FR2562293A1 - Device for storing, distributing and recovering repeatedly-used objects - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for storing, distributing and recovering repeatedly-used objects of identical shape, such as video cassettes 14, of the type triggered by an element for identifying the user, such as a magnetic card, and comprising storage means, selection means and means for issuing the object chosen by the user. According to the invention, the device is noteworthy in that it further comprises returning means permitting the reinsertion of an object 14 into the storage means and in that each object 14 comprises a data medium 15, 16, 17, 18 which is particular to itself, such as a magnetic medium, thus allowing identification of each object with respect to the others, on the one part during selection of the object being issued among the storage means and, on the other hand, during recovery of the re-entering object. Distribution and storage of repeatedly-used objects such as cassettes.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for the storage, distribution and return of objects for repeated use.

We know the success of consumer items for repeated use, such as for example books, phonographic records, recorded sound magnetic tapes, cinematographic media tapes of the type commonly called "video cassette.

Given the price of this type of object and / or the amount of consumption that is made of it, rental has many advantages. This is carried out in a known manner by traders, or by parastatal organizations, such as libraries or municipal discos.

However, the known principle of rental entails constraints for the user.

First, the latter is required to pick up and return the objects in a single establishment, with the geographic constraints that this implies.

In addition, the opening hours and days of the establishment impose on the user time constraints, eliminating any spontaneity or improvisation in his intentions and desires to consume such leisure objects.

In addition, the user is sometimes led to wish to remain anonymous when purchasing or renting some of these objects.

We know that there are automatic vending machines which allow us to overcome the constraints of place and time; however the latter are only designed for the distribution of disposable fungible products such as confectionery, chewing gum, cigarettes, postage stamps, and banknotes, and are therefore not suitable for the distribution of objects with repeated uses whose characteristics are different from said fungible products. In addition, distributors likely to offer different products are designed so that the products are visible from the outside, thereby increasing the risk of theft and depredation.

The present invention remedies these drawbacks and relates to a device making it possible to store and distribute objects for repeated use without any time, place and relational constraint for the user, while guaranteeing the quality and the choice of the objects offered.

To this end, according to the invention, the device for the storage, distribution and return of objects of identical shape for repeated use, such as video cassettes, of the type triggered by an identification body of the user, such as a magnetic card, and comprising storage means, means for selection and output of the object chosen by the user, is characterized in that it also comprises recovery means allowing reinsertion of an object entering the storage means, and in that each object comprises an information medium specific to it, such as a magnetic medium, thus allowing the identification of each object in relation to the others, d on the one hand during the selection of the outgoing object from the storage means, and on the other hand during the return of the returning object.

Thus, each object can be removed from a first device and returned to a second device, eliminating the space constraint for the user.

In addition, each object when returned after use can be placed anywhere in the storage means, since the information allowing the identification of the object is carried on the latter, and not on the means of storage.

Advantageously, the selection means comprise a memory associated with a keyboard, and are connected to a system for reading the information carried on each object placed in the storage means, capable of comparing the information stored in memory (corresponding to the chosen object) and that of each object being identified contained in the storage means, the identity of these two pieces of information making it possible to trigger the means for ejecting the identified object.

Preferably, the device comprises means for recording and memorizing the list of available objects contained in the storage means, associated with the system for reading the information carried on each object, so as to allow, as soon as reinsertion of each object anres used in the storage means, the immediate inclusion of said object in said list, thus constituting a permanent inventory of the objects in stock. It is therefore possible to update the list of objects in stock almost instantly, thereby increasing the range of choices offered to the user.

In order to facilitate the maneuvers of use, there is provided a display member, such as a screen, of information such as that constituted by the list of available objects and contained in the storage means or any other information relating to the object. corresponding.

In order to avoid recycling objects that do not have all the required quality guarantees, the device includes means for detecting faults or deterioration of each object returned after use, associated with means of evacuation liable to deviate the object to an additional retention location, independent of the main storage means, in case the object is considered damaged.

Advantageously, means are provided for marking information, such as an element for identifying the user capable of carrying said information on each object that has just been chosen by the latter and identified within the means of storage by selection means. Thus each user is identified by the object replaced in the device.

This useful information in case of deterioration of the returned object.

According to a preferred embodiment, the storage means consist of a plurality of contiguous cells each containing an object, connected to each other according to a closed curve and capable of being moved in translation along said curve, each alveolus thus being led to erase in front of the information reading system, the means for ejecting and leaving objects, and the means for detecting faults and the means for evacuating defective objects.

In order to avoid the user the temptation to take an object from another distributor, when he has just delivered a damaged object, the device includes means of temporary retention of the magnetic card, capable of allowing the return of that -after completion of the normal cycle of operations, and to keep it in the event that the returned object is considered, by the means of fault detection, as deteriorated.

Preferably, each cell comprises a member for temporarily immobilizing the corresponding object, such as flexible lateral tabs provided with locking lug and capable of being spread under the action of the ejection means to release the object, at the exit station and bring it to the manual gripping position by the user.

According to an example of nonlimiting application of the invention, the objects are of quadrangular shape, such as boxes containing bands supporting images and / or sounds, of type 1, video cassette.

The invention will be clearly understood in the light of the appended drawing representing an illustrative example of the device according to the invention, and in which
Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the entire device arranged in a container forming a cabinet.

Figure 2 is a top view of the device of Figure 1, the upper panel of the container cabinet being removed.

Figure 3 shows schematically in perspective one of the objects contained in the device.

Figure 4 is a left side view of the device of Figure 1, one of the side panels of the cabinet being removed.

Figure 5 is a right side view of the device of Figure 1 'the corresponding side panel-of the furniture being removed.

Figure 6 is a diagram showing in front view an embodiment of a temporary immobilization member of an object relative to the storage means.

Figure 7 is a homologous view of Figure 4 showing an alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention.

Figure 8 is a flow diagram of the operation of the device according to the invention.

Preferably, and according to the example of the figures, the entire device is placed in a container consisting of a parallelepipedal piece of furniture 1, with a view to its installation in a public place, such as for example in the hall of a station. . It is understood that the device according to the invention can be arranged otherwise, for example by being embedded in a wall or a room, only the front wall being accessible to the public.

The container unit comprises a front wall 2 capable of being closed partially and momentarily by means of a door 3 (not shown in FIG. 1), for example sliding.

your door frees by opening an opening 4 provided in the container unit and giving access to the means allowing the device to operate and which will be described below.

Laterally, access doors 5, 6 are also provided to the internal mechanisms of the device, the opening and closing of which cannot be carried out by maintenance personnel.

The container-unit comprises a first interior volume 7 intended for the storage of objects thanks to storage means 8 and a second interior volume 9 where the drive mechanisms take place and which can serve as additional storage for maintenance equipment or the like. .

The device is of the type triggered by a magnetic card carrying a user identification code. This magnetic card is given to the user subject to registration with an establishment centralizing rental requests.

The magnetic card is inserted through the front face 2 through a slot 10 provided for this purpose, which causes the door 3 to open and allows the user to access the control means of the device, consisting of keyboards liA and llB, a screen 12, and a light 13 for outputting and picking up objects.

The device is intended for the distribution of objects, after selection by the user, but also allows the recovery of objects after use.

The objects are of identical shape, such as piped parallel, and consist for example of boxes of the so-called "video cassette" type, a diagram of which is shown in FIG. 3. Each object 14 has supports on one of its faces information 15, in the form of magnetic media. The information relates to the identification respectively of the object itself (support 16), of the user (support 17), and the number of recovery and / or exit of said object.

The objects are placed in the display cabinet in storage means 8 consisting of an endless chain of successive cells 20, each receiving a cassette 14 and connected to each other according to a closed curve delimited by rollers or wheels 21, at least one of which (wheels 22 and 23) is motor and driven by a transmission link 24 associated with a motor 25.

Thus each cell is capable of scrolling past the light 13 for exiting and picking up objects, thanks to the continuous drive movement of the chain of cells according to the arrows f and g (FIGS. 4 and 5).

The closed curve constituted by the successive cells is folded back on itself so as to present a minimum bulk, in order to reduce the total bulk of the container-unit 1.

A number of recording, detection and selection maneuvers are arranged along the storage means.

Firstly, there are provided means 26 for detecting faults in objects making it possible to detect any damage or deterioration of the object returned after use by the user in the device.

In the event that the object returned by the user presents a non-compliant state, the detection means control means 57A for evacuating the object, out of the storage means 8, to an annexed retention location 27.

Next come means for recording and storing 28 coded information relating to the object itself, such as for example the code of the film contained in the corresponding video cassette.

These means 28 make it possible to update an inventory of all the cassettes stored in the device and the list of which can for example be displayed on the display screen 12.

The device comprises means 29 for selecting the object chosen from among those stored, of the magnetic reader type, and capable of reading the information carried on each object and of controlling the advancement means (motor 25) of the storage chain.

Finally, means are provided for marking information of magnetic type, for example, capable of carrying, on the corresponding information carriers of each cassette, the user identifier code (magnetic carrier 17) and the number of operations. recovery undergone by the cassette (magnetic support 18).

The operation of the device is as follows with reference to the flow diagram of FIG. 8.

Instructions for use 35 and 36 are given on the front face of the container unit 1 (FIG. 1).

The user inserts (operation 31) into the slot 10 his magnetic card which is received and controlled by the control system 32 (operation 32A).

If the card is expired, the latter keep it in a receptacle 33, and return to the end of the operations. The user must then contact the central service to be allocated a new card.

In the case where the card is valid, the control system 32 commands the opening of door 3 and the user must then type on the keyboard liA his personal code which is then memorized.

The code entered on the card and that entered by the user are compared (operation 34) by the control system 32. If there is a difference, the user is invited to repeat his maneuver to enter his code into memory, at competition three times (counted by counter 37). If after the third attempt, the code entered does not comply, the magnetic card is kept in the receptacle 33 and the control system 32 returns to the end of the operations.

As soon as the conformity of the code registered and given by the user is acquired, the latter introduces a cassette which he has already used, into the device by the recovery light 13 (operation 38).

The cassette introduced is placed automatically either by the thrust imparted to it by the user, or by gravity effect after sliding along an inclined plane, in a free cell of the storage means.

The selection means 29 can be used to search for an empty cell; the absence of a cassette inside a cell results in the absence of information since these are carried on the cassettes themselves.

As soon as an empty cell is detected, the drive means (motor 25) are actuated for the time necessary to convey the detected empty cell to the lumen 13.

This search for a free cell for the cassette introduced by the user can also be carried out by any other means, mechanical for example.

The cassette inserted is placed in the cell as follows.

Each cell 20 is provided with temporary immobilization members (FIG. 6), consisting of two lateral tabs 39, 40 each provided with a locking lug 41, 42 and capable of moving apart elastically in the release position ( in dotted lines 43 and 44j under the action of the cassette introduced by the entry light 13 Once the cassette has passed the locking pins, the tabs 39, 40 return to their initial locking position, in solid lines on the figure 6
Once the cassette has been placed and blocked in the cell, the latter is brought, by the movement of the chain, opposite the fault detection means 26 which control the state of said cassette (operation 45).

In the event of the detection of defects resulting from shocks or mistreatment, the newly introduced cassette is directed (operation 48) Icar of the evacuation means 57A to a temporary retention location annex 27. The cassette is first of all 6DectOe cell by the spacing of the lateral tabs 39, 40, following the force exerted at the base of the cell arrow h, FIG. 6) by the evacuation means 57A controlled by the fault detection means 26; - the cassette is then subjected to the force of expulsion of the compressed springs 46 disposed in the bottom of said cell.

The released cassette then slides along a plane
inclined 47 (Figure 5) leading to the location of
provisional detention 27.

In this case (damaged cassette), a first variant consists in also keeping the user's magnetic card in the device. The fault detection means 26 then actuate the control means 32 which cause the retention, in the receptacle 33, of the user's magnetic card (operation 49). Of course, in a second variant, the card can be returned to the user.

Then, the operations end with the closing of door 3.

If the cassette inserted by the user after use
is deemed to be in good condition, the rest of the operation consists in registering the latter in order to update the list of cassettes in stock in the device.
tif l using the recording means 28. It is
note that the fault detection means 26 have previously controlled the advancement of the chain of cells
of storage until the cell contains the newly introduced cassette (in judged condition
satisfactory) arrives opposite said recording means 28.

This recording, for example by magnetic reading, is carried out as soon as possible after the cassette has been taken up by
the device, to allow an almost update
the list of cassettes actually stored.

The list of cassette stocks is displayed on 11 screens
12 (operation 50), or more precisely the list of
groups of cassettes, therefore of films available. The class
This is preferably done by genre of film.

Each genre is assigned a code; the user
choose the type of film they want by typing the corresponding code on the llB keyboard (operation 51). If an error appears at this stage, the user is invited to repeat his choice (return 52).

Next, the list of films (by their title) of the category chosen by the user is displayed (operation 53).

The latter determines the film he wishes by typing on the keyboard IlB the code assigned to said film (operation 54) and displayed on screen 12 with the title of the film.

Once the film (that is to say the cassette) chosen by the user, this information (cassette code) is retransmitted to a memory associated with the selection means 29 which "reads" the information carried on each cassette and which scrolls past them, after triggering of the chain advancement means 25.

The selection means carry out the comparison (operation 55) between the information stored in memory (chosen film code) and the information "read" on the cassette (cassette code).

If these two pieces of information are identified, the corresponding cell is stopped to allow the selection means 29 to control the erasure of the memory containing the film inventory, of the film code which has just been chosen and identified. .

Then, the corresponding cell is routed, by restarting the routing means (motor 25), in front of the marking means 30 which makes, on the identified cassette, the identifier code of the previous user, to "register "that of the new and present user. The code written on the magnetic support 17 is advantageously the same as that carried on the magnetic card (operation 56).

Similarly, the marking means 30 "write" on the magnetic support 18 of the cassette the date of the selection operation of the latter, corresponding to the number of times that the film has been the subject of a rental. This information, although annexed and optional, is nevertheless interesting from a commercial point of view since it makes it possible to eliminate storage means, during regular maintenance and control visits, films that are little or not rented. , or on the contrary to multiply the available copies of successful films.

Once the cassette has been identified and "marked", the corresponding cell is conveyed, by the chain scrolling, towards the exit light 13 od of the ejection means 57B (FIG. 5) cause (operation 58) an applied transverse force on the bottom of the cell, which causes the spacing of the lateral holding tabs and therefore the ejection of the cassette under the action of the initially compressed springs 46 (FIG. 6)
The cassette then protrudes slightly from the front panel 59, from the device and can be grasped by the fingers of the user.

The magnetic card is then expelled by the control means 32 through the slot 10 (operation 60), in order to be entered by the user.

The operations end with the closing of door 3.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown in the figures, but on the contrary embraces any variant.

The shape and arrangement of the storage means is arbitrary (a variant is shown in FIG. 7) provided that they allow the cassettes to be scrolled in front of the various maneuvering and dBoperating stations.

Similarly, the type of support for the formations with which each object is provided (described as magnetic) may very well be of the optical, visual, sound or other type, the means of reading r identification and dginscrintlon being modified accordingly, while remaining within the scope of the invention.

For commercial purposes, it is advantageous to provide for the passage on the screen 12 of advertising visual sequences during the period of idle time for the user corresponding to the operations of selection, reading, searching, detection and registration.
In addition, when the user has chosen a film from a list of 2 film chapters, it may be useful for the latter to know more about the film chosen by displaying on the screen for example a summary summary of the film. These additional information are stored in an additional memory and their display is then controlled, after the user has typed on the keyboard the film code chosen by the user who types on the keyboard the film code again to extract from memory the information corresponding to the latter for viewing.

It has been understood from the foregoing description that the orifice 13 serves for the recovery of the cassettes after use and for the exit of the cassettes identified by the selection means 29.

On the information carrier of each object, it is possible to simultaneously store the code of the client in use and that of the previous client.

Similarly, on the magnetic card, it is advantageous to record the total number of rented objects. Thus, it is possible to assign to each client, via their card, a given and limited number of rentals. As soon as this maximum is reached, the device keeps the customer's card, which must then contact the central establishment.

Advantageously, in order to best protect each object, subjected to numerous manipulations during transport by the user outside the dispensing device, each object is inserted in a case, preferably transparent, and leaving the face of the object free, for example. corresponding object comprising the information medium, in order to allow the reading of said information.

Other examples of application of the device according to the invention are possible, such as for example the distribution of supports, in the form of cassettes or diskettes, of software, for electronic games and of the video type in particular.

The device is capable of being associated with a central control system, connected to several dispensing devices and intended to allow the remote reservation, by telephone or other, of objects.

In addition, each distributor can be provided with storage means capable of allowing the rental by a given user of a specific object within a distributor.

To this end, when the user wishes to rent an object which is not in stock in the distributor, therefore not displayed on the list of objects available on the screen, the latter requests, by pressing a specific key, that it be reserved for him said object. This key is connected to an additional memory which registers on the one hand the code of said user, carried on the magnetic card, and on the other hand the code of the object to be reserved entered by the user by the keyboard.

The code of the object to be reserved is immediately transmitted to the erasing means to erase said code from the objects available and offered for rental, contained in the main memory.

As soon as the desired object is reintroduced into the device, a few hours or a few days later, by a second user, the code of the reintroduced object is compared with those "reserved and stored in the annex memory. In the event of identity , the object is directed by means of diversion to a separate storage area known as a reservation. Subsequent operations are normally carried out for this second user, as described on the preceding pages.

When the first user returns, some time later, and introduces his card, a reading system compares his code and those stored in the annex memory called reservation. In the event of identity, said system compares the codes stored in the reservation storage area and the code of the desired and reserved object, associated with the code of said first user. In the event of identity, after display on the screen of information indicating that the desired object is available, auxiliary ejection means eject the reserved object from the reservation storage area towards the exit.

As a variant, according to a particular embodiment of the storage means, these consist of superimposed and juxtaposed cells or compartments, according to at least one set of flat storage spaces, open on one side so as to allow the introduction and the output of the object from its receptacle or receptacle, the selection means and the ejection means being mounted mobile, in a plane parallel to the storage assembly and so as to sweep the openings of the latter and therefore the objects contained therein.

Claims (10)

 l - Device for the storage, distribution and return of objects of identical shape for repeated use, such as video cassettes (14), of the type triggered by a user identification body, such as a card magnetic, and comprising means of storage (8, 20), means of selection (29) and output (57) of the object chosen by the user characterized in that it also comprises means for taking up ( 13) allowing the reinsertion of an object (14) entering the storage means (3, 20d and in that each object (14) comprises an information medium (15fi 16, 17, 18) specific to it , such as a magnetic support, thus allowing the identification of each object with respect to the others, on the one hand during the selection of the outgoing object from the storage means, and on the other hand during the return of the returning object. 2 - Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the selection means (29) comprise a memory associated with a keyboard (liA, iîB), and are connected to a system for reading the information carried on each object (14) disposed in the storage means (8, 20) capable of comparing the information stored (corresponding to the chosen object) and that of each object being identified contained in the storage means, the identity of these two pieces of information making it possible to trigger the means of ejection (57B) of the identified object. 3 - Device according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises means for recording and storing (28) the list of available objects contained in the storage means (8,20), associated with the system reading of the information carried on each object, so as to allow, as soon as each object is reinserted after use in the storage means, the immediate inclusion of said object in said list, thus constituting a permanent inventory of the objects in stock. 4 - Device according to one of claims l to 3, characterized in that it comprises a display member, such as a screen (12), of information such as that constituted by the list of available and contained objects in the storage means or any other information relating to the corresponding observation. 5 - Device according to one of claims i to 4, characterized in that it comprises-detection means (26) of faults or deterioration of each object returned after use, associated with discharge means (47) , likely to divert the object to an additional retention location (27), independent of the main storage means (8), in case ot the object (14) would be considered damaged. 6 - Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises means for marking (30) information, such as an element for identifying the user, capable of carrying said information on each object having just been chosen by the latter and identified within the storage means (8) by the selection means (29). 7 - Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the storage means consist of a plurality of cells (20) contiguous each containing an object, connected to each other  according to a closed curve and capable of being moved in translation along said curve, each cell  being thus brought to pass in front of the system of  reading (29) of information, the ejection means (57B)  and output (13) of the objects, and the detection means  (26) of faults and the means of evacuation (47, 57A) of the defective objects.  8 - Device according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises momentary retention means (33) of the magnetic card, capable of allowing the restitution thereof after completion of the normal cycle of operations, and to keep it in the assumption that the returned object is considered, by the fault detection means (26), as deteriorated.  9 - Device according to one of claims 1 to 6,  characterized in that the storage means are constructed  superimposed and juxtaposed cell or trap kills,  according to at least one flat storage unit, open on  one side so as to allow the object to be inserted into and removed from its receptacle or receptacle, the selection means (29) and the ejection means (57B) being mounted mobile, in a plane parallel to the storage assembly and so as to sweep the openings of the latter and therefore the objects contained therein. 10 - Device according to one of claims 7 or 9, characterized in that each cell comprises a member for temporarily immobilizing the corresponding object, such as flexible tabs (39, 40) lateral provided with locking lug ( 41, 42) and likely to be  tees under the action of the ejection means (57B) to release the object (14), at the exit station (13) and bring it into the manual gripping position by the user.