EP0205691B1 - Dispositif pour distribuer un article - Google Patents

Dispositif pour distribuer un article Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0205691B1
EP0205691B1 EP19850304325 EP85304325A EP0205691B1 EP 0205691 B1 EP0205691 B1 EP 0205691B1 EP 19850304325 EP19850304325 EP 19850304325 EP 85304325 A EP85304325 A EP 85304325A EP 0205691 B1 EP0205691 B1 EP 0205691B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
compartment
article
token
door
key
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired
Application number
EP19850304325
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0205691A1 (fr
Inventor
Leonard Charles Brown
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to EP19850304325 priority Critical patent/EP0205691B1/fr
Priority to DE8585304325T priority patent/DE3579458D1/de
Priority to AU43724/85A priority patent/AU570118B2/en
Publication of EP0205691A1 publication Critical patent/EP0205691A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0205691B1 publication Critical patent/EP0205691B1/fr
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/06—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles
    • G07F7/069—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles by box-like containers, e.g. videocassettes, books

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an apparatus for dispensing articles, the apparatus being of the kind comprising: a plurality of compartments for securing the articles; control means for selectively releasing the articles in response to control signals; means for accepting and reading a token presented by a user of the apparatus, the token having a memory element containing encoded information; selection means for selecting a desired article; and processing means for providing control signals to the control means in order to release the article selected by use of the selection means and for transferring information from the token, the user removing the selected article from the compartment, and information relating to the dispensing transaction being stored.
  • Vending machines are well known in the prior art, these generally being of the coin-operated type in which the user of a machine inserts a coin to receive a commodity such as a pack of cigarettes, cool drinks or the like.
  • a commodity such as a pack of cigarettes, cool drinks or the like.
  • the new electronic banking system where a client of a particular bank inserts a card which actuates a device to deliver a predetermined or chosen amount of money.
  • Documented prior art of which the applicant is aware includes the following:
  • FR-A-2 542 115 describes a key-shaped storage device in which a credit amount is stored and is reduced in accordance with transactions using the storage device.
  • United States patent 4,458,802 discloses a method and apparatus for renting video cassettes. A token presented by a customer is retained by the apparatus until the rented cassettes are returned. Alternatively, an accounting system which may be linked to a central computer is envisaged for use with this apparatus.
  • the apparatus comprises a carousel mechanism with a number of compartments, each of which holds a video cassette. The cassettes bear an individual code and when a cassette is returned, the apparatus reads the code and identifies the cassette before returning it to its own particular compartment.
  • United States patent 4,020,326 (Coulthurst) describes token control equipment in which information about use of a token is recorded. The recorded information is continually updated to keep track of use of the token.
  • DE-A-3 336 619 there is described an apparatus of the kind defined hereinbefore at the beginning which is intended as an automatic machine for lending video cassettes.
  • the articles secured in the compartments are holders containing video cassettes.
  • a borrower has a token in the form of a magnetic card encoding personal identification.
  • the apparatus includes a video screen for displaying information to borrowers.
  • a keypad is provided as the means for selecting a desired cassette by entry of an identifying number.
  • the cassette holder also has a bar code which must be read by a bar code reader whenever a cassette is borrowed or returned.
  • a coin mechanism is included for receiving the price paid by the user for borrowing cassettes and is functionally connected with the processing means.
  • Mass storage such as a floppy disc is included for storing daily lendings.
  • an apparatus of the kind defined hereinbefore at the beginning is characterised in that each compartment has an electronically-controlled lockable door; at least part of an article stored in any compartment is visible from outside the compartment; and means are provided for detecting improper transactions and for erasing at least part of the information encoded on the token to invalidate the token when an improper transaction is detected.
  • the apparatus may be arranged to allow the user to return a previously removed article to a vacant compartment, the door of a selected vacant compartment being unlocked to allow replacement of the article.
  • the items for display are cassettes and in particular video or audio cassettes.
  • the unit comprises a free-standing cabinet for storing and displaying video cassettes, with a large part of the front area of the cabinet being divided into a plurality of compartments for displaying cassettes which are arranged in horizontal and vertical rows.
  • Each compartment preferably has a normally locked electronically-operated door which is adapted to be unlocked by control means comprising a device such as a solenoid on receipt of a control signal from the processing means.
  • the token preferably comprises a data storage token which is shaped in the form of a conventional key and which includes an electronic memory element for storing and retrieving information.
  • a suitable token is that disclosed in United States patent 4 436 993.
  • a video cassette vending machine 10 comprises a free standing cabinet 12 having a key reader with an insertion aperture 14 for receiving a data storage token or key 16.
  • Figure 6 shows the layout of the communication bus between the processing circuit 30 and the various control circuits.
  • the processing circuit addresses the control circuits of each compartment on a multiplexed parallel bus.
  • a customer of the establishment which operates the machine is provided with a key 16 which is preprogrammed with, inter alia, a personal identification number of four digits, a credit amount corresponding to a preselected number of video cassettes, information identifying the customer such as his name and identity number, the number of cassettes which may be taken by the customer at one time and the like.
  • the customer's key is programmed using the machine itself, after a supervisor has first inserted a master key and set the machine to a "key initialise" mode, and then removed the master key. A blank key is then inserted and by means of the keypad the required data is entered into the machine and the customer's key is encoded accordingly.
  • a customer approaches the machine and, prompted by the alphanumeric display 32, inserts his key 16. He is then prompted to enter his personal identification number.
  • the machine 10 reads the information in the key 16, and if the information is valid and if the customer's identification number corresponds to that read from the key 16, the display 32 prompts the customer to proceed.
  • the customer can identify various video cassettes through the transparent doors 20 of the compartments 18. Each compartment 18 has its own number and by entering that number into the keypad 29, the customer causes the processing circuit 30 to transmit a code which is decoded only by the control circuit of that compartment.
  • An LED next to the number on the compartment selected is then illuminated to confirm to the customer that he has entered the correct number, and the control circuit then energises the solenoid 34 and unlocks the compartment.
  • the customer may then remove the cassette, and close the door.
  • the sensors 26 and 28 ensure that non-closure of the door or non- removal of the cassette is detected, and the customer is prompted accordingly.
  • an audible warning device can be provided.
  • the processor circuit 30 monitors the transaction and may trigger an alarm or erase the key 16 if an improper transaction is attempted.
  • the processor circuit also monitors the condition of the doors 20 and an alarm is triggered if a door 20 is forced open.
  • the customer can select further cassettes up to the preset limit.
  • the credit amount stored in the key 16 is reduced according to the number of cassettes removed, and the customer may then remove the key.
  • the vending machine 10 can include a printer to provide a printed transaction record for the customer if this is required.
  • the customer inserts the key 16 into the aperture 14 and, again prompted by the display 32, selects the number of any vacant compartment, and places the cassette in the compartment and closes the door.
  • the sensor 28 which comprises a pair of electrical contacts, makes contact with a metallic label attached to the cassette container when the cassette is placed in the compartment, so that non-return of a cassette is detected, Ifthe cassette is returned after a predetermined time limit has expired, the credit amount stored in the key 16 is further reduced.
  • the machine 10 can be provided with an internal logging printerto record details of all transactions, or it can store a number of transactions, say, the last one hundred transactions, in memory for recall by a supervisor holding a master key.
  • a remote control computer can be used to monitor the operation of a number of vending machines at different locations.
  • a particular advantage of the described vending machine is that it is mechanically simple compared to other proposed machines, since the only mechanical parts are the door lock solenoids. If one solenoid becomes inoperative, the machine can still be used.
  • Another advantage is that the customer's token is directly debited by an amount corresponding to the transaction, so that a complex accounting system is not required in the machine.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)
  • Vending Machines For Individual Products (AREA)

Claims (9)

1. Un appareil destiné à distribuer des articles, comprenant: plusieurs compartiments (18) pour arbriter les articles; des moyens de commande (26, 30, 34) pour libérer sélectivement les articles en réponse à des signaux de commande; des moyens (14, 30) pour accepter et lire un jeton (16) présenté par un utilisateur de l'appareil, le jeton (16) comportant un élément de mémoire contenant une information encodée; des moyens selection (29, 30) pour choisir un article souhaité; et des moyens de traitement (30) pour envoyer des signaux de commande aux moyens de commande (26, 30, 34) pour libérer, à l'aide des moyens de sélection (29, 30), l'article choisi et pour transférer l'information depuis le jeton (16), l'utilisateur enlevant du compartiment (18) l'article choisi et une information concernant la transaction de distribution étant mémorisée; caractérisé en ce que chaque compartiment (18) comporte une porte commandée électroniquement (20) qui peut être verrouillée; au moins une partie de l'article emmagasiné dans un compartiment (18) quelconque est visible de l'extérieur du compartiment; et il existe des moyens (30) pour détecter une transaction inappropriée et pour effacer au moins une partie de l'information encodée sur le jeton (16) pour invalider le jeton (16) lorsqu'une transaction inappropriée est détectée.
2. Un appareil selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que l'appareil est apte à recevoir, dans un compartiment vide, un article précédemment enlevé, la porte (20) d'un compartiment vide choisi (18) étant déverrouillée pour permettre le remplacement de l'article.
3. Un appareil selon la revendication 1 ou la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que la porte (20) de chaque compartiment (18) est au moins partiellement transparente.
4. Un appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que le jeton (16) est une clé de mémorisation de données contenant un élément de mémoire effaçable.
5. Un appareil selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la clé (16) est encodée à l'aide d'une information représentant la valeur d'un crédit, la valeur étant réduite quand un article est distribué et la valeur réduite étant enregistrée sur la clé.
6. Un appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend des moyens (28) capteurs d'articles pour détecter la présence d'un article dans un compartiment.
7. Un appareil selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que le moyen (28) capteur d'articles comprend des contacts électriques disposés pour établir un contact avec une partie électriquement conductrice d'un article qui à été introduit de façon correcte dans le compartiment (18).
8. Un appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend des moyens (26) détecteurs de porte pour détecter si la porte (20) d'un compartiment (18) est ouverte ou fermée.
9. Un appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8, caractérisé en ce que les articles sont des cassettes de bandes magnétiques.
EP19850304325 1985-06-17 1985-06-17 Dispositif pour distribuer un article Expired EP0205691B1 (fr)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19850304325 EP0205691B1 (fr) 1985-06-17 1985-06-17 Dispositif pour distribuer un article
DE8585304325T DE3579458D1 (de) 1985-06-17 1985-06-17 Vorrichtung zur warenverteilung.
AU43724/85A AU570118B2 (en) 1985-06-17 1985-06-17 Video vending machine

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19850304325 EP0205691B1 (fr) 1985-06-17 1985-06-17 Dispositif pour distribuer un article

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0205691A1 EP0205691A1 (fr) 1986-12-30
EP0205691B1 true EP0205691B1 (fr) 1990-08-29

Family

ID=8194264

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19850304325 Expired EP0205691B1 (fr) 1985-06-17 1985-06-17 Dispositif pour distribuer un article

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0205691B1 (fr)
AU (1) AU570118B2 (fr)
DE (1) DE3579458D1 (fr)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8996162B2 (en) 2009-09-05 2015-03-31 Redbox Automated Retail, Llc Article vending machine and method for exchanging an inoperable article for an operable article
US9104990B2 (en) 2009-09-05 2015-08-11 Redbox Automated Retail, Llc Article vending machine and method for exchanging an inoperable article for an operable article
US9348822B2 (en) 2011-08-02 2016-05-24 Redbox Automated Retail, Llc System and method for generating notifications related to new media
US9569911B2 (en) 2010-08-23 2017-02-14 Redbox Automated Retail, Llc Secondary media return system and method
USD794418S1 (en) 2016-02-16 2017-08-15 Keymaster Solutions, Llc Key lockbox

Families Citing this family (23)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB8607059D0 (en) * 1986-03-21 1986-04-30 Sankey Vending Ltd Article dispensing apparatus
WO1988006771A1 (fr) * 1987-02-27 1988-09-07 Shah Dinesh V Systeme de location automatise
US4884212A (en) * 1987-03-23 1989-11-28 Vertx Corporation Apparatus and method for using unique charge cards dispensed from a vending machine
GB8709234D0 (en) * 1987-04-16 1987-05-20 Sankey Vending Ltd Card operated vending machine
GB8714871D0 (en) * 1987-06-25 1987-07-29 Sankey Vending Ltd Card & reader combination
GB8720297D0 (en) * 1987-08-28 1987-10-07 Sankey Vending Ltd Vending machine
GB8720298D0 (en) * 1987-08-28 1987-10-07 Sankey Vending Ltd Vending machine
DE3812547C1 (fr) * 1988-04-15 1989-02-02 Franz Josef 7640 Kehl De Graf
FR2657707B1 (fr) * 1990-01-26 1993-02-12 Bouvier Daniel Distributeurs de recipients consignes.
FR2668628A1 (fr) * 1990-10-24 1992-04-30 Erco Electronics Sa Installation pour la location d'articles tels que des videocassettes.
EP0803846B1 (fr) * 1994-10-19 2003-10-01 Hitachi, Ltd. Système de rangement électronique basé sur une transaction
US6230971B1 (en) 1996-04-29 2001-05-15 Hitachi, Ltd. Transaction-oriented electronic accommodation system
FR2760870B1 (fr) * 1997-03-11 1999-05-14 Schlumberger Ind Sa Procede de cautionnement entre deux porte-monnaie electroniques
ATE201785T1 (de) * 1997-11-03 2001-06-15 Fulmar N V Schlossverwaltungssystem
US20060260875A1 (en) 2005-04-22 2006-11-23 Eric Hoersten System and method for communicating vending information
US8712872B2 (en) 2012-03-07 2014-04-29 Redbox Automated Retail, Llc System and method for optimizing utilization of inventory space for dispensable articles
US8768789B2 (en) 2012-03-07 2014-07-01 Redbox Automated Retail, Llc System and method for optimizing utilization of inventory space for dispensable articles
US9886809B2 (en) 2007-09-28 2018-02-06 Redbox Automated Retail, Llc Article dispensing machine and method for auditing inventory while article dispensing machine remains operational
US8538581B2 (en) 2010-09-03 2013-09-17 Redbox Automated Retail, Llc Article vending machine and method for authenticating received articles
EP2721576A4 (fr) 2011-06-14 2014-10-29 Redbox Automated Retail Llc Système et procédé permettant de remplacer un article multimédia par un support de données alternatif
WO2013025392A2 (fr) 2011-08-12 2013-02-21 Redbox Automated Retail, Llc Système et procédé pour appliquer des limites de contrôle parental provenant de fournisseurs de contenu à un contenu multimédia
US9747253B2 (en) 2012-06-05 2017-08-29 Redbox Automated Retail, Llc System and method for simultaneous article retrieval and transaction validation
US10415298B2 (en) 2016-02-16 2019-09-17 Keymaster Solutions, Llc Lock box assembly

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH440790A (de) * 1966-02-28 1967-07-31 Landenberger Eugen Einrichtung zum Ausstellen von schriftlichen oder bildlichen Anzeigen
AU514126B2 (en) * 1978-02-22 1981-01-29 Matsushita Reika Company Limited Automatic vending machine
NZ199808A (en) * 1981-03-03 1986-06-11 Maciver K J A & Sons Machine for renting video tape cassettes:individual compartment for each cassette
GB2115197A (en) * 1982-02-18 1983-09-01 Melvyn Albert Herman Coin freed advertisement display
FR2542115A1 (fr) * 1983-03-03 1984-09-07 Jean Guerrero Dispositif de crediteur a clef electronique pour distributeur automatique
CA1218439A (fr) * 1983-07-18 1987-02-24 Robert J. Spooner Automate vendeur de cassettes a ruban
DE3336619A1 (de) * 1983-10-06 1985-04-25 Goldmann Automaten oHG Berlin, 1000 Berlin Verleihautomat fuer verleihbare waren

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8996162B2 (en) 2009-09-05 2015-03-31 Redbox Automated Retail, Llc Article vending machine and method for exchanging an inoperable article for an operable article
US9104990B2 (en) 2009-09-05 2015-08-11 Redbox Automated Retail, Llc Article vending machine and method for exchanging an inoperable article for an operable article
US9569911B2 (en) 2010-08-23 2017-02-14 Redbox Automated Retail, Llc Secondary media return system and method
US9348822B2 (en) 2011-08-02 2016-05-24 Redbox Automated Retail, Llc System and method for generating notifications related to new media
USD794418S1 (en) 2016-02-16 2017-08-15 Keymaster Solutions, Llc Key lockbox

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE3579458D1 (de) 1990-10-04
AU570118B2 (en) 1988-03-03
EP0205691A1 (fr) 1986-12-30
AU4372485A (en) 1986-12-24

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