Claims:We Claim:
1. A card dispensing kiosk, comprising:
a. a frame including a base joined to two vertical sidewalls;
b. an interactive touch screen accessible through an opening formed in said central panel;
c. a first printer for printing receipts, and a second printer for printing healthcare related forms, said first printer associated with a printer slot provided in said central panel, and said second printer associated with a second printer slot provided in said front panel;
d. a card reader system selectively interfacing with medical smart cards
e. healthcare information stored on said medical smart card, and credit cards;
f. a card dispenser associated with a card dispensing slot
g. a biometric authentication system including a biometric sensor situated on said central panel;
h. a high definition camera operated to capture images of individuals using said kiosk; and
i. a keyboard disposed on or within said lateral shelf,
wherein, the said healthcare information includes an individual's demographic and profile information, medical emergency contact information, physician/specialist information, medical conditions, procedural medical history, information relating to prescription and over-the-counter medicine, vitamins or supplements, vaccination or immunization historical records, advance directives, medical insurance information
2. The card dispensing kiosk of claim 1, wherein said computer system includes a processor, memory, an internal hard drive, and software including medical application software and programs.
3. The card dispensing kiosk of claim 2, wherein an audio system electrically coupled to said computer system and including one or more speakers associated with speaker holes formed in said central panel, and a trackball located adjacent said keyboard.
4. The card dispensing kiosk of claim 3, wherein a ventilation system for circulating air out from and within said chamber.
, Description:Technical Field of the Invention
The present disclosure relates to an electronic kiosk system and method for dispensing medical smart cards, and for managing individual healthcare services and information. The electronic kiosk provides access control to healthcare information stored on medical smart cards by including biometric authentication, a high definition camera for capturing images, and a large interactive touch screen.
Background of the Invention
Electronic or interactive kiosks are generally exhibits that typically include a computer system that is configured to provide access to applications and information for a variety of different uses. The computer system is securely housed within the electronic kiosk and generally includes software for providing application programming, and hardware that includes an electronic display and a plurality of keys for inputting data and navigating through application programs. Most electronic kiosks are in high traffic settings where individuals congregate such as in banks, hotels, airports, malls, universities and department stores, to name a few.
Electronic kiosks find use in diverse applications. For example, electronic kiosks are often used for entertainment or educational purposes. Such kiosks allow individuals to interact with application programs for viewing movies, determining times and dates of shows, concerts or events, accessing bulletin boards, reviewing classifications, or learning about possible seminars, programs or classes. Electronic kiosks also play a vital role in commerce. Such kiosks often include card readers that are designed to interface with credit cards, bank cards, and charge cards. Electronic kiosks can be used to make purchases, pay bills, or transact business. Electronic kiosks are also used in banking to allow individuals to manage banking accounts, withdraw funds, and apply for credit.
Few electronic kiosks have been designed for use in the medical industry. Most kiosks include computer systems that allow professionals to access medical information pertaining to scholarly teachings, medical procedures, medical product information, government warnings, studies, and information relating to medication. Alternative forms of kiosks have been designed to interface with information storage cards. For example, cards including bar codes or magnetic stripe cards are often used to store individual medical information. Kiosks are adapted to include magnetic head readers and bar code readers to read information stored on such cards. One drawback however of such systems is that the bar code card and magnetic stripe card provide poor security and thus compromise a patient's privacy and security of information. To address the security drawbacks of the prior art cards, smart cards have been developed to enhance security access to information stored on the smart card, and to store more information on the smart card.
With advancement in storage information technology, electronic kiosks have been adapted for use with smart cards to read information stored thereon. Such kiosks typically include a card reader slot adapted to receive a smart card therein, and a card reader that interfaces with the smart card to read medical information stored on the smart card. Input keys and an electronic display are used navigate through information and data and view stored information.
Although prior art kiosk systems are designed for use with smart cards to view information stored on the smart cards, conventional kiosk systems suffer from certain drawbacks. For example, conventional kiosk systems are not tailored for dispensing medical smart cards. Traditional kiosks allow individuals to view information on cards but do not provide immediate access to a smart card for managing healthcare information. An individual may wish to have a medical smart card that includes up-to-date medical information which can be used at hospitals, clinics, and emergency rooms that have compatible card readers. Most critical emergency situations make it difficult for both patients and medical personnel to effectively communicate with each other. For example, an individual may suffer from a heart attack, a stroke, or experience a severe allergic reaction. The trauma and adverse effects imposed on an individual often makes it difficult for the patient to relay important, vital medical information to the attending physician or nurse or to consent to medical treatment. As a result, the lack of vital information can compromise a patient's treatment. The patient may be confused, unconscious, or physically impaired making it difficult or impossible for the patient to remember or relay health-related information. Thus, an individual may wish to have a smart card to provide vital life-saving information to medical service providers in the event of an emergency where a cardholder is unable to effectively communicate with medical personnel. Also, conventional kiosk systems do not include a kiosk that permits individuals to fully manage medical healthcare services such as making appointments, acquiring medical directive forms, or requesting prescription refills and receiving confirmation.
Object of the Invention
The present object of the invention is providing System and Method for dispensing medical smart cards and healthcare services in Electronic Kiosk.
Summary of the Invention
A first aspect of the present invention provides, a card dispensing kiosk comprising: a frame including a base joined to two vertical sidewalls extending upwards from the base, a central panel, a front panel, a rear panel, and a lateral shelf, all assembled together to form a chamber for housing a computer system for operating electronic components including: an interactive touch screen accessible through an opening formed in the central panel; a first printer for printing receipts, and a second printer for printing healthcare related forms where the first printer is associated with a printer slot provided in the central panel, and where the second printer us associated with a second printer slot provided in the front panel; a card reader system selectively interfacing with medical smart cards including healthcare information stored thereon, and credit cards; a card dispenser associated with a card dispensing slot provided in the central panel where the card dispenser is adapted to sequentially dispense medical smart cards upon each successful completion of an application process; a biometric authentication system including a biometric sensor situated on the central panel; a high definition camera operated to capture images of individuals using the kiosk, and a keyboard disposed on or within the lateral shelf, wherein the central panel is setback a distance from front longitudinal edges of the vertical sidewalls to provide a zone of privacy. A second aspect of the card dispensing kiosk provides a computer system including a processor, memory, an internal hard drive, a trackball mounted near the keyboard, and software including medical application software and programs. In another aspect, the card dispensing kiosk further includes an audio system electrically coupled to the computer system and including one or more speakers associated with speaker holes formed in the central panel. A ventilation system is also included for circulating air out from and within the kiosk.
In yet another aspect, the card dispensing kiosk further includes wireless technology including any one of 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi, WiMAX or Blue Tooth technology, a secure Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) connection, and a GSM modem. A handicapped audio access port provided is provided on the central panel where the audio access port electrically coupled to the computer system for providing audible information.
In another aspect, the card dispenser includes a card ejector for ejecting smart cards, and a card storage bin for storing a plurality of smart cards therein. The card dispensing kiosk further includes an input/output (I/O) interface including any of a telephone modem, a cable modem, a GSM modem, universal serial bus (USB) and/or Ethernet ports, parallel or serial connectors, and HDMI connections.
In yet another aspect, the biometric sensor includes any one of a fingerprint sensors, a palm sensor, a speech recognition system, or a retinal validation sensor. The biometric authentication system further includes a biometric signature database including biometric signatures associated with a plurality of individuals authorized to use the card dispensing kiosk. The healthcare information includes an individual's demographic and profile information, medical emergency contact information, physician/specialist information, medical conditions, procedural medical history, information relating to prescription and over-the-counter medicine, vitamins or supplements, vaccination or immunization historical records, advance directives, medical insurance information, and a photograph of an individual owner of said medical smart card, and wherein said healthcare related forms includes any of service agreements, authorizations to treat, advanced directives, immunization forms, privacy statements, laws and rules, power of attorney, and living will.
In yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided, a method of managing healthcare information and services providing an electronic kiosk comprising: a frame including a base joined to two vertical sidewalls extending upwards from the base, a central panel, a front panel, a rear panel, and a lateral shelf, all assembled together to form a chamber for housing a computer system including a processor, and memory, and kiosk system components, where the computer system is electrically connected to and operating the kiosk system components. The kiosk system components include: an interactive touch screen; a first printer for printing receipts, and a second printer for printing healthcare related forms, where the printers are associated with slots provided in the central panel; a card reader system selectively interfacing with medical smart cards including healthcare information stored thereon, and credit cards; a card dispenser associated with a card dispensing slot provided in the central panel; a biometric authentication system including a biometric sensor situated on the central panel; a high definition camera operated to capture images of individuals using the kiosk, and an audio system including speakers and a handicapped audio access port. The method includes the step of operating an application server hosting medical service application software associated with managing individual healthcare information and services, where the electronic kiosk electrically communicates with the application server over a wired or wireless network; capturing an image with the high definition camera of an individual using the kiosk, and processing a biometric signature of an individual user, providing information of an individual user to apply for a medical smart card, and sequentially dispensing a medical smart card upon successful completion of each application process completed by individual users, or selectively interfacing a medical smart card with the card reader system of the kiosk to view and manage healthcare information and services when the biometric signature of the individual user is authenticated, where the healthcare information stored on the smart card.
In another aspect, the method includes the step of requesting prescription refills of medication and sending a text or email message confirming readiness of the refills. Processing a biometric signature of an individual user includes the step of reading a biometric fingerprint signature of the user when the user places a finger on the biometric sensor. The step of providing information of an individual user to apply for a medical smart card includes the step of entering personal information and paying a fee with a credit card to complete the application process.
In yet another aspect, the method includes a step of printing a receipt via, the first printer, and further including the step of printing healthcare related forms via, the second printer where the receipt and healthcare related forms are forwarded through a corresponding slot. The medical service application software provides an interface on the touch screen including menus, links, tabs and icons for managing individual healthcare information and services, where the medical service application software is executed on the electronic kiosk. A biometric authentication system including a biometric fingerprint sensor; a high definition camera operated to capture images of individuals using the kiosk, input devices for inputting data, and a machine readable medium including a medical service application software stored thereon that when executed on the computer system displays an interface on the interactive touch screen, where the interface provides menus, links, tabs, and icons, associated with managing healthcare information, and allowing a user to selectively read healthcare information stored on the medical smart card, or to selectively write healthcare information to the medical smart card when the medical smart card electrically communicates with the card reader system and when the biometric authenticating system correctly authenticates a fingerprint signature of an authorized user.
Brief Description of Drawings
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the components of the electronic kiosk system
Detailed Description of Invention
FIGS. 1 show a perspective view, and a block diagram of components, respectively, of an electronic kiosk system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The structural framework of electronic kiosk includes a base, two sidewalls, attached to and extending vertically upwards from the base, a central panel, a front panel, and a lateral shelf. The central panel, front panel and lateral shelf are disposed between sidewalls.
Electronic kiosk includes a computer operating system necessary to operate kiosk for dispensing medical smart cards and managing healthcare information and services. Preferably, computer operating system includes a computer having a processor, read-only memory (ROM) and read-access memory (RAM), and internal storage such as an internal hard drive for storing information, application software, operating programs and the like. The computer is electrically coupled to several different operating components or elements as described further below.
A circular camera aperture is formed within a top section of the central panel to expose a high definition (HD) digital camera. High definition camera includes or is electrically coupled to a camera processing unit for capturing, processing and recording activity associated with the use of electronic kiosk. As with many ATM machines, digital camera also provides a tool for recording suspect activity of persons who are using the electronic kiosk. Camera processing unit may include removeable digital storage, a video recorder and processor, or can be designed to take still photographs. The digital storage may include an electronic card, USB flash stick, external hard drive or other well-known storage devices.
Central panel includes a plurality of speaker holes formed within the panel and associated with audio speakers provided within kiosk. The audio speakers may comprise mono or stereo speakers and are used to provide audible information to users such as directions, instructions, or other information. The volume of speakers may be adjustable via, hardware or software. For example, a potentiometer may be included within the kiosk to increase or decrease the volume.
A large square-shaped window is formed in the central panel for providing viewing accessibility to an electronic visual display that is securely mounted within kiosk. The electronic visual display preferably includes a large, interactive touch screen for allowing users to interface with kiosk by directly touching the screen without the need for using a keyboard. Medical management application software is executed, via computer, to display icons, tabs, links, and menus on the touch screen for allowing users to interact with the application software when managing medical healthcare information and services. Electronic visual display may include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube (CRT), a touch screen monitor, or any other suitable display unit. Electronic visual display may include a color or chromatic display, and comprise any type of touch technology including resistive, surface wave, or capacitive.
One alternative method of interacting with kiosk and the electronic visual display is provided by keyboard and trackball. The keyboard and trackball are used for inputting or selecting data, and navigating and/or scrolling through data screens, forms, or other information displayed on touch screen. Preferably, keyboard comprises a traditional keyboard having standard function keys, however, keys associated with designated functions may be included. For example, there may be keys designated to form a particular function. Both the keyboard and trackball are preferably secured within or on the lateral shelf. Keyboard may include a water-resistant or water-repellent covering for protecting the keys from damage as a result of the keys being exposed to water or other liquids. This feature may prove to be beneficial where individuals using the electronic kiosk are carrying drinks. Electronic kiosk also includes a form printer slot provided within the front panel. The form printer slot corresponds to a form printer that is used to print application forms, healthcare directive forms, authorization to treat forms, service agreement forms, immunization forms, HIPPA privacy statements, or other forms, contracts or agreements relating to medical healthcare of a medical smart card holder. Preferably, form printer prints forms having a format though other formats may be implemented. Form printer may include color, or black and white ink, and like the receipt printer, is accessible for maintenance or repair via, rear panel. Both form printer and receipt printer may include replaceable or refillable toner or ink cartridges. Paper for both printers can be refilled via, rear panel. The application software program of the present invention may alert administration when either or both ink and paper is low or needs replacement.
The application software of the present invention may include maintenance alert programs to notify administrators of possible problems associated with kiosk. For example, the maintenance program may alert administrators that the paper is low, that the ink is low, that the smart card storage bin is low, that particular system components have failed, provide temperature readings internal to the kiosk , provide notification of suspect activity when using kiosk , or that the kiosk is off line.
Also included within the kiosk is an input/output (I/O) interface for electrically interfacing or connecting kiosk to a variety of external devices or networks. The I/O interface may include a telephone modem, routers, a cable modem, universal serial bus (USB) and/or Ethernet ports, parallel or serial connectors, HDMI connections, earphone or microphone jacks, and other electrical connections needed for interfacing with electronic devices. For example, kiosk may be connected to external devices or networks, such as data storage devices, a printer, a keyboard, to a wired network such as the internet, or to other kiosks or card readers. The I/O interface may be situated within kiosk, located on the rear panel, or disposed anywhere about sidewalls.
To help dissipate heat generated from operating system components located within kiosk, the kiosk is equipped with a ventilation system. The ventilation system may include one or more electric fans controlled by the computer to forcibly circulate air in and out of the kiosk. A plurality of vents (not shown) may be formed anywhere within sidewalls rear panel, or front panel to direct the circulated air out through the vents. Temperature sensors may be placed within the housing of the kiosk to sense the internal temperature and to activate the ventilation system when the temperature reaches an upper limit. As noted, the application software may be configured to sense internal temperature and alert administration in the event the internal temperature exceeds acceptable limits.
Kiosk is powered, via power supply which includes transformers, AC/DC converters, voltage regulators, rectifiers, fuses, and filters needed to provide clean, stable power to the electronic components, circuits and systems of kiosk. In a preferred embodiment, kiosk is configured to connect to a 110-volt AC power supply outlet. The kiosk of the present invention includes the benefit of a backup power supply. The backup power supply is used to power kiosk in the event the primary power supply fails or is interrupted as a result of a power failure. The backup power supply may comprise one or more rechargeable or replaceable batteries. The kiosk includes a secure Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) connection. A GSM modem is electrically connected to computer to allow the computer to communicate over a mobile network. The GSM modem provides mobile internet connectivity and can be used for sending and receiving SMS and MMS messages.