CA2076200A1 - Customer-operated booth for purchasing video prints - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Customer-operated booth for purchasing still pictures of events stored on video/electronic tape media. The invention includes a video/electronic cassette tape reader/adapted for frame-by-frame viewing and still picture processing equipment for rendering specially selected (edited) frames to still picture formats. The booth equipment includes video monitor and timing/control subsystems which respond to pre-set, attendant-dictated or automatic controller-dictated time/quantity allocations that are purchased by customer/users.

Description

CUSTOMER-OPERATED BOOTH FOR PURCHASING VIDEO PRINrrS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to customer operated booths for purchasing services and articles and, speciically, to a booth or kiosk which allow~ customers to play video tapes, select specific frames therefrom and transfer the information in those selected frames to permanent media such as thermal/photo prints.

2. Discussion of Relevant Art This invention incorporates devices for video playback, editing and color video printing as they apply to various commercially-available formats, namely VHS, SVHS, 8mm, Hi8 and video still camera equipment. Also included is a color video printer, a color monitor, control circuitry and the physical plant (a booth, for seating o~ up to two adults~. ~he booth arrangement is used in order to place the invention in consumer-available retail locations such as video rental stores and photofinishing stores. In modern exploitation of the video tape activity, locations of the invention booth are even contemplated for grocery stores, supermarkets and, generally, any mall location. The consumer video market has developed to the point where consumers engaged in every walk of life, and in every industrialized country, are using the VHS and 8mm video cassette formats to view pre-recorded material, and to record and play back live action from ~ . 1 , ..... . .. ..

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, , camcorders, on a routine basis. Additionally, the relatively new art of video still camera recording, for display on monitors and television receivers, is becoming increasing popular. Events, which a few years ago would be documented on 35mm ~ilm cameras, are now recorded on myriad consumer video recording devices, most commonly camcorders. ,~
Currently, there exists a need by both (indiYidual~ consumers and businesses to edit specific or certain frames of information from the video recorded materials (generally, tapes) and portray or display the information in still picture (thermal, photo, etc.) form. Various manuactures have developed video thermal printing devices for this purposes. These are new to the marketplace and are considered to be quite expensive. The average consumer, owning and using a video camcorder regularly, may wish to obtain merely a few prints per year and have no interest in purchasing a r~latively expensive video printinq device; thus, there exists a need for the incorporation of a color video printer with video cassette playback devices into a self contained, consumer operated booth. Such will allow consumers to purchase prints taken from their particular video cassettes on a low cost (per print) basis. Having made a careful study of the consumer products available, we have concluded that a consumer-operated facility as discus~ed above has not heretofore existed. There is, without a doubt, an abundance of the aforeme~tioned devices, but apparently no systematic, consumer-operated approach has been taken toward fulfilling the need, such as we now suggest and disclose after a brief discussion of relevant .. , . .,,~ .

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In a 1988 patent issued to Fischetti et al, U.S. Patent 478,907, a video cassette recording and/or viewing vending system is disclosed. We ~eel that this patent is relevant only to the extent that it combines a video system (of sorts) with a consumer/pay booth. In this vending system, Fischetti et ~l. teach a simple recording booth wherein a consumer may sit, make payment for a service and videotape a message for later removal and usa~e with home equipment. The specific relevance of Fischetti et al. is the teaching of a system having a payment or solicitation detection mechanism, some activation means that is responsive to the payment detection or solicitation mechanism, a video viewing device and a tape projection or tape production mechanism that will subsequently eject the tape to be taken into the user's possession.
The patent issued to Andrews et al., V.S. Patent 484,410, teaches a booth in which a seated customer makes a video print from a video camer2 (live action). No video cassettes of the type contemplated in the instant invention are used in that it does not employ prerecorded material of any kind.
A self service terminal which dispenses voice and video information, printed documents or goods, and which accepts service orders and payments therefor by currency or credit card, is disclosed in the patent issued to Lockwood et al., U.S. Patent 4,359,631. Aside ~rom the self-service aspects of this disclosur~, the only relevance it bears to the instant invention is that there are means for obtaining a travelogue (or travelog) based upon video .. . . .. ...

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disc-provided information. The ~ravelogue is, however, furnished audibly and the documents and/or hard GOpy or tickets that are furnished by this terminal do not comprise still pictures of any of the video/stored material. Most importantly, no provision is made for accepting consumer/type video cassettes. Shiota, U.S. Patent 4,920,423, teaches a means and method for finding a desired frame ~r on a video tape or video floppy diskette and how to (thereafter) process it as a photograph. In a similar vein, Mendor et al., in U.S. Patent 4,130,834, disclose a method and appar~tus for producing photographic still pictures from data taken from an intermediate storage of a camera recording/ viewing system.
After an exhaustive study of patents available in the United State Patent and Trademark Office, as well as a search throughout the self/service information (media retrieval) industry, we came to the realization that a video-print booth/~iosk was not to be found.
Particularly, no such apparatus was readily available by which the ordinary consumer or amature video tape maker/recorder could readily purchase permanent (still) pictures of scenes that had only been previously available within the hundreds of feet of video tape.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention (system) is designed to provide customers with low cost 3"x4" still pictures of spe~ific frames of pre-recorded material. It is also designed to play back all the ~ , . .
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current NTSC (U.S. standard) formats of consumer video cassettes available. It is designed to be housed in a booth which is to be placed in retail establishments. It is further designed to allow the customer(s) to search for and clearly view specific ~rames o~
video and to freeze (still ~rame) them for printing (this feature is termed "editing"). -~
The design limits the time period for viewing use and the quantity of prints allowed to be made according to the amount of pre-payment. An attendant control panel allows the selection of the time period and the quantity of prints. The attendant control panel allows the starting of the system by the attendant, for use by a customer. It also provides the means to document the total number of prints and time paid for, in a given period. The attendant control panel is remotely located from the customer booth; and is alternately substituted with an automatic vendor-controller.
A booth houses the equipment in a concealed section and provides an open viewing area with seating for up to two customers.
A translucent hinged door is provided for customer privacy. The design allows placement of the booth in a corner or mid-wall location, with ~ minimum amount o floor space being required, and provides complete servicing and equipment access from within the viewing area. The booth provides obvious openinys for the insertion of cassettes and the removal of prints. The invention allows the user to view and hear pre-recorded video tapes. It also provides one set of tape transport controls for the various tape formats.
Those formats are, specifically, V~S, SVHS, 8mm and Hi8 (cassettej.

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~ne design provides for a playback (e.g. jack) connectlon for a customer-provided video still camera. The customer/user may readily play, stop, rewind, fast forward, shuttle, jog, and eject tapes with single-handed operation of (push) buttons or a shuttle ring or jog knob. The customer is allowed to make a print of the selected frame of video with one button operation, and the invention indicates by means of illumination of that button that the printing process is in progress.
The system allows the customer to continue to view tapes while the printin~ process is in progress, provided that time is still available from the initially allotted (and paid for) time. It ls also designed to complete the printing process once initiated, even though the initially allotted time has run. It limits the number of prints available to the quantity selected at the time of pre-payment, and also limits the printing process to completion within the specified, pre-paid time~ However, the user is able to continue to view tapes as long as time remains, even if the allocated number of prints has been made. At the end of allotted time period the cassettes will automatically be ejected from their associated playback machines. After the allocated number of prints has been made, the "print process" start circuitry is rendered inoperative.
Digital electronic circuits have been designed to digitally display, in both the booth and the attendant control console (if a remote control is employed), the amount of time and the number o~
print~ remainin~ for the using customer. The circuits also pause . . . ................................... ~

-pause the "time remaining" counter should the printing device run out of paper or jam, thereby not penalizing the customer for such an occurxence. The system will also visually and audibly notify the attendant of a paper outage or printer equipment malfunction. A
hinged panel allows rapid restocking of printing paper and/or replacement of a thermal sheet cartridge. The system provides clear operating instructions and adequate shelf space in which to place customer cassettes and prints while the booth i5 in use.

, BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Of the drawings:
Figure 1 is an isometric illustration of the booth showing the viewing area and front panel;
Figure 2 is a ~ront elevation of ~he main panel which hou3es the monitor and electronics control module;
Figure 3 is an isometric illustration o~ the equipment drawer;
Figure 4 is a detailed top plan of the tape transport controls;
Figure 5 is a cutaway view of the electronics control module showing internal components thereof;
Figure 6 is an isometric illustration of the att~ndant control module;
Figure 7 is a block diagxam of the video and audio signal path;
Figure 8 is an electronic signal path block diagram o~ the "countdown timer" and associated control circuits; and .
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Figure 9 is an electronic signal path block diagram of the "predetermining counter" and associated control circuits.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFE~RED EMBODIMENT

Referring to Figure 1, The Video Prints booth 10 uses about twelve square feet of floor space (4' wide by 3' deep) and ls connected by multi-wire cable 1~ to a remote attendant control panel described in detail in Figure 6. The booth 10 is powered by a standard 15 or 20 amp, 120 volt circuit, and is connected to that circuit by flexible cord and plug 14. It is designed for either corner or mid-wall placement, with all serviceable components easily accessible from the customer viewing area A (arrow). The exterior has a clean contemporary appearance using a Formica(~) type laminate or equivalent. There is a smoke color plexiglass door 16 hinged on the right with a handle and European style, self closing hinges, it covers only three-fourths of the opening to provide privacy along with adequate ventilation and tha ability to see if the booth is occupied. The interior is also finished using the above type laminate, using the same color as the exterior and also a contrasting accent color on the floor 18, bench 20, and shelf 22. The bench 20 is designed to fit up to two adults. The small shelf 22 houses the video cassette playback (machine) transport control panel 24, described in detail in Figure 4, and provides a holding area for cassettes and prints for the customer.
The wall panels of the booth 10, both interior and exterior, - , . ; - ; : ; ~.- . . ~,; . .; .

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provide space for operating instructions and promotional logos and or displays. The booth 10 also provides the supporting structure for the color monitor 26, the main panel 28, the equipment drawer 30, and the user/customer bench 20.
Referring to Figure 2 The main panel 28 functions in our ways.
First, it provides front support and concealment for the video monitor 26, the removable equipment drawer 30 and the electronics module 32. Second, it is a housing for two infrared transmitters ~LED s) 34 and 36, which serve to transmit control pulses for the two video cassette playback machines described later in Figure 3.
Third, ~t provides access for service and routine maintenance on a video monitor ~6, the equipment drawer 30, an electronics module 32~ a concealed video character generator and an AC power plug strip with the main power switch and integral circuit breaker.
Fourth, it serves as a surface, in the customer viewing area, in which to mount printed instructions. Incorporated in the main panel 28 is the lockable hinged door 38. This functions to allow the restocking of printer paper and thermal sheet cartridges by the attendant, as well as access to the equipment drawer 30 by a ser~ice technician. Additionally, it provides openings 40, 42 and 44 or insertion and removal of video cassettes and completed prints. Attached to the inside of the hinged door and nearby frame is a two-piece magnetic proximity switch, normally open type. This is hard-wired to the printer door switch and insures that the hinged door is closed, in order to enable the system to operate.

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~ he electronics module front panel 46 provides the housing and labeling for the following devices: A momentary illuminated push button 48 for making a print; a momentary push button 50 for ejecting cassettes; an RCA~) style female panel mount video connector 52 for connecting to a video still camera or other video source; a green high brightness LED 54 for "in use" indication; a red high-brightness LED 56 to indicate a problem; a liquid crystal display 58 to indicate the quantity of prints remaining according to pre-paym~nt; and a liquid crystal display 60 to indicate the amount of time remaining according to pre-payment.
The video monitor 26 is a high quality color monitor such as a Sony(~) PVM-1480 or Sony PVM-1490 with composite video or SVHS type video inputs. It is used for displaying the contents of the customer provided video cassette in either real time, fast forward or reverse search and ~jog) frame by frame mode. In addition, the monitor provides instructions for the customer when the booth is not in use. A speaker in the monitor is provided for the reproduction of the audio portion of the playbacks. The monitor's power switch and input selector switches have been disabled so as to keep the monitor powered and switched to the correct input at all times. The monitor housing has been attached to slide rails such as that manufactured by General Devices, Inc. model #
C-300-S-116, to provide for easy installation or removal.
~ eferring to Figure 3, the removable equipment drawer 30 includes three commercially available devices: an SVHS/VHS or VHS
video cassette player 62, a color video printer 64 and a Hi8/8mm ~ . . . ... . .. . ... .
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or 8mm video cassette playex 66. The three devices 62, 64 and 66 are mounted with rigid hardware to a wood and/or metal ~rame. The frame is attached with screws to sliding rails 68 such as General Devices, Inc. ~C-300-S-116. The fixed portion of the sliding rail assembly 70 is attached to the main panel and rear wall of Fi~ure 1, 28 and 10 respectively.
The SVHS/VHS or VHS video cassette player 62 may be the type manufactured by Mitsubishi Corporation, model number HSU-54, HSU-55 or similar and is modified in the following manner. A
multiconductor cable 72 is inserted through an opening in the back, dressed neatly and routed to the solder side of the front control printed circuit board. Two conductors are then soldered in parallel with the SPST momentary (normally open) "eject" button 50. Two more conductors are soldered in the same manner to a similar "power on/off" button. The other end of the multiconductor cable is terminated in a four circuit miniature conn~ctor, to be connected into the electronics control module.
The color video printer 64 may be of the type manufactured by Mitsubishi Corporation, model # CP-1QU or similar, and generally modified in the following manner. A multiconductor cable 74 is inserted in an opening through the xear (not shown). Eight conductors are brought up to the front contro~ panel PCB. Two are soldered in parallel with the front panel door switch to be remote wired to the door switch of the hinged door 38, Figure 2. Two conductors are soldered in parallel with the "memory" switch, two conductors are soldered in parallel with the "print'l switch, and .

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two conductors are soldered in parallel with the "power on/off"
switch. Three conductors are brought to the "digital" printed circuit board: one is connected to the base of transistor Q8005, to provide a printer ready pul5e; another is connected to the base of transistor Q8006 to provide a printing in progress pulse; and, the third is connected to the emitter of transistor Q8020 to provide a ground path. The above mentioned pulses and switch closures are all routed to the electronics module through a 12 circui~ miniature connector for interconnection with circuits described in Figures 5, 8 and 9. Although relatively detailed herein, such wiring is within the competence of one thoroughly familiar with the aforesaid equipment, when guided by th~
inventors.
The Hi8/8mm or 8mm videocassette player 66 may be of the type manufactured by Sony Corporation, model ~ EVS-900 or EVC-3 or similar, and is modified in th~ following manner. A multiconductor cable 76 is inserted through an opening in the back and routed through to the front control panel PCB. Two conductors are soldered o the solder side and in parallel with the "ejectl' switch 50. Two conductors are soldered to the solder side and in parall~l with the l'power on/off" switch. This cable is terminated in a ~our circuit miniature connector and routed for connection to the electronics control module 32.
All three devices that comprise the equipment drawer have their AC power cords plugged into the plug strip described in Figure 2.
Referring to Figure 4, the top view of the customer operated , . . , , , . , ~ ., ,., . , ., ...... , " , " ~ . .... , . .......... ~ .

:: ;; , ,. , . , , . i .~ , tape transport control panel 24, there is disclosed a th~n steel plate covered with a formica type laminate (which is silk screen printed for labeling). Also shown center-mounted is the Figure 1 shelf 22. All pushbutton switches are double pole, double throw (DPDT), momentary switches, such as the type manufactured by C~K, model #8221 or similar. They have a chrome dress nut and black or red plastic buttons depending on their function. The switch closures of pushbuttons 78, 80, 82, 84 and 86 are connected via multiconductor cable 92 to th~ir respective function switches on the control PCB's fcr the SVHS/VHS and Hi8/8mm video cassette players that are housed in the electronics module of ~igure 5. This enables both machines to be customer controlled by one set o~
pushbuttons.
The "shuttle ring" control B8 and the (frame-fine adjust~ "jog knob" 90 form a manufactured assembly and is currently part of the wireless remote control assembly packaged with the HSU-54 video cassette player. This assembly has been removed from the remote control housing and PCB and is mounted onto control panel 24. The eight bit control (pulses) lines axP connected to the original control PCB, housed in the electronics module of Figure 5, via multiconductor cable 94. In addi~ion, the "jog" pulses from pin 7 are conductor-xouted to an "OR" gate for buffering; the output thereof controls a solid state relay, the switch closure of which is connected in parallel with the frame advance switch on the Sony Hi8/8mm control PCB ~housed in the electronics module of Figure 5).
The "fast forward" pulses from Pin 5 o the shuttle/jog assembly ~ ~ , ,; , , ~ :

are routed to an "OR" ga~e the output of which controls a solid state relay whose switch closure parallels the "forward search"
switch on the Sony Hi8/8mm control PCB. The "fast reverse" pulses of pins 5 and 7 from the above mentioned assembly are routed to an "AND" gate, the output of which controls a solid state relay whoss switch closure is paralléled to the "reverse search" switch on the Sony Hi8/8mm control PCB. The three above mentioned conductors are incorporated in cable 94. The above mentioned circuit enables both VHS and 8mm machines to be controlled by one "shuttle ring" 88 and one "jog knob" 90.
Referring to Figure 5, electronics module 32 eguipment is housed in a 6" by 9" aluminum enclosure. A 12 volt, 15 watt regulated DC power supply 96 is the type manufactured by Sola, Inc., model # 81-12-215-1 or equivalent. This is used to power all circuit components in the system except the video cassette control PCB's 102 and 104, which are powered by a 3 volt, 300 mA DC power supply 98 such as the Archer(~) model # 273-1654 or equivalent.
Both power supplies are protected by a .75 A, 120 volt primary side fuse, and connected to the plu~ strip by power cord 108.
The bottom circuit board 100 contains the gates described in Figure 4, the LED ~lasher integrated circuits tIC's) for the "print button" and the "wait for attendant" indicator described in Figure 2. It also controls the time-delayed, one-shot switch closure circuit to automatically power up the devices of the e~uipment drawer (see F~gure 3). It also contains a 1000 microfarad electrolytic capacitor for the "print" button circuit. Relay 106 is . ' .

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a time delay, delay-on-operate relay used in conjunction with the above mentioned capacitor and the momentary two pole normally open contacts of the print pushbutton 48. It is a DPDT 12 volt coil relay set to a one second delay. It enables the printing pxocess (designed by the manufacturer to be a two-step operation) to be customer operated as a single button operation. The theory of operation is as follows: the momentary switch closure of the print button 48 by the customer instantly activates the printer memory circuit to acquire a video frame in its frame buffer; the other pole of the switch charges a 1000 microfarad capacitor to 12 volts which, in effect, sustains the momentary switch closure for approximately 1.5 seconds; and, this activates the time delay relay which initiates a switch closure of the printer print process approximately one second after the memory function was completed.
The uppermost PCB 104 is the Sony 8mm remote control. It has its infrared (IR) LED transmitter removed and connected by two conductors to the rear of the hinged door 38 (Fiyure 2) which is adjacent to the IR receiver of the respective video cassette machine. All the necessary switch contacts are connected to the pushbuttons on panel 24 in Figure 4, and to the solid state relays on PCB 100.
The lower PCB 102 is the Mitsubishi Corporation VHS remote control. Its infrared LED transmitter is removed and connected by two conductors to the rear of the hinged door 38 in Figure 2 which is adjacent to the IR receiver of the respective viaeo cassette , . . .. . . . . . . .

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machine. All the necessary switch contacts are connected to the pushbuttons on panel 24 in Figure 4. The "shuttle" ring/"jog" knob assembly of Figure 4 is also connected by cable to this PCB.
Referrin~ to Figure 6, there is illustrated an ext~rior view of the attendant control panel 110. This is designed to be remotely located from the booth and placed on top of, or below, a service counter. Thumbwheel switch 112 selects the number of prints a particular customer will be allowed to make. Thumbwheel switch 114 selects the amount of time a particular customer will have for viewing and printing. Push button 116 starts the system for customer operation, it illuminates green while the system is in use. Liquid crystal display 118 indicates the quantity of prints remaining for a particular customer. ~iquid crystal display 120 indicates the amount of time in minutes remaining for a particular customer. Mechanical, non-resetable totalizer 122 increments (increases by one) for every print made. Mechanical, non-resetable totalizer 124 increments for every ten minute time period of operation used. Pushbutton 126 is a manual reset to 00 of the minute timer. Red LED 128 is an indication to the attendant that the printer is out of paper or jammed, Multiconductor ca~le 130 is terminated in DB 37 type connectors and connects all power, data and control signals between the booth and this panel.
Referring to Figure 7, the video and audio signal path of the system allows for the use of several video signal sources for the printer without the use of any complex switching devices. If the booth is not in use, the output of a simple single paye character ~... .. . ... . . . . . ............................................... .

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qenerator is fed to the monitor 26. The normally closed pole of a switching type RCA connector 52 is connected to the character generator. When a male connector is inserted by a customer in connector 52 it mechanically changes the contact position to the other switch pole. The video signal, either the character generator or external signal, is fed to player 66, if there is no tape playing back in 66 then the input signal is output to player 62. If no tape is playing in 62, the signal is output to the printer 64 and to the monitor 26. Only one cassette may be playing at a time.
The signal of whichever cassette is playing will appear at the printer and monitor. The audio signal path is similar, with the only difference being that it originates at the player 66 and bypasses the printer 64.
Referring to Figure 8, there is disclosed a block diagram of the countdown timer circuit and controls. According to the amount of (paid) time a customer is entitled to, the attendant will set the switch 114 to a numeral from one to nine, inclusiv~ This number times ten corresponds to minutes of operation. When the start button 116 is pressed it allows circuit 132 to load the preset n~mber of minutes into its register and start counting down in real time. After every ten-minute period the circuit 132 will output a pulse thereby incrementing the totali~er 124 by one for each ten minute period. It displays its time remaining on the two displays 120 and 60. It will continue to count down as long as the ready pulse is present from the printer. If the r~ady pulse goes to 0 volts, the circuit 146 will output a pulse pausing the countdown ., - , :.:
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timer and illuminating the two LED's 56 and 128 and energizing the audible alert device 144 to notify the attendant o~ a problem.
Also, when the start button 116 is pressed, a momentary pulse sets latch 134. This energizes the two "run" LED's 54 and 148. LED 148 is housed in and illuminates the start switch 116. 5'he output o~
latch 134 also feeds an inverter 136 which feeds a pulslng circuit 142 and keeps the switch closures of relay 140 open when the booth is operating. These switch closures are the remote contacts for the eject switches of the video cassette players 62 and 66. When the timer circuit times out to 00 it outputs a "stop" pulse which resets latch 134 and its output goes to 0 volts. When this happens the "run" LED's 148 and 54 de-energize, the inverter 136 outputs a voltage which energizes puls~r circuit 142 and opens and closes the contacts of relay 140 continuously. This causes both play machines 62 and 66 to ejec~ their cassettes. The machines will continue to e~ect any cassettes inserted until the "start" button is pressed again.
Referring to Figure 9, a block diagram of the pre-~eterm$ning counter circuitO According to how many prints a customer is entitled to, the attendant will set the switches 112 to a number from one to ninety nine, inclusive. When the start button 116 is pressed, circuit 152 loads its re~ister with the setting from switch 112. The current status of the pre-determining circuit 152 is indicated on displays 58 and 118. The pressing of the start button 116 also sets latch 134 the output of which energizes relày 160. ~his closes the normally open contacts allowing the operation 2~$~
of the customer-operated print button circuit. Every time the printer 64 begins the print process, it sends a pulse to circuit 158 which outpu~s a voltage throughout the printing process. This output pulse or voltage increments totalizer 122, thereby counting each print that is made. It also energizes LED flasher circuit 154 and LED 156. LED 156 is housed in print button 48, and gives the customer a visual indication that the print process is in operation. Also, the pulse from circuit 158 decrements (decreases by one) the counter c~rcuit 152 for each print that is made. When circuit 152 reaches 00, it outputs a stop pulse which resets latch 134 and disables the print button circuit. This terminates any further printing by the customer.
The unique combination provided by us herein will serve consumer needs in exemplary manner. Various combinations may be made of the varous components available off-the-shelf and more efficient units may be contemplated, including completely attendant-free, pay-as-used assemblies, consistent with the scope of the hereinafter appended claims.

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Claims (10)

1. A systematic method for providing to a user, upon proper enablement, a self-service capability to edit video storage media and render specific scenes therefrom as still pictures comprising:
soliciting from suitable system vending means a system enablement state based upon time of desired usage and quantity of said pictures to be produced; thereafter upon the system enablement, loading into system transport means a video storage media means that provides base data comprising scenes from which at least one scene may be edited at the user's discretion and initiating system operation through a system control means which is activiated in response to system entry into said enablement state;
editing the video storage media means by use of the system transport means and a system monitor means to locate and isolate a particular desired scene;
commanding a printing of the desired scene through system control means and a system video printing means, said printing means automatically providing a still print of the desired scene and initiating via the system control means an automatic decrementing of the quantity solicited in the first step; and repeating, by the user, editing and/or commanding steps until automatic removal by system control means of the enablement state of the first step.

2. The method of Claim 1 wherein soliciting comprises purchasing through a system automated vending facility.

3. The method of Claim 1 wherein soliciting includes energizing the system which includes activating the system's vending means, control means, transport means, monitor means, and printing means.

4. An integrated system providing control capability over several components for self-service purchase and production of still pictures taken from a video(motion)storage medium comprising:
vending means for a user to purchase time in which to operate the system and/or select and print a desired quantity of pictures;
control means comprising circuitry and timing means for effecting signal transfer in the system, tallying pictures made and conducting a timing of system usage;
video playback means for eliciting and editing data in the medium;
monitor means for viewing the data in cooperation with user operation of the video playback means; and printing means responsive to user commands through said control means and which produces said pictures, and further signals a tallying means in the control means in order to calculate end of said time or other indicia of term such as the desired quantity of pictures.

5. The system of Claim 4 further comprising a booth for enclosing at least the elements of Claim 4 control means through printing means.

6. The system of Claim 5 wherein vending means includes means for recognizing user solicitation and payment for said time and quantity of pictures, and further directs the control means to enable system operation for at least the time paid.

7. The system of Claim 5 wherein said playback means is a tape transport.

8. The system of Claim 7 wherein said monitor means is a video monitor also connected to an output of a video printer means.

9. The system of Claim 8 wherein said printing means is a video printer which responds to a print command issued by the user through an electronics control module, said module containing essentially all circuitry of said control means.

10. An automated system for providing to a user, upon proper enablement of the system, a self-service capability to edit video storage media and render specific scenes therefrom as still pictures comprising:
a booth type enclosure for enclosing electronic and video elements of the system;

a vending means for a user to purchase time in which to operate the system and/or to purchase a desired quantity of pictures, said vending means including means for recognizing a user's solicitation and payment for said time and pictures, and further said vending means connected to a control means in order to enable system operation for at least the purchased period;
a control means for effecting signal transfer and control of the system, said control means further comprising an electronics control module which contains essentially all circuitry associated with said control means;
a playback means comprising a tape transport means;
a monitor means comprising a video monitor which is enabled through the control module and is connected to an output of said transport; and a printing means comprising a video printer responsive to a print command issued by the user through the control means.