(19)
(11) EP 4 414 973 A1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(43) Date of publication:
14.08.2024 Bulletin 2024/33

(21) Application number: 24000021.6

(22) Date of filing: 12.02.2024
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
G09F 23/00(2006.01)
G09F 27/00(2006.01)
(52) Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC):
G09F 27/007; G09F 27/005; G09F 23/00
(84) Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC ME MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR
Designated Extension States:
BA
Designated Validation States:
GE KH MA MD TN

(30) Priority: 10.02.2023 IT 202300000468 U

(71) Applicant: Balletta Grafica S.A.S. Di Balletta Enrico
03044 Cervaro (FR) (IT)

(72) Inventor:
  • Balletta, Enrico
    0343 Cassino (FR) (IT)

(74) Representative: Maiello, Helenio Francesco 
Corso G. Garibaldi, 142
84123 Salerno
84123 Salerno (IT)

   


(54) MULTIFUNCTIONAL STATION


(57) A multifunctional station comprises a supporting structure (2) adapted to be fixedly or removably anchored to a support, information means (3) associated with said supporting structure (2) and suitable for providing one or more audio and/or video information messages, means for the connection to a data network associated with or integrated into said supporting structure (2) and suitable for allowing the wired or wireless connection of one or more mobile communication devices external to said data network, electrical supply means (4) from renewable sources for the power supply of said information means (3) and/or said connection means.




Description

Technical Field



[0001] The present invention finds application in the field of multifunctional and interactive information devices and particularly relates with a multifunctional station suitable of providing a plurality of functions and/or services to users in or near the workstation itself.

[0002] More specifically, the station will be of the self-powered type, with information functions and the ability to provide a connectivity service, wired or wireless, to be used as a "hotspot", i.e. an access point that can be used by portable electronic devices for access to the internet or other data sharing network, including local ones.

State of the art



[0003] As known, in the public sphere the conveyance of messages and information, both of a public nature, such as messages to the citizen by a Public Administration or other body, and private, such as advertising messages, is generally entrusted to fixed or mobile devices that simply reproduce certain images in a substantially static manner. In particular, these devices are panels designed to apply fixed or movable prints or, in the case of more modern systems, provided with displays or monitors for the reproduction of images and/or videos, possibly accompanied by audio.

[0004] However, these solutions are essentially passive and do not have any further function, often also producing a non-negligible negative visual impact.

[0005] Last but not least, systems equipped with displays or monitors require a specific connection to the electrical grid, making installation difficult, as well as representing both a technical and economic obstacle.

Scope of the invention



[0006] The object of the present invention is to overcome the above drawbacks by realizing a multifunctional station adapted to provide, together with the information task, further functions in an interactive manner with the user.

[0007] A particular object is to realize a multifunctional station designed to integrate the wireless hotspot function with the possibility of making visual communication (for example through advertising messages) with self-powering electrical power capability, to not have electricity consumption, in a perspective of eco-sustainable advertising that is useful to the user.

[0008] These objects, as well as others which will become more apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a multifunctional station which, according to claim 1, comprises a supporting structure adapted to be anchored in a fixed or removable manner to a support, information means associated with said supporting structure and suitable for providing one or more audio and/or video information messages, means for connection to a data network associated with or integrated into said supporting structure and suitable for allowing the wired or wireless connection of one or more mobile communication devices external to said data network, power means for electricity supply from renewable sources for the power supply of said information means and/or said connection means.

[0009] Thanks to this combination of features, a multifunctional station will be realized suitable of carrying out various functions, in addition to the more purely informative one, being adapted to also be used as a hotspot or in any case as an access point to the internet or other data network, even local, and being also capable of self-sustaining from an energy point of view, thus resulting in a product with reduced environmental impact.

[0010] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are obtained in accordance with the dependent claims.

Brief disclosure of the drawings



[0011] Further features and advantages of the invention will become more evident in the light of the detailed description of some preferred but not exclusive embodiments of the multifunctional station, shown by way of non-limiting example with the aid of the attached drawing tables wherein:
FIGS. 1 to 4 are perspective views of four different embodiments of the station.

Best modes of carrying out the invention



[0012] With reference to the attached figures, some preferred but not exclusive configurations of the multifunctional station of the invention are illustrated, which can be placed in any area and environment, both public and private, and which will be configured and designed to be installed in particular also outside to be used as an information point for public use.

[0013] However, it is understood that the area of placement of the station does not represent a limiting element of the scope of protection of the present invention as the choice of location of the station, either indoors and outdoors, will depend on the specific decisions of the installer.

[0014] In its most essential configuration, an example of which is shown by Fig. 1, a multifunctional station, referred indicated globally as 1, comprises a supporting structure 2 adapted to be anchored in a fixed or removable manner to a support, which can be either horizontal, such as a road, the ground, a flooring or other support surface, either raised, or a vertical wall or any other suitable support.

[0015] In particular, the supporting structure 2 will preferably be adapted to be placed on passageways such as, for example, private or public pavements, so as to occupy a reduced depth of the ground, for example only approximately 15 cm, and not to hinder the pedestrian path.

[0016] Conveniently, the supporting structure 2 will be made of metal pre-treated with anticorrosion solutions before painting, so as to guarantee high durability over time.

[0017] In the case of stations designed to be installed outdoors, it will also be possible to paint the supporting structure 2 with an anti-smog paint, i.e. a paint capable of absorbing part of the pollutants and/or CO2 in the atmosphere.

[0018] The supporting structure 2 is associated with information means 3 suitable for providing one or more audio and/or video information messages and with connection means for connecting to a data network suitable for allowing the wired or wireless connection of one or more mobile communication devices external to the data network, which will generally be the Internet network but which could also be a local data network.

[0019] Station 1 is also equipped with power means 4 for electrical power supply having one or more primary power systems from renewable sources to allow the autonomous power supply of the information means and/or connection means even in the absence of connection to an electrical grid.

[0020] It is understood that station 1 may also be set up for connection to the traditional electricity grid, if necessary.

[0021] According to a preferred but not exclusive configuration, the power means 4 will comprise one or more cells and/or photovoltaic panels 5 installed on or integrated into the supporting structure 2.

[0022] By way of example, the cells and/or photovoltaic panels 5 may be placed on the top of the supporting structure 2 to maximize the incident radiation.

[0023] Obviously, in place of the photovoltaic panels and/or cells 5, or in combination therewith, further energy production systems from renewable sources, such as for example wind microturbines, may be provided.

[0024] Again, according to a further variant, the power means 4 may be of the hybrid type, i.e. with the possibility of power supply both with solar panels and/or other renewable energy sources and from the electric grid, with the possibility of exchanging energy, i.e. with the possibility of feeding the energy produced into the grid. Advantageously, the power means 4 will operate at low voltage, in particular at 12/24V, so as to protect the user even in the event of tampering and accidents.

[0025] The power means 4 may also comprise storage means for accumulating the energy produced as surplus, which may be used to power the station when the primary energy sources are not operative, for example at night if photovoltaic panels or cells 5 are used.

[0026] Preferably, the storage means will comprise one or more rechargeable batteries or energy storage systems sized to maintain high capacity after 2,000 charging cycles. For example, it will be possible to use LiFePO4 rechargeable batteries that maintain over 80% of their capacity even after 2,000 charge cycles.

[0027] The expression "charging cycle" refers to the number of times in which the battery is brought from a state of low charge, i.e. less than 15%, to a state of maximum charge. For this purpose, the structure will have batteries with overestimated storage that almost never reach the low charge level, significantly extending the life of the batteries which can be estimated at 15 years.

[0028] The power means 4 will also comprise one or more high-capacity electrical power supplies, added to the primary renewable sources and which will also comprise one or more charging plugins for electric cars and/or vehicles, such as cars, motorcycles, microcars, light transport vehicles such as scooters and electric bikes and in general any electrically powered vehicle or transport means, including hybrid ones.

[0029] With regard to the information means 3, these may provide one or more information messages of a textual and/or graphic and/or video and/or audio type.

[0030] In particular, the information means 3 will comprise one or more fixed or removable/interchangeable panels 6 adapted to support one or more images, there optionally being provided transparent protection panels made of impact-proof polycarbonate or other similar materials suitable for protecting the panels 6.

[0031] The polycarbonate positioned in front of the panels 6 will maintain its transparency for at least 15 years and this transparency can be restored with a specific treatment without having to replace the panel.

[0032] The panels 6, fixed, movable or interchangeable, can be backlit, preferably using LED lights whose operating life will normally be equal to 50,000 hours. By operating life we mean the duration within which the luminous flux decays on average to 70% of its initial value, so with an average of 8 hours at night, an LED will maintain its brightness for 6,250 hours, equal to 17 years and 45 days;

[0033] Some stations 1 may also be equipped with an illuminated map on the back where the various points of interest will be shown such as museums, pharmacies, hospitals and similar.

[0034] Furthermore, the information means 3 may be provided with one or more displays and/or monitors, optionally of the touch screen type, for the reproduction of images and/or videos, associated or not with audio messages.

[0035] Conveniently, the information means 3 may also comprise a voice assistance system adapted to be activated by voice and/or by sensors and/or by buttons and integrated in the supporting structure 2, particularly useful for allowing interaction between the station and blind or visually impaired people but which will be obviously adapted to be used by anyone.

[0036] The connection means will comprise one or more LAN or USB ports and/or electronic radio frequency transceiver means configured to function as a wireless hotspot.

[0037] In particular, the station 1 will be provided with a WI-FI connection with safe access through protection with a VPN (Virtual Private Network) system, guaranteeing a high standard of privacy.

[0038] The web connection will be sized to allow the simultaneous use of a large number of devices, for example at least 20 devices.

[0039] The connection means may also comprise USB 3.0 ports and/or wireless charging systems connected to the power means 4 to allow the charging of electronic devices, in particular mobile communication devices such as smartphones and tablets. Optionally, the information means 3 may be associated with a software application downloadable on a mobile device and capable of allowing users to interface with the station and use one or more services, such as for example the tourist guide service, interactive maps or other services, directly through the own mobile device.

[0040] The connection between the mobile device and the station for the correct operation of the app may be obtained in any way, although the preferred way will be a wireless connection via the internet.

[0041] The multifunctional station 1 may also be provided with surveillance means having one or more sensors suitable for sending remote signals in the event of impacts or tampering and/or one or more surveillance cameras.

[0042] Conveniently, the video surveillance system will not archive the footage, but will make the images visible exclusively to an IP provided to the responsible person.

[0043] The multifunctional station 1 will then be provided with remote control means having a computer, for example a remote-controlled mini-PC integrated into the supporting structure 2, suitable for monitoring in real time the correct functioning of the electronic parts, to verify their productivity or any anomalies and simplify and reduce any technical interventions.

[0044] The information means 3 may be implemented with a self-learning computer system operating by Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, algorithms, deep learning, neural networks, automated data analysis method suitable for building analytical models.

[0045] In particular, the information means 3 may have a Chatbot with a virtual assistant managed by artificial intelligence to which the user may connect via Wi-Fi to interact with their smartphone.

[0046] The machine learning system will be adapted to learn to perform specific tasks such as question and answer without being programmed each time, thanks to the recognition of patterns in the data using iterative algorithms.

[0047] The voice assistant will be programmed to speak in multiple languages and understand the user's pronunciation and all the questions spoken by users will be archived with the related answers given by the voice system.

[0048] The question-and-answer system is appropriately designed to learn as much information as possible and in such a way as to propose a new random question to the user.

[0049] The entire system is designed to improve over time and in such a way that the more questions the user asks, the more the system will learn new words.

[0050] Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of the multifunctional station 1 which differs from the previous one essentially in the shape of the supporting structure 2.

[0051] In Fig. 3, the multifunctional station 1 is instead provided with a shelter 7 on which the photovoltaic panels 4 are installed and which can be designed to be used as a bus waiting shelter.

[0052] In Fig. 4 the multifunctional station 1 is instead equipped with a rack 8 for bicycles, scooters or similar vehicles.


Claims

1. A multifunctional station, comprising:

- a supporting structure (2) adapted to be fixedly or removably anchored to a support;

- information means (3) associated with said supporting structure (2) and suitable for providing one or more audio and/or video information messages;

- connection means for connection to a data network associated with or integrated into said supporting structure (2) and suitable for allowing the wired or wireless connection of one or more external mobile communication devices to said data network;

- electrical power means (4) from renewable sources for the power supply of said information means (3) and/or said connection means.


 
2. Multifunctional station as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said electrical power means (4) comprise one or more cells and/or photovoltaic panels (5) installed on or integrated into said supporting structure (2).
 
3. Multifunctional station as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said electrical power means (4) comprise storage means for accumulating the energy produced as surplus.
 
4. Multifunctional station as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that said storage means comprise one or more rechargeable batteries or energy storage systems sized to maintain high capacity after 2,000 charging cycles.
 
5. Multifunctional station as claimed in any preceding claim, characterized in that said electrical power means (4) are designed to operate at low voltage, for example 12/24V.
 
6. Multifunctional station as claimed in any preceding claim, characterized in that said electrical power means (4) comprise one or more high-capacity electrical power supplies other than said renewable sources and comprise one or more charging plugins for electric cars and/or vehicles.
 
7. Multifunctional station as claimed in any preceding claim, characterized in that said information means (3) are suitable for providing one or more information messages of a textual, graphic, video or audio type.
 
8. Multifunctional station as claimed in claim 7, characterized by the fact that said information means (3) comprise one or more fixed or removable/interchangeable panels (6) suitable for supporting one or more images, optionally being provided with transparent protective panels in polycarbonate or similar materials.
 
9. Multifunctional station as claimed in claim 7 or 8, characterized in that said information means (3) comprise one or more displays and/or monitors, optionally of the touch screen type, for the reproduction of images and/or videos, associated or not to audio messages.
 
10. Multifunctional station as claimed in any preceding claim, characterized in that said information means (3) comprise a voice assistance system adapted to be activated by voice and/or by sensors and/or by buttons and integrated in said supporting structure (2).
 
11. Multifunctional station as claimed in any preceding claim, characterized in that said connection means comprise one or more LAN or USB ports and/or electronic radio frequency transceiver means designed to operate as a wireless hotspot.
 
12. Multifunctional station as claimed in any preceding claim, characterized in that said supporting structure (2) is provided with a shelter (7) and/or a bicycle rack (8).
 
13. Multifunctional station as claimed in any preceding claim, characterized in that said supporting structure (2) comprise surveillance means equipped with one or more sensors suitable for sending remote signals in the event of impacts or tampering and/or one or more video cameras of surveillance.
 
14. Multifunctional station as claimed in any preceding claim, characterized by comprising remote control means having a computer suitable for monitoring in real time the correct operation of the electronic parts.
 
15. Multifunctional station as claimed in any preceding claim, characterized in that said information means (3) comprise a self-learning computer system operating through Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, algorithms, deep learning, neural networks, automated data analysis method suitable for the construction of analytical models.
 





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