EP0349284A2 - Automatisches Büchereiartikelendgerät - Google Patents
Automatisches Büchereiartikelendgerät Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0349284A2 EP0349284A2 EP89306545A EP89306545A EP0349284A2 EP 0349284 A2 EP0349284 A2 EP 0349284A2 EP 89306545 A EP89306545 A EP 89306545A EP 89306545 A EP89306545 A EP 89306545A EP 0349284 A2 EP0349284 A2 EP 0349284A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- article
- vertical
- articles
- machine
- code
- 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.)
- Withdrawn
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Classifications
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- 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
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
- G07F11/46—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from movable storage containers or supports
- G07F11/50—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from movable storage containers or supports the storage containers or supports being rotatably mounted
- G07F11/54—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from movable storage containers or supports the storage containers or supports being rotatably mounted about vertical axes
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
- G07F11/62—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles in which the articles are stored in compartments in fixed receptacles
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a terminal for use in selectively purchasing, renting, and returning articles such as library articles inventoried within the terminal.
- the terminal apparatus described herein contains an inventory of library articles in the form of VHS and/or Beta format videotape cassettes.
- the terminal apparatus of this invention is adaptable for use with other articles.
- the articles are to be contained in novel transport cases such those articles not contained in these cases cannot be returned to a terminal.
- the rapidly growing home video industry is triggering an increased home use of pre-taped video materials be means of either sale or rental, leading to a continuing need for consumer oriented accessibility in the renting, purchasing and returning of pre-taped video materials.
- the present invention is directed toward an automated dispensing and receiving apparatus which carries a varied inventory, is easily accessed by the user and is substantially tamper-resistant.
- the automated terminal of the present invention provides a vending-type apparatus having a plurality of storage compartments contained within a tamper-proof housing.
- the storage compartments are aligned such that each compartment has individual coordinates on the horizontal and vertical axes.
- the housing includes a front panel contained within a front door which offers the user a table of contents containing call numbers for the library inventory, a credit card scan reader, user oriented selection instructions, user oriented finger-operated selection panel and an access opening of a return and delivery chute.
- the front panel can be opened by an authorized caretaker for updating the table of contents or to service some of the hardware, e.g. for printing receipts, etc. but without access to the articles contained in the terminal.
- the door accessible only to authorized service personnel, permits direct access to the inventory and to the mechanical equipment for vending and accepting returns thereof.
- a robot arm located inside the housing with access to each of the individual storage compartments operates to retrieve the library articles for use and return the articles to a compartment after use.
- the robot arm re-programs a computer memory also contained in the housing, with information regarding inventory availability and location, including the location of unoccupied compartments as it moves through the retrieval and return operations.
- the terminal of the present invention begins operation as the user places his or her credit card through the card reader slot located on the front panel of the housing.
- the computer upon reading the information contained on the user's credit card, activates the selection, panel.
- the user selects one of three modes of operation; “rental”, “purchase”, or “return”.
- mode selection in the case of videocassette (“tape") inventory, the user may also select the desired tape size "VHS" or "Beta" at terminals which inventory both types (optional with the operator).
- the user if purchasing or renting a tape, then selects the desired tape by pressing a corresponding call number located on the table of contents, on the selection finger panel.
- the robot arm Upon receipt of this requested information, the robot arm moves to any compartment in which the memory knows the desired tape is stored. The robot arm retrieves the tape (in its storage container) and provides it to the user through the chute located on the front panel. If the user is purchasing the tape, the user's credit card account is charged with the purchase price. If the user is renting the tape the credit card information is retained within the memory awaiting return of the tape by the user.
- the chute opens and the user is instructed to insert the used tape (in its storage container) into the chute.
- An information detector such as a bar code render, reviews the returned tape. If the information contained on the returned tape (and/or its container) correlates with the information stored in memory and the tape is undamaged, the robot arm retrieves the tape and places it in any unoccupied compartment within the terminal, recording in the computer memory the location of such placement. If, however, the information code contained on the tape is damaged or does not properly correlate, the tape is rejected and returned to the user. The user's credit card account may be charged the purchase price of a tape rejected because of damage.
- the present invention provides for an intrusion free environment for the storage of the inventory. Since the robot arm is self-programmable, the authorized caretaker need only insert an identification code and order removal of a specified series of the inventory.
- the robot arm activated by the memory, will locate all copies of the specified inventory stored in the compartments and feed those articles to the caretaker through the chute. To reload the inventory, the caretaker then inserts the new articles and the robot arm receives the new articles and places them in unoccupied compartments while recording information regarding each new article and its location (compartment) coordinates in the computer memory.
- the invention provides a robotic arm apparatus for use in a machine that is externally operable by the user, to, through a delivery chute mounted and arranged to deliver articles through an external wall of said machine, automatically stock, vend, and selectively accept return of and re-stock, so that they can be re-vended, a plurality of reusable articles each having a unique code
- said apparatus comprising: memory means for storing information comprising the location of said plurality of articles in said machine; control means coupled to said memory means and responsive to operation of said machine by a user to generate control signals; a vertical track member; rotational drive means responsive to said control signals for revolving said vertical track member about a given axis; a vertical lift member mounted for vertical movement on said vertical track member; vertical drive means responsive to said control signals for vertically moving said lift member relative to said vertical track member; article handling means mounted on said vertical lift member; means responsive to said control signals for extending and retracting said article handling means in a generally horizontal direction relative to
- the terminal includes a housing 10 having a front door panel 12 hinged to open and provide access to the interior of the housing 10.
- the housing 10 contains a plurality of storage compartments 14 preferably arranged in a concentrically oriented series of rows. Also located within the interior of the housing 10 is a robot arm 16 which accesses each of the individual compartments 14.
- the panel 12 is therefore normally inaccessible and is rarely opened, except to service the mechanical components housed within housing 10.
- inventory is placed in or removed from the compartments 14 by the robot arm 16, without opening the door 12, by a caretaker having the proper codes (preferably in the form of a credit card-like authorization card) to remove and replace inventory.
- proper codes preferably in the form of a credit card-like authorization card
- a video-display screen (e.g., a cathode-ray tube) 18 is positioned in an upper front corner of the housing 10.
- the display screen is intended for use in displaying continuous loop advertising or continuous loop previews of the articles (e.g., motion pictures on videocassettes) contained within the terminal or "coming attractions" of future inventory.
- a window 20 is provided through which the video display screen 18 is visible.
- a display panel 24, is provided, on which the titles, catalog information and call numbers of the library inventory are listed.
- the display panel 24 is designed to be opened by the authorized caretaker in order to update the display information as the inventory of the terminal changes.
- the display panel 24 is also movable relative to the door 12 to disclose a first access opening 26 through which the tape player 28 can be supplied with a tape cassette for playback on the video display screen 18.
- a second smaller access door or panel 30 is also located within and at the front side of the door 12 to provide access to a receipt printer 32 and to enable the attendant to replace the receipt paper 34 on which the information and receipts for rentals and/or purchases is printed.
- the receipts are provided to the user through the receipt slot 36.
- Also located on the rear of the door 30 under the display panel 24 and accessible to the authorized attendant are electric circuit components for operating the printer 32.
- a credit card magnetic reading slot 38 is located on the outside of the door 30.
- the card slot 38 enables the user to activate the terminal of this invention for the purpose of purchasing, renting or returning inventoried library articles.
- a button type finger panel 40 is provided adjacent the card slot 38.
- the finger panel 40 provides the user with the following functions: selection of the mode of operation of the terminal (i.e., purchase, rent or return); optionally, selection of a videocassette format (i.e., Beta or VHS); and, the ability to select the call number correlating to an article the user wishes to rent or purchase.
- Instructions for operation of the finger panel 40 are provided in user friendly form on a LED readout 42.
- a tape delivery and return chute 44 provides the sole user and/or caretaker access to receive or otherwise remove an article from the terminal or to return or otherwise deliver an article to the terminal through its access opening 43.
- flip-card mounting racks 45 are also provided hingedly mounted to either side of the panel or door 30. These flip-card racks are adapted to contain the printed boxes or other similar film promotional material briefly describing and/or promoting the various cassettes available within the terminal.
- the robot arm 16 includes a hollow-core vertical track member 46 which extends the full vertical length of the housing 10.
- the track member 46 is located, preferably coaxially, within the inner diameter of the concentric stack of compartments 14 and is fixed for revolution about a vertical axis.
- a vertical lift member 48 is mounted on the vertical track member 46 and is movable the full vertical length of the track member 46.
- the vertical lift 48 carries an article handling means or member 50.
- the article handling member 50 is used to retrieve and transport the library articles (e.g., videocassettes in storage containers) housed in the individual compartments.
- Also mounted on the vertical lift 44 is an optical, electronic bar code reader 52.
- the bar code reader is adapted to read a bar code information strip located on each videocassette and/or its container 55 (see also Fig. 16).
- the vertical track member 46 is positioned for revolution about the vertical axis on revolving assembly 54.
- the revolving assembly 54 comprises a large gear member 56 driven by a worm gear 58 and a motor 60.
- the vertical lift 48 is driven by a motor 66, belt 68, and counterbalance 70.
- the counterbalance 70 travels through the hollow core of the track member 46 in opposition to the lift member 48.
- the article handling member 50 is mounted for horizontal movement on the vertical lift 48.
- the horizontal movement is provided by means of a rack 72 and pinion gear member 74.
- the pinion gear member 74 is driven by a motor 76.
- the article handling member 50 includes an L-shaped hook-like finger 80.
- the finger 80 Upon activation, the finger 80 is driven through the coordination of motor 76 and motor 66 into a position wherein it enters a "handle" or lip-like overhang 86 of the library article container or case 55. Thus further movement horizontally of finger 80 pulls or pushes the case 55 therewith.
- the chute 44 includes a sliding door or cover member 88 which is operated by a motor 92 and linkage arrangement (not shown).
- the door 88 of the chute 44 remains locked in the closed position as shown in Fig. 8 until a user submits information from his credit card by way of the credit card slot 38.
- the motor 92 is activated to operate the linkage and open the door 88.
- the robot arm 16 will provide a videocassette in its case 55 through the chute 44 to the user, or the user may return a case 55 containing a videocassette to the inventory if desired.
- the compartments comprise a plurality of concentrically arranged, stacked trays 94.
- Each tray 94 includes a plurality of article (e.g., a videocassette or "tape" in a case) acceptance lots 96.
- Each slot 96 is individually accessible by the robot arm 16 and article handling member 50.
- the individual slots 96 have individual coordinates programmed into the memory of a computer which may be on-board as diagrammatically indicated at 101 (Fig. 3), or accessed remotely via a modem, or some combination thereof.
- the memory automatically re-programs the data relating to the article contained in the slot 96 or the fact that the slot 96 is unoccupied, in connection with the specific coordinates of the slot 96.
- Additional "locator" indicia 98, 100 are associated respectively with each slot 96 and with opposite ends of each tray 94.
- the article handling member 50 is further provided with a photosensor member 102 for locating these indicia and feeding the information back to the computer.
- the automated terminal of the present invention is used for the purpose of purchasing or renting a videocassette article ("tape”) as follows.
- the user approaches the terminal and inserts a credit card into the reader slot 38.
- instructions for operation of the terminal are printed on the LED readout 42.
- the user is instructed to select the mode ("RENT", "PURCHASE” or "RETURN") in which he wishes the terminal to operate. If the user selects either the purchase or the rent mode, the user may be further instructed to choose the tape format desired (VHS or Beta, assuming both formats are available at this terminal).
- the user will be instructed to punch the call number for the specific article desired into the finger panel 40.
- the call numbers are located on the display panel 24 containing the catalog information.
- the computer Upon receipt of the call number the computer directs the robot arm 16 to position the article handling member 50 in a position in alignment with an article acceptance slot 96 which the memory of the computer recalls as containing a copy of the user specified article, and as will be verified by optical reading of the corresponding indicia on the article and/or its case.
- the finger 80 of the gripper member 50 is extended by operation of the rack 72 and pinion gear 74 to engage the handle or lip 86 of the case 55 containing the desired tape and then retracted to remove the case form the tape acceptance slot.
- the optical reader verifies the identity of the article.
- the robot arm 16 Upon verification, the robot arm 16 returns to a position behind the chute 44 and inserts the case through the chute 44 to the user.
- a receipt is printed by the receipt printer 34 indicating the rental or purchase of the specified article and is extended to the user through the receipt slot 36.
- an important aspect of the present invention is the self-programming robot arm 16 and its cooperation with a computer memory and the fact that there are no pre-assigned slots for any specific article.
- the robot arm 16 continuously re-programs the computer memory with respect to the location of all articles and all unoccupied slots 96.
- the bar code reader 52 receives information describing each article and supplies this information to the computer.
- the user When a tape is returned, the user initially selects the return mode and tape format (if applicable) and then inserts the case into the chute. If the case is accepted, the bar code reader reads the code on the tape and/or its case.
- the computer memory upon receipt of the bar code information, directs the robot arm 16 to place the article in any unoccupied slot 96. The robot arm 16 inserts the article into a slot 96 and the computer memory records the coordinates of that specific slot, thus preserving the slot location in correlation with the information contained on the tape and/or case. This feature greatly facilitates ease of stocking and restocking of the terminal.
- An attendant or caretaker having a list of inventory desired to be removed from the terminal enters the call numbers for the specific articles and the computer instructs the robot arm 16 to remove each of the desired articles individually and return them to the caretaker through the chute 44.
- the attendant then places any new article inventory into the chute, the computer records the information contained on the bar code and the robot arm places the new inventory in empty slots within the storage compartment 14, recording the locations of the slots selected and identity of the new inventory placed there.
- Figs. 9 and 14 illustrate some further detail of the motorized drive arrangement for the vertical lift assembly 48.
- the motor 66 lifts and lowers the vertical lift assembly 48 by means of a belt 68 and counterbalance 70. More particularly, the motor is coupled with an overhead pulley 120 for driving the belt 68 through an assembly including respective speed reducing belt-driven pulleys 122, 124 and interconnecting belt 126.
- the latter pulley 122 is coupled to a transverse shaft 128 which is rotatively journalled in suitable bearing blocks 130, 132 for rotating the pulley member 120.
- a suitable mounting plate 135 which is mounted atop the vertical track member 46.
- This mounting plate also mounts a guide tube member 138 which received and guides the forward or return portion of the belt 68 therethrough. It will be seen that opposite ends of the belt are connected to the counter weight 70 and vertical lift assembly 48.
- the opposite end of the belt 126 is looped about a bottom pulley 134 located at a bottom of the vertical track member 46.
- the motor 66 is an AC stepping motor, such that incremental units of motion of the vertical lift assembly 48 may be measured in terms of steps of the motor 66. These states may be counted by a suitable control portion of the computer 101 electrically coupled for driving the motor 66 in stepwise fashion.
- Additional position sensing means may also be operatively associated with the vertical drive arrangement for independently determining and thereby verifying the position of the article handling means on the vertical lift assembly 48. This may be done by providing additional position signals which may be compared with the motor step signals in the computer to verify correct positioning of the article handling means.
- This additional position sensing is preferably provided in the form of an additional elongate, stationary tape-like member 135 attached along the length of the extrusion forming the vertical track 46.
- the tape contains spaced black and white or other similar markings or interlineations thereon which may be viewed by a further photosensitive device or optical reader 140 (indicated only diagrammatically in Fig. 9) mounted on the body of the vertical lift assembly 48.
- This latter tape 135 and optical reader 140 are an alternate, optional feature and are therefore indicated only diagrammatically and only in the illustration of Fig. 9.
- the belt 68 is a relatively rigid timing-type of belt having accurate notches of equal angular spacing therein and the driven pulley 120 has a gear-like circumferential configuration for accurately driving the belt 68, as indicated somewhat diagrammatically in Fig. 14.
- a similar tape and reader combination may also be used, if desired, with respect to the horizontal motion of the article handling means 50, but the same has not been illustrated in detail herein. Rather, further details of the article handling assembly 50 and the vertical lift 48 upon which it is mounted are indicated in Fig. 16-18, to which further reference will be had later herein.
- FIG. 10 the vertical track 46 will be seen to form a hollow elongate extrusion which is mounted to a generally flat, essentially rectangular plate 150 comprising a part of revolving assembly 54.
- the plate 150 caries the track 456 to one side thereof and to the other side thereof mounts a rigid shaft member 152.
- the shaft member 152 is mounted for rotating the plate 150 thereabout and hence defines the rotational axis thereof, as well as the axis about which vertical track 46 rotates.
- Additional shock absorbing mounting feet preferably in the form of enlarged, grommet-like members 156 of rubber or similar elastomeric material in turn mount the plate to the large gear 56.
- these elastomeric shock mounts are three in number and are mounted respectively to the plate 150 and gear 56 by elongate threaded fasteners 158 such as nuts and bolts.
- the worm gear 58 rotated by motor 60, engages and rotates gear 56.
- the motor 60 is also an AC stepping or stepper motor (i.e. as described above with reference to motor 66). Accordingly, the rotation of the shaft 160 and hence of worm gear 158, gear 56 and ultimately the angular position or rotational movement of the entire assembly can be monitored by keeping track of the number of pulses or steps of the stepper motor 60 from a given zero reference or base line.
- the motor 60 is coupled for rotating worm gear 58 through an elongate, and preferably precision ground gear shaft 160, which runs entirely through worm gear 58 and is further rotatably journalled to either side thereof by heavy duty bearings 162, 163 mounted to a large, relatively rigid mounting frame 164.
- This frame 164 is additionally spring-loaded by means of a fixed block 166 and compression spring 168 so as to assure full contact between the gears 58 and 56 at all times.
- the frame or carriage 164 is also mounted for a limited degree of pivotal rotational motion about a pivot means or assembly 166 including an enlarged pivot shaft 168 and suitable bearing means 169 mounting the same to the frame 164 (see Fig. 12).
- motor 60 is not carried on the frame 164, but is provided with a flexible coupling 170 to accommodate the pivoting of frame 164.
- the foregoing arrangement helps maintain essentially zero backlash or relative movement between the teeth of the gears 56, 58 by assuring that the same are in tight engagement at all times, the spring loading even compensating to a degree for relative wear in the gear teeth during operation over a long period of time.
- the shaft 152 is pressed into the gear 56 and also into a heavy duty bearing assembly 172 which is rigidly mounted to a platform or base member 174.
- a heavy duty bearing assembly 172 which is rigidly mounted to a platform or base member 174.
- an additional optical backup is provided.
- This backup takes the form of an inverted cup-like disk 180 which has a plurality of alternating teeth and notches 182 therein.
- An optical sensor or photosensitive device 190 is positioned for viewing a side surface of this disk 180 as it rotates in unison with gear 56 to which it is suitably attached.
- a zero reference or home position may be provided by providing on the disk at least one relatively enlarged notch 184, as illustated, or alternatively, one relatively enlarged tooth, i.e. "skipping" one of the regularly spaced notches 182 thereabout.
- the computer 101 may receive and compare relative position signals both from stepper motor 60 and from optical sensor 190 and compare the same to assure accurate angular positioning of the article handling means relative to the individual articles within the respective slots 96.
- the drive arrangement for advancing and retracting the article handling means, and particularly the article-engaging finger 80 thereof, is coupled to be driven by motor 76 through an arrangement including a pulley 180 coupled to motor 76, a belt 182 and a second pulley 184 which is in turn coupled for rotation in unison with the pinion gear 74.
- Pinion gear 74 advances and retracts the slidably mounted rack member 72 as previously described.
- the entire assembly 48 is mounted for vertical motion relative to the elongate vertical track 46 by a system including rotating pairs of guide wheels 190 which embrace and run along a track-like edges 192 of the extrusion forming the vertical track 46.
- Additional guide members 196 may also be provided for embracing or otherwise running along complementary edges of the track 46 to assure essentially wobble-free engagement and movement of the vertical lift member 48 thereupon at all times.
- the rack member 72 is mounted to an elongate extrusion 200 which has track-like edges mounted for advancing and retracting horizontally between respective paired guide wheels or rollers 202, 204, coupled to a frame member or portion 206 of the vertical lift member or assembly 48.
- the article handling means or assembly 50 includes an elongate generally rectilinear open-topped and open-ended trough-like housing portion 210 for accepting a case 55.
- the housing or trough 210 preferably includes flared out leading side edge portions 212 and a somewhat flared or downwardly angled entrance lip 214 extending from a floor or bottom portion 216 thereof.
- each arcuate shelf 94 is an enlarged and preferably white, square indicator mark 100.
- a similar preferably square, white indicator mark 98 is located at a fixed position relative to each compartment or slot 96.
- the robot arm program contained in the computer 101 will, each time the unit is activated, direct movement of the robot arm to the theoretical and memorized center of each of the white squares 100 located at the ends of the respective shelves 94, and scan along respective edges of each square, checking the stored location thereof in terms of steps of each of motors 66, 76 against the previously memorized locations thereof, and making corrections if necessary.
- the computer is also pre-programmed with the number of steps of each motor between each shelf 94 and between each successive one of the compartments or slots 96.
- the computer finds in memory the location of that item or article, and in particular, the location of the compartment or the slot in which it is stored, that is, the memorized coordinates in terms of motor steps to reach this location from a home or baseline, zero-reference position of the robot arm.
- the arm then returns to its baseline or home position and the necessary number of motor steps are executed to reach the theoretical center of the desired compartment or slot 96.
- the optical sensor 102 scans the associated locator square 98 and again checks the observed location thereof with the memorized location thereof in terms of memorized motor steps, and makes the necessary adjustment in position, if any, to accurately align the article handling apparatus 50 with the compartment 96 for removal of the case 55 therefrom.
- the article handling apparatus will initially be positioned somewhat below center with respect to the case 55 so that the retrieval finger 98 may be fully advanced into registry with the lip or handle 86. Thereafter the vertical lift 48 is raised by the necessary amount to engage the finger 80 with the lip 86, whereupon the finger may be withdrawn so as to draw the desired article 55 into the trough or compartment 210. Thereupon the robot arm is rotated and lifted or lowered the amount necessary to place the same in registry with the delivery chute assembly 44.
- the slot or opening of the delivery chute 44 (indicated, for example, in Figs. 7 and 8 at reference numeral 220) is of unique dimensions, such that the case 55 is of complementary unique dimensions for interfitting therewithin. It should be noted that this combination of unique complimentary dimensions of opening 220 and case 55 make it difficult or even impossible to return an article which does not share these unique dimensions.
- the chute assembly 44 is provided with further sensor means at respective margins of the opening 220 (diagrammatically illustrated at 222, 224 in Fig. 7), which must be tripped or activated in order to accept an article introduced therewithin.
- These sensors or other means may take the form of microswitches or the like which may be activated either directly or indirectly by means of suitably placed rollers, levers, linkages or the like, such that only an object of substantially the same dimensions as the cases or containers 55 will reliably activate all of these sensors and thereby indicate that an acceptable article has has been placed within the opening 220 of the delivery chute 44. Accordingly, objects with larger dimensions simply will not fit within the entry and objects which have any one smaller dimension will fail to activate the suitable sensor and hence be rejected.
- the terminal of the present invention is capable of printing its own table of contents to be displayed on display panel 24.
- the attendant or caretaker may command the receipt printer 32 to actually print in strip form the table of contents or catalog of articles for insertion in the display panel 24.
- the display panel 24 (see for example Fig. 1) includes a plurality of individual columns 224 which are sized to accept the individual strips 225 printed by the printer 32.
- the provision on the onboard computer 101 and its ability to read and identify the bar codes on individual articles, as well as memorize the location of each article in the storage compartments 96 makes this printing of the table of contents possible.
- the computer 101 may further communicate with a central control computer via a modem (not shown) to exchange various other information regarding the inventory on hand, condition of the inventory, frequency of rental of individual items and customer credit and account information.
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Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US21353788A | 1988-06-30 | 1988-06-30 | |
US213537 | 2002-08-06 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP0349284A2 true EP0349284A2 (de) | 1990-01-03 |
EP0349284A3 EP0349284A3 (en) | 1990-03-07 |
Family
ID=22795482
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP89306545A Withdrawn EP0349284A3 (en) | 1988-06-30 | 1989-06-27 | Automated library article terminal |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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EP (1) | EP0349284A3 (de) |
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EP0885816A1 (de) * | 1997-06-19 | 1998-12-23 | de naamloze vennootschap: "New Distribution Systems" in het kort "N.D.S." | Stückgutausgabeeinrichtung |
WO1999053435A2 (en) * | 1998-04-10 | 1999-10-21 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Terminal for libraries and the like |
US6269344B1 (en) | 1996-10-02 | 2001-07-31 | Nintendo Of America Inc. | Method and apparatus for efficient handling of product return transactions |
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US9846871B2 (en) | 2010-04-12 | 2017-12-19 | E2Interactive, Inc. | Systems and/or methods for determining item serial number structure and intelligence |
US10296916B2 (en) | 2009-09-11 | 2019-05-21 | Maridee Joy Maraz | System and/or method for handling recalled product purchases and/or return/warranty requests |
US10445743B2 (en) | 2001-11-15 | 2019-10-15 | E2Interactive, Inc. | Non-serialized electronic product registration system and method of operating same |
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US8788432B2 (en) | 1996-10-02 | 2014-07-22 | Nintendo Of America Inc. | Method and apparatus for efficient handling of product return transactions |
US8156026B2 (en) | 2000-05-12 | 2012-04-10 | Nintendo of America Ltd. | Method and apparatus for enabling purchasers of products to obtain return information and to initiate product returns via an on-line network connection |
US7797164B2 (en) | 1996-10-02 | 2010-09-14 | Nintendo Of America, Inc. | Method and apparatus for enabling purchasers of products to obtain return information and to initiate product returns via an on-line network connection |
AU1613500A (en) | 1998-11-13 | 2000-06-05 | Nintendo Of America Inc. | Method and apparatus for verifying product sale transactions and processing product returns |
US8510171B2 (en) | 2000-07-25 | 2013-08-13 | Nintendo Of America Inc. | Electronic product registration system with customizable return/warranty programs |
WO2002031809A1 (en) | 2000-10-10 | 2002-04-18 | Nintendo Of America Inc. | Voice recognition method and apparatus using model number lookup |
US7840439B2 (en) | 2003-11-10 | 2010-11-23 | Nintendo Of America, Inc. | RF-ID product tracking system with privacy enhancement |
US8302024B2 (en) | 2009-04-02 | 2012-10-30 | Nintendo Of America Inc. | Systems and/or methods for paging control including selective paging element display according to a binary subdivision and/or a serial progressive display approach |
US8239269B2 (en) | 2009-09-11 | 2012-08-07 | Nintendo Of America Inc. | System and/or method for handling returns involving products tied to post-paid subscriptions/services |
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EP0251199A1 (de) * | 1986-07-01 | 1988-01-07 | Jean Guigan | Vorrichtung zum Speichern und Verteilen von Gegenständen |
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EP0249367A2 (de) * | 1986-05-29 | 1987-12-16 | L. Jack Bradt | Einrichtung zum Bereitstellen und zur Annahme von Artikeln |
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Cited By (24)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO1992001273A1 (en) * | 1990-07-09 | 1992-01-23 | Computer Detection Systems Pty. Ltd. | Automatic dispensing and recording system |
US6463421B2 (en) | 1996-10-02 | 2002-10-08 | Nintendo Of America Inc. | Method and apparatus for efficient handling of product return transactions |
US6834268B2 (en) | 1996-10-02 | 2004-12-21 | Nintendo Of America, Inc. | Method and apparatus for efficient handling of product return transactions |
US6757663B1 (en) | 1996-10-02 | 2004-06-29 | Nintendo Of America | Electronic registration system for product transactions |
US6269344B1 (en) | 1996-10-02 | 2001-07-31 | Nintendo Of America Inc. | Method and apparatus for efficient handling of product return transactions |
EP0885816A1 (de) * | 1997-06-19 | 1998-12-23 | de naamloze vennootschap: "New Distribution Systems" in het kort "N.D.S." | Stückgutausgabeeinrichtung |
WO1998058856A1 (en) * | 1997-06-19 | 1998-12-30 | De Naamloze Vennootschap 'new Distribution Systems' | Distributing equipment for piece goods |
US6369709B1 (en) | 1998-04-10 | 2002-04-09 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Terminal for libraries and the like |
US6857568B1 (en) | 1998-04-10 | 2005-02-22 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Terminal for libraries and the like |
US6542070B1 (en) | 1998-04-10 | 2003-04-01 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Terminal for libraries and the like |
US6549141B1 (en) | 1998-04-10 | 2003-04-15 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Terminal for libraries and the like |
US6750777B2 (en) | 1998-04-10 | 2004-06-15 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Terminal for libraries and the like |
WO1999053435A3 (en) * | 1998-04-10 | 2000-04-27 | Minnesota Mining & Mfg | Terminal for libraries and the like |
WO1999053435A2 (en) * | 1998-04-10 | 1999-10-21 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Terminal for libraries and the like |
US8322614B2 (en) | 1998-04-10 | 2012-12-04 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | System for processing financial transactions in a self-service library terminal |
US8002182B2 (en) | 1998-04-10 | 2011-08-23 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | System for processing financial transactions in a self-service library terminal |
US6464138B1 (en) | 1998-04-10 | 2002-10-15 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Terminal for libraries and the like |
US7379899B1 (en) | 1998-11-13 | 2008-05-27 | Nintendo Of America Inc. | Method and apparatus for verifying product sale transactions and processing product returns |
US10445743B2 (en) | 2001-11-15 | 2019-10-15 | E2Interactive, Inc. | Non-serialized electronic product registration system and method of operating same |
US10296916B2 (en) | 2009-09-11 | 2019-05-21 | Maridee Joy Maraz | System and/or method for handling recalled product purchases and/or return/warranty requests |
US10417641B2 (en) | 2009-09-11 | 2019-09-17 | E2Interactive, Inc. | System and/or method for handling recalled product purchases and/or return/warranty requests |
ITVI20090303A1 (it) * | 2009-12-22 | 2011-06-23 | Pharmalogic S R L | Ripiano automatizzato per lo stoccaggio e l'erogazione di articoli di vendita e distributore automatico comprendente una pluralita' dei suddetti ripiani automatizzati |
US9846871B2 (en) | 2010-04-12 | 2017-12-19 | E2Interactive, Inc. | Systems and/or methods for determining item serial number structure and intelligence |
US9633347B2 (en) | 2012-05-04 | 2017-04-25 | e2interactive. Inc | Systems and/or methods for selling non-inventory items at point-of-sale (POS) locations |
Also Published As
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EP0349284A3 (en) | 1990-03-07 |
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