GB2356278A

GB2356278A - Multi-functional file vending and printing machine

Info

Publication number: GB2356278A
Application number: GB9926709A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alessio Falino
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-11-12
Filing date: 1999-11-12
Publication date: 2001-05-16
Also published as: GB9926709D0

Abstract

A vending machine is provided in which a user, for a fee, can either download selected files contained therein onto their storage media or upload files from their storage media for printing by the vending machine or just print selected files contained in the machine. Preferably, the machine is computer based 9 and has drives 1 for reading/writing digital files, a VDU 2, a keypad 3, coin slots 4 or Smartcard readers 5. A printer 8, ink supply 7 and paper store 10 are also provided. The machine can be used for printing greeting cards, photos, travel guides, downloading music files, etc.

Description

2356278 DIGITAL STATION

Technical Field

A digital file vending, reading and printing machine.

Abbreviations PDSD Portable digital storage device IDL Internal digital library VDU Visual display unit Background

Digital consumer products areincreasingly becoming smaller and more powerful, slowly replacing their equivalent analogue counterparts. Examples are digital cameras, hand held computers, MP3 sound and music players and mobile phones. This is driven by technological advances in a number of areas and in particular the physical size and storage capacity of PDSDs, which hold digital files for these devices.

Examples of PDSD technology now available include the CompactFlash card, able to stor? 12Wb of data'n Vice smaller than a matchbox. SmartMediatand MemorySticjyar'e other well known formats. This technology not only facilitates smaller products and less storage space, but it also enables fast read/write access so 1 OOMb of data can now be transferred to and from this medium in a matter of seconds.

Another area of development has been the computer based printers which are now able to produce photographic quality images with reasonable speed.

With photo quality printing, increased PDSD read/write speeds and portabilty of digital consumer products, users are now able to upload and download digital information, data, images, sound and applications where ever they please with relative speed. This opens up new opportunities to provide services to this technology from anywhere such as public and commercial spaces.

Traditional areas can now be challenged for speed, convenience, cost and ease of access such as:

1 Tourist and travel centres, challenged by vended printed material and information files for hand held computer devices.

2) Photographic labs, challenged by units to directly print from a digital camera PDSD.

3) Music CDs and cassettes, challenged by vended music files and played back PDSD file players such as MP3.

1 4) Greeting cards, challenged by on-site printing services including the ability for a user to use their own image ' s from a digital camera.

5) The blind, serviced by vended voice based files played on MP3 players.

6) Retail outlets and internet, challenged by vending computer application and data via PDSID.

Essential Technical Features A multi-functional digital file vending and printing machine, which can be, located anywhere provided a power supply is available. The machine being of a dedicated nature such that in operation a user only has to operate a screen driven navigation and selection system, make payment and insert/remove their own PIDSID. Methods of operation comprise:

1 creation and maintenance of a number of digital files into a storage and retrieval system for the purposes of vending, 2) electronically writing selected digital files to a customer's own portable digital storage device.

3) electronically reading digital files from a customer's own portable digital storage device and temporarily storing in order to facilitate printing 4) printing selected digital files.

Examples

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:- Figure 1: A front view of the machine with front panel (not shown) removed and the user panel (6) is shown in position.

Figure 2: Schematic diagram showing components of the machine with the functional relationships between components, not including any peripheral devices or detectors such as out-of-ink, out-of-paper and alike as these are assumed to be inherent within any commercially available machine component together with the feedback to the system unit.

Figure 3a and 3b: Flow chart of system, not including any option to timeout, cancel operation or selection, return to previous level, check of hardware or software status such as out-of-paper as it assumed that these are all in the scope of a knowledgeable engineer.

Referring to the drawings the machine is constructed from commercially available components. It is controlled by a computer based system unit (9) consisting of commercially available parts such as hard disk drive, CD ROM 2 drives, power units, motherboard, all the necessary interface cards and adapters.

The system unit's internal storage drives (not shown) will hold all the necessary operating program files, hardware drivers and an IDL of files for vending and printing.

IDL of files in the context of this invention is any sequence of digital code, which can be stored on a computer. In the case of uploading to a PDSD, the digital code of the file does not need to be recognised by the system program. However in the case of downloading from PDSD for printing and accessing IDL files for printing, the system program will need to be capable of interpreting the digital code for the purposes of printing.

IDL files for vending and printing are specific to each machine. For example in Scotland, the tourist information IDL would only contain material for Scotland. Another example is that the machine may be configured for vending computer applications only, in this case only computer application files will be contained on the IDL.

The system unit (9) is connected to one or more commercially available cmtd) PDSD read/write drives (1) such as a CompactFlash, SmartMediay Memory Stic@Wd drives which are located on the user panel (6).

The system unit (9) is connected to a VDU (2) for presenting advertising material, navigation and selection system to the user, that is navigated via keypad (3) also connected to the system unit (9), although this combination may adequately be replaced by a VDU touchscreen configuration.

For payment a coin based device (4) accepts cash payments, stores coins and dispenses excess coins as necessary with a link to the system unit (9) to indicate payment and operation status. An additional swipe card payment device (5) may be incorporated into the machine, linked to the system unit (9) for processing encoded card data and confirming payment status. The swipe card may be a standard debit or credit card or one designed specifically for use with this machine.

A commercially available inkjet printer (8) capable of printing photo quality images is connected to the system unit (9). The printers paper feed (10) is also shown together with provision for an ink reservoir (7). Should technology evolve in other printing methods such as thermal or dye sublimation, the modular design of this machine will allow for exchange of printing devices. This modular concept also applies to subsequent improvement inkjet technology either in the printer itself, the paper feed mechanism or ink feed and resevoir mechanism.

All parts are contained within a housing (11) which can be opened so that the machine can be serviced or upgraded. A paper catch tray (not shown) and a coin catch tray (not shown) is incorporated into the housing in order to present 3 printed material and returned coins to the user. A panel (6) above holds all user interface devices.

Additional features include system control devices (not shown) such as out-ofink, out-of-paper, no-change-given, out-of-order indicators.

A feature of the design is its modular nature. As technology evolves and new computer product parts enter the market each component should be replaceable, with the overall functionality remaining unchanged. This modular feature extends to the printer and printer peripheral feeds, the PDSD card read/write device to enable changes to or new PIDSD formats to be incorporated, new payment methods, new VIDU and navigation technology.

Another key feature is the ability to "disable" one or two of the functions depending on the particular commercial application. For example a music store may want to vend simply music files, in this instance the printer is not required and the system menu functions for downloading from PDSD and the output options for printer are disabled.

By general example, the machine when not in operation and idle will present advertising material and important system status messages on the VIDU (2). When a user presses the keypad (3), the machine presents a main menu depending on how the machine usage is configured. If configured for all functions the main menu will display a download PIDSID option and an option to enter the IDL with appropriate sub-categories. If the machine is configured for vending music files only, it will display the IDL option and only music subcategories.

In general the selection process involves presenting sufficient information on files via the VDU (2) so that the user may make an informed decision. Information on these files is obtained by reading the files from a user's PIDSID in the case of downloading or in the case of IDL files reading the files for information or looking up a IDL file reference table. Prices on all items and system functions are held in a lookup table also and are presented to facilitate selection.

After the selection process is complete the system calculates what output options are available and presents them to the user together with any price adjustments, for example a "greeting card print' uses more paper so an extra charge may be added. The system should be capable of a "free vend" setting for certain items. Once confirmed the system requests payment which is received by coin device (4) or card device (5).

Once the system confirms payment, the output option is execut ed. Whilst the user is waiting an advertisement or status message may appear on the VIDU (2). Also the system records the transaction into a "sales report file'.

More specific functional examples follow:

4 Example 1 - Downloading and printing digital images from a digital camera PDSD in an "index print" format Via the menu system displayed on the VDU (2) and navigation keypad (3) a user selects the download option from the main menu. The user is then prompted by the system to insert their PDSD into the card read/write device (1). The system then reads the PDSD for file information, which is temporarily stored. This information is then displayed to the user in order for selections to be made and for each selection made the system downloads the full file into another temporary file. Price information and status is displayed during the selection process. The user then confirms their selections and the system then offers various print options including an index print, different size prints (6x4, 3x2, etc) or print into greeting card format with the corresponding price information. The user selects "index print" and the system adjusts the price to be paid accordingly, requesting payment. Once the payment process is complete the system then sends the selections made to the printer (8) and the "index print" is produced consisting of many consecutive small photo images with corresponding reference numbers.

Example 2- Uploading a travel guide information file for a hand held computer system from the IDL to a user's PDSD.

Via the menu system displayed on the VDU (2) and navigation keypad (3) a user selects the "information library" from the main menu. The system then offers titles of various categories of information to the user. The user navigates through these category titles until the relevant "travel information" sub category title is selected. The system then lists the selected sub category titles with corresponding prices and information on the contents of the title. Navigating through this list of titles the user selects "travel guide for hand held computers" and then confirms that they wish to "upload to PDSD" followed by a prompt for payment. Once the payment process is complete the system then writes the files to the PDSD via the card read/write device (1).

Example 3- Printing a "free vend" rail timetable from the IDL In some cases there may be information, which is supplied free as a part of an agreement with the information provider, this is one example. Via the menu system displayed on the VDU (2) and navigation keypad (3) a user selects the "information library" from the main menu. The system then offers titles of various categories of images to the user. Via the keypad (3) and VDU (2) the user navigates through these category titles until the relevant urail information" sub category title is selected. The system then lists the selected sub category titles with corresponding prices and information on the content of the title. Navigating through this list of titles the user selects "rail timetable". The user then confirms the selection and the system in this instance has detected a free vend title and does not prompt for payment. The system sends the selection made to the printer (8).

Example 4: Printing a plain "sunflowers" greeting card from the IDL Via the menu system displayed on the VDU (2) and navigation keypad (3) a user selects the "image library'from the main menu. The system then offers titles of various categories of images to the user. Via the keypad (3) and VDU (2) the user navigates through these category titles until the relevant "flower images" sub category title is selected. The system then lists the selected sub category titles with corresponding prices and information on the content of the title. Navigating through this list of titles the user selects "sunflowers". The user then confirms the selection and the system then offers various print options including an index print, different size prints or print into greeting card format with the corresponding price information. The user selects "greeting card format" and the system recalculates the price if necessary and prompts the user for payment. Once the payment process is complete the system then send the selections made to the printer (8).

Example 5: Uploading "latest punk music sample" from the IDL to a user's PDSD.

Via the menu system displayed on the VDU (2) and navigation keypad (3) a user selects the "sound library" from the main menu. The system then offers titles of various categories of sounds to the user. Via the keypad (3) and VIDU (2) the user navigates through these category titles until the relevant "music promotions" sub category title is selected. The system then lists the selected sub category titles with corresponding prices and information on the content of the sound file. Navigating through this list of titles the user selects "latest punk music sample". The user then confirms their selections and the system prompts the user for payment. Once the payment process is complete the system then writes the files to the PDSD via the card read/write device (1).

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Claims

CLAIMS Please note that because this is a multi-functional invention with the intention of being able to "disable" one or two functions depending on the application, the different functions are laid out as independent claims as shown in 1 to 3. These are believed to be sufficiently closely linked in the context of this invention that each one does not warrant a separate invention.

1. A method of dedicated on-site vending of digital files, comprising the steps of:

Creation and maintenance of a number of digital files into a storage and retrieval system for the purposes of vending, Electronically writing selected digital files to a customer's own portable digital storage device.

2. A method of dedicated on-site printing of files from a customer's own portable digital storage device, comprising the steps of:

Electronically reading digital files from a customers own portable digital storage device and temporarily storing in order to facilitate printing, Printing selected digital files.

3. A method of dedicated on-site printing of digital files from an internal storage system, comprising the steps of- Creation and maintenance of a number of digital files into a storage and retrieval system for the purposes of printing, Printing selected digital files.

4. The methods of claim 1,2 and 3 wherein dedicated means that the user is only required to navigate through the system program, insert and remove portable digital storage device into drive and make payments if so requested.

5. The methods pf claim 1,2 and 3 wherein on-site means a housed unit of apparatus capable of being transported to and installed in a commercial or public location requiring a power supply as the only external connection and that is self operable, providing the customer service or product on a there and then basis.

6. The methods of claim 1 and 3 wherein maintenance of digital files means the ability for a maintenance person to append, delete or update the store of digital files via electronic transfer or exchange of storage medium as and when required.

7. The method of claim 1,2 and 3 further comprising the steps of Assigning a predetermined charge code to each output format and each digital file in said information storage and retrieval system, with each of said charge codes being associated with an amount of money charged for a digital file and associated output format; 7 Displaying the amount of money charged in response to said step of selecting a digital file to be processed and corresponding output format-, Instructing the customer to make a payment of that amount of money; Detecting when said customer makes said payment-, Executing customer's order in response to said payment.

8. Apparatus for the printing and vending of digital files comprising:

Information storage and retrieval means for storing, referencing and retrieving digital files; Read/write means for downloading and uploading digital files from a customer's own portable digital storage device for the purposes of said printing services and vending services respectively, displaying means for displaying system control screens, advertising information and information for digital file selection; navigation means for navigating through the system and selecting files, printing means to reproduce selected digital files in tangible form; valuable media accepting means connected to said control means for accepting payment from the customer for printing and vending services.

querying means for querying the customer to select service function required, digital files for processing, output format andpayment.

control means connected to said information storage and retrieval means, customer's portable digital storage device read and write means, displaying means, valuable media acceptance means, printing means and querying means for controlling and co-ordinating the operation thereof.

9. Methods of stand alone printing and vending of digital files substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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