rest attached to a side support, and a display and multimedia module are supported and connected to a controller supported by one of the arm rests. An adjustable foot support and reclinable back seat are actuated by a user authorization module, wherein upon receiving a credit card authorization or wireless authorization signal from a wireless device, the seat is enabled for use. The reclinable back seat is pivotally connected to one of the opposing side supports and an adjustable foot support is pivotally attached to the seat.