Creating a secure physical connection between a computer terminal and a vehicle
First Claim
1. A computer terminal located in an environment, comprising:
- a display;
an item transfer mechanism configured to dispense or receive items during an interactive session with a user;
retractable conduit comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a barrier between the proximal end and the distal end, wherein the proximal end is attached to the computer terminal, wherein the distal end is configured to engage a portal of a vehicle positioned proximate to the computer terminal, wherein the barrier is configured to separate the item transfer mechanism from the environment during the interactive session;
a memory;
a communication interface;
a processor; and
a terminal application stored in the memory, executable by the processor, and configured for;
determining that the vehicle is proximate to the computer terminal;
in response to determining that the vehicle is proximate to the computer terminal, determining a location of the portal of the vehicle;
in response to determining the location of the portal of the vehicle, transmitting a control signal to an actuator, the control signal causing the actuator to extend the distal end of the retractable conduit away from the computer terminal so that the distal end engages the portal of the vehicle;
receiving a request from a mobile device of the user to initiate the interactive session;
in response to receiving the request from the mobile device, establishing, via the communication interface, a secure communication channel with the mobile device and initiating the interactive session;
initiating the interactive session with the user;
during the interactive session, receiving an interactive command over the secure communication channel from the mobile device; and
during the interactive session, in response to receiving the interactive command over the secure communication channel from the mobile device, dispensing or receiving one or more items via the item transfer mechanism.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A computer terminal typically includes a retractable conduit and an actuator connected to the retractable conduit. The retractable conduit typically includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a barrier between the proximal end and the distal end. The distal end is typically configured to engage a portal of a vehicle positioned proximate to the computer terminal. The actuator is typically configured to extend the distal end of the retractable conduit away from the computer terminal and toward the portal of the vehicle. The computer terminal is typically configured to determine that the vehicle is proximate to the computer terminal; determine a location of the portal of the vehicle; and transmit a control signal that causes the actuator to extend the distal end of the retractable conduit away from the computer terminal so that the distal end engages the portal of the vehicle.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A computer terminal located in an environment, comprising:
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a display; an item transfer mechanism configured to dispense or receive items during an interactive session with a user; retractable conduit comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a barrier between the proximal end and the distal end, wherein the proximal end is attached to the computer terminal, wherein the distal end is configured to engage a portal of a vehicle positioned proximate to the computer terminal, wherein the barrier is configured to separate the item transfer mechanism from the environment during the interactive session; a memory; a communication interface; a processor; and a terminal application stored in the memory, executable by the processor, and configured for; determining that the vehicle is proximate to the computer terminal; in response to determining that the vehicle is proximate to the computer terminal, determining a location of the portal of the vehicle; in response to determining the location of the portal of the vehicle, transmitting a control signal to an actuator, the control signal causing the actuator to extend the distal end of the retractable conduit away from the computer terminal so that the distal end engages the portal of the vehicle; receiving a request from a mobile device of the user to initiate the interactive session; in response to receiving the request from the mobile device, establishing, via the communication interface, a secure communication channel with the mobile device and initiating the interactive session; initiating the interactive session with the user; during the interactive session, receiving an interactive command over the secure communication channel from the mobile device; and during the interactive session, in response to receiving the interactive command over the secure communication channel from the mobile device, dispensing or receiving one or more items via the item transfer mechanism. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A computer terminal located in an environment, comprising:
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a display; an item transfer mechanism configured to dispense or receive items during an interactive session with a user; retractable conduit comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a barrier between the proximal end and the distal end, wherein the proximal end is attached to the computer terminal, wherein the distal end is configured to engage a portal of a vehicle positioned proximate to the computer terminal, wherein the barrier is configured to separate the item transfer mechanism from the environment during the interactive session; a memory; a communication interface; a processor; and a terminal application stored in the memory, executable by the processor, and configured for; determining that the vehicle is proximate to the computer terminal; in response to determining that the vehicle is proximate to the computer terminal, determining a location of the portal of the vehicle; in response to determining the location of the portal of the vehicle, transmitting a control signal to an actuator, the control signal causing the actuator to extend the distal end of the retractable conduit away from the computer terminal so that the distal end engages the portal of the vehicle; receiving a request from a computer system of the vehicle to initiate the interactive session; in response to receiving the request from the computer system of the vehicle, establishing, via the communication interface, a secure communication channel with the computer system of the vehicle and initiating the interactive session; initiating the interactive session with the user; during the interactive session, receiving an interactive command over the secure communication channel from the computer system of the vehicle; and during the interactive session, in response to receiving the interactive command over the secure communication channel from the computer system of the vehicle, dispensing or receiving one or more items via the item transfer mechanism. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification