Multi-media remote data access terminals and system

Abstract

In a public internet access terminal, the combination comprising an access station, and computer apparatus at the station and including a user keyboard and data display means, and a user credit card reader at the station, and the computer apparatus including circuit means operatively connected to the card reader to be responsive to reading of user credit card data to enable user access to the internet via the computer apparatus at the access station.

1 . In a public Internet access terminal, the combination comprising:
 a) an access station, and   b) computer apparatus at the station and including a user keyboard and data display means,   c) a user credit card reader at the station, and said computer apparatus including circuit means operatively connected to the card reader to be responsive to reading of user credit card data to enable user access to the internet via said computer apparatus at the access station.   
     
     
         2 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein said access station is a public access station having an associated kiosk carrying said computer apparatus, and card reader. 
     
     
         3 . The combination of  claim 2  wherein said kiosk includes a housing in which said computer apparatus is stored, said data display means also carried by the kiosk housing. 
     
     
         4 . The combination of  claim 3  including a printer stored in said housing, the printer operatively connected with the computer apparatus. 
     
     
         5 . The combination of  claim 3  wherein said housing has a display opening, and said data display means includes a display screen viewable at said opening. 
     
     
         6 . The combination of  claim 3  wherein said kiosk includes support means carried by the housing to be movable relative to the housing, for carrying said computer means from the housing interior to the housing exterior, for access. 
     
     
         7 . The combination of  claim 6  wherein the housing includes an openable door blocking such movement of the support means from the housing interior to the housing exterior, and locking means to lock the door in closed position. 
     
     
         8 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein said circuit means is responsive to reading of a credit card to
 i) determine if that card identifies a current account customer user, whereby if “yes”, the user is instructed via the display means to enter his password via the keyboard to enable subsequent performance of user requested operations associated with use of the internet,   ii) and if “no”, the user is instructed via the display means to confirm via the keyboard that a new account is to be established, and to enter new account information via the keyboard for storage by server means, and the user is then enabled to perform user requested operations, via the keyboard, and associated with the internet.   
     
     
         9 . The combination of  claim 8  wherein said means responsive to reading of the credit card comprises software. 
     
     
         10 . The combination of  claim 9  wherein said software has an associated system flow diagram as set forth in  FIG. 5 . 
     
     
         11 . The combination of  claim 1  including multiple of said terminals as defined, there being circuitry operatively connected with the circuit means of the terminals whereby a user keyboard selected display configuration, at one terminal is duplicated at another terminal in response to user commands to the keyboard at said other terminal, via signal transmission on the internet.