JPH10161765A - Internet terminal device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a person who does not possess an internet communication device and a person who is short of knowledge concerning the operation of a personal computer to simply and easily and correctly execute internet communication. SOLUTION: This device is constituted of a main computer 1 programed to automatically execute rising from a stopping state to a stand-by state capable of internet communication, rising from the stand-by state to an operating state being an internet communicating state and its opposition and a sub-computer command-controlling switching the stopping state, the stand-by state and the operating state of the main computer 1 by inserting a coin or to like the execute internet communication by operating a mouse, a touch panel, etc.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention comprises a mouse or a touch panel which is automatically connected to the Internet for a time corresponding to the inserted amount of coins, bills and coins. The present invention relates to an Internet terminal capable of selecting Internet information and transmitting signals by a simple operation of an operation unit.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, Internet communication by a personal computer has been required to obtain abundant and accurate information, to obtain more specialized information easily, and to obtain unknown information without worrying about others. It is widely used because it can be used and information can be easily exchanged with an unspecified number of people.

[0003]

However, in order to perform Internet communication, it is necessary to purchase a personal computer and a peripheral device for performing Internet communication, and a dedicated contract with a provider is required. There is a problem in that Internet communication requires a great deal of expense.

[0004] Further, even if a personal computer can be purchased and brought into a state in which Internet communication can be performed, an operation of putting the personal computer into an Internet communication state and an operation of putting the personal computer into a stop state from the Internet communication state can be performed. However, since it is extremely troublesome and time-consuming, there has been a problem that a great deal of labor is often required to get used to the operation.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and enables a person who does not own an Internet communication device to easily perform Internet communication for a fee. It is an object of the present invention to make it possible to easily and inexpensively perform Internet communication even for a person who has little knowledge of the operation of a personal computer.

[0006]

Means for Solving the Problems The means of the present invention for solving the above technical problem comprises a main computer as a main body of an Internet terminal, and a sub-computer for controlling the connection of the main computer to the Internet. It is an Internet terminal that connects the main computer to the Internet by inserting coins, bills, and coins that are cards, and the main computer enters a standby state where it can be connected to the Internet from a stopped state by turning on the power, By the operation command from the computer, it changes from the standby state to the operation state connected to the Internet, by the stop command from the sub-computer, it changes from the operation state to the standby state, and by the reset command from the sub-computer,
The operation state is changed from the standby state to the standby state, and subsequently, the operation state is changed from the standby state to the operation state. When the standby state is set, the standby completion signal is output to the sub-computer, and the operation unit is configured by a mouse or a touch panel. When the power is turned on, the computer is changed from a stopped state to an operating state, and enters a state in which coins and the like can be inserted by a standby completion signal from the main computer. The operation time is converted and displayed while counting down according to the etc., the stop command is output to the main computer at the same time when the operation time countdown is completed, the amount of coins etc. inserted is memorized and stored, the signal from the reset switch Reset command by the main controller. And outputs to Yuta, making the countdown uptime those to stop for a predetermined period of time,
It is in.

[0007]

When the power switch of the Internet terminal according to the present invention is turned on, the main computer automatically changes from the halt state to the standby state, which is a standby state for connection to the Internet, and the subcomputer changes from the halt state to the operating state. Become.

At the time when the Internet terminal starts up, the subcomputer is output from the main computer as a result of the subcomputer, except for the coins, bills, coins, etc., being put into operation, and the standby state. When the standby completion signal is input, the insertion portion is set in a state in which coins and the like can be inserted, and all the units are in the operating state.

This is to prevent coins and the like from being inserted in a state where the main computer is not in a standby state, that is, in a state where the Internet connection cannot be established immediately, thereby preventing the useless insertion of coins and the like. is there.

In the operation state of the subcomputer,
Since the operation time of the Internet terminal with respect to the unit value of coins or the like is displayed, the user prepares an amount of coins or the like for a desired time based on this display, and puts it in the input section of the sub-computer. throw into.

When a coin or the like is inserted into the insertion portion, a sensing signal for sensing insertion of the coin or the like from the insertion portion is input to the main body of the sub-computer, and the sub-computer follows the amount of the inserted coin or the like. The operation time is displayed, the countdown of the operation time is started, and an operation command is output to the main computer.

The main computer in the standby state automatically connects to the Internet in response to the input of the operation command from the sub-computer, and displays the effect when the connection to the Internet is established. Is in an operation state in which the Internet communication by operating the operation unit of the user is displayed on the monitor.

When the operation time converted by the sub-computer has elapsed, a stop command is output from the sub-computer to the main computer, and the main computer automatically changes from the operating state, which is the Internet communication state, to the standby state by inputting the stop command. Return.

If coins or the like are additionally inserted before the countdown of the operation time is completed according to the state of the Internet communication, the operation time corresponding to the additionally inserted coin or the like is added to the original operation time as it is. Will be.

When a failure occurs in the Internet communication network during Internet communication, when the reset switch provided on the sub-computer is operated, a reset command is output from the sub-computer to the main computer, and the main computer is switched from the operating state to the standby state. Automatically returns to the standby state, and when the return to the standby state is completed, the computer automatically returns to the operation state again, and the sub-computer starts counting down the operation time simultaneously with the input of the signal from the reset switch. The operation is stopped for a time corresponding to the automatic switching from the operation state to the standby state to the operation state, thereby preventing the user from disadvantageously consuming the operation time.

The amount of coins and the like inserted into the insertion section is accumulated and stored by the sub-computer, thereby enabling accurate management of the operation results of the Internet terminal.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram showing a configuration of a main computer 1 for performing Internet communication. The main computer 1 has a central control unit 2 for operating the main computer 1 according to stored programs, and a floppy disk for storing various programs and data. A network unit 5 for connecting the main computer 1 to a telephone line which is an Internet communication network;
It comprises a power supply circuit section 6, a keyboard section 4 as an input section, a video section 7 to which a monitor 9 is connected, an audio section 8 to which speakers 10 are connected, and an operation section 11 composed of a mouse or a touch panel. ing.

The main computer 1 has exactly the same configuration as a normal computer, but has a power supply circuit 6
Is connected to a power source and is programmed to automatically start up to a standby state where Internet communication is possible, from the standby state to the operating state where it is actually connected to the Internet communication network The program is programmed to automatically start up, and in response to a reset command from the sub-computer 12, returns from the operating state to the standby state, and automatically starts the operation from the standby state to the operating state again. The fact that it is programmed and that the keyboard unit 4 is merely a signal input unit from the sub-computer 12 is greatly different from a normal computer.

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram showing the configuration of a sub-computer 12 for performing on / off control of the Internet communication operation of the main computer 1. This sub-computer 12 calculates the operation time, counts down, and executes various commands. Central processing unit 13 that performs signal output processing
A memory unit 14 for storing a program and input data; and a signal input / output unit 15 for converting a signal.
, A power supply circuit section 16, a terminal section 17, and a group of three switches, and a numerical value setting section 18 for instructing the setting of the operation time of a unit circle or the display of the accumulated coin equivalent amount, and displays the operation time and the like. It comprises a display unit 19, a reset switch 20 for restarting the Internet terminal in the event of internet communication failure, and a slot 21 for coins, bills and coins as cards.

The sub-computer 12 includes a power supply circuit 16
Is connected to a power supply and enters a preliminary operation state, but the input section 21 can be inserted into a coin or the like by inputting a standby completion signal, which is the only signal from the main computer 1, from the baseline terminal b. The operation time value of the unit circle set in advance by the numerical value setting unit 18 is displayed on the display unit 19 in a complete operation state.

The insertion section 21 is configured so that only predetermined coins and the like can be inserted. For example, when the predetermined coins and the like are 100 yen coins, the inserted 100
A sensing signal is output to the central processing unit 13 for each yen coin.

The central processing unit 13 calculates the operation time in accordance with the data stored in the memory unit 14 in response to the input of the sensing signal from the input unit 21, displays the calculation result on the display unit 19, and at the same time displays the operation time. And outputs the operation command to the main computer 1 through a command terminal C in accordance with the input of the sensing signal from the input unit 21. A stop command is output to the computer 1 through the baseline terminal B.

When the signal from the reset button 20 is input, the central processing unit 13 stops the countdown operation of the operation time for the time set in advance and stored in the memory unit 14 and operates during the operation. A reset command is output to the main computer 1 through a command terminal c.

The memory unit 14 stores data such as the operation time calculated by the central processing unit 13 and the operation time counted down each time the operation is stopped. Data that is stored and retained irrespective of the operation stoppage, such as the operation time, the reset stop time, and the accumulated value of the number of inserted coins, etc., is stored.

The display unit 19 displays the operation time of the unit circle, the remaining time of the operation time counted down, the number of coins inserted, and the like.

The numerical value setting section 18 is composed of three switch groups. By operating each switch in advance, the operation time of the unit circle, the display of the operation time of the unit circle,
The display of the number of accumulated coins, the setting of specific numerical values such as the stop time at reset, and the instruction of the operation of the display program of the set value are performed.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the entire appearance of an example in which an Internet terminal according to the present invention is configured as an upright type, and a monitor 9 for displaying Internet communication information is provided at the center of an upright panel surface. And a display unit 19 is disposed immediately above the screen of the monitor 9.

A table surface is formed so as to extend forward from the lower end of the upright panel surface. When the operation unit 11 is configured by a mouse as in the illustrated embodiment, this table surface is 11 are provided, and a handling display 22 which is a description of an operation procedure of the Internet terminal, and an input section 21 are provided.

A return port 23 for erroneously inserted coins and a coin box 24 for storing inserted coins and the like are detachably mounted on the front part of the housing below the table surface. A reset button 20 is provided at a position on the side surface of the housing that cannot be operated unnecessarily, and a power socket 25 provided with a power switch is provided at the lower end.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the entire appearance of an example in which the Internet terminal according to the present invention is configured in a table type. In the center of the table surface, a screen of a monitor 9 and a screen adjacent to the screen of the monitor 9 are provided. On the other side, a display unit 19 is arranged, and on both sides of the central portion, handling indicators 22 are provided. When a mouse is used as the operation unit 11, this table surface is used as an operation place of the operation unit 11. Will be provided.

At the front part of the housing located below the table surface, there are provided a slot 21 integrally provided with a return port 23, a reset button 20, and a coin box 24. A power socket 25 provided with a power switch is provided at the lower end of the side surface.

When the operation unit 11 is constituted by a touch panel, the screen itself of the monitor 9 becomes the operation unit 11.

The user confirms that Internet communication is possible by displaying on the monitor 9, and then inserts a coil or the like into the input section 21, and the display on the monitor 9 completes the connection to the Internet communication network. When the state is reached, the Internet communication can be performed while operating the operation unit 11 as it is.

[0034]

Since the present invention has the above-described structure, the following effects can be obtained. Since the main computer is programmed and the main computer is controlled by a sub-computer, the user can perform Internet communication simply by inserting coins, etc. The selection and operation can be achieved by a simple mouse or touch panel operation, rather than a cumbersome keyboard operation, so that even a person with little knowledge of the operation of a personal computer can easily and easily perform the Internet communication.

Since it is possible to easily perform Internet communication when necessary without having to pay a large amount of money for purchasing and contracting expensive personal computers and peripheral devices.
Internet communication can be used inexpensively and easily.

If the main computer does not start up in the standby state, it is impossible to insert coins and the like into the insertion section. Can be input.

[0037] Even if a communication failure occurs during Internet communication, the countdown of the operation time is stopped while the reset is achieved, so that no loss is given to the user, and thus the user's discomfort due to the communication failure. Can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram showing one embodiment of an electric circuit configuration of a main computer in an Internet terminal of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram showing one embodiment of an electric circuit configuration of a sub computer in the Internet terminal of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an overall perspective view of an embodiment in which the Internet terminal of the present invention is configured as an upright type.

FIG. 4 is an overall external perspective view of an embodiment in which the Internet terminal of the present invention is configured in a table type.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1; main computer 2; central control unit 3; storage unit 4; keyboard unit 5; network connection unit 6; power supply circuit unit 7; video unit 8; audio unit 9; monitor 10; Central processing unit 14; Memory unit 15; Signal input / output unit 16; Power supply circuit unit 17; Terminal unit 18; Numerical value setting unit 19; Display unit 20; Reset button 21; Coin box 25; Power socket A; Power terminal B; Base line terminal C; Command terminal D; Net connection terminal

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A main computer (1) serving as an Internet terminal body, and a sub-computer for commanding and controlling the connection of the main computer (1) to the Internet.
(12), an Internet terminal for connecting the main computer (1) to the Internet by inserting coins, bills and coins which are cards,
When the main computer (1) is turned on, the main computer (1) is switched from a stopped state to a standby state in which connection to the Internet is possible, and by an operation command from the sub-computer (12), the main computer (1) is switched to an operation state connected to the Internet from the standby state. In response to a stop command from the sub-computer (12), the sub-computer (12) changes from the operating state to the standby state, and the reset command from the sub-computer (12) changes from the operating state to the standby state. When the state becomes the standby completion signal,
(12), the operation unit (11) is constituted by a mouse or a touch panel, and the sub-computer (12) is changed from a stopped state to an operating state by turning on a power supply, and a standby state from the main computer (1). When the completion signal indicates that coins and the like can be inserted, an operation command is output to the main computer (1) upon insertion of the coins and the like, and
The operating time is converted and counted down according to the inserted coins, etc., and displayed while counting down.A stop command is output to the main computer (1) at the same time as the counting down of the operating time is completed, and the amount of the inserted coins, etc. is accumulated. An Internet terminal that outputs a reset command to the main computer (1) in response to a signal from a reset button (20) and stops the countdown of the operation time for a predetermined time.