KR900000699B1 - Computer controlled panel and sale system and method for a supermarket and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

The authorised customer first enters a membership card and a secret number. If these are correct, the system unlocks the locks cabinets and the customer is allowed to examine all the contents in the unlocked cabinet at his leisure. The computer continuously monitors the removal of all items from the unlocked cabinet. The customer reads in identifying information from each of the selected items. When the number of items that have been removed equals the number of items that have been read in by the customer, the computer allows the doors of the cabinet to be relocked, and the customer is provided with a customer slip indicating the items that have been selected.

Description

Computer controlled sales rental device and method used for supermarket

1 is a block diagram of a generalized method of the present invention.

Figure 1a is a block diagram of the loan, return form of the present invention.

Figure 1b is a schematic diagram of how loans and returns are handled in parallel by the present invention.

Figure 1c is a block diagram showing a multi-user approach of the present invention.

2 is a block diagram of a generalized version of the device of the present invention.

3 is a block diagram of a representative arrangement of the apparatus and method of the present invention in a supermarket environment.

4 is a perspective view of an object loading cabinet of a representative example of a movie rental machine using the apparatus and method of the present invention.

5 is a perspective view of a multi-user computer controlled shelf unit for a supermarket using the apparatus and method of the present invention.

6 is a diagram of a representative access card in which bar code information is recorded.

7 is a diagram of a representative smart card including a semiconductor element.

8 is a diagram of a reading pen of a representative barcode.

9 is a diagram of a representative holographic reading instrument for a barcode.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of a representative access card with a magnetic strip for storing information as seen in the barcode of the card of FIG. 6. FIG.

11 is a flowchart of the basic steps taken by the device in the access mode portion of the transaction.

12 is a flow chart of the basic steps taken by the apparatus of the present invention during the guest selection portion of a transaction (FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C are contiguous).

13 is a flowchart of the basic steps taken by the apparatus of the present invention in the customer slip portion of the transaction.

14 is a flowchart of the basic steps taken by the apparatus during inventory processing performed by the apparatus personnel.

Figure 15 is a generalized flow chart of a network version of the apparatus and method of the present invention.

Figure 16 is a block diagram of a variant of the present invention wherein the present invention is networked to a check counter.

17 is a side cross-sectional view of a representative existing detector sphere.

FIG. 18 is a general block diagram of an embodiment of the interface 248 of FIG.

19 is a more detailed block diagram of the processor and serial interface buffer of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a detailed block diagram of the buffer of FIG. 18. FIG.

21 is a detailed block diagram of the decoder step of FIG. 18;

22 is a flow chart of a device program of a preferred embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 22 and 22B are contiguous).

Figure 23 is a flow chart of the main rental program of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of the return procedure program of the main rental program of FIG. 23 (FIGS. 24A and 24B are continued).

FIG. 25 is a flowchart of the cassette rental program of the main loan program of FIG. 23 (FIGS. 25A and 25B are continued).

FIG. 26 is a flowchart of the cassette rental program of the rental procedure program of FIG. 25 (FIGS. 26A, 26B, and 26C are continued).

FIG. 27 is a flow chart of a member program of an embodiment of the present invention (27a, 27b, 27c, 27d and 27e are contiguous).

28 is a flow chart of the control program of the embodiment of the present invention.

* Explanation of symbols for main parts of the drawings

210: barcode reader 212: keypad

602: access card 1206, 1208, 1210: menu items

1706: lighting 1708: optical detector

1802: serial output buffer 1920: parallel output buffer

2102: row selection step 2108: selection bus

2110: buffer step

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to computer controlled sales and rental apparatus and methods for supermarkets, and more particularly, to computer controlled sales and rental apparatus for video films and video cassettes for supermarkets and the like.

Automating the sale of goods to customers has been a goal for many years. Vending machines have existed for over 50 years. These mechanical devices allow customers to buy things by inserting money into the proper groove of the machine and pulling the lever or pressing a button to select an object. The machine then delivers the selected item to the furnace or exit. Various objects that can be selected in the vending machine are displayed directly through the window or as pictures or other figures.

There are many ways to choose between different things. One typical method that has been in use for many years is to provide a mechanical handle that the user selects and pulls, as well as to provide the physical strength needed for the mechanical mechanism of the vending machine to go through the various steps necessary to provide the user's choice. Of course, the mechanical vending machine has a mechanical mechanism that prevents the user from pulling the lever if the corresponding amount of the desired option is not placed in the machine.

Another frequently used approach is the use of buttons or selection pads that allow the user to select the desired item. This method has become commonplace in many factories, such as dispensing soft drinks on vending machines. Here, the user is provided with various selections by various selection buttons provided on the front of the machine or near the pads or the figures shown thereon. After inserting the appropriate money into the slots (if you put too much money in it, it is a feature that has come up recently), the vending machine with the electromechanical device allows the user's choice to be placed through the exit or runway on the front or side of the machine. to provide. The electromechanical vending machine used here does not need the guest to provide the mechanical forces necessary for the operation of the machine to provide the customer with the selected object.

Another type of vending machine now in use displays a series of objects on a shelf. Customers can see these things through glass windows or the like. Each position of the shelf is provided with a row of a given object. Below the article, there is an indicator or selection number / letter that the user must enter with a selection pad of a specific number or letter key that normally displays the article. After visually skimming the various items available at each location on the shelf, the customer inserts the appropriate amount into the coin hole in the front of the machine. The customer then selects the desired item by pressing a selection keypad key that displays the item for sale. The machine then measures whether or not enough money has been put in for the object. If this measurement is positive, the machine operates an electromechanical preparation device (such as a motor-driven diagonal distributor that moves the package over the shelf through the complete rotation of the spiral wire, dropping the runway that slides the object to the customer). The guest can push and open the door to pick up items that have been picked up and down the runway.

Another conventional vending machine replaces the credit mechanism as the exchange mechanism. The credit card mechanism allows a customer to pay for a credit card instead of cash. The same or different types of vending machines were installed in numerous places. Typically vending machines are installed in places that are open to all guests and are not actually kept. It is especially suitable for public places such as airports, theaters, public buildings, gas stations, bus stops, train stations and the like. They are usually not installed where a clerk or employee can help guests, such as a supermarket or store. In such a shop environment, the vending machine is not suitable because the goods needed by customers are selected from the open shelves and paid to the cash register. The vending machine's facility will destroy this process because the cashier cannot know what items in the shopping mall are certain items bought and sold in the vending machine, so the customer has already paid.

Vending machines experience many shortcomings in both their structure and function. From a structural point of view, the vending machine tends to be in the electromechanical direction. They have many moving parts that are needed for selected items to move from storage to runways that customers can pick up. Many vending machines also use mechanical selection mechanisms in addition to mechanical distribution mechanisms. Although electronics technology has been used in vending machine technology, it is usually a rudimentary application to the selection side of the device, and the electromechanical drive on the distribution side of the device allows the user to pull the selection knob or other methods used in the prior art. It was used to replace the manpower provided by

The vending machine may become stationary if one or more of the dispensed objects are placed improperly. Such inoperation prevents the entire machine from functioning properly.

Vending machines are typically used in high-risk areas that are prone to brutality, mischief and theft. Typically vending machines are virtually devoid of security guards or staff to protect the machine. This has become one of the charms of the vending machine in the retail sector because it can be placed in a sales location that serves as another trade store with no staff. However, instead of being able to place the vending machine in such a non-personal place, one must pay the price of brutality, mischief and theft.

In order to overcome the problems of vengeance, mischief and theft that the vending machine encounters, the vending machine must be made to withstand such aggressive behavior. Strict locks and enclosure cases are typically used. The supply of money in the machine must be considered in a multi-faceted structure to ensure the ultimate design which must prevent such theft and mischief. With regard to mischief, the choice and arrangement of materials should be chosen with great care in order that the machine can withstand minimal losses of brutality. This results in an almost enclosure of a machine, like Yoshi, because they must be able to withstand the damage they have no choice but to accept.

The problems of vending, theft and mischief in vending machines are on the rise in many countries. This is due to the increase in crime common in such countries. The vending machine is a good target for shoplifters who covet the money they have bought and the things they have not sold yet. In the end, they continued to make improvements because they had to build a machine that didn't come up with ways to overcome the methods used by shoplifters. All of this leads to an increase in the size, weight, complexity and price of such a vending machine.

Another problem with vending machines is that they are not attractive to retailers who are interested in selling expensive items such as watches, perfumes, compact discs, expensive pens or pencils and other expensive and small sized items. The reluctant reason is that the more valuable the goods in the vending machine, the more likely the thieves are to attack the machine. Retailers attempting to handle more expensive items with vending machines could not be assured, unless they placed their machines in a TV camera. The solution here is to lay the ground on sneak thieves to trick the machine, knowing that the machine is clearly monitored and that the mischief can be spotted and the necessary action can be taken. However, this solution was not effective in many cases because the retailer could not go to the machine before the shoplifter committed work and ran away quickly.

Another problem associated with selling expensive goods with vending machines is some social stigma or notion about vending machines. The general public is associated with vending machines as machines that handle low-cost consumer products such as soft drinks, candy bars and other foodstuffs. They do not even think that they can handle more expensive items of the above types with vending machines. Moreover, the place where the vending machines are installed is not designed to provide a sales atmosphere where customers want to pick up and buy such expensive items.

As described above, a customer using a vending machine may wish to be provided with an opportunity to visually inspect the item directly before selecting the item, such as a window. But once a choice is made, the guest has no way of returning it, even if it is not just and is not desired. After all, the customer has to make the choice and then have it. There is no way to bite the selected object with the same value. In the case of such expensive items, the risks associated with such choices are greater, and the customer is very concerned about choosing an unwanted item.

In addition, the vending machine cannot arrange for the acquisition of policy-analyzing data such as automatic inventory control ability or the tendency of customers to purchase habits. The reason is that vending machines typically cannot sell enough inventory to pay for the cost of attaching the electronics needed to achieve that capability. Moreover, the limited number of items offered by the vending machine means that such capability or cannot be guaranteed or proved.

Conventional vending machines that allow items to be rented to guests can be seen in the following patents. U.S. Patent 4,458,802 Maciver and others, U.S. Patent 4,414,467 Gould and others, and U.S. Patent 2,143,662 A Essex Engineering Company, each of these conventional devices supplies selected rental articles to customers by electromechanical means. So inoperability is a big problem. When you return a rental item, you put it in a specific place or runway in the cabinet. These machines do not allow anything to be tried by the guest before renting it. Also, loan processing cannot be done during return processing and vice versa.

In a supermarket or store setting, vending machines are sometimes designed to sell customer consumables such as soft drinks or coffee that are consumed while shopping. This allows the supermarket to provide additional items for the guest to consume during show winds. However, these do not need to calculate the purchase at the checkout counter. The use of vending machines in supermarkets as described above should always be difficult because the staff of the checkout counter must always measure whether the customer's choices have already been paid at the vending machine. Also vending machines do not allow you to savor the things and services such as the shelves of a supermarket that is open. This is one of the main attractions of the self-service store because it allows customers to savor what they want to buy before paying at the checkout counter. If, for whatever reason, the item does not meet the needs of the consumer, the customer may bring the item back to the shelf without regard to anyone in the store. This is one of the reasons why bulk buying transactions such as supermarkets have been successful in the past decades.

In places like conventional supermarkets, small and expensive items that would greatly benefit retailers could not be effectively sold because of theft problems. Small objects such as watches, compact discs, lighters, etc., and heavy-sized objects such as videos, cameras, pocket watches and other expensive electronics can easily be hidden when passing through the checkout counter. If such small or medium-sized items are very expensive, then the likelihood of theft is greatly increased compared to cheap and bulky items. Selling such items on the spot is a reason why many retailers are reluctant to sell such high-end products, even though customers will love it. The problem with such expensive items is that they must be placed on cheap shelves sold in supermarkets or on open shelves in a more conventional way. One of the main attractions, such as the sale of supermarkets, is an open shelf method that allows customers to savor these expensive items, which can lead to theft and the likelihood of concealing items in their clothes or people.

Many supermarkets have created "stores in stores" with store associates to try those items on their sales list. In such cases, expensive items such as perfumes and cosmetics are kept in cabinets, which are then pulled out and displayed to the customers by the store staff. During the transaction, the clerk watches the goods to prevent theft. Occasionally, a transaction takes place at a store in the store, and the customer comes to the checkout counter with a receipt and a sack that the purchase of the expensive item is already complete. The store has been reclassified to keep such desired items in the display case, and a customer who wants to review or buy such items should go to the clerk. There are two main problems with the customer to find a clerk to unlock the showcase. Among them, (a) is a waste of time because the clerk is not always on standby, and (b) how to buy in this way breaks the successful principle of the "open shelf" of the supermarket and gives the guest a psychological "barrier". And sometimes a guest feels the unwanted feelings of pre-binding when buying something (because he has to be troubled by the clerk to unlock the case and the clerk needs to be present while the customer savors and chooses the item). Because there is). "Opening with keys" makes you feel restrained to buy even if you don't want to buy.

The concept of shops in stores, of course, has been used for many years in department stores. However, due to the increase in the size of shops, the boundaries of goods in various shops are blurred and broken. It wasn't hard to see supermarkets selling foods in the past, and now they handle a variety of items that are sold in pharmacies and other specialty stores. The tendency to become bigger and more elegant shops won't diminish. The economies of scale that can be performed in such large stores dominate this market trend.

The concept of a store in a store is that you need more people, or staff. Therefore, the gains gained as a mass market without the need for cashiers to help customers enjoy and select goods cannot be achieved. Another problem is that the customer needs to make two purchases because of the assortment. In other words, a store in a store must complete a transaction and receive a high value item at the same time as a customer. After that, the second checkout station that pays for the regular items should inform the fact that they purchased the high value goods.

The present invention is in a broad sense computer controlled inventory and inventory control and sales and rental devices for supermarkets and the like. This allows supermarkets to sell or rent expensive goods without the use of cashiers to monitor and sell goods to customers at supermarkets. Generally speaking, the following steps are taken. Guests should be photographed to allow the use of special computer devices. Such permission typically takes the form of an access card containing code that is read by a computer control device to determine whether a guest can be granted. The guest must also allow the computer to examine the computerized record by pressing a key on the computer control unit that correlates with a personal identification number or other identification mark, i.e. information obtained from the access card to complete the access step. The device is an electronically computer controlled lock door that can be automatically closed.

After the guest is granted access to the device, the transparent door in front of the cabinet cabinet, which contains various items that can be bought or rented, automatically opens. Objects are displayed on shelves in this cabinet, and the presence of objects at a given shelf position is measured by devices such as optical or electronic sensor means. In this way, a computer device always knows that something is not in a particular place on the shelf in the cabinet.

When the cabinet door is opened, the customer knows to be responsible for the items in the cabinet for the period from the beginning of the cabinet door to the last moment the door is closed. At any given time, access to a given cabinet (s) is limited to one person in order to provide the control necessary for the present invention. This way, you can be sure that you do not have to pay for anything you haven't bought or rented. Thus, the present invention can sell or rent goods in a store without using the concept of "store in store".

The guest is given the opportunity to savor and select each existing item in the cabinet and the cabinet doors remain open for as long as the guest wants. Items can be pulled out of their seats on the shelves, and can be determined by whether they are suitable for the customer. Monitors objects picked up from shelves by measuring the location of missing objects. The optical control unit detects the removal of objects from the micropores and begins recording the transaction on a computer controlled videotape. This, along with all other data including transactions, is electronically memorized by the computer for purposes of recordkeeping purposes, to measure patterns of behavior of customers, to measure behavior related to lost or stolen goods, and to control inventory. . In other words, the computer control keeps all the records for each transaction, which is used for multipurpose purposes.

After the customer has made all the desired choices, these choices are entered via the appropriate inputs to the computer control. One suitable example is a bar code reading pen, which is located above the seat of each item in the device and scans the bar code. This allows the computer to measure certain objects selected and to check whether the number of objects stored electronically and entered by the customer or user is equal to the number of objects picked up from the shelf. If the number of items entered matches the number of items picked up, the computer automatically locks the cabinet door and gives the customer slip.

The customer slip displays the number of items selected and the names of those items by item. The prices of those items are also displayed. In one embodiment of the device, the purchase of the goods is completed using a credit card, and debit the selected items in the customer's credit card account. The first way is that the customer does not have to pay cash for a particular transaction at all, and is automatically paid for that transaction.

Another method used in many supermarkets or similar places is to bring the customer slip and selected items to the checkout counter. These can be carried along with items that the customer normally purchased in the same supermarket. At the checkout counter, the employee checks the customer slip to see if the number of items the customer places is equal to the number of items on the customer slip. If the customer slip also indicates some kind of confirmation of the selected item, the inspector will also check to see if the customer has the same items as the item and the one shown on the slip. The inspector then registers at the cash register and pays for the goods purchased or rented by the customer.

What is special about this invention can be provided is that the computer notifies the checkout counter (or the selected checkout counter or control unit) that the purchase in the "computer cabinet cabinet" has been made, ie the name of the guest on the terminal monitor by the checkout counter. And pictures and items of the item appear. This information is remembered. The checkout counter displays on the screen all the data about the items the customer has not yet paid for and the names and photos of the customer, obtained from the cabinet. This information can be displayed on the checkout counter to add visual confirmation by the checkout counter during payment processing.

What is special about this invention is that the customer slips given to the checkout counter are returned to the computer device to complete the loop of processing. In this way, the computer device can know that a particular customer slip has entered the checkout counter and that the checkout counter has been paid for a particular transaction. This allows for further inspection of the apparatus and method of the present invention.

This method of providing sales and rentals in supermarkets is providing new, novel and improved sales and rental methods. In short, even a "discount" kiosk that sells in mass, such a store can be replaced by a "high-quality store" that allows the sale and rental of high profit products. Earlier, such high-gain products were only available at "stores in stores" or at special shops attended by clerks.

The present invention is specifically designed for the rental of all kinds of video tapes and video cassette recorders or VCD players. (It's called a "movie box") And it's only playable, not recording. The present invention can perform the rental of such objects without using a clerk in a supermarket environment. Customers can try and take things before they get a loan, eliminating the wrong choices that typically occur when using a sell-only machine. In addition, the machine can perform specific rentals to one guest while returning items that were first rented to another guest. In this way, the customer returning the loaned item can be reliably and continuously provided while another customer rents a new item by the apparatus and method of the present invention in a stable and continuous manner. The device is extremely economical and offers a huge benefit to supermarket managers, while it is possible to do loan projects that were previously uneconomical due to problems such as theft and hiring of clerks.

In a further embodiment, the invention consists of a reference installation with a stand alone installation and a computer console and one or more cabinets containing sales or rental goods. Speaking of a computer cabinet that is a controller of an entire device, it may include a central processing unit (CPU) combined with a storage device such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical memory device, and the like. Hard disks or other storage devices remember all processing and transactions that take place. The floppy disk remembers the processing for the specified date, which is taken back to the central site by personnel visiting the machine on a daily basis.

In addition, the computer console is optional in addition to a device (such as a bar code pen reader, an optical scanner, a laser scanner, a separate keypad or the like) that inputs and reads the membership card of the customer, and to a user that can be accomplished by using a bar code reading pen. And a display screen (such as a cathode ray tube or video projection device) that is used to display to a user information on inventory or membership or transaction history existing in the machine. A printer is installed so the CPU can provide the customer slip at the end of the transaction. The computer console may also include a video display coupled with a video recorder that contains tapes or other advertisements with streamers (also called trailers). These visible advertisements serve to attract potential customers to the device's TV screen. In addition to these types of advertisements, TV monitors can display information about special features placed on the machine. Special items relating to services and other goods in the supermarket or equivalent may also be provided on the TV screen. In this way, the TV screen performs additional advertising functions with regard to the services and other goods provided by the supermarket and the device itself.

Cabinets contain shelves with rental or purchase items in a designated location. The cabinet has sensors in each of these locations to indicate the presence of objects on the computer. A good form of such a sensor is an optical device. In this way, the computer device can always scan the designated places in the cabinet to determine whether an object has been removed by a customer at a specified time. In addition, when the reader is used as a simple detection device, it is possible to read the information on the goods at the designated place.

The cabinet also has a door that can be locked electronically under the control of a computer cabinet. This electronic tablet allows computer devices to close and revise during transactions. The cabinet door has an electromechanical means of opening the door at the beginning of the transaction, which can open the door to the customer and close and close at the end of the transaction. This mechanism is also controlled by a computer device.

Typically only one item to be sold may be placed on a designated shelf. In other words, other objects of the same kind cannot be played on the object in front of the shelf. This must be done to allow a device to measure the presence or absence of an object at the designated shelf position.

The cabinet may be divided into one or more areas, and the doors of each area may be individually controlled by the computer device. This allows the device to limit the guest's access to a set of certain items. It also allows the device to sell or rent to more than one person at a time. Because each guest can be limited to a certain cabinet set for a certain time frame. This allows the designated guest to be responsible for the assigned cabinet for a certain time frame, while other cabinets that are not in use by that particular guest are allowed to be held by the other guest making a purchase or rental transaction. This multi-use capability can provide separate screens, card readers and terminals for second guests.

The machine also allows potential customers to obtain information about the device's membership. Screening of members having access to the device is an important control of the device and method of the present invention. This screening capability is only for selected guests given access to the device. In a standard supermarket situation, every guest entering the store has access to everything on the shelf. This screening process takes control of the guests who are given access to more valuable items in the store.

The computer device may provide information on the screen to the potential guests to assist in applying for membership of the device. Moreover, a form may be prepared for potential guests to fill out in order to obtain an access card. This form can be inserted into a slot in the front of the machine for retrieval by personnel of the device, discussed below.

The device is also extremely user friendly and provides promptness to guests during these various processing steps. In addition, the device may retain a complete inventory of all the items currently loaned to the device at a designated time. Thus the user can obtain any of various forms of a list of objects present or available on the device. Various categories of rentals are provided to the user, including ten of the most frequently rented items and ten of the most frequently rented items in a given category (such as Western or comedy movies). Various items in the house, the most popular items in the country for a specified week. The guest can be provided with a variety of information that can be helpful in the selection process.

All transaction processing information is stored on a hard disk (or floppy disk with high density storage capacity), and the processing information on a designated date is stored on another floppy disk. Device personnel come to see the device on a daily basis. One of their tasks is inventorying each item in the device, thereby keeping the device fresh. The device agent displays on the screen the existing objects at each shelf location. The device agent visually associates this with objects that are actually on the shelf. The inventory during this process allows the device personnel to determine whether the sensor has begun to malfunction at the specified shelf position. The computer itself will provide details about what is wrong or wrong.

It also allows the device personnel to visually inspect the goods on the shelves to see if they are of the right kind.

Device personnel can also help potential guests create memberships in the device. Device personnel also take floppy disks with recorded transactions and transactions on the designated date. This information is provided to the central host computer for inventory adjustments and for policy purposes. Various devices can be networked to the host computer via telephone lines or other communication links, if desired. Floppy disks can also update the record in the designated device. Such renewal may include a change in access information indicating which access number was stolen or lost or overdue. As such, the device cannot be accessed by a card without the customer's visible deadline.

In addition, special antitheft devices, ie video cameras for recording customer transactions for record keeping purposes, are prepared. This device is extremely useful in preventing theft because it records electronically all the actions that take place in a given transaction. Because a particular access card is the only way to gain access to the device, the device can be used by the computer for testing and policy purposes by the device to review and return all items that occur before the customer finally completes the product selection. You can correlate people with certain things that can be lost, even to the extent that you keep records. This record also details the date, time, and seconds. The provision of customer slips also serves to provide an additional level of control.

I. An overall overview

A. Generalized Devices and Methods

In general, the apparatus and method of the present invention allow a guest to purchase or rent one or more items in a closed cabinet without the assistance of a clerk. The computer controls the transaction and grants access to the cabinet only to guests with unique access numbers, keeps track of all the activities in the transaction, and the number of items picked up by the customer when the transaction is completed. If the number of items is the same, the customer slip is provided to the customer. The customer then takes the selected items and the customer slip to the supermarket's checkout counter. The staff at the checkout desk checks whether the number of items the customer has is equal to the number of items indicated on the customer slip. Inspection personnel may also check to provide additional control that the names of the items listed on the customer slip are the same as the actual item. The customer then pays for the items on the customer slip. The computer device also returns the customer slip to provide additional control.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is a block diagram showing representative steps that occur when using the general method of the present invention. It can be seen that the present invention can be used for the sale or rental of any type of expensive goods that can fit into a closed cabinet.

For example, the present invention can be used to sell or rent expensive items such as perfumes, watches, jewelry and other small items. It can also be used to sell or rent items such as video tapes, compact discs, video recorders, video cameras or the like. The term "movie" as used herein refers to any form of object that can be sold or rented by the device. The term " movie box " also includes any form and kind of video cassette recorder and other objects different from movies that can be sold or rented by the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first step in the apparatus and method of the present invention is to provide the user with an identification card and an access card for the computer. This step is indicated by reference numeral 102. The computer then measures whether a blank access card and code has been provided, as indicated by block 104. If the answer to this inquiry is NO, then the computer provides a display on the computer screen that indicates to the customer that an invalid access card and / or identification number has been entered, as indicated at block 106.

If the answer to the query of block 104 is YES, then the computer asks what type of transaction or additional information is desired, as indicated by block 108. The customer can obtain additional data shown on the computer's display terminal (not shown), such as a stock of available items or a scoop of available items. The guest can also choose whether to buy or rent in a specified cabinet or cabinets.

As indicated by line 109, when the customer marks the desired guest to gain access to one or more cabinets, the computer then electronically revises and electromechanically opens the door of the selected cabinet as indicated by block 110. The guest is then free to savor any item on the shelf in the revised cabinet. The guest may take as long as he / she wishes to randomly review and / or make selections of such objects. The computer always monitors the position of any object removed from the shelf. This information is stored on a hard disk (not shown) of the computer device for recording purposes. In this way, the computer device keeps track of all the activities that take place during the period from the first cabinet door to the electronic closure. This information is crucial to the control of the present invention because during the time configuration in which the guest has access to the cabinet, he is legally responsible for all objects in the cabinet.

After the user selects the desired items from the cabinet, the identification information on this unit is entered into the computer device as indicated by block 112. One suitable way to accomplish this is to scan the barcode on the objects the user has selected using a bar coat read pen. Other suitable methods may also be used. This step allows the computer to correlate the number of items missing and the number of items entered on the shelf to identify the selected items and to measure whether all items missing from the shelf have been entered into the computer. This is a special level of control provided by the present invention. Information related to the entered items is stored in the hard disk by the computer.

Anything missing from the shelf by the computer should be entered into the device and then electromechanically closed and electronically closed in the open cabinet door as indicated in block 116.

If it is determined that the number of objects removed from the shelf is not equal to the number of items entered, display a signal explaining the guest to continue entering the remaining items, as indicated in block 118. It should be noted that the door of an open cabinet does not close until the user enters the same number of objects as missing from the shelf. The responsibility of the user provided access to this closed cabinet cannot be relinquished until the user enters a number of objects equal to the number of objects removed from the shelf.

This serves as an additional level of control of the present invention.

After the doors of the open cabinets are electronically closed, the contents of these cabinets are no longer the responsibility of the guests who have access to these cabinets.

The computer device then issues a customer slip, as indicated by block 120, which lists at least the number of items selected by the user. The customer slip may also contain additional information, such as the amount of money from the user's purchase or rental and the authentication indicating the items selected by the user.

You can then go to other stores in your supermarket. Selected items can be put in a guest basket or other guest appliance along with other items purchased or rented at the store. After the customer has completed all his shopping activities, go to the checkout counter in front of the store. The customer then passes the customer slip to the cashier. The checkout worker checks to see if the number of controlled items in the customer's basket is equal to the number indicated on the customer slip. The total amount can then be calculated independently by a checkout worker or, if such information is available, can be taken from the customer slip. The customer then pays for the items indicated in the customer slip as indicated in block 122. The guest can then leave the store with the purchased or rented items.

The voluntary selection step of the present invention is to return information about payment at the checkout counter to the computer device to provide as an additional element of control. This is indicated by dashed block 124.

It can be seen that the present invention can be used to sell or rent expensive goods in a large store environment. Theft problem of opening / closing the sale of such items is eliminated because the guest's access to the device of the present invention is controlled.

In addition, the computer device maintains a complete record of all activity during the timeframe from the first opening of the cabinet to the closing of the cabinet for the accessing guest. The guest who gains access to the cabinet is legally responsible for the contents of the cabinet during the time configuration that accesses the cabinet. This is an essential part of the application that a guest must agree to and be given before access to the device. As such, the present invention maintains an accurate record of the guests who are permitted to possess controlled items sold or rented by the present invention.

Moreover, the present invention eliminates the need for employees that were needed in a method called "store in store". As you can see, the present invention is electronically automated so that the customer does not require the presence of a device agent at any stage of the transaction. Moreover, the customer cannot fool the employee because each transaction step is recorded by the computer. Like in "stores in stores," a thief can't fool the clerk's attention with stones and pick things up while he's vigilant.

The present invention also provides an extra level of control because the customer will not be able to escape the liability responsible for accessing the device until the customer enters the same number of objects picked up from the shelf. In addition, the present invention can perform video recording (not shown) of all transactions and can be stored for recording purposes.

Another advantage provided by the present invention is that the user does not have to pay at the device of the present invention for a transaction. Instead, the customer pays at the checkout counter along with all other transactions purchased or rented while in the store. This should be distinguished from the concept of a store in a store and where the purchase of certain controlled items is made apart from many other purchases of uncontrolled items.

As shown in FIG. 1, the ability of a credit card with the present invention is provided by additional block 126. FIG. Here, the user gives the customer slip to the person at the checkout counter and the person checks and measures whether the number of items displayed on the customer slip and the number of items given by the customer are the same. However, the actual payment for goods purchased or rented is made by computer using a credit card debit procedure. Here, the computer automatically debits the user's credit card account when the customer slip is printed. In this way, the user only needs to provide a customer document or a control document at the control point to be able to leave the store.

The present invention is particularly useful in the rental area because the user can directly return the loaned item to the apparatus of the present invention. Referring to the block diagram of FIG. 1a, the user takes the loaned items to a shop having the present invention device. The user then inserts his access card and identification number, and the computer associates and reads the stored information to determine whether the legitimate guest returns the loaned item, as indicated in blocks 150 and 152. If the user has not entered a legitimate access card and / or identification number, a display is provided that promptly indicates such a meaning as indicated in block 154.

After legitimate access, the lender uses an input device (such as a bar code reader pen) to enter identification information on the loaned item into the computer. This entry calculates the items returned by the lender. This step is indicated by block 156.

The computer then opens the cabinet door as shown in block 158 to allow the return of empty items on the shelves. The computer measures the position of the shelf location where the returned items are placed. The computer device keeps track of all these activities and stores them electronically on the hard disk. The computer will not allow the cabinet door to lock until there is a correlation between the number of items put on the shelf and the number of items entered, as shown in block 160.

The customer has completed the return processing of the loaned items.

In the case of late return of borrowed items, as indicated by dotted box 162, a late fee may be charged to the guest's account, which will be charged to the guest at the next rental transaction. In other words, the late fee is added to the customer's account. The late fee will then be placed on the customer slip for the next rental transaction, and the late fee will have to be paid to the checkout counter when the next item is rented. Also, as shown in dotted box 164, the late fee can be debited by the computer to the customer's credit card account.

According to the present invention, one person at a time, that is, a person who purchases, rents, and selects an item, and a rental customer who simultaneously returns goods that are rented in the manner shown in FIG. This is shown in the form of a block diagram and FIG. 1b. As shown in Figure 1b, only one guest at a time may end up buying or renting items in a locked cabinet. This is because the customer who has access to the locked cabinet and the fact that he is engaged in the purchase or rental is responsible for the contents of the locked cabinet during the time frame in which the cabinet is open for that guest. If more than one guest is granted access to a given cabinet at a time, it will not be possible to determine which guest is legally responsible for the contents of the locked cabinet.

However, as shown in FIG. 1B, the fixed keep guest can return the items to be rented to the device at the same time that the other customer is buying or renting the goods from the locked cabinet. The procedure for returning these loaned items was discussed above in connection with FIG. 1A. However, a person who is legally responsible for the contents of a locked cabinet should be aware that the other party in the process of returning the borrowed item must ensure that the object is not unreasonably picked up from the open cabinet when playing back the item on the shelf. . There must be cooperation between the customer in the process of renting and / or purchasing the goods in the open cabinet and the customer in the returning process of returning the borrowed goods on the shelves of the locked cabinet.

It should be noted that the return of the loaned items may be rented back to the subsequent guest as a nom, returning the loaned items to be immediately circulated. In other words, the rented items are not placed in a separate place to be reprocessed later by a storage bin or device personnel. This introduces time lag in making available items in preparation for the rental of the procedure. It also brings the need for additional human hands to handle returned items. It should be noted that the return of the items rented in the present invention does not require any interaction of the device personnel. In other words, there is no need for people with respect to the rented items and no delay in making the returned rentals available to subsequent guests.

The multi-user method of the present invention is shown in the form of a block diagram of FIG. 1C. As shown schematically, there are three closed cabinets available to guests with legitimate access cards and identification numbers. Figure 1c schematically depicts a version of the invention with three closed cabinets, designated cabinets 1,2 and 3 respectively. There are two time intervals. Time 1 and time 2. During time 1, a guest 1 is given access by a computer device in cabinets 1 and 2. Guest 2 is given access to cabinet 3 during time one. Thus, the control feature of the present invention allows the guest to preserve personal legal responsibility for the contents of the cabinet during the selection period. Guest 1 can use the first terminal (not shown) to operate the device, and Guest 2 can use the second terminal (not shown) to operate the device.

After the first guest completes his selection in cabinet 1 and cabinet 2, and the second guest completes his selection in cabinet 3, the first time frame (time 1) is completed. The computer unit is then locked in cabinets 1, 2 and 3. Next, guests 1 and 2 change places. During time 2, the computer allows access to cabinets 1 and 2 of guest 2, and guest 1 allows access to cabinet 3. At time 2, it should be noted that two guests are given exclusive access to a particular set of cabinets. This preserves the control necessary to make certain losses legally liable for the cabinet or its contents during a particular time frame. However, this system allows more than one guest to use the whole device, the whole device has multiple cabinets, and one content may not be of interest at any given time for a particular guest.

A generalized version of the apparatus of the present invention is shown in the form of a schematic block diagram of FIG. As shown, the apparatus consists of a computer console, designated 202, and one or more cabinet units, designated 204 ', 204 "(not shown) and the like.

Looking at the computer control console 202 now, his heart is the central processing unit (CPU) 204. Storage devices such as hard disk 206 and floppy disk 208 are coupled to CPU 204 to provide data storage and data input.

On the input side of the device, input devices such as barcode reader 210 and keyboard 212 are provided. Bar code reader 210 is an input device used by a customer (not shown) to read an access card provided for access to the device. In this embodiment, the access card may be a barcode that can be read by the barcode reader 210. The barcode reader 210 may be in the form of a barcode pen or holographic scatter. Alternatively, the reader may respond with a smart card.

In addition to the access card, the guest is assigned an identification card number (PIN), which allows the device to determine whether the person holding the access card is truly a guest allowed access to the device. This serves as an extra level of protection for cards that are misplaced or stolen. The guest enters his PIN (typically three digits) into the device with the keypad 212. The CPU 204 then compares the access card data and the entered PIN with the data stored on the hard disk 206 to determine if the guest is a guest that can be provided access to the device.

The keypad 212 and the barcode reader 210 may also be used by the customer to control the operation of the computer console once access is obtained. These two input devices allow the customer to obtain user information (such as an inventory list) along with the operation control of the computer console.

The output side of the computer console is a computer screen 214 that provides the user with visual display data indicating the operation of the device and information related to the device. A "touch" screen may be employed in which a computer-operated screen display function is combined with an input function provided by the keypad 212.

A minidisplay in the form of a mini liquid crystal display (LCD) is also installed in addition to the computer screen 214. The mini LCD 216 is under the control of the CPU 204.

Mini LCD 216 is typically located in a cabinet to provide specific information to the customer. It acts as a visual indication of a warning state (such as a stolen card or break-in) that is displayed when a certain behavior occurs.

The printer 218 is connected to the CPU 204 by bus. The printer 218 provides the customer slip at the end of the transaction. The printer 218 can also be used to output other types of data, such as inventory control data, generated when the device personnel visit the unit at the designated date and time.

The computer console is also provided with video and audio data for display from the video cassette recorder 222 under the control of the CPU 204. The television display 220 is a streamer recorded on a continuous loop of the video cassette recorder 222; Other advertisements can be displayed. Advertisements may be for services or other objects provided by the device itself or a supermarket in which the device is installed. In addition, the television display may display special information generated by the CPU 204 for viewing to guests or potential guests. Thus, the present invention can also be used as advertisements for itself or other objects or services provided by a shop at an installed place.

Units 214, 216, 218, 220 and 222 constitute the output side of the computer console as indicated by the dashed box. There is also a worker key diagram 224 connected to the CPU 204. At the designated time during each working day, the cause of operation from the owner of the device visits the device to conduct inventory and other diagnostics and customer relations. To be able to perform these various tasks, a worker keyboard 224 is installed in the computer console so that it can only be accessed by an operator with a key to open the console. The worker keyboard allows the device personnel to let the computer do something that the customer cannot use. These include performing an inventory check of all purchase or rental items in a locked cabinet. In addition, the diagnosis of device operation is performed. It also ensures that equipment personnel can obtain data on all transactions that occurred on the designated date. Also shown is a telephone line or communication link 226 directly connected to the CPU leading to a central host computer (not shown). This allows the device to be connected to a central host computer. It also offers the possibility of networking a variety of devices over conventional communication networks.

Returning to one of the cabinets controlled by the computer console 202, the cabinet 204 'includes banks of sensors 240, 241, 242, and 243, etc., on each shelf in the cabinet. Reference is made to the sensor bank 240 for explanation. This sensor bank is on the first shelf in the cabinet. Sensors are located at each object on this shelf. The sensor provides an electrical signal to indicate the presence or absence of an object at this particular shelf location. This data is provided to the interface unit 248 via the bus. This data is then sent by the interface unit 204 to the CPU 204 via the bus.

Note that each shelf in cabinet 204 'has a bank of presence detectors. The presence or absence of an object at a specified location in the cabinet can thus be measured continuously.

In addition to the position presence detector for the banks 240-243, the cabinet 204 ′ is an electronic stop 250 and an electromechanical door opener 252. The device is configured to allow the customer to manually open the doors of various cabinets that are electronically revised by the CPU 204 and the electronic door 250 coupled thereto for replacement with the electromechanical door opening and closing device 252. Care must be taken. The electronic tablet 250 will continue to close the door of the cabinet unless the CPU 204 directs it. Thus, access to the cabinet is controlled by the CPU 204. Note that the CPU 204 can include a number of other cabinets 204 ", 204" ", etc. There is no limit to the number of cabinets that can be controlled by the CPU 204. However, market conditions are considered. In the present invention, it is typically most cost-saving to have only a few three cabinets 204 ', 204 ", etc. in a computer console.

B. Supermarket Coverage

3 is a block diagram showing one installation place of the present invention device in a conventional supermarket. In this application, the use of the term supermarket takes into account any kind of store situation, which is a checkpoint that prevents a customer from leaving a store that has different information in the customer slip and that the customer has presented at the control point that is about to leave. It is. The present invention thus eliminates the need for a store method in a store used in any conventional supermarket or the like.

As shown in FIG. 3, the device of the present invention is installed inside the supermarket so that the customer must pass through a checkout counter or other suitable control point to exit the supermarket with the goods obtained from the device. Reference numeral 304 denotes a device located within supermarket 302. There are four checkout stations 306 'through 308 "". A guest (not shown) enters the store 302 through the doors 308 'and 308 ". The guest then passes through a one-way revolving wooden door designated by reference number 310, and the reference number As indicated by 312, it enters a portion of the store 302 behind the checkout counter.

The customer can then do the usual shopping by selecting items from other cell sites or open shelves (not numbered) that can be seen in other areas 312 of the supermarket. The device 304 can also be purchased or loaned. After completing such purchase or loan using device 304, the guest receives the customer slip along with the items purchased or loaned at device 304. The customer passes the customer slip to one of the checkout counters 306 ′ through 306 ″ ″ and exits through the door 308 ′ or 308 ″ to exit the shop area 312.

The device 304 may be installed at a particular location within the supermarket 302, thereby restricting access to the device 304. This is shown by dashed line 314. Special physical security measures can be taken to ensure that only such authorized guests can gain access to the area where device 304 is installed.

As described above, the checkout counter serves as a control point for confirming that the customer does not leave the shop unless the number of items displayed on the customer slip is equal to the number of items the customer has. Typically, where cash is in the form of payment, the customer pays for items purchased or loaned at the checkout counter. However, when a credit card device is installed, the control console automatically debits the customer's credit card account at the completion of the transaction, and the checkout counter serves only as a control point. In such a case, the cashier can only be evaluated as a fixed control point so that the customer checks only the customer slip and receives no payment from the customer.

II. Movie rental special embodiment

4 is a perspective view of an enclosure apparatus of a representative example of a movie rental machine using the apparatus and method of the present invention. Referring now to FIG. 4, a representative embodiment of a movie rental version of the apparatus and method of the present invention has a computer console 202 and two cabinets, first designation 204 'and second designation 204 ". Modular units are placed in close proximity to each other to give a visual impression to the user of a single unit The internal interconnections between the three different modules that make up this version of the device are hidden from the customer.

First of all, the computer console 202 has an enclosure designated by reference numeral 400 having a side portion 402 and a front portion 404. The rear and top surfaces, not shown, are also sealed. Looking at the front part 404, the application form and the format for the inventory and operation of the unit are placed in the slot 406 located at the bottom of the front part. Guests or potential guests can access these forms without having substantial access to the device. Above the slot 406 is a document slot 408 that serves in the form of a "mailbox" in the device. The guest may insert the completed application form or the customer's complaint or return application into this slot 408. Service personnel may obtain the contents of the mailbox contained behind slot 408 at their daily device visit. The guest can then give written communication to the device personnel and apply for membership when no device personnel are available. If a claim for return results from a legitimate cause, a company employee may design a program that allows the refund to allow the computer to deduct the customer from his next payment at their daily visit.

There is also a dish table at the front 404 of the enclosure that can be pulled by the user to prepare the writing surface. Usually, the plate portion is dented so as not to prevent the customer from directly facing the operating surface of the console 412. As shown on the operation surface 412 of the console, there is a keypad 212 having a plurality of keys. There is a bar code on the keypad, and when it is read by the bar code reading pen 210, it is connected to the computer console by a dotted line or a flax 414 to provide an electronic bus between the bar code reading pen and the electronic device contained in the computer console 202. do. The display screen 214 connected to the computer was installed in the inclined bowel movement 416 of the enclosure. A slot 418 is installed on the surface 416 to allow the printer contained within the computer console 202 to provide a printed customer slip to the user.

The television display 220 is located above the computer console 202. The video cassette recorder 222 is not shown because it is in the computer console 202. The location of the television 220 allows non-guests to see what is being displayed, even when the guest is interfering with viewing the screen 214, which is what usually happens when a guest manipulates the computer console 202. .

Now looking at the first modular cabinet 204 ′ there are six shelves 420, 421, 422, 423, 424 and 425 on top of it. Each shelf 420 to 425 has a triangular partition plate, and is provided with a seat into which each type of video tape, such as VHS, Beta or 8 mm, can be placed. Each of these shelves 420-425 has a presence detector which displays on the computer whether or not there is an object at that particular shelf position.

Doors 430 (shown in the open position) and 432 (shown in the closed position) prevent the computer console 202 from accessing the contents of the cabinet 204 '. Electrostatic wells with elements 434 and 436 shown on doors 430 and 432 interact in conjunction with electrostatic elements within a box 438 installed in the middle of shelf 422. The box 438 contains an electronic information assistant 250 (not shown), as well as a mini LCD, indicated by reference numeral 440. Imine LCD 216 may display specific guest information under the control of computer console 202.

The LCD 216 may provide any message desired to the guest. Representatives of the message are "the door is open", "welcome", "the next is special of the day". The LCD 216 causes the computer console 202 to provide a message that the customer can see when the guest is unable to see the computer display 214 directly while reviewing the contents of the cabinet.

Cabinet 204 'also has a lower space with doors 450 and 451. Fully automatic elements 452 and 453 are installed in the doors 450 and 451, respectively, allowing the computer console 202 to control the guest's access to objects contained within this subspace. Note that the lower space is large in size. This subspace is designed to utilize video cassette recorders that can display video programs (also called "movie boxes") but cannot record. In this way, the customer can borrow a machine necessary to display the video tape loaned from the upper portion of the cabinet 204 '. The shelves 454 in the lower space where the doors 450 and 451 are closed are provided with a number of triangular partition plates. Presence detector (not shown) is provided in each position divided by this triangular partition plate. The triangular partition plate is needed to stack the movie machine vertically when it is placed in the cabinet 204 '. But movie machines can also be stacked horizontally with additional auxiliary shelves installed.

The second cabinet 204 'is also installed. In the representative example shown in FIG. 4, it can be seen that about 50% narrower in width than the cabinet 204 '. The upper compartment 460 and the lower compartment 462 is divided into two, the upper compartment is closed by two doors like the lower compartment 462. Guests who access this portion of the cabinet 204 "are controlled by electronic doors and doors thus controlled by the computer console 202.

The upper compartment 460 typically stores the movies, and the lower compartment usually stores the movie boxes. In the example of this cabinet, it should be noted that the upper compartment has a movie on four shelves and the lower compartment 462 has a movie box on two shelves. The representative example of the modular of the present invention shown in FIG. 4 is for illustration only. The invention is not limited to the specific examples shown in any way. And any particular device may be used in the device and method of the present invention. In this regard, shown in FIG. 5, there is shown a perspective view of a multi-user control shelf for a supermarket.

The pictorial explanatory diagram of the present invention for use in this supermarket environment is a city illustrating the fact that the present invention can be used in a highly automated supermarket or a portion thereof. Like the city, there are four computer consoles or terminals (labeled Terminal I, II, III and IV). Each of these terminals controls all cabinets or bays with doors, which are marked or numbered in figures. Control of specific bays and doors remains on the same terminal as long as a particular guest gains access to a particular bay and remains until the computer can close the door again.

Guests can request the opening of any special compartment, even the other doors and shelves of the console. The computer will unlock the electronics and the customer can manually open the door of the compartment once he went. Because the door does not open by itself, it is not necessary to pay attention to the fact that the tablet is open, and the consumer goes to the door of a specific compartment opened at his request in order to avoid risk in a short time. Thus, the guest cannot gain access to the objects behind these doors until the guest has access to the appropriate terminal and permission is given to open the door.

It should be noted that there are cabinets on both sides of the rows defined in this embodiment. This long row device can thus be replaced by the conventional open shelf found in typical supermarkets. Other arrangements of the invention are predictable.

2 shows a block diagram of the invention. This block diagram can be used in the embodiment of the movie rental machine described. It should be noted that additional microprocessors (not shown) may be installed in each cabinet 204 'and the like. These additional microprocessors will distribute the data processing needs of the CPU 204 to low levels in the device. This will cause the processing to occur within cabinet 204 ', and the like. This processing will reduce the processing load placed on the CPU 204. The processed data can then be supplied to the CPU 204 by the interface 248 and associated bosses.

6 illustrates an embodiment of an access card used by a guest to gain access to the operation of the computer console 202. As shown in FIG. 6, the card 602 has specific data. This card has a guest's name indicated by reference numeral 604 and a company name indicated by reference numeral 606. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the access number is in the form of a barcoded number, indicated by parentheses 608. Note that the magnetic strip can be replaced with a barcode.

The user inputs the barcode number from the access card by moving the scanning portion of the barcode scanning pen 210 in a manner crossing the barcode region 608 of the card 602. This scanning operation causes the barcode scanning pen 210 to generate an electronic signal representing the scanned barcode. The barcode number can be any number that is intended to allow the user and it represents the first piece of information that will be accessible to the device. As described above, the user must also key in his / her ID number to complete the access procedure. The barcode number can be any number of digits that can represent the particular machine being licensed for use. The additional digits can also indicate the particular cabinet that the user will be allowed to access. It may also include a personal access number assigned to the user. Additional forms of data can also be prepared. Since an automatic scanning device is used, the barcode can have 10 to 20 digits if high security is required.

7 shows another embodiment for an access card 602 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, an access card is in the form of a so-called " smart card " embedded with a semiconductor element that stores special identification information and / or data that can be used to be correlated with the computer console 202. Referring to FIG. 7, it can be seen that the "smart card" version of the access card 602 includes embedded semiconductor devices, such as indicated by dashed box 702. A semiconductor device may contain information that is permanently engraved and may be read by the computer console 202 and may also be changed through interaction between the card 602 and the computer console 202. There may be. For example, a "smart card" may include the sum of money that the user has already paid for the device.

Thus, the present invention does not require the user to pay cash because the payment is made by debiting the account in the "smart card".

Since access to the device is a very important component in preventing theft, other protective organizations are equally used. For example, a computer may have a scanner that requires a guest to raise his hand on a plate resulting in an unquestioned proof based on a fingerprint or the like. In addition, the user's eye may be scanned by a sensor indicating a unique feature provided by the eye's blood vessel structure. It may also be used in negative proof procedures. Either of these methods may result in the exclusion of the access card 606.

An exemplary barcode reading pen 210 is shown in FIG. The wire 414 connects the pen 210 to the computer console 202 and transmits the scanned electronic signal to a bar code. The scan portion of pen 210 is at the read end, indicated by reference numeral 802. The tip of the pen 210 has a window that can be received by passing through the light.

When the user physically moves the pen across the bar code portion of the access card 602, a pattern, such as bar code 608, causes a change in the voltage value of the transducer in the pen 210 and enters into the computer control console 202. Generate a digital signal representing a barcode amplified and scanned by the electronic circuit. It should be noted that in this device the user must physically move the barcode reading pen across the barcode portion of the access card 602 to ensure proper reading of the barcode.

The bar code reading pen 210 shown in FIG. 8 may be replaced by the holographic scanner shown schematically in FIG. The scanner, indicated by reference numeral 902, has a scanning window disposed on the brushed plate 906. The user physically traverses the access card 602 by traversing the injection window in any desired direction as indicated by arrow 908. The holographic optics contained in the scanner 902 allow a holographic image to be extracted from the card 602 regardless of the direction in which the card crossed across the scanning window 904. This results in eliminating difficult problems since the manipulation behavior of the customer who has to do a predetermined scan of the code may change a lot.

In addition to this version of barcode reader 210, the present invention contemplates a magnetic scanner. The magnetic strip is installed as shown by the magnetic strip 1002 of FIG. 10 on either of the front and rear surfaces of the access card. The magnetic strip 1002 can include a magnetic version of the access code. The magnetic strip can be read by a reader of a suitable type commonly employed in credit cards and the like. The guest then physically inserts the card into the reading technique. The reader will then read the magnetic code contained in the magnetic strip 1002. After this procedure is completed, the magnetic reader will physically push the card out and return it to the customer.

The access mode of the present invention will be described in detail as follows.

Referring to FIG. 11, as a flowchart of the operation of the access mode, the user must first enter the access code from the access card 602 as indicated by the block 1102 in the barcode reader 210. The user then enters his identification number (PIN) by keypath 212 or pens across these specific symbols in relation to the barcode symbols present near the keypad that allow the user to display specific letters and numbers. While passing through the input using the barcode reader 210. Marked at block 1104. The CPU 204, in which the access number and PIN number are entered and stored in a register (not shown), is then specified by this access code and PIN number stored on the hard disk 206 as indicated in block 1106. Access guest information.

If the inspection performed at block 1106 indicates that an invalid access number has been entered or that the information related to the access number is a stolen or lost card, it is appropriate to the user on the computer screen 214 as indicated by block 1108. Provide a display. The CPU 204 also allows for a special display. For example, as shown in box 1110, the CPU 204 causes the stolen card flashlight installed in the computer console 202 to light up or to operate in a remote location where the guest is stolen. Inform the clerk that you are trying to gain access to the device. Inadequate access also causes the television camera and associated VCR to operate to capture those attempting to gain access to the device with the stolen access card, as indicated at block 1112. If a valid access card number and PIN number are entered and the information stored in hard disk 206 does not indicate that any other action should be taken, the CPU displays a selection menu as indicated by block 1114. This selection menu allows the customer to begin the purchase or loan process. This also allows the guest to obtain special information about the objects available from the device or information about the operation of the device. At this stage the guest is already getting access to the device. The guest will continue to have access to the device until he or she displays otherwise.

Now that the guest has access to the device, he is in a position to do one of three things. That is, (1) indicates to the guest that access to one or more cabinets is desired (2) obtaining information about the inventory of items or the appearance of available items from the device (3) in the operation of the device Acquiring friendly user guidance or information.

12 is a schematic diagram of a guest selection mode of operation of the present invention, in which the user is provided with a selection menu as indicated by block 1114. The selection menu may allow the user to select one of the three modes of operation discussed above. First, referring to a mode for providing a user with special information about the operation of the apparatus of the present invention, it is indicated that the user desires such special information as indicated by block 1202. The CPU then provides the guest with a menu that displays various types of information that may be presented in block 1204 and that the liver may be provided. The user then selects one of the menu items as indicated by blocks 1206, 1208, and 1210.

First referring to menu item 1206, the user enters a continuous scene of the interactive display as indicated by block 1212, which is "kind to the user" regarding the particular aspect of the machine operation regarding the special information the user wishes to obtain. To provide the user with a map. This interactive map sequence can use the user to generate textbooks and videos that describe screens and operations. Any color or solid color can be provided to the user. The user proceeds through an indication of the self-assist mode instructing the user to proceed only as fast as the user masters. Individual maps can also be created in a way that allows the user to respond to errors by modifying the order of providing information based on them.

Thus, the operation of the apparatus of the present invention can be taught in the most effective way for the user because it will be able to answer ordinary problems that can arise in the user's understanding based on the answer from the user. The user can exit the tutorial program at any time, as shown by exit block 1214. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 12, exit block 1214 ascends at the end of the individual map as a result of the automatic return of the customer to the selection menu 1114.

The second menu item 1208 and the third menu item 1210 are also operated in the same manner. It should be noted that the provision of information does not have to occur during the individual guidance. In other words, the information can be displayed to the user in a consistent way so that the user only needs to read the information and then the program comes out.

The present invention contemplates using teaching software that allows the guest to gain maximum understanding with minimal teaching time. Various programs can be updated and customized for the specified operating environment. Obviously, any type of language can be used so that the device can be tailored for a particular country and / or culture.

The second mode, which may be selected by the user, may obtain special information from the CPU 204 regarding the available inventory of the device. Once this special information is claimed, a menu is presented to the customer that displays various types of inventory information that can be obtained, such as indicated by block 1222.

The present invention always keeps track of the status of each item in the cabinet, and keeps track of each item sold or rented, thus providing the user with a complete inventory of the existing items in the cabinet at a given time and moment. And provide a complete inventory of items in the loan state that are assigned to the particular device for rental (and whether they are currently in the cabinet or out of the loan), and these two available inventory lists are shown in block 1224 and respectively. Indicated by 1226. Clearly, each of these inventory lists is extremely useful to the customer and makes the device very friendly to the customer, since the customer does not need to look through the cabinet to measure the presence of the designated item.

Moreover, this inventory can be provided with the ability to mark locations within a particular cabinet where specific inventory items can be found. Another feature available in the rental situation is to provide an indication of the schedule when a particular loan item will be returned. This way, you can keep your loan for up to 10 days in advance, and you will be charged a fee.

The present invention also provides a special form of inventory that is extremely friendly and helpful to guests. The inventory of the most frequently sold or rented items for a specified period of time, such as indicated by block 1228, may be provided to the guest. This inventory is a list of items that are drawn from the most popular.

Other forms of inventory based on the purchase or loan habits of other guests on the designated device may also be provided to the guests. For example, a customer may be provided with an inventory of the most frequently selected items from a particular category (including Western comedies for movies, science fiction films, etc.). This is indicated by block 1230. Regarding Inventory for Special Kinds The present invention can provide an inventory for special kind. As indicated, for example, by block 1232, the present invention may provide an inventory of all items present in the device for a specified type.

Or this inventory can be an indication of all the goods for this designation assigned to this particular unit (not shown), if the unit acts as a rental mode as opposed to a sale mode.

Because the present invention has a constant inventory, these inventory lists available to the user are always updated when loaned items are returned or updated when the device is resaved by the device personnel. As such, these inventories are flexible based on the status of the device.

It should be noted that the device does not need to communicate with the host computer to be able to provide such updated inventory. A customer's purchase or loan pattern included beyond the device can also be used to generate inventory.

In particular, lists such as indicating the ten most frequently purchased or watched movies in a given province or region may be provided to the guest by request, as shown by block 1234.

These items can be sorted according to a certain product type or by a particular type of visitor, such as by the age of the family of pneumoniae.

In this way, the customer can use these stocks to help them choose what to buy and sell.

These lists will provide the guest with up-to-date market information that is not normally available to the guest.

The present invention thus assists the guest in the selection process by providing information that is not usually available to the guest.

The customer exits the program as indicated by block 1236 after using all desired inventory information. The program then returns to selection menu 1114. The guest can now enter one of the other modes of operation or exit the device.

A third mode of operation that can be selected by the customer using the selection menu 1114 is the actual selection of items contained in the locked cabinet 204 ′ and the like.

As shown in Figure 12, the first step in this mode of operation is for the CPU 204 to ask the customer which cabinet should be revised to allow for inspection and selection. As indicated by block 1250, some cabinets may be out of limits to the user based on access code information or out of limits by information stored on the hard disk based on prior transactions.

The user then indicates which cabinets will be revised as indicated by block 1252.

The CPU 204 then sends an electronic signal over the bus to the interface 248 containing the various cabinets to revise the respective electronic wells 250 to revise the door of the particular cabinet selected.

The user can then open the locked doors manually or with the aid of an electromechanical door opener 252 (if present). This is indicated by blocks 1254 and 1256.

When the door of the desired cabinet is opened, the guest can savor and pick up any of the objects stored in these cabinets. As indicated by block 1258, the CPU 1204 continues to monitor removal of the object from the cabinet and electronically stores the order of removal by the place of the object removed from the shelf.

Since the user is allowed to pick things up out of the cabinet without buying or lending, the user can freely enjoy the same shape to enjoy them in an open shelf situation.

This is especially important in the videotape rental business because users sometimes choose the film they do not want by mistake. It is only later discovered that the majority of the available film titles are not the films the guest wanted.

The present invention allows the guest to review and pick up the film prior to the loan or purchase, thereby avoiding the customer's mistakes, reducing the customer's dissatisfaction, and reducing the errors associated with the returns with unwanted purchases or loans. After the guest completes the selection and inspection, he or she must enter the selected items into the computer console.

As indicated by block 1260, this is accomplished by the user inputting a barcode occurrence that is displayed on the selected items using the barcode reader pen 210. This barcode input operation is the same as using an access card. The computer device stores the inputted confirmation data. The information is then used to calculate the total amount the customer is to pay. It is also used to modify existing inventory.

Finally, we correlate whether the number of objects removed from the shelf during the selection and inspection process is equal to the number of objects entered into the device. All these steps are indicated at block 1260.

If the number of items entered is not equal to the number of items removed from the shelf, the program moves to block 1262.

Block 1262 prevents the user from disclaiming legal responsibility for the contents of the cabinet. Moreover, the cabinet does not close electronically until the user enters all the items picked up from the shelf. A visual quick display is provided to the user.

This quick display may appear on the screen 214 or on one or both of the LCD displays 216.

The CPU 204 uses the electronic well 250 to lock the door of the cabinet, as indicated by block 1264 if the checking of the number of items entered equals the number of items missing from the shelf.

The user is then free from legal responsibility for the contents of the cabinet that was opened earlier. Again, this completes the selection mode by operation of the present invention as indicated by block 1266.

The preparation of the customer slip operation mode will be described. Referring to FIG. 13, a block diagram of the customer slip mode of the present invention, the first step is step 1266, indicating the completion of the selection mode of operation. The CPU 204 then produces a customer slip indicating the number of objects acquired by the customer from the device as indicated by block 1302. This is the minimum amount of information that can be provided on the customer slip and at the control point the user will need to know this information to exit the supermarket.

However, as indicated by dashed block 1304, the present invention may provide additional information on the customer slip as follows. Description of objects selected by the user: amount to be paid by the user for the selected objects; Or the description and identification number of the user.

At the control point, the customer gives the customer slip to the clerk for inspection purposes. At least the clerk checks the number on the customer slip. This check must be positive, as indicated by block 1306, the employee at the control point passes the customer. At the control point (or checkout counter), if the transaction is based on a transaction or if a payment is made by the customer, the clerk must calculate the total amount that the customer should jib.

As indicated by block 1308, this may be accomplished by providing total spending information on the customer slip or by the clerk calculating the total payment at the checkout.

The latter is not a problem if certain articles fall into a certain price category. However, one of the possibilities of the present invention is to adjust the price of certain goods purchased or loaned by the time of the date, the date of the week or the presence of a discount sale.

In the end, it would be better to have price information displayed on the customer slip.

The present invention can also use a credit card system. As indicated by the dotted line block 1310, the device automatically debits the customer's credit card account based on the total amount of payment that is a particular transaction.

This car handling rule excludes the possibility that the customer will not pay at the control point. This may also be advantageous in that the owner of the device is separated from the owner of the supermarket, and the supermarket does not have the financial responsibility to collect payments on the customer slip, but the number of items displayed on the customer slip and the number of items removed from the store. It is only responsible for ensuring that the number of objects is the same. In any case, the present invention may use a credit card using the indicated method.

The present invention also includes an annular loop from the control point (checkout counter) upside down in relation to the customer slip as follows. As indicated by the dotted line block 1312, the operator of the checkout counter can enter the information of the customer slip during the act of calculating other transactions of the customer.

Or this information can be entered into a scare (not shown), which provides this information through the CPU 204.

In either case, the customer slip information is sent back to the CPU 204. The CPU 204 then stores this information for record keeping purposes.

It also uses this information to perform an inspection that completes the inventory control process as indicated by dashed block 1314. Thus, a special level of control is provided in the inventive device.

Return of the rental unit was discussed in Figure 1a above.

The method as described in FIG. 1A is also used in this particular embodiment of the present invention, which is used for movie and movie box rental.

14 is a block diagram from various steps taken by the device personnel during a daily visit to the device site of the present invention. Referring now to Figure 14, device personnel visit the device on a periodic basis. In the case of a particular embodiment in which the invention is used to rent a movie, this usually takes place on a daily basis. Guests should note that they cannot gain access to the unit except when the store is open. After all, the service agent does not need to visit the device the day the shop closes.

The first discount for the device personnel was intact as indicated by block 1402. Then perform a visual inspection of the entire device to ensure that everything appears in the operating sequence. The device personnel can then perform any of the following functions: These functions are shown to occur in sequential order. However, the order in which they appear is purely explanatory, and these specific tasks can be resumed as specified by the device personnel.

As indicated by the first block 1404, the device agent performs an inventory check of the device. This inventory check includes a claim, such as inventory check on worker keyboard 224, as indicated by block 1405. The CPU 204 then brings up a lift control subroutine that results in a display provided on the computer screen 214 indicating the shelf position at which the objects are currently in place. The occupied position is indicated by a suitable symbol, such as an X, in a two-dimensional pattern of shelf position in the designated cabinet to be lifted.

As indicated by block 1410, the service agent makes a visible association between the items actually on the shelves in the rebuilt cabinet and the checkmark displayed on the computer screen 214.

The service agent can immediately tell that the presence detector is not functioning by measuring the presence or absence of an object above the two-dimensional distress on the computer screen 214 that does not match the presence or absence of the object in the actual shelf position in question. This test is extremely important because it ensures that the inventory information stored by the computer during the specified period is accurate. As described above, the CPU 204 of the present invention always keeps track of all movements and changes of objects in the case, along with all other aspects of activities occurring in the device. If the CPU 204 is not provided with accurate information regarding the presence or absence of objects at a particular shelf position, it is clear that the information stored by the CPU 204 does not accurately reflect what happened. This is why the inventory should be prepared on a daily basis, since if the longer inventory period is performed, the data for the designated period in question will be questionable.

If the service agent detects that one of the presence detectors is not intelligent (see Figure 17), remove the backplate of the cabinet in question (the objects of the particular shelf are picked up). Preserve The shelf 1750 is then removed.

Fit the new shelf (1750) into the cabinet. This modular assembly is useful because it allows the repair to be made behind the store, not the place where the device is installed. It also saves time for such maintenance. After confirming that the shelf 1750 (“electronic board”) has been inserted and functioning correctly, the computer can be restarted to update the existing stock-free as indicated by block 1412.

Service personnel perform each of these cabinet inventory, etc. on the cabinets present in the unit. In addition, if the device is used for sale rather than for rental, the service personnel can restore the item and have the CPU re-stock it. This resave step is indicated by block 1414.

The service personnel then perform a diagnosis of the device by running a diagnostic program to determine if there are any other defects in the operation of the device. This diagnostic test is indicated by block 1416. Diagnostic programs can be recorded to query the various control lines and buses in the device to determine if they are in correct communication and control. It can also be used to query any communication link between the host terminal and the like. It is important to note that diagnostic programs can be used to assist service personnel in performing various test functions.

After the diagnostic program has been performed as indicated by block 1416, the service personnel must perform a data acquisition job as indicated by block 1418. The data acquisition job includes having all data related to the transaction of the current date loaded on the floppy disk contained in the floppy disk drive 208. The information loaded on this floppy disk can be transported from the device to the host computer by the physical transport of floppy disk magnetic media or sent along a telephone line or computer connection (the computer automatically "loads" at a certain time every day. Information loaded on the floppy disk is then used at the host computer site as indicated by block 1420, and updates the information contained in the host computer (not shown). The information contained in the host computer may be used to perform a policy analysis of the trends that occur on a particular device in question. It can also be used for inventory control purposes so that service personnel can know additional items to take to the unit for restocking at the next visit. It also provides a mechanism by which service personnel can update files contained on the hard disk 206. As discussed above, the information contained on the hard disk is a record copy of all transactions for a particular device and all customer and inventory information. Therefore, information about customers is always changing and the floppy disk can be used as a data transfer mechanism to update customer information from the host computer to the hard disk 206 existing in the device. Alternatively, a communication link can be established between the host computer and the device to eliminate the need for a floppy disk drive 208. Updating hard disk information using the floppy disk method is indicated by block 1422 and using a communication link between the host computer and the device is indicated by block 1424.

Another function of the service agent is to instruct the prospective customer about obtaining an access card in the device of the present invention. As indicated by block 1426, the computer display 214 periodically and / or by date and time and with the date the device agent will respond to the prospective customer's questions about obtaining an access card and filling out a membership application. Display the time. If you do not have a service representative, you can see that the potential customer can fill out an application and put it in the home slot in the computer console, but to help the potential customer fill out the application form to make the device as user friendly The service personnel should have a specific date and time to teach you how to operate the device. As indicated by block 1428, the computer device may also have a program that can be accessed by the prospective client so that the prospective client can be provided with information about the form and how to operate the device. This sales program may be provided to the customer by a computer display or periodically provided to a television monitor to attract potential guests to become members of the device.

As described above, the apparatus of the present invention can be connected to the host computer main body through a communication link. It can also be connected to other devices by a communication network. This is shown in the form outlined in FIG. Referring to FIG. 15, the device 1 is connected to the host computer body 1506 by a common bus 1504 as indicated by the number 1506. The device 2, indicated by reference numeral 1508, is also connected to the host computer body 1506 by a bus 1504. Device 3, designated by reference numeral 1510, is also connected to host computer body 1506 by bus 1504. In this way, the host computer body 1506 can communicate directly with each device 1 to 3 in the network device. In some actions, the devices can communicate with each other by the common bus 1504.

This network device may contemplate the use of other types of network methods such as star networks, circular networks, triangle networks, and the like. This allows the host computer body 1506 to maintain a constant inventory of activities taking place in the various devices 1502. If the customer wishes to receive an automatic accounting specification for the goods sold, the host computer body 1506 may also provide computing power. Thus the credit card function can be integrated into the device of the present invention.

A device in a designated store can network a variety of checkout counters so that information about the customer slip can be automatically provided to the device for inventory and control purposes. Referring to FIG. 16, such a device is shown in block diagram form. The device designated by reference number 1602 is connected by a common bus 1604 to a plurality of checkout counters, including checkout counters 1, 2 and 3. Checklist 1 is indicated by reference number 1606, checklist 1 he by reference number 1608 and checklist 3 by reference number 1610.

The checkout counters obtain the information contained in the customer slip that has been submitted to their positions. This information may be batched (stored for transmission in a block regime) or provided as a serial stream to device 1602 over bus 1604. In either method, the device 1604 receives information indicating the customer slip received at the control point and additional information regarding the actual amount paid by the customer. This added level of control is provided to the device of the present invention because the guest who attempts to avoid payment for the selected items will be retrieved. Under the present invention such a guest should note that his transaction will be displayed on the device. But if the customer can return the tape without knowing the checkout, the device knows that the customer actually picked up the tape from the device, and he could avoid paying. So the guest will be able to deceive the device. But the guest cannot steal anything from the device.

The device shown in FIG. 16 may also allow the device of the present invention to be electronically integrated into an electronic inventory control device used in some supermarkets today. These electronic inventory control devices automatically allow the store's inventory to stay in fashion based on the customer's preferences. It also allows the seating of designated items on the shelves to be changed at the central computer site. This may allow the inventive device to be integrated into such a device through the use of such a network method.

An example of a presence detector used to measure the presence or absence of items in a designated shelf location is shown in FIG. 17 is a side view of one embodiment of the shelf position. As can be seen, the upper shelf 1704 has a lamp 1706 disposed on its lower surface. Illumination 1706 is typically installed invisible to the guest standing in front of the cabinet and to the guest selecting an object from the cabinet. The purpose of the lamp 1706 is divided into two. The first is to illuminate the objects in the cabinet. The second is to provide a light source that is detected by the optical detector 1708 on the shelf 1750. The optical detector 1708 is in the "detect" position of the lower shelf 1704 in the cavity 1768, so that the optical detector ( 1708 is correctly aligned with and positioned beneath hole 1552 through which light energy passes.

Light rays from the lamp 1706 are transparent over the lower shelf 1704. The ray 1754 is not obstructed by the object to be detected unless the object whose presence is to be detected is in the shelf position bounded by the light hole 1552 and the optical detector 1708. Eventually light ray 1754 passes through aperture 1552 to illuminate optical detector 1708.

The illumination drives the optical detector 1706 in a first or "detected" state. However, it can be seen that the placement of the object in this shelf position on the lower shelf 1704 blocks the light going to the optical detector 1708. This interference of light will result in a change in the output state of the signal from the detector 1708 in a second or "absent" state. Thus optical detectors are used to detect the presence or absence of an object at a shelf location specified in the present invention.

It should be noted that the shelf 1750 in the optical detector 1708 is movably disposed on the lower shelf. Shelf 1750 has been arranged thereon with matching photodetectors for different shelf positions of the seats of lower shelf 0704 (not shown in FIG. 17). When servicing the shelf 1750 may be removed in advance through the rear door 1760 of the cabinet by the device personnel.

Positioning assembly 1762 with adjusting screw 1766 and wrapped column 1764 is installed in cavity 1768 so that shelf 1750 is correctly positioned so that optical detector 1708 is accurately aligned with hole 1552. To match.

However, it can be seen that the presence detector is not limited to the optical method. Alternatively, pressure or volume detectors can also be used. The pressure detector will detect the physical weight of the object at the designated shelf position. Dose detectors, on the other hand, will detect the presence of mass due to a change in dose. Capacity detectors are typically used in elevators where the elevator does not need to press a button on the elevator to detect the presence of a human finger. Alternatively, "splitting", which acts as a microswitch, can also be used, which works when an object is placed on or in a pre-determined position.

A weight detector can also be used to detect the presence of the object to be detected. It performs presence detection. It will also detect whether the detected object is present in the correct weight (within the defined weight range). This is important because it can detect a cassette box that does not contain a cassette.

The presence detector can be combined with an information input that can input information of the object whose presence is to be detected. The information may be present on the object in any suitable way, such as by a barcode or holographic scheme. In addition to detecting the presence of the object, the identity of the object can also be measured. This will allow the computer to provide additional elevation checks beyond simple presence detection. Identity information may be used for any suitable purpose.

III. Video Cassette and VCR Rental Embodiments Figures 18-28 relate to embodiments of the unique video cassette and VCR rental apparatus and method of the present invention. These figures show a unique aspect of this embodiment. See also FIGS. 1 to 17. 18-28 illustrate unique details and / or differences of what is shown in this embodiment compared to what is shown in the generalized apparatus and methods of the present invention disclosed with respect to FIGS.

18 is a total block diagram of interface 248 of this embodiment. In fact, it should be understood that FIG. 18 describes in more detail some aspect of the interface 248 of the present invention shown and discussed in FIG. The purpose of FIG. 18 is to illustrate these particular aspects of the interface 248.

Referring now to FIG. 18, a serial connector buffer 1802 having an RS 232 type serial port 1804 is connected to the CPU 204 and provides data to the processor 1808 on the bus 1806. CPU 204 sends commands and data to interface connector 248 and receives data from connector 248. Serial data on bus 1804 is buffered by serial connector buffer 1802 and provided as a command to process 1808 via bus 1806.

The bidirectional bus 1810 connects the processor 1808 to a buffer (temporary memory). The buffer 1812 acts on buffer data between the processor 1808 and an input / output device connected to the buffer 1812. In particular, the buffer 1812 buffers the data received from the processor 1808 to be supplied to the LCD display 216 via the bus 1814. Similarly, bus 1816 supplies data from buffer 1812 to selector electronic circuit 1828.

Selector electronic circuitry step 1818 includes closing a cassette cabinet door via a bus 1820, closing a VCR or "movie machine" player cabinet door via a bus 1822, or via a bus 1824 to a cabinet (not shown). It is used for a number of control functions, such as the control of a support magnet or an electromagnet, to keep the cabinet door open when accessing the contents of the device.

Buffer step 1812 is used to provide a bus to the optical sensor reader 1830 (the pearling provides presence data) in the various cabinet areas (see cabinet 204 'in FIG. 2) which are also in stock by the present invention. Buffer polling instructions from processor 1808 sent via 1832.

The captive sensor decoder 1830 discussed above in FIG. 17 serves to measure the presence of an object (such as a cassette, VCR player, compact disc, etc.) at a particular shelf position.

This allows to handle the inventory of the contents of each cabinet under its control of the present invention.

19 is a more detailed block diagram of processor 1808 and serial connector buffer 1802 of FIG. A serial input buffer 1802 as shown in FIG. 19 is connected to two serial lines designated RS1 and RS2, which includes an RS 232 serial port 1804 in FIG.

The serial output buffer 1802 shown in FIG. 19 is the same as that shown in FIG. Processor 1808 includes all of the special device components shown in FIG. 19.

In particular, processor 1808 includes a processor 1902 that acts as a controller. System clock 1804 provides a clock signal that processor (processor) 1902 uses for its control function via line 1906.

The monitoring device step 1908 is provided with status information connected to the serial output buffer 1802 via line 1910. The monitoring device 1908 provides the corresponding status information to the processor 1902 via the others 1912 according to the received status information. This state information allows the processor 1902 to know that input data has been received from the CPU 204 via the serial bus 1804. Thus, the processor 1902 can obtain the input data to be buffered in the serial output buffer 1802 via the data bus 1914.

The monitoring device step 1908 is also used to reinitialize the processor 1902 when no data is received from the CPU 204 for a preselected time.

This ensures that interface 248 is not disconnected due to above or outside air spikes or obstructions.

The data bus 1914 acts like a data highway for the processor 1808. It is connected to a serial output buffer 1802, a processor 1902, an EP ROM 1916, a RAM 1918, and a parallel output buffer 1902.

The address bus is installed. The address bus 1922 permits the processor 1902 to provide special address information to the EP 1916, RAM 1918, and parallel output buffers 1902 so that special data can be commanded upon data bus 1808. Allow I / O to

Control bus 1924 is also connected to processor 1902. The control bus 1924 allows the processor 1902 to control various other steps of forming the processor 1808. In particular, the controller 1902 is connected to an address selection step 1926 via a control bus 1924. The processor 1902 is also connected to the control logic circuit 1928 via the control bus 1924. The address selection step 1926 is connected to the EP ROM 1916 via the control line 1930. The address selection step 1926 is connected to the RAM 1918 via the control line 1932. The address selection step 1926 is connected to the RAM 1918 via the control line 1932. The address selection step 1926 allows the processor 1902 to control the operation of the EP ROM 1916, RAM 1918 and parallel output buffer 1920 with information provided by the processor on the control bus 1924.

EPROM 1916 and RAM 1918 allow the processor 1902 to operate under stored program control to produce unique data functions on data received from the input device such that the processor is present in this embodiment. To provide the desired data. The specific operation of processor 1902 is described in more detail with respect to FIGS. 22-28.

Processor system 1808 is coupled to buffer stage 1812 via bus 1810. As shown in FIG. 19, the bus 1810 is connected to the parallel output buffer 1920. Parallel output buffer 1920 allows for buffering between processor 1902 and buffer step 1812.

Referring now to FIG. 20, a more detailed block of the buffer shown in FIG. 18 is also shown in detail. The selection electronic circuit step 1818 of FIG. 18 is also included in the embodiment shown in FIG. The address information is provided to the address buffer 2006 via the address bus 2002 by the parallel output buffer 1920. The data is provided to the data buffer 2008 via the data bus 2004 by the parallel output buffer 1920, but is provided to the print selection step 2010 of FIG. Thus, the processor 1902 can control various output devices via the parallel output buffer 1920 and can obtain data from various input devices connected to the buffer 1812 shown in detail in FIG.

Looking first at LCD display 216 it is connected to bus 1814. As shown in FIG. 20, bus 1814 is coupled to address buffer 2006 to have address information from processor 1902. As shown in FIG. Bus 1814 is also connected to EPROM stage 2012. Select logic circuitry 2014 is coupled to bus 1814. The selection logic circuit step 2014 is via the control line 2016 and the EP ROM step 2012 provides a control signal or a possible signal when there is a command. The EP ROM step 2012 may store information that may be provided on the bus 1814 when there is a command.

The selection logic circuit step 2014 also controls the operation of the other input / output devices in this embodiment.

In particular, the solenoids locking the cabinets (eg cassettes and players) and the supporting magnets which keep the doors open in the revised state are controlled by the processor 1902 via the selection step 2014 and the buffer step 2018. The buffer stage 2018 receives the selection data from the selection logic circuit stage 2014 via the control line 2020. Data from processor 1018 is fed to data buffer 2008 via data bus 2004.

This data is then supplied to the buffer 2018 via the bidirectional bus 2022. The buffer 2018 is supplied to various solenoids and magnets (overbuses 1820, 1822, and 1824 as shown in FIG. 18) under the control of the selection logic circuit step 2014.

A databus 2004 is connected to the photosensor reader 1830 (not shown in FIG. 20) to allow the present invention to process inventory of the various shelf positions in the cabinet under its control. The operation of the prosensor reader has been described above in the description of FIG. 17 above. Data from the photosensor reader indicating the presence of the object of the designated shelf may be stored in the data buffer 2008 for later preparation into the processor 1902.

Data indicative of the presence of the object of a particular shelf seat is provided to processor 1902 upside down via data bus 2004.

Processor 1902 should indicate when it is desired to unpack the optical sensor in the cabinet. Optical sensor selection step 2010 receives pooling information from processor 1902 that indicates the order of shelves to be pooled. The other output is also connected to the buffer stage 1812 shown in FIG.

This is indicated by buffer 1 (commanded by reference number 2030) and buffer 4 commanded by reference number 2032. These two buffers are connected to bus 2022.

The selection logic circuit step 2014 provides the available data to the buffer step 1 via the line 2034, and the selection logic step 2014 provides the possible information to the buffer step 1 via the line 2036. The selection logic step 2014 may control the output of the data stored in the buffer 1 or the buffer 4 to a specific device connected to these buffers (not shown).

Any other desired output device can be connected. In addition, since these buffers can be made bidirectionally, the present invention can receive information from an external information source on a batch basis.

A more detailed block diagram of the photosensor reader reader of FIG. 18 is shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 21, the address bus 2002 and the data bus 2004 are connected to the row selection step 2102. Select line 2104, which is also part of bus 1832, allows buffer step 1812 to control the data input / output function. The row selection step 2012 is connected to various shelves 240-243 (shown as a representative example). The row selection step 2012 allows the processor 1808 to solve various shelf positions that measure the presence of the object.

This pulling action is accomplished on a low-by-low basis. The dispensed process is completed for each shelf as follows. Representative example for shelf 240, select and buffer step 2110 is connected to row select step 2102 via data and select bus 2108. Each of the various optical readers (designated LDR1 to LDR8) for measuring the presence of the object of the designated shelf seat is connected in series and to the selection and buffer stage 2110. The selection and buffer step 2110 solves the presence or absence of the object of the designated shelf seat by solving these positions in series.

This position or presence information is then supplied to the row selection step 2102 upon command by the selection and buffer step 2110.

Each shelf in the cabinet controlled by the present invention has a selection and buffer stage 2110 and a combined reader LDR1 LDR8. It should be noted that any number of shelf seats may be used by the present invention. Eight are only shown for urban purposes.

Therefore, it should be noted that the selection step pulls out each shelf in the cabinet in series.

Various shelves obtained data indicating the presence or absence of the object of the designated shelf for that shelf. This distributed method allows the presence information to be supplied to the processor 1808 in the form of instructions that do not bind the processor 1808 during other processing operations.

That is, the system program used by the CPU 204 is shown in block diagrams in Figs. 22A and 22B. As indicated by block diagram 2202, the operation begins by powering on. The clerk can be driven by a switch connected to a power distribution station in a store or by a switch in another location where the present invention is located. Alternatively, a time device may be used to automatically turn on the present invention at a designated date. Such a time device (not shown) may be programmed on the present invention to be turned on at a designated date and time, such as immediately before the opening of the supermarket where the present invention is located. Thus, the present invention can be made to operate only while the supermarket is open or during storage.

The CPU 204 is called by loading the operating system, as indicated by block 2204 after the power is turned on. The operating system can be stored on the hard disk 206 or on a floppy disk (not shown) if desired. In this embodiment, the MS-DOS operating system is used. However, it should be understood that other suitable operating systems may be used.

The file "autoexec.bat." Contained on the hard disk automatically loads all the system parameters necessary for two serial ports, a computer screen, a keyboard connected to the CPU 204, and the like. The loading of this "autoexec.bat." File is indicated by block 2206.

Initialization of ordinary variables used in all other programs is then performed, as indicated by block 2208. "A" is such an initialization program. It loads the usual arrays of variables used by all other programs into memory. This allows all other programs to run when there is a command. The main rental program is then loaded into memory, as indicated by block 2210.

The main rental program then begins to run as indicated by block 2210. The first task to be performed is to measure whether the closing time of the place where the present invention is installed has elapsed. This is indicated by decision block 2212. If it is determined that the closing time has elapsed, as indicated by yes decision line 2214, then the main program performs an inventory of the system, as indicated by block 2216. Note that the computer has its own battery backup clock. This allows the computer to measure the actual date and time that the main rental program was loaded into memory. This way, the computer can measure if the time to close has occurred.

After inventory is complete, as indicated by block 2216, the computer transfers the necessary main files to redundant floppy disk 208 (not shown), as indicated by block 2218. This backs up inventory taken on a given day. After the main file is loaded onto the redundant floppy disk, the main rental program is completed, as indicated by the END block 2220. The system returns to the operating system. However, if decision block 2212 indicates that the deadline has not passed, then NO line 2222 begins waiting for input of a bar code sent by the customer or device agent, as indicated by block 2224, and indicates the desired function. Two types of barcodes may be provided for step 2224. The first one can be the code of the guest membership card. The other can be specific code that tells the system or device personnel to leave the main rental program to order the system to perform special inventory and other control functions as described below.

After one of these barcodes is detected in step 2224, the initial screen is displayed on computer screen 214 as indicated by block 2226. This initial screen provides specific information to the user. The main rental program then decides whether the bar code read in step 2224 should be the customer's membership card or the special code received from the system device personnel. This detection is indicated by detection block 2228.

If detection block 2228 indicates that one member code has been received, then the program proceeds to the main rental program of FIG. 23 as indicated by block 2230.

The device agent has keys to allow access to the actuating keyboard 224. To control the system, device personnel read one bar code included in the operational keyboard 224. As indicated by block 2232, the device personnel must read the secret code. If the accuracy of the secret code is determined, then the program displays menu 1 on computer screen 214. This menu 1 is designed to examine and lend various aspects of the system, including system programs for members of the system to allow new members to register in the system, system devices for display cabinets and presence detection devices. It is possible to select one of the control programs which allows to return to. The membership and control programs are described below in relation to Figures 27 and 28, respectively. The loan program option enables the device agent to return to the main loan program as indicated by block 2238.

The main rental program is shown in the flowchart of FIG. The main rental program is called to step 2230 of the main rental program 2210 of FIGS. 22A and 22B.

Although FIG. 23 is described, the system first displays an initial screen as indicated by block 2302. The initial screen invites the prospective guest to be a member of the system or allows the current guest to read the barcode information contained in his or her membership card. The initial screen can also provide prospective and current guests with hints about the use of the input device. This is beneficial when the input device is a bar code pen or bar code scanner where the prospective or present guest is not completely familiar with the usage.

The guest then enters the barcode information as indicated by block 2304. One decision block 2306 then determines whether the barcode information read at block or step 2304 matches the appropriate member code. If the answer to this inquiry is NO, decision block 2306 returns the program to block 2304 so that the customer can read the barcode information again. This allows the system to accommodate errors that may occur in reading a given bar code information.

When barcode information is input by the customer, an audio indicator can be provided for proper operation. This is typically a beep that indicates that the customer has entered bar code information. The customer is decoded to receive the input barcode information that is passed through the serial port (not shown). The barcode information of the membership card includes various types of information used in the system. In particular, this may include local information indicating the area where the machine is available to the guest. In situations where there are multiple machines in a city or other area, regions are needed to accommodate the number of machines that can exist and use certain information on the membership card.

The membership card code may also include the year number of the particular transaction to which the guest subscribed. Following the year number of this particular machine is the member number (eg 0 to 9999) assigned to that particular guest.

The computer first checks to see if the region and machine code are correct. If not, a message is displayed on the screen and Syschem allows the customer to re-enter the barcode information. After several attempts (not shown) the system is reset.

If the region and machine code are correct then the member file for the particular member code is loaded into the storage, as indicated at block 2308. The computer then determines whether the particular membership card is lost or stolen. This is provided using a special "flag" of certain fields contained in the member file being uploaded. If these flags are in a particular field, the computer identifies whether the card is lost or stolen. This is indicated by the YES pass of decision block 2310. If yes passes, the program causes the display to be provided on the computer or computer screen 214. The program then displays a message on the computer screen 214 indicating to the customer whether the card is lost or stolen and allows the customer to put the lost or stolen card into a machine mailbox in the door of the computer console. The display of lost or stolen information is indicated by block 2312.

Optionally, a warning can be issued to the main rental program. Such a warning is indicated by dash line block 2314. For example, if a card is lost, the program can warn you with a flashing light or beep. Alternatively, guests can be recorded on videotape without knowing. Alerts can be made to the checkout counter or manager's office so that the clerk can take corrective action.

After the lost or stolen information is displayed on the computer screen 214 and after the option alert is issued, the main rental program returns to the initial screen as indicated by block 2302.

Describing decision block 2310 again, the computer may also check to determine whether the guest has overboarded the cassette or cassette player during the previous lease transaction period. Since the system knows all previous transactions, it can determine whether a particular customer has excessively damaged a particular cassette or cassette player. If such damage exists, it may be remembered in the membership file and the program may cause the customer to bear such costs before using the system for future rental transactions (not shown). You can prevent unintentional guests from using the system before they incur damage and pay for it.

If decision block 2315 determines that the card has not been lost or stolen as indicated by pass no, the guest on computer screen 214 reads his secret member code as indicated by block 2316 I urge you to. Typically, a customer's secret code or PIN is a three-digit number. The secret code can be read using an input device (such as a bar code pen or bar code scanner 210) or via the keypad 212. The actual secret code being read is not displayed on the computer screen 214. However, you can give a XXX or some other fit to give feedback on whether the correct digit has been read for the guest. It is important not to display a secret code or PIN to prevent visitors from knowing the code in order to prevent viewers from gaining unauthorized access to Syschem if they have a membership card.

Decision block 2318 then determines whether the guest has entered the correct secret code. If decision block 2318 determines that one secret code is incorrect as indicated by the NO pass, the guest is given three more chances to read the correct code as indicated by block 2320. Many guests have three more chances because they have difficulty memorizing their secret codes. Many guests have difficulty memorizing their secret codes, so you must give these three chances to satisfy your guests. Each time a guest reads a new password, decision block 2322 determines whether it is correct. If it is correct as indicated by the YES pass, the program proceeds to decision block 2324, described below. However, if the secret code is incorrect or incorrect as indicated by the NO pass, the program proceeds to display information block 2326. Block 2326 causes a message to be displayed on computer screen 214 to instruct the guest to notify the system device personnel or other employees of the store because the machine is still unavailable. The program is then reset so that the initial screen appears on computer screen 214. This pass of the program thus prevents the user from using the system if the guest cannot enter the correct secret code during three attempts.

If the correct secret code is read for three attempts, the program proceeds to decision block 2324. Decision block 2324 determines whether the guest has a cassette (film) or cassette player that was missed in the previous rental transaction. If the answer to this inquiry is NO, then the guest is allowed to proceed with the rental procedure as indicated by block 2328. The rental procedure is described below with respect to Figures 25a and 25b.

If decision block 2324 determines to the customer that the cassette or cassette player failed in the previous rental transaction, he is not allowed to make a new rental until he returns the previously rented cassette or cassette player. Furthermore, if there is a cassette or cassette player missed in the previous transaction, the program causes the return procedure to be raised as indicated by block 2330. The return procedure program is described in relation to Figures 24a and 24b.

The program is designed to reset the program if the customer leaves the system for more than the specified time (about 30 seconds) without entering the required information or performing the required procedure. This reset prevents guests from spending too much time using the system. As a result, more machines can be used for rental or return, giving the customer additional satisfaction.

24A and 24B are flowcharts of the return procedure program of the main rental program of FIG.

Figure 24a will be explained. If the customer wants to return the cassette, computer screen 214 lists all the cassettes the guest borrowed from the previous rental transaction and the expected return date time. This is indicated by block 2402.

The screen also prompts the guest to read the bar code information contained in all the cassettes he is about to return as indicated by block 2404. This reading step provides the computer with information about the items returned so that it can be inventoryed and cleaned up with customer records. As each bar code is read, certain cassette items of returned items are removed from the screen and replaced with a "returned" phrase and an indication of whether the specific rental item was returned at a specified time or late, and a late penalty is charged. . If the bar code for the same cassette is read twice by the customer, the program ignores the second bar code information. If a bar code of a cassette other than the return is read to the customer, the program refuses to accept the bar code. The return transaction displayed on computer screen 214 is indicated by block 2406.

Decision block 2408 then determines whether the customer has returned all of the cassettes borrowed from the previous rental transaction. If decision block 2408 determines that the guest did not return all previously borrowed cassettes, the guest terminates the return procedure by entering one special bar code as indicated by block 2400. If you do not return all the loaned items, this special code that allows you to close the return transaction means that you can return the loaned items on different dates and times. This adds to the flexibility of the system's operation and gives the customer additional satisfaction. Often, a customer wants to return one of the items borrowed in a single rental transaction before returning the other items. The use of special bar codes allows current inventions to accommodate such guest wishes.

After the customer enters a special bar code, the computer program informs the user of the inventory of cassettes that the computer screen 214 has not returned to the user. This display is represented by block 2412. This will give the guest feedback so he will know about other cassettes he has not yet returned.

The program now moves to block 2412. Light sensors for several shelves in a cabinet are scanned by a computer to determine how many files are in that shelf location. If higher performance detectors are used to read the actual bar code of the cassette, the computer can also perform a more detailed inventory step (not shown). In either case, at this stage of the program the system performs an inventory check to determine where the cassette is on the shelf.

Referring to FIG. 24, the doors of the particular cabinet in question are unlocked as indicated by block 2416. In the presently described example only the doors of the cabinets with cassette shelves are opened because the customer will return the cassette. If the customer wants to return the VCR player, the doors of the VCR player cabinet will open instead of the doors of the cassette cabinet.

In addition to opening the doors of that particular cabinet, the program also performs a display to urge the guest of the computer screen 214 to open the places on the shelf and return the cassette, as indicated by block 2418. In block 214, which operates in parallel with block 2418, the program also keeps the doors of the cabinet open by activating an electromagnet that keeps the doors open (not shown).

After the doors open and the customer is urged to insert the cassette into the open location of the shelf, the system scans the light sensor again to determine the location of all open locations on the shelf as indicated by block 2420. This scanning is usually performed continuously in the return process so that when the computer knows that all the cassettes have been returned, the computer will know that and will not ask the guest to enter specific instructions indicating that all the cassettes have been returned. The program proceeds to block 2424 when the number of cassettes returned matches the number the computer knows to return, as determined by decision block 2422. Block 2424 releases the magnets that keep the doors open so that the guest can close the door completely. The sensors constantly monitor whether the doors are completely closed and the number of cassettes on the shelf is constant. This prevents the customer from taking the cassettes on the shelf while closing the door. After the doors are all closed as indicated by decision block 2426 and the number of cassettes on the shelf remains, the doors are locked as indicated by block 2428. Locking the doors is also presented to the user with the LCD display 216 (not shown). All files on hard disk 206 and floppy disk 208 are now organized and labeled as indicated by block 2430, and then provide a display on the computer screen 214 that informs the customer that the return was successful. As indicated by block 2432, a thank you for the return is displayed. The program then returns to the initial screen as indicated by block 2434.

If the customer returns later than the due date, the penalty charged is automatically calculated by the program and stored in the guest file. If the guest then goes to the rental state, this default is added to the next rental fee. If the customer returns only the cassette, the penalty is remembered and then charged to the penalty of the next rental transaction. 25, which constitutes 25a and 24b, is a flowchart of the rental procedure program 2328 of the main rental program of FIG. Referring now to 25a, the customer is shown a list of all cassettes returned on the display of computer screen 214, and a total rental ticket subject to delayed penalties or penalties for delayed return of the previous rental cassette. These penalties will be added to the rental fee to be calculated at the end of this rental transaction. This is indicated by block 2502. The computer screen 214 also displays a menu given four choices, as indicated by block 2504. The four choices are:

1. List of all the films that can be used in the real world.

2. List of the best 20 films.

3. Rental cassettes.

4. Rental cassettes and cassette players.

In order for the guest to make a choice, the code must be read immediately to indicate which of the four choices the guest has selected, as indicated by block 2506. The guest must select one from the menu of block 2504 within the given time. As indicated, decision block 2508 determines that the guest has selected and indicates which of the four menus of block 2504 the customer has selected. If no selection is made as indicated by the NO pass, block 2510 is delayed for a predetermined time period of about 30 seconds. If you make a selection within 30 seconds, the program moves to the YES pass as indicated by the dash line. However, if no selection is made within a predetermined time (if no action is taken), the program sends a warning to the user as indicated by block 2512. The warning display may be in a form suitable for warning or flashing of LED 216 display or other means. The guest must then take action within the time indicated by block 2512 (eg 10 seconds). If the customer does not make a selection within the warning time, the program moves to the YES pass as indicated by the dash line. However, if no action is taken within the warning time, the program terminates and returns to the initial screen. This predetermining purpose is to require the user to make a decision or give up control of the system within a preselected time. This ensures that guests who do not use the machine are not interrupted by other guests accessing the machine.

Referring to FIG. 25B, the first choice in the menu of block 2504 is for the machine to list all the films that the customer can actually use with a particular movie machine. Since the machine uses a modular method, theoretically unlimited films can be accommodated from a minimum number (eg 188 cassettes) using an additional modular cabinet controlled by a computer console. When the computer selects this first, it starts the subroutine by displaying the first 20 films in the machine's current film inventory, as indicated by the block 2516 on the computer screen 214. Information presented to guests regarding these 20 films may include titles, lead actors, producers, and awards. In other words, it provides a very useful source of information to the guest in a "user friendly" kind service. The guest then has a menu presented to him, with three actions, the escape action from the display subroutine of the previous 20 titles in the display inventory of the next 20 titles in the inventory, as indicated by block 2518. You can take it together. The user indicates which of these three menu selections is desired by reading the appropriate barcode indicator, as represented by block 2502. Decision block 2522 determines which of the guests has selected. Again, a specific time is programmed as indicated by block 2524 in the selection process that the user must select. If the customer does not select from the menu displayed in block 2528 within a predetermined time (30 seconds as in block 2524), the program returns to the main menu of block 2504.

If the user makes a selection within the set time, the program proceeds through the YES pass. Based on the selection, the program displays the next 20 titles as represented by block 2526 or the previous 20 titles as represented by block 2528 or the block as indicated by block 2530. Escape to the main menu of 2504.

If the user selects the next 20 titles or the previous 20 titles display, the program displays those titles and then moves back to block 2518. The guest may then decide whether to exit the program or to learn other titles of the caster inventory presented on computer screen 214. This inventory is very useful to the guest as it is to provide the guest with a current list of cassettes that can be borrowed. As described above with respect to 24a and 24b, inventory is always different because previously loaned items are returned. This characteristic of current inventions significantly improves the customer's response to such a construction.

The second option available to the guest in the main menu of block 2504 is the display of the list of the top 20 films. If the customer selects this second, the 20 best films are displayed on computer screen 214 as indicated by block 2532. The system operator can designate certain films as "best film". This can be determined based on the consumer's rental habits for a particular movie machine or on a larger statistical sample, such as the rental habits of movie machine systems worldwide. Alternatively, this may be determined based on other consumer indices, such as the number of visitors, such as a movie theater. The key here is to present the guests with a list of films rated according to the consumer rental or visitor data.

In addition to displaying the "best films" on the computer screen 214, this list may also include additional data, such as whether a particular film is currently hanging on the machine or available for rental. Optional high speed printers may also be provided (not shown), especially in larger systems using multiple cabinets. The high-speed printers allow customers to print a list of the top 10 movies for later use.

When the user wishes to execute this subroutine, he indicates by reading the designated character ("X", etc.) using a bar code reader, as indicated by block 2534. Decision block 2536 determines whether the guest has read the appropriate character or indicator. If the molecule is not detected, the program is delayed for a specified time (30 seconds, etc.) as indicated by block 2538. This delay is the time for the guest to examine the particular movie list displayed. Once there is a delay or decision block 2536 detects the appropriate character, the program returns to the main menu of block 2504 to allow the customer to make another selection.

The third option available to the guest in the main menu of block 2504 is to enable cassette rental. This rental program is described below in connection with the flowcharts of FIGS. 26A and 26B. This cassette rental program is represented by block 2252 as shown in Figs. 26A and 26B.

The fourth option the guest can select is the choice to rent cassettes and cassette players, as indicated by block 2544. Here you can also rent a cassette player that you can use to play the cassette you rent. In many cases, a guest will want to rent a cassette player in addition to a cassette because there is no or no cassette player available for a particular purpose. At present, the convention can accept such rental transactions. A rental transaction involving a cassette and a cassette player is very similar to renting a cassette only, as indicated by block 2546. Only describe the program related to borrowing cassettes for a short time. The additional rental of a cassette player is not different from the concept shown in connection with the cassette loan program of block 2542.

26, which comprises FIGS. 26A and 26B, is a flowchart of the cassette rental program 2542 of the rental procedure program 2328 of FIGS. 25A and 25B. Now, FIG. 26A will be described. If the guest has selected option 3 in the menu of block 2504 as indicated by block 2620, the computer displays a message to the guest on computer screen 214.

This message asks the guest if he wants to "rent out" the cassette as indicated by block 2604. Set up the program to give the maximum rental time the guest can choose (not shown). In addition, specific categories can be assigned based on other factors, such as holidays and weekly work to do.

The guest then enters the desired cassette rental period into the system. This is done by entering the bar code into the system, as indicated by block 2606. Decision block 2608 determines whether the guest has read the appropriate bar code. If for some reason the bar code is incorrectly selected, the program can go back to block 2604 via the NO pass and again select the desired number of days. The program also automatically loops back to block 2604 if it does not read an acceptable bar code within the specified time (such as 30 seconds).

If decision block 2608 determines that the guest has read an acceptable bar code, a procedure is initiated that enables the guest to access the contents of the locked cabinet as indicated by block 2610. In particular, the first step in this opening process is to scan everything in the shelf position to get inventory by the location of the various items contained in the locked cabinet. This information is provided to a record keeping device for later storage. Thereafter, as shown at block 2610, the system will open the doors of the cabinet so that the guest can access it during the rental phase. After the doors are opened, the LCD display 216 for the appropriate cabinets displays a suitable legend or indicator such as "open" to indicate to the customer that the doors of the cabinet can be opened. Using the LCD display 216 is important because the guests do not want to pick up the cabinet keys. This is because the door may be different or the guest may be injured. Glass doors are commonly used to allow the customer to visually inspect items in locked cabinets. Such damage can result in severe damage.

After having the "open" legend display, the system activates the magnet to keep the doors open. These detaining magnets are important to satisfy the guests. Because it allows you to inspect the contents of a locked cabinet without having to worry about leaving it open. Also, the cabinet does not necessarily have to be completely level in order to keep the cabinet doors open.

After all these steps are completed at block 2610, a menu is provided to computer screen 214. This is indicated by block 2612. The customer is instructed to select the desired cassette (film) and is asked to read the bar code on the cassette container (or cassette). In order to minimize theft, it is better to assign the code directly to the cassette itself. By reading these bar codes, the customer must complete the inventory process before the doors in the cabinet are locked again. The guest is legally responsible for the contents of the cabinet from block 2610 until the doors are unlocked until the rental procedure is completed.

The program then gives the guest the time needed to examine the contents of the cabinet. It should be noted, however, that the system also accepts returning items that other customers have rented, as described above, with respect to FIGS. 24a and 24b during this period. Even during the return process, the guest shall be legally responsible for the contents of the cabinet, which is not locked, involved in the rental transaction. As a result, the rental guest should ensure that the returning guest does not unfairly pick up items from the open cabinet. This is because the rental guest is legally responsible for such an undue loss.

The program then waits for the guest to enter the correct bar code as indicated by block 2614. Barocodes have three behaviours: (1) Barocodes for objects stored in cabinets (2) Appropriate designation codes (3), such as "X", indicating that the member wishes to complete the selection process and exit the program There is a bar code for the member of another guest who wishes to return the transaction.

Suppose that the detected bar code is the appropriate bar code for the cassette stored in the cabinet. This is indicated by block 2616. The program registers the selection and counts the number of cassettes borrowed during this particular rental transaction, as indicated by block 2618. The program is set so that the customer can only borrow up to the number of preselected cassettes during a given rental transaction. (Example 5) Subsequent programs do not allow the guest to further rent any cassette as indicated by decision block 2620. If the number of cassettes read by the guest is less than the maximum number previously selected, the program goes to block 2614 via the NO pass and allows the customer to make additional choices.

If the guest decides to exit the program as indicated by block 2622 or if the guest has selected the maximum number of cassettes allowed at decision block 2620, the program proceeds to block 2624. In block 2624 the system inventoryes all cassettes in the cabinet by scanning all presence detectors. Then after the inventory is completed, decision block 2626 determines whether the number of cassettes that the customer read during the rental transaction is equal to the number of cassettes that the customer took while the cabinet was open. If the number of cassettes borrowed does not match the number of cassettes actually taken from the cabinet as indicated by the NO state, the program proceeds to block 2628. At this point, the customer will be prompted via computer screen 214 to read the bar code of the remaining ones that have not yet been read. The program then proceeds back to block 2624 where the inventory of the contents of the open cabinet is checked.

On the other hand, if decision block 2626 indicates that the number of films read matches the number of films taken from the cabinet, the program proceeds to block 2630 via a YES pass. During block 2630 the system emits a detention magnet that keeps the unlocked doors open. Then the guest must close the door. If the doors are closed as indicated by the corresponding sensors, decision block 2632 moves to the YES pass and to block 2634. However, if the guest has not closed the doors completely, decision block 232 causes the program to move to block 2636 via a NO pass. Block 2636 instructs the program to close the doors by indicating that the program displays a message to the guest via computer screen 214. The program then returns to block 2624.

When the doors are closed, as indicated by decision block 2634, the program proceeds to block 2634. At this stage, the program calculates how much is the rental fee for the rental transaction of the cassette you are renting. If there is anything unpaid, it will be added to the rental fee. The program then retrieves specific film information about the cassette that has been rented to the storage repository, as indicated by block 2636. Such information, such as the title of the film, the rental price, the date of return, and the penalty for delayed return, is displayed on the computer screen 214 for the user to view. This information is then stored in a repository for later use.

The program then proceeds to step 2638 to print to the customer. This guest print contains information about the amount of the rental. This information is useful when paying at the customer's checkout counter (not shown). Moreover, the printed information for the guests is printed with information such as the name of the film, the date of return and the fine. The program then proceeds to block 2640 where it delivers a message to the guest via computer screen 214. The content of the message is basically to thank the user and convey other messages, such as other programs the system has. The program then proceeds to block 2264 where the guest is shown the initial screen of block 2302.

As described above, in FIG. 26B, the return transaction may occur during the rental transaction. The system detects such a return by reading the bar code, which is a member code, as indicated by block 2650. At this stage the rental procedure is interpreted as indicated by block 2652. All parameters related to the rental procedure (customer) and materials for the items rented so far are stored in a "wait list" file, as indicated by block 2654.

In this way, the lender can return to the rental process after the second guest completes the return process. The computer also requires the guest to enter his or her secret code (PIN). The entry of the secret code is not shown in FIG. 26B. The computer then checks to determine whether the secret code entered by the second guest wishing to return the items is correct. It also determines what items this second guest has not yet returned.

If you do not have any cassettes or cassette players to be returned by the second customer, this tells the program that the second customer is also hoping for a rental procedure. In this case, the second guest cannot do so. The computer program then communicates to the second guest via computer screen 214 that the first guest must wait for the rental process to complete. The program then reloads the rental parameter for the first guest as indicated by block 2658 and the program returns to block 2614 of 26th a.

If the second customer has a cassette to return, the program goes to the return procedure of FIGS. 24a and 24b as indicated by dash box 2656. The system then goes back to 24a and 24b. The system then performs a return procedure consistent with the flow charts of 24a and 24b. The first guest (rental guest) is legally responsible for the contents of the cabinet during the return process used by the second guest as described above. Inventory of the unlocked cabinets will be performed only after the first guest completes the rental transaction. If the number of items is not correct, the files of guests 1 and 2 will be displayed accordingly and can be used later to determine who took the cassette. After the second guest completes the return process, the program moves to (2658) so the first guest returns to the rental transaction.

Good organization of the membership program is shown in FIG. 27 constitutes 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d and 27e. Speaking of Figure 27a, the member program can only be operated after the system device service code and the system device secret code have been fully entered and discovered by the computer.

After this happens the initial menu is presented to the system operator as indicated by block 2702. The menu provides six options for system unit personnel: (1) registration of new members (2) modifications and inquiries (3) lost or stolen cards (4) temporary cards (5) removal of "stop" flags, and (6 Provide escape options.

First, I will discuss option 1, which is the registration of new members. The user selects this by entering using the operation key 224. The program then proceeds to a new member registration program as indicated by block 2704. This program allows new members or guests to enter the cinema system. Once filled in, this new guest will be allowed to rent a cassette (and possibly a VCR if desired).

The first step in the new membership record program is to have the computer pick up a new call, as indicated by block 2706. First, the computer retrieves an index file that contains the final card number that the system assigns to the guest. Next, 1 is added to the number to assign a new card number of the new member guest.

If the new card number is determined in step 2796, the program moves to block 2708.

Computer screen 214 presents a series of questions to system device personnel (and new members if new members are present).

The questions are what the system needs to register a new guest. In particular, as shown in FIG. 27A, the following information about the new member must be input by the device personnel using the operation key 224. (1) Name, (2) Address, (3) City, (4) Postal Code, (5) Phone Number, (6) Credit Card Number, (7) Film Selection-Assignable Film Categories (this is particularly the case for rental cassettes) Good for children with parents who want to limit the types of children). You must enter (8) the type of video system you have (eg beta, VHS or 8mm) and (9) whether you want to rent a player (VCR).

After this data for the new guest is entered, decision block 2710 determines whether the input data is correct. If not correct, a NO pass is selected and the program returns to block 2702. However, if decision block 2710 indicates that the input is wrong, it takes a YES pass and causes the program to move to block 2712. At decision block 2710 the system agent is asked to confirm that the data presented on the screen is correct.

If the data confirms, the program generates a secret code (PIN) for the new guest at step 2712. This secret code is randomly generated using random seeds, reference dates, time elements, and the like. It should be appreciated that some form of mechanism may be used to generate the secret code at block 2712.

The secret code generated for the new guest is displayed on the computer screen 214 for a predetermined time (eg 5 seconds). The secret code is then assigned to a new agent by the system agent. The secret code displayed on computer screen 214 is then erased.

Next, the member file is filed and a new record is added for the new member just written, as indicated by block 2716. In addition to the member file, all updates and control files are adjusted as indicated by block 2718. The control floppy 208 and hard disk 206 are updated at this stage.

If the new member paid the membership fee, the printer 218 prints the amount paid by the new member. The print is indicated by box 2720. After printing is complete, the program returns to the main menu of block 2702.

It should be appreciated that system personnel may terminate any of the five programs selectable from the menu of block 2702. This gives system personnel sufficient control of system operation during the program.

The second option, which can be selected in the membership program, allows system personnel to make changes and inquiries. The block 27c will now be described. For example, this program allows system personnel to change membership records. For example, such a change would be necessary if a guest moved or something about a particular guest needs to be corrected. It also allows system personnel to check whether a particular guest has rented a cassette or VCR, and if so, when the rental was returned. It also allows system personnel to obtain a forgotten password.

Changes and lookups The first step in the subroutine is to have the system enter the card number of the guest file you are working on. This input is indicated by block 224. After the card number has been entered, a particular member record is displayed from the disk (loading the hard disk 206 and displayed on the computer screen 214, as indicated by block 2726. The system personnel are then displayed by block 2728). The system notifies which items of the file records being displayed are to be changed, as indicated by block 2730, new data consistent with the changes entered by the system personnel is supplied via the actuation key 224.

Each time new data is entered, screen 224 reflects this change, allowing the system personnel to check whether the correct change has been made. After both changes and additions are completed, the member file on hard disk 206 is updated and similar changes are made to the control floppy of floppy disk 208 as indicated by block 2732. After this save step is complete, the program returns to block 2702.

If a customer suspects that his card has been lost or stolen, he should immediately report it to the system agent of the particular movie machine involved. The third option of the block 2702 menu allows the system agent to "flag" a particular guest or membership record corresponding to the particular card that was lost or stolen. This "flag" causes the system to prevent such a specific guest card from being used later.

Now let's talk about Figure 27d. Lost or stolen card subroutines are indicated by block 2736. The first step in the program is decision block 2738. Here the program asks the customer if he or she remembers his or her card number. If the answer is no, the program instructs the system agent to assign a secret code to the guest. Often lost or stolen cards do not know their card number. The system allows the device personnel to find this card number as long as the customer remembers his secret code. The secret code is entered into the system by the device personnel as indicated by block 2738. After it is entered, the computer searches all member files with that particular password.

In large systems, more than one person may have the same specific password. This is not a problem because guests have different card numbers. The various files are found using a secret code, as indicated by block 2740, and then the computer displays member information corresponding to the given card number. If more than one file is found, these other files are displayed to system personnel as indicated by block 2742.

The device agent then determines whether the particular file being displayed is correct as indicated by decision block 2744. This is repeated until a matching file is found. After the device agent determines the number of the lost or stolen card, he retrieves the correct record from the computer storage, as indicated by block 2746. After importing the file, a menu is presented to system personnel, as indicated by block 2758. This menu allows system personnel to display if a card is lost, stolen or found.

If the system agent selects the Forgotten option, the lost membership flag is flagged for the particular member record as indicated by block 2750. This missing flag may be "L". Similarly, if a device agent selects a theft option, theft flag is flagged as indicated by block 2752. The guest file is flagged with an "S". These two flags inform the system of the indication that a particular card is problematic, as described above. This prevents guests from using the system when they are flagged.

After the customer finds the lost or stolen card, the device agent can tear off the L or S flag from the customer's file. This can be done using the discovery option in the menu of block 2748. After that, the card is no longer disturbed. But the system agent can still look at the transaction history of that particular card. The fourth option selectable in the menu of block 2702 is to give the guest a temporary card.

It is indicated by the 27th. The temporary card subroutine allows system personnel to issue temporary cards to customers if the original card is lost or stolen. This temporary card covers the same period as the original card. It can be issued at a lower cost to the customer or charged only for administrative expenses.

The procedure used for the temporary card subroutine is very similar to the register (register) new member subroutine that begins with block 2704. However, the temporary flag byte is included in the guest file as indicated by block 2758 to indicate that it is a temporary card. Block 2760 is an indication that the subsequent procedure in the temporary card subroutine is very similar to that used for the register new member subroutine beginning with block 2704. The fifth option a device agent can choose is to remove the suspend flag.

I will explain again to Figure 27e. After the device agent detects that the customer has severely damaged the cassette or player (VCR), a stop flag is placed on the guest record to prevent future rentals. This stop flag is described below in relation to degree 28b of the control program.

After the problem with a badly broken cassette or VCR has been corrected, the stop flag removal subroutine, which begins with block 2276, can be used to remove the stop flag from the corresponding guest member file. The first step is to enter the card number of the member file with the suspend flag that the system agent should remove. This is indicated by block 2764. After entering the card number, the program retrieves the guest record of the guest from the hard disk 206 file, as indicated by block 2762.

The guest then displays the name, address, and other information to the system agent to reconfirm that the correct file was retrieved and that the information was correct and confirmed. If everything is in order, the system agent removes the suspend flag as indicated by block 2768. After the stop flag is removed, the guest file is checked as indicated by block 2770.

The removed stop flag subroutine then returns to the main menu of block 2702. The last option a device agent can choose is the Escape option. As shown in Figure 27e, system personnel may choose to exit the membership program by selecting this option. The device personnel can then use the system to view other tasks or to return the system to another operating mode. The control program is shown in the flowchart of FIG. 28 constitutes 28a and 28b.

System personnel can access the control program when the correct system agent code and secret code have been entered into the system. Control programs give system personnel the tools they need to carry out specific visits or control functions about the system. In particular, it allows system personnel to inspect presence detection sensor cabinet light sensors, cassette VCRs, etc., which are used to determine whether the corresponding shelf cassette or player exists.

Now let's talk about 28a. The master menu for the control program is indicated by block 2802. This menu contains seven options available to system personnel: (1) cabinet door control, (2) cabinet light or presence sensor control, (3) cassette parameter display, and (4) player (VCR) parameters. The display of the meter, (5) penalties for guests who do not rewind the tape, (6) stop flagging due to broken cassettes or players for certain guests, and (7) escape options. The first option of the master menu of block 2802 will be described.

Device personnel may enter commands using the operation keyboard 224 to open and close all doors of the cabinet controlled by the computer console. The control subroutine of the statements begins with block 2804. The system personnel then provide specific instructions regarding the intended door functions as indicated by block 2806. One of the options is for the system personnel to enter a command to open all the doors of the cabinet as indicated by block 2808.

Alternatively, the system personnel can enter a command to close all doors of the cabinet, as indicated by block 2808. The first option is to allow the system operator to exit the door program as indicated by block 2812. After each option is selected, such as (2808), 2810, and 2812, the selected item is displayed to system personnel via computer screen 214, as indicated by block 2814. The moon program returns to the master menu of block 2802. Control of the light sensor subroutine is the second option that system personnel can select using the master menu.

Referring to FIG. 28A, the first step of this subroutine is to display the presence of the cassette and the player at the shelf position as indicated by block 2816. Control of the light sensor control program causes screen 214 to be erased. After the inspection of the sensors, a series of 1's and 0's for each shelf of the cabinet is arranged in two dimensions on the screen.

1 indicates that there is a cassette or player in the shelf position, and 0 indicates that there is no cassette or player in the shelf or position. By scanning the two-dimensional array appearing on the computer screen 214 with the actual item in the shelf position, system personnel can determine which of the light sensors (presence detection sensor) is in poor operation. This malfunction is displayed as an error display on computer screen 214 as compared to what is actually at that shelf location.

In addition, the display shows the number of cassettes in the cabinet and the number of players in the cabinet. It also indicates whether the cabinet doors are open and closed and whether the player cabinet doors are open or closed. In this way, system personnel determine whether the sensors that detect the condition of the doors are working properly. System personnel may be subjected to additional cross-tests by removing the cassette or cassette player from the shelf position where it is detected that there is a problem with sensor operation. This allows system personnel to identify the exact problem that exists.

After the system personnel use the display, decision block 2818 asks the system personnel if they want another display. The program then exits and returns to the menu at block 2802. The display cassette parameter program is the third option available in the master menu of list 2802. Now let's talk about Figure 28a.

The initial block of the display cassette parameter subroutine is block 2820. The cassette record contained in the cassette file contains important information available to system personnel. In addition to including film characteristics (title, actor, director, producer, etc.), the cassette file also contains important information about the actual rental history of the cassette. As an example it contains the most recent rentals that have occurred in connection with the cassette. Each cassette record also contains the card number of the customer who rented the cassette (already rented) and the date the cassette was returned (or the date the cassette was due). The exact time of the cassette rental (hours and minutes) is also recorded.

The return time is also recorded. The position of the cassette before the specific rental transaction is also stored along with the cassette position on the particular shelf after the cassette is returned. In so doing, the entire history associated with the rental of the cassette is kept in the cassette file. This information also includes details of previous transactions. For example, if you wish, you can keep the information from the previous three rentals. To obtain a cassette record for that cassette, system personnel first read the barcode of the cassette (film), as indicated by block 2820. Decision block 2822 also determines whether the read barcode was accepted.

If not, the program returns to block 2820. However, if the barcode is accepted by decision block 2822, the program moves to decision block 2824. If system personnel want to escape from the program at this stage, they must enter an escape symbol (such as "X") to return the program to the main menu of block 2802.

However, if system personnel want to continue using the program, the program moves to block 2826. All retrieved information is then displayed to system personnel on computer screen 214 as indicated by block 2828. The information displayed on computer screen 214 is very beneficial to system personnel in two situations. The first concerns the return of cassettes that have not been fully rewound.

As explained below, a person will be charged a fine for returning the cassette without fully rewinding it. System personnel can use this particular program to identify such guests. Another important use is to determine the identity of a guest who has somehow damaged the cassette. Such guest shall be responsible for the damaged cassette. Again, the system agent decides whether to let the guest use the program.

In block 2802 the fourth option available to system personnel in the master menu is the display of player (VCR) parameters. The steps taken in this program are the same as in the previous program used to display the set parameters. As a result, this particular program will not be set out in detail for a short time.

The fifth option available to system personnel in the main menu of block 2802 is to charge a customer who returns a cassette without rewinding. System personnel inspect all cassettes returned the previous day. Then he finds out that the rewind is not complete. Poor rewinding is used to penalize the most recently rented guest of the cassette. This can be determined by visual inspection of the cassette. A fine is needed because it bothers the customer who will rent the cassette. In the case of such cassettes, it is a market practice to charge the most recently rented guest.

The first step in the penalty subroutine is the step in block 2830. Using the operation keyboard 224, the card number of the guest who has rented the most recently unwinded film is entered. The computer then retrieves the guest's record from the member file as indicated by block 2832. After the member file is loaded into the computer screen, the system agent adds a penalty flag to the member file as indicated in block 2834. The penalty addition flag is then displayed to system personnel as indicated at block 2836.

Decision block 2838 then asks the user if another penalty is needed. If the answer to the question is YES, the program returns to block 2830. However, if a NO answer is entered, the program returns to the main menu of block 2802. The stop flag program is the sixth option available in the master menu of block 2802. As described above in connection with the member program of FIG. 27, the stop flag may be added to the member file by the system personnel when the member returns an overly damaged cassette or cassette player.

The Suspend flag prohibits rental to the guest until a satisfactory resolution is made for the damaged item. The stop flag subroutine for damaged film or play is indicated by block 2840. The steps of this subroutine are the same as for the finening routine for a non-rewinding tape starting with block 2830. As a result, the steps of this program will not be set out here for a while. The remaining option available to system personnel is to exit the control program. This is indicated by block 2842.

Therefore, the system's current weave and current inversion methods allow video tapes and video tape play to be automatically loaned to guests without having to interact with the clerk. The overall operation is under computer program control. Accurate records of all transactions are kept to prevent deception or theft. Inventory management is always automatic. System data is collected based on actual time that can be used for control and analysis purposes. The rental transaction can be made at the same time as the return of the goods. It has various control functions to prevent misuse of the system. Embodiments shown in this way reconsider the returns for the business. In block 2826 the specific archive record for the cassette is retrieved from the cassette file.

The present invention has been described through various aspects and examples. As can be appreciated there are several versions available in concept and scope. As a result, it can be said that the present invention is infinite in use except the following scope of rights.

Claims (30)

Customer authentication means for verifying an authorized customer to produce an access permission signal, and connected to said customer authentication means and in response to said access permission signal to the customer to access the objects contained in at least one closed cabinet. Produce session inventory data indicating removal or replacement of each item in the accessed cabinet whenever the access initiating means for providing and the customer connected to said access initiating means and authorized by said access cabinet have access. Means for monitoring the object and means for producing the object selection data representing the primary of each object from said cabinet connected to said object monitoring means and authorized by the authorized customer to declare distribution and said object monitoring Said session connected to said means and said optional declaration means Computer controlled sales and rental for use in supermarkets and the like for distributing goods to authorized customers, including access terminating means for terminating access to said accessed cabinet of authorized customers when data and said article selection data are arranged. Device. Customer authentication means for proving the authorized customer to produce an access proof signal and selection declaration means for producing object selection data indicating the correspondence of one or more cabinets for which the authorized customer has declared the device. Access initiation means for providing access to at least one closed cabinet to an authorized customer in response to said access proof signal and said authorized customer means and Connected to said article monitoring means and said selection declaration means and to said article monitoring means for producing session inventory data indicating the removal or replacement of objects in the accessed cabinet at any time when said access cabinet has access; One session inventory data and the above object selection data When you sell an orderly computer-controlled device that is used for hire from a licensed customers, including access termination means to terminate the access of authorized customers to access the above cases like the supermarket to receive the goods. Customer identification means for authenticating the authorized customer for producing an access proof signal, and selection declaration means for producing object selection data indicating the correspondence of each article for which the authorized customer has declared distribution and / or receipt; An access initiation means connected to said customer attestation means and said selection declaration means and for providing access to said at least one cabinet to said authorized customer; Article monitoring means for producing session inventory data indicative of the removal or replacement of each article in the accessed cabinet when having access to it and into the cabinet accessed when the session promotion data and the article selection data are arranged Access terminating means for terminating the access of an authorized customer of Is a computer controlled sales rental device for use in a supermarket or the like for distributing and / or receiving items to authorized customers. 4. The computer controlled sales and rental device of claim 3, wherein each of the cabinets is used in a supermarket or the like having a transparent door and electronically operated tablets. 4. The computer controlled sales rental device according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the object monitoring means and / or the selection declaration means is used in a supermarket or the like having a barcode reader. The computer controlled sales rental device according to claim 3, which is used in a supermarket or the like which further has a communication link between the apparatus and the inspection control point. 4. A computer controlled sales rental device according to claim 3, wherein the customer authentication means is used in a supermarket or the like having one or more magnetic card readers, a smart card reader and / or a keyboard for entering an access code. 4. The computer controlled sales rental device according to claim 3, further comprising a customer monitoring device connected to said access initiation means and for physically monitoring said authorized customer. The computer controlled sales rental device according to claim 3, wherein the object monitoring device is used in a supermarket or the like having a plurality of object presence detectors for detecting the presence or absence of an object at each corresponding place in the cabinets. 10. The computer controlled sales rental device according to claim 9, wherein the object presence detector is used in a supermarket or the like having means for detecting not only the presence or absence of the object at the corresponding place of the cabinet, but also the identification of each of the objects. 4. The transaction record of claim 3, which provides one or more accesses, controls and replaces items from the accessed cabinet, declares selected items and / or records the event of termination of the access and / or the time of the event. A computer controlled sales rental device for use in a supermarket or the like further comprising means. 12. The calculation of the execution of charges and credits according to claim 11 relating to the replacement of goods into said cabinet by a customer connected to and authorized by said customer authentication means, said choice declaration means and said transaction recording means. A computer controlled sales rental device for use in a supermarket or the like further comprising a calculation means for performing the operation. The computer controlled sales and rental device according to claim 11, wherein the transaction recording means is used in a supermarket or the like having a permanent hard disk and a movable floppy disk. The actual number of objects removed from or replaced by the accessed cabinet during the period of access to the customer authentication means and the choice declaration means as described in claim 3 is granted. Computer-controlled sales rental device used in supermarkets and the like further comprising a customer slip means for producing a customer slip. 15. The supermarket of claim 14, wherein said customer voucher means comprises means for producing a customer voucher indicative of the price of goods removed from or replaced by said accessed cabinet during a period of time permitted for access to an authorized customer. Computer controlled sales rental device used for, for example. 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the customer slip means is used in a supermarket or the like, which includes a means for producing a customer slip indicating the identity of objects removed from or replaced by an accessed cabinet during a period of time for which an authorized customer is granted access. Computer controlled sales rental devices. 15. The method of claim 14 used for supermarkets and the like further having inspection means for allowing the authorized customer to exit within the area in which the device is installed after the authorized customer has paid a fee associated with the article selection data. Computer controlled sales rental device. 4. A computer controlled store for use in a supermarket or the like according to claim 3, wherein the articles comprise tapes placed in one of one or more of the cabinets and / or tape players placed in one of the other cabinets. Rental device. 4. The computer controlled sales rental device according to claim 3, further used for a supermarket or the like having a data entry means suitable for allowing the device personnel to perform the inventory function when there is a command signal. The sale or rental of one or more of the following items, individual instructional training instructions for operating and operating the device, a dynamic inventory describing the presence of objects present in the cabinet and / or the sale or rental of the items. And a computer-controlled sales rental device for use in a supermarket or the like further having one or more display means for displaying statistical information regarding the histories of the. 4. The computer-controlled sales office of claim 3, which further has a communication link to a main body host communicating information relating to the functioning of the device and related to the number and identity of objects present in the cabinets. Rental device. Certify the Authorized Customer and grant access to Authorized Customer inside one or more cabinets containing the above items, monitor the removal and replacement of objects from the Cabinet and from the Authorized Customer Entering the above optional declarations and distributing the goods to the authorized customer having the steps of terminating access to the at least one cabinet when the monitored removal, replacement and selection of the objects in the cabinet are in order. Computer controlled sales rental method used in automated supermarkets, etc. Certify the authorized customer, enter one or more declarations of choice from the authorized customer, grant the authorized customer access to the interior of one or more cabinets, and monitor the removal and replacement of objects from the cabinet. And terminating access to the at least one cabinet when the removal and replacement of the monitored objects in the cabinet and the declaration of choice are in order. How to rent computer controlled sales. To certify the Authorized Customer above and query for any outstanding items that have been previously distributed but not returned to the Authorized Customer and indicate if any such outstanding items have been declared by the Authorized Customer above. Enter a declaration of choice and grant access to the interior of one or more cabinets to the majority of customers, monitor the removal and replacement of objects from the cabinet, and distribute any of the above items in the cabinet. Entering a selection declaration indicating whether or not a declaration has been made, and from a licensed customer or with the steps of terminating access to the cabinet when the removal and replacement of the monitored items in the cabinet and the declaration of selection are in order Distributing and / or receiving goods to an authorized customer Computer controlled sales rental method used in assimilated supermarkets. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein said terminating step inquires about the number of objects in said cabinets before said customer is granted access and includes a sum of the number of items currently remaining in said cabinet and input of selection declarations. A computer controlled sales rental method for use in a supermarket or the like comprising calculating a number and comparing the sum with the above number. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein terminating the access comprises: querying the number of objects contained in the cabinet before the customer is granted access and selecting the number of objects currently remaining in the cabinet and input selection declarations. A computer-controlled sales rental method for use in a supermarket or the like comprising calculating the difference in numbers and comparing the sum to the number to determine the sum. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the monitoring step includes monitoring the removal of a certain object and monitoring the replacement of the same constant object into the cabinet. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein said step of monitoring the replacement of certain constant objects is such that the replacement of said certain customer into a different location in said cabinet is not the place from which it was removed and therefore said same authorized customer has removed the same. A controlled sales rental device for use in a supermarket or the like, which includes not having to return any of the above-mentioned constant items to a place. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the method calculates the sum of the elapsed time since the article was removed during the first rental session, and compares the sum of the time with a predetermined threshold and the sum of the time is the prescribed term. Printing a customer slip that calculates the first fare when the time limit is less than or equal to the prescribed time limit and calculates the second fare when the sum of the times is greater than the predetermined time limit and displays the results of the fare calculation; And / or a controlled sales rental method used in a supermarket or the like further comprising billing a customer account. The customer of claim 24, wherein the customer calculates the amount to be charged or credited to the authorized customer and indicates the items removed and / or returned from or to the cabinet and / or associated fees or credits. A computer controlled sales rental method for use in a supermarket or the like further comprising providing a slip and / or crediting or debiting an account associated with the authorized customer.

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