U.S. patent application number 10/664558 was filed with the patent office on 2004-04-01 for system and method for renting or purchasing digital media.
Invention is credited to Avery, Rachel Pauline, Ergo, Michael Jared.
Application Number | 20040064377 10/664558 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29549620 |
Filed Date | 2004-04-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040064377 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ergo, Michael Jared ; et
al. |
April 1, 2004 |
System and method for renting or purchasing digital media
Abstract
A system and method for allowing a customer to rent or purchase
a video on an optically readable medium is disclosed. In a
preferred embodiment, the invention consists of a kiosk at which a
customer makes a video selection and the video is written to the
optically readable medium, such as a DVD, within the kiosk. By
applying an opaquing layer that becomes opaque with exposure to
light and/or air or due to the passage of time, the rented video
becomes unreadable and the customer need not return the rented
video to a video rental store. Because the video kiosk writes the
video content to the DVD, the video kiosk is only limited to the
number of stored blank DVDs rather than a fixed number of copies of
a video as is a video rental store.
Inventors: |
Ergo, Michael Jared;
(Fairview, TX) ; Avery, Rachel Pauline; (Fairview,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SLATER & MATSIL, L.L.P.
17950 PRESTON RD, SUITE 1000
DALLAS
TX
75252-5793
US
|
Family ID: |
29549620 |
Appl. No.: |
10/664558 |
Filed: |
September 17, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10664558 |
Sep 17, 2003 |
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10188455 |
Jul 2, 2002 |
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6655580 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/14.65 ;
705/26.8; G9B/20.002 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 20/00086 20130101;
G11B 20/00876 20130101; G06Q 30/0633 20130101; G06Q 20/18 20130101;
G07F 17/16 20130101; G11B 20/00746 20130101; G06Q 20/123 20130101;
G07F 17/0014 20130101; G06Q 30/0268 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/026 |
International
Class: |
G06F 017/60 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for providing a rented video on an optically readable
medium, the method comprising: receiving a request for the rented
video; at a point of sale, writing video content on the optically
readable medium; at the point of sale, treating the optically
readable medium with an opaquing layer, the opaquing layer designed
to render the optically readable medium unreadable after a period
of time; and at the point of sale, providing the rented video on
the optically readable medium to a customer.
2. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the request for the
rented video is received at the point of sale.
3. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the request for the
rented video is received from a remote location different from the
point of sale.
4. A method in accordance with claim 3, wherein the request for the
rented video is received over the Internet.
5. A method in accordance with claim 3, wherein the request for the
rented video is received over the telephone.
6. A method in accordance with claim 1, further comprising, before
receiving the request for the rented video, storing video content
on a local video content server at the point of sale.
7. A method in accordance with claim 6, further comprising, before
storing video content on the local video content server at the
point of sale, receiving the video content from a remote
location.
8. A method in accordance with claim 1, further comprising, after
receiving the request for the rented video, receiving the video
content from a remote location.
9. A method in accordance with claim 1, further comprising after
receiving the request for the rented video, providing an estimated
time for providing the rented video to the customer at the point of
sale.
10. An apparatus for providing a rented video on an optically
readable medium, the apparatus comprising: an electronic device to
receive a request for the rented video; an optically readable
medium writer coupled to the electronic device, the optically
readable medium writer for writing video content on the optically
readable medium; a coater coupled to receive the optically readable
medium from the optically readable medium writer and to treat the
optically readable medium with an opaquing layer, the opaquing
layer designed to render the optically readable medium unreadable
after a period of time; a dispenser disposed to receive the
optically readable medium with the opaquing layer, the dispenser
providing the rented video on the optically readable medium to a
customer; and an input device for receiving information from the
customer, wherein the dispenser provides the optically readable
medium to the customer only upon authentication of the received
information.
11. An apparatus in accordance with claim 10, wherein the
electronic device is selected from the group consisting of a touch
screen, a keyboard, a pointing device, and combinations
thereof.
12. An apparatus in accordance with claim 10, wherein the
electronic device receives the request for the rented video from a
remote location, the remote location remote relative to a location
of the apparatus.
13. An apparatus in accordance with claim 12, wherein the request
for the rented video is received over the Internet.
14. An apparatus in accordance with claim 12, wherein the request
for the rented video is received over a telephone.
15. An apparatus in accordance with claim 10, further comprising a
local video content server for storing video content.
16. An apparatus in accordance with claim 15, further comprising an
input port coupled to a remote video content server, wherein video
content is received from the remote video content server and stored
on the local video content server.
17. An apparatus in accordance with claim 16, wherein the video
content is received from the remote video content server after the
request is received at the electronic device.
18. An apparatus in accordance with claim 16, wherein the video
content is received from the remote video content server before the
request is received at the electronic device.
19. An apparatus in accordance with claim 10, wherein the
electronic device, the optically readable medium writer, and the
coater are disposed within a housing, the apparatus further
comprising a display coupled to the housing and viewable by the
customer.
20. An apparatus in accordance with claim 19, wherein the display
displays advertisements.
21. An apparatus in accordance with claim 10, further comprising a
gift card dispenser.
22. A method for allowing a customer to either purchase or rent a
video on an optically readable medium, the method comprising:
receiving a request for the video; receiving payment information;
at a point of sale, writing video content on the optically readable
medium; at the point of sale, writing sales information on the
optically readable medium; and at the point of sale, providing the
video on the optically readable medium to the customer.
23. A method in accordance with claim 22, further comprising:
receiving the optically readable medium from the customer; and
providing the customer with a payment credit.
24. A method in accordance with claim 23, wherein the sales
information comprises date and time information and wherein the
payment credit is determined in part by the sales information.
25. A method in accordance with claim 24, wherein the payment
credit is provided to the customer by crediting a customer credit
or debit card.
26. A method in accordance with claim 22, wherein the sales
information comprises date and time information.
27. A method in accordance with claim 22, wherein receiving payment
information comprises receiving credit card information.
28. A method in accordance with claim 27, wherein the sales
information includes the credit card information.
29. A method in accordance with claim 22, wherein the step of
receiving payment information comprises receiving denomination
information from a currency detector.
30. A method in accordance with claim 22, wherein the sales
information comprises timing information corresponding to the time
and date of providing the video on the optically readable medium to
the customer.
31. A method in accordance with claim 23, further comprising
determining return timing information based on when the optically
readable medium is received from the customer, wherein the payment
credit is based on a difference between the return timing
information and rented timing information, the rented timing
information being determined from the sales information.
32. A method of providing digital content to a customer, the method
comprising: receiving a request from the customer, the request
including an indication of digital content and a point of sale;
receiving payment information; at the point of sale, writing
digital content on a readable medium; at the point of sale, writing
sales information on the medium, the sales information including
timing information corresponding to the time and date of providing
the digital content on the medium to the customer, the sales
information also including the payment information; at the point of
sale, providing the medium to the customer; receiving the medium
from the customer; and providing the customer with a payment
credit, the payment credit being determined at least in part by the
sales information.
33. A method in accordance with claim 32, further comprising
receiving the digital content at the point of sale from a remote
location, the digital content being received at the point of sale
after receiving the request from the customer.
34. A method in accordance with claim 32: wherein the digital
content comprises video content; and wherein the medium comprises
an optically readable medium.
35. A method in accordance with claim 34, wherein the medium
comprises a digital versatile disc.
36. An apparatus allowing a customer to either purchase or rent a
video on an optically readable medium, the apparatus comprising: a
housing; means for receiving a request for the video, the means for
receiving a request disposed within the housing; means for
receiving payment information, the means for receiving payment
information disposed within the housing; means for writing video
content on the optically readable medium, the means for writing
video content disposed within the housing; means for writing sales
information on the optically readable medium, the means for writing
sales information disposed within the housing; and means for
providing the video on the optically readable medium to the
customer, the means for providing disposed within the housing.
37. An apparatus in accordance with claim 36, further comprising:
means for receiving the optically readable medium from the
customer; and means for providing the customer with a payment
credit.
38. A method for allowing a customer to either purchase or rent
entertainment content on an optically readable medium, the method
comprising: receiving a request for the entertainment content;
receiving payment information; writing entertainment content on the
optically readable medium at a point of sale; writing time and date
information on the optically readable medium at the point of sale;
providing the entertainment content on the optically readable
medium to the customer at the point of sale; and providing the
customer with a partial payment credit if the customer returns the
entertainment content on the optically readable medium to the point
of sale.
39. A method in accordance with claim 38, wherein the entertainment
content is selected from the group consisting of audio content,
video content and gaming content.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a system and
method for renting or purchasing video disks, and more particularly
to a system and method allowing a purchaser to select one movie out
of many thousands and rent or purchase as many copies as desired
using digital versatile disc (DVD) technology.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Upon entering a video rental store, one is faced with
selecting one of perhaps several hundred video titles that the
video rental store has available. Unfortunately, if one is looking
for an older video or one that did receive wide circulation, one
will almost certainly not find the video available. Furthermore,
even if one desired a recently released video that received wide
circulation, one could readily discover that all copies of the
video have already been rented.
[0003] Alternatively, if one desired to purchase a video, one again
faces the possibility that the desired video is either out of
stock, is no longer available, or the store does not have as many
copies as one desired to purchase. In many cases, one may desire
renting a video prior to purchasing it. This is not readily
feasible in most rental stores. Even when a video store is found
that allows both rental and purchase, the rental price will almost
certainly not be applied toward the purchase price of the
video.
[0004] Due to the physical size required for an inventory of
several thousand video titles, the number of locations available to
a video rental store is necessarily limited. The cost of an
inventory that includes several thousand video titles also limits
the number of video rental stores.
[0005] Additional disadvantages of renting videos include the fact
that the video itself must physically be returned to the video
rental store. If one does not return a rented video on time, one is
faced with late charges, etc. While purchasing a video allows one
to watch at will, a rented video must be viewed within a very
limited time period, typically 2-5 days.
[0006] Privacy and security issues are also relevant with video
rentals. Typically one must be registered with a video rental store
prior to renting a video. This registration may require disclosure
of personal information that some may feel uncomfortable releasing.
This registration also allows the video rental store to track an
individual's rentals, which may be undesirable. Frequently the
registration requires credit card information to guarantee return
of the rented video. Increasingly, individuals are becoming leery
of providing credit card information due to potential credit card
fraud or abuse.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] These and other problems are generally solved or
circumvented, and technical advantages are generally achieved, by
preferred embodiments of the present invention that allows one to
select any one of a large archive of video (or audio, gaming or
software) titles for rent and/or purchase.
[0008] In a first embodiment, the present invention provides a
Kiosk machine that will allow customers to browse a movie database,
view movie descriptions, and then have a copy of the movie saved to
a DVD disk that will erase within a predetermined time, e.g., 48
hours. The purchased disk will be able to be viewed on most home
DVD players.
[0009] As an example, the machine can be a free standing machine,
located in stores that are open 24 hours a day, food delivery
stores, apartment communities, etc. The machine will work just like
an ATM. The customer will use the touch screen to locate a movie
title they would like to rent. The database will also allow the
buyer to see clips of the film. Once the movie is found, the
customer selects payment method, then pays. The kiosk will retrieve
the movie data from the home based server. The server sends the
data, then the DVD is copied onto the disk. The disk is then placed
in a plastic sleeve and dispensed. The buyer will not have to
return the movie, because the data will be unable to be read after
48 hours.
[0010] It is envisioned that the machine will be accessible 24
hours a day and would enable a selection of movies that is larger
than any other. As an example, a pizza delivery shop can have a
simplified model of the machine allowing the customer to order a
pizza and their movie of choice available for delivery. This system
could enable convenient sales, without late fees, memberships,
credit cards or employees.
[0011] Aspects of the invention could be implemented in a number of
ways. For example, a method for renting a video on an optically
readable medium for receiving a request for the video to be rented.
At a point of sale, the video content is written on the optically
readable medium. The optically readable medium is subsequently
treated with an opaquing layer designed to render the optically
readable medium unreadable after a period of time. The rented video
on the optically readable medium is then provided to a customer at
the point of sale.
[0012] In accordance with a second embodiment of the present
invention, an apparatus allowing a customer to either purchase or
rent a video on an optically readable medium is disclosed. The
apparatus comprises a housing in which the remaining elements are
mounted. The remaining elements include means for receiving a
request for the video and means for receiving payment information.
Further elements within the housing are means for writing video
content on the optically readable medium, means for writing sales
information on the optically readable medium and means for
providing the video on the optically readable medium to the
customer.
[0013] In accordance with a third embodiment of the present
invention, a method allowing a customer to either purchase or rent
entertainment content on an optically readable medium is disclosed.
The method comprises receiving both a request for the entertainment
content and payment information. Entertainment content is then
written on the optically readable medium at a point of sale. Time
and date information is also written on the optically readable
medium and then the entertainment content on the optically readable
medium is provided to the customer. Upon the customer returning the
optically readable medium to the point of sale, the customer is
provided with a partial payment credit.
[0014] Some embodiments of the present invention allow customers to
rent a DVD from a machine utilizing both point of sale and remote
databases of movies and a point of sale DVD writer. The DVD writer
will utilize technology that is much faster than a DVD writer
ordinarily available in the consumer market. The machine will allow
customers to browse, preview, and rent DVD videos 24 hours a day.
Because the DVD "self-destructs" and can be disposed of when
viewed, it gives the customer the advantage of no late fees and no
return trips to drop off the movie. Having video content in both
point of sale and remote databases allows the customer to choose
from thousands of videos almost instantly. Because the video
content is stored in databases, an unlimited number of copies of
each video can be rented.
[0015] Since the machine is completely automated and unmanned, it
saves the operating company employee costs. Since the machine can
be quite small, when compared to a video rental store, it saves the
operating company rental space and upkeep costs. The operating
company will also save money in operating costs such as
electricity, security, etc. The operating company will also have
the advantage of getting customers that a video rental store would
not get due to the limited open hours, and the limited titles and
quantity of movies on hand at the video rental store.
[0016] Another advantage for the operating company as well as the
customer is that no membership will be required. This is
advantageous for the one time buyer who does not have an
established membership (e.g., an out-of-town visitor at a local
hotel), as well as younger customers who have money but do not have
credit cards to receive a membership. The operating company profits
in both of these examples because they are receiving business that
the video rental store would not receive.
[0017] Because the machine is relatively small and portable, it may
be placed in many locations. Street corners, 24-hour convenience
stores, apartment complexes and pizza places are all possible
machine locations.
[0018] The machine could also make gift cards. These cards, similar
to credit cards, could be bought and given as gifts to be redeemed
at the machine. The gift cards would be used in the machine's
credit card reader. The gift card can either be for a specific
dollar amount or for a specific number of rentals. Restrictions can
also be put on the cards as well, such as allowing only certain
ratings of movies to be rented.
[0019] A further advantage of preferred embodiments of the present
invention is that a customer can rent a video, and if the customer
desires to keep the video, the customer may do so. The customer may
thus preview a video before deciding to purchase it. If the
customer does not wish to purchase the video, the customer can
return the video on the optically readable medium and receive a
partial credit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0020] For a more complete understanding of the present invention,
and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following
descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
in which:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a third embodiment of the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a fourth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates a kiosk according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0026] FIG. 6 is an overview of the internal elements of a kiosk
according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0027] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an embodiment system including a
main office and various kiosks.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] A method and an apparatus for implementing this method of
the presently preferred embodiments are discussed in detail below.
It should be appreciated, however, that the present invention
provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in
a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments
discussed are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use
the invention, and do not limit the scope of the invention.
[0029] The present invention will be described with respect to
preferred embodiments in a specific context, namely a kiosk for
renting or purchasing videos on an optically readable medium,
preferably a digital versatile disc (DVD). The invention may also
be applied, however, to audio information (a music CD) or software
(including games for game consoles).
[0030] The present invention includes a number of embodiments. In
most embodiments, a kiosk is provided to prepare and sell digital
media to clients at the point of sale. In one example, the kiosk is
be equipped with an apparatus to coat DVDs (or other media) after
they are written. The coating is designed to make the disk
unreadable after a given time thereby eliminating the need for the
consumer to return the disk (as with a rental) and also eliminating
many of the copyright concerns of the content provider.
[0031] In one embodiment, the ordering process can be performed
remotely, e.g., over the Internet or a telephone line. This
provides additional convenience to the consumer by allowing the
media to be prepared before the time of purchase. It also allows
the system to better control the operation and availability of
content (e.g., a movie will not be removed from local cache if it
will be need shortly).
[0032] In yet another embodiment, the barrier layer can be
eliminated by writing rental information on a portion of the media.
This embodiment provides for a simpler kiosk apparatus but also
requires that the media to be returned in the case of rentals.
[0033] These and other embodiments will be described in greater
detail below. While described as individual embodiments, it should
be clear that various aspects of different flow charts or other
parts of the embodiments can be combined and/or modified. The
particular embodiments described are intended to be descriptions of
broad concepts rather than specific limitations.
[0034] FIG. 1 provides the process flow 100 for a first preferred
embodiment of the present invention. In step S102, the customer
selects a rental video using a kiosk (such as kiosk 500 of FIG. 5,
which is discussed below). A computer system receives the rental
video request from the customer in step S104. The computer system
then requests and obtains payment from the customer in step S106
and prints a receipt in step S108.
[0035] The computer system determines if the video content
corresponding to the selected rental video is stored on a local
video content server in step S110. If the video content is stored
on the local video content server, the video content is retrieved
from the local video content server in step S112 and sent to the
computer system in step S116. If the video content is not stored on
the local video content server, it is requested from a remote video
content server via a network/communication connection in step S114.
The video content retrieved from the remote video content server is
then sent to the computer system in step S116.
[0036] Once the computer system has received the video content, it
is sent to a DVD writer in step S118. A DVD transporter retrieves a
blank DVD from a blank DVD storage unit and places it in the DVD
writer in step S120. The DVD writer then writes the video content
on the blank DVD in step S122. The DVD transporter then transfers
the written DVD to an opaquing layer application device in step
S124 and an opaquing layer is applied to the DVD in step S126. The
DVD transporter then moves the written DVD to a label applicator in
step S128. The computer system causes an appropriate label to be
prepared by a label printer in step S130 and a label applicator
applies the label in step S132.
[0037] The kiosk then determines if the customer is present and
waiting for the completed DVD in step S134. If the customer is
present, the DVD transporter places the completed DVD in a DVD
dispenser in step S136. If the customer is not present, the DVD
transporter places the completed DVD in a temporary storage unit in
step S138. Upon a later indication that the customer is now present
as determined in step S140, the DVD transporter retrieves the
completed DVD from the temporary storage unit and places it in the
DVD dispenser in step S136. An empty package from an empty package
storage unit is then placed upon the completed DVD in step S142.
The packaged completed DVD is then dispensed to the customer in
step S144.
[0038] As noted above, the customer may not be present when the DVD
is completed. This may be due to several factors. As writing the
DVD is not instantaneous, the kiosk may be placed in a grocery
store, mall or convenience store. The customer may then proceed
with grocery shopping, etc., and return to the kiosk when the
grocery shopping is completed and receive the completed DVD at that
time. Alternatively, instead of placing the video rental order at
the kiosk itself, the customer may place the video rental order
over the Internet or over a phone line via a series of prompts. In
either of these cases, the customer must then go to the kiosk to
receive the completed DVD.
[0039] In a second preferred embodiment, whose process 200 is shown
in FIG. 2, the customer places the video rental order remotely. For
example, the order can be placed over the Internet or via a
telephone (e.g., wireless or landline). The Internet version will
be discussed but the steps apply equally to other remote access
techniques. As many of the steps involved in this second preferred
embodiment are the same as those in the first preferred embodiment,
like steps are denoted by like numbers and will not be described
further.
[0040] In process 200, the customer selects the rental video using
an interactive website over the Internet in step S202. As part of
this process 200, the user also selects a kiosk location for
receiving the completed DVD in step S204. Lastly, the customer
enters payment information using the interactive website in step
S206 and in return receives a confirmation number and/or an agreed
upon password. Once this information has all been entered, the
network/communication connection transfers it to the computer
system at the selected kiosk in step S208. The remainder of process
200 is the same as process 100, with the exception that a receipt
is printed and dispensed to the customer in step S246.
[0041] The process 300 shown in FIG. 3 is a third preferred
embodiment. Like the process 200, the process 300 has much in
common with the process 100 and thus identical steps are numbered
identically and will not be discussed further.
[0042] In the process 300, the customer selects the rental video
using an interactive website over the Internet in step S302 and
selects a preferred kiosk location for receiving the completed DVD
in step S304. The website host calculates an estimated wait time at
the preferred kiosk in step S306 and informs the customer of the
estimated wait time in step S308. The customer is then asked if
this estimated wait time is too long in step S310. If the customer
indicates the estimated wait time is too long, the website host
calculates an estimated wait time at several nearby kiosks in step
S312. The website host then determines if one of the nearby kiosks
has a shorter estimated wait time than the preferred kiosk in step
S314. If at least one of the nearby kiosks has a shorter wait time
than the preferred kiosk wait time, the website host informs the
customer of the estimated wait time at the nearby kiosks in step
S316. In step S318, the website host gives the customer the option
of changing preferred kiosks. If the customer desires to change
preferred kiosks, the website obtains the new preferred kiosk
selection in step S320.
[0043] If the website host determines there are no nearby kiosks
with a shorter wait time, the website host informs the customer
that no shorter estimated wait times are available in step S322. In
step S324, the website host gives the customer the option of
canceling the rental order. If the customer indicates a desire to
cancel the rental order, the rental order is canceled in step S326.
In step S318 if the customer indicated changing preferred kiosks
was not acceptable, the customer is given the option to cancel the
order in step S324.
[0044] If the original estimated wait time was acceptable, no kiosk
locations had shorter estimated wait times or the preferred kiosk
was changed, the customer selects between paying over the Internet
or at the preferred kiosk in step S328. If the customer elects to
pay over the Internet, the process 300 receives the user's payment
information, such as a credit card account number, in step S330.
The website host then provides an order number and/or an agreed
upon password to the customer in step S332. All of the required
information is then transmitted to the computer system at the
preferred kiosk using the network/communication connection in step
S334. If the customer elects to pay at the kiosk, the website host
obtains the customer's membership information or other validation
information in step S336. All of the required information,
including the membership or other validation information, is
transmitted to the computer system at the preferred kiosk in step
S338. The completed DVD is created in the same manner as in the
process 100. Receiving the completed DVD is slightly different in
the process 300 in that the customer either enters the order number
provided in step S332 or pays at the kiosk in step S335.
[0045] In the fourth preferred embodiment, as shown by process 400
illustrated in FIG. 4, the customer is given the option of either
renting or purchasing the written DVD. In step S402, the customer
is queried whether the transaction will be a purchase or a rental.
If the customer elects to purchase the DVD, the customer is charged
the purchase price in step S404 and the DVD is written and
dispensed as in the process 100, without the DVD receiving the
opaquing layer applied in steps S124 and S126.
[0046] If the customer elects to rent the DVD, the customer's
membership information, validation information, rental time and
date and/or credit card information is written to the DVD in step
S406. The customer is charged the video purchase price in step
S408. The DVD is then written as in the process 100, with two
exceptions. As with a purchased DVD, steps S124 and S126 are
omitted, that is the opaquing layer is not applied to the DVD.
Furthermore, the label will include additional information such as
rental policy, return date, etc. The DVD is then dispensed in step
S412.
[0047] The customer then returns to the kiosk after having watched
the rented DVD and inserts the DVD into the DVD dispenser in step
S414. The computer system then reads the rental time from the DVD
in step S416 and determines if the customer returned the rented DVD
within the rental period in step S418. If the customer did return
the DVD within the rental period, the computer system reads the
customer's membership information, validation information, and/or
credit card information from the DVD in step S420. The computer
system calculates the rental price based upon the actual rental
time in step S422. The computer system then subtracts the rental
price from the purchase price in step S424 to determine a payment
credit. The payment credit is then refunded to the customer's
credit card or returned in cash to the customer at the kiosk via a
change cup. If the payment credit is refunded to the customer's
credit card, a receipt so indicating is printed in step S428. Of
course, the credit card payments can be substituted with other
payment methods such as debit cards, cash or checks.
[0048] If the computer system in step S418 determines that the
customer did not return the DVD prior to the end of the rental
period, the DVD is returned to the customer in step S430. The
computer system then informs the customer that the rental period
had expired and that the customer has purchased the DVD in step
S432 via a video screen and/or a printed receipt.
[0049] If the customer chooses to keep the DVD, she can simply
decide not to return it. Since the full purchase price was
originally charged, the system need to do nothing more. In one
embodiment, the steps S402 and S428 (ask whether wish to purchase
or buy, and charge if purchase) can be eliminated. In that
embodiment, all DVDs will have the information written on it and
the consumer can decide whether to keep at the time other than the
time of purchase.
[0050] FIG. 5 shows a kiosk 500 that is compatible with the various
preferred embodiments of the present invention. The kiosk 500
includes a video screen 502, a keyboard 504, a pointing device 506
and speakers 508. The kiosk 500 has a payment collection panel 510,
which includes a first instruction panel 512, a keypad 514, a
credit card reader 516, a currency detector 518, a change cup 520,
and a receipt printer 522. Lastly, the kiosk 500 has a second
instruction panel 524 and a DVD dispenser 526.
[0051] The video screen 502, the keyboard 504, the pointing device
506 and the speakers 508 allow a customer to interact with the
kiosk 500 when selecting a video for rental or purchase.
Preferably, the video screen 502 is a touch screen and the pointing
device 506 is a mouse or a touch pad. Since both the touch screen
and the pointing device provide for customer input, either could be
eliminated. Advantageously, the display 502 can be used to show
advertisements, previews or other media while the customer is
waiting.
[0052] The payment collection panel 510 provides a means for the
customer to pay for a video rental or purchase, either by credit
card, debit card or gift card via the credit card reader 516, or by
cash via the currency detector 518. The customer receives a cash
credit from the change cup 520 when appropriate. Alternatively, the
customer can be mailed a check from a location remote from the
kiosk 500. The customer receives a printed receipt from a receipt
printer 522. The customer receives the rented video on a DVD from
the DVD dispenser 526. When required, the customer returns the
rented video to the DVD dispenser 526.
[0053] FIG. 6 shows the internal elements of the kiosk 500, whose
exterior is shown in FIG. 5. The customer interacts with the kiosk
500 through interaction device interfaces 504A with a computer
system 540 that is connected to the various internal elements and
controls their interaction. The customer further interacts with the
kiosk through the payment collection panel 510A also connected to
the computer system 540.
[0054] The computer system 540 controls a DVD transporter 542 that
moves a DVD from one internal element to the next. Blank DVDs will
be stored in a blank DVD storage unit 544. The DVD transporter 542
will move the blank DVD to a DVD writer 546. The DVD writer 546 is
preferably capable of writing multiple DVDs at a single time. The
DVD writer 546 receives the video content that will be written to
the blank DVD from the computer system 540. Once the DVD has been
written, the DVD transporter 542 moves the written DVD to an
opaquing layer application device 548. Details regarding the
opaquing layer will be described in greater detail below.
[0055] Blank labels for the written DVDs are stored in a blank
label storage unit 550. A label printer 552 receives information,
such as the title of the written DVD from the computer system 540.
The DVD transporter 542 then moves the written DVD to a label
applicator 554 that places the printed labels on the written DVD.
The DVD transporter 542 then places the completed DVD into a
temporary storage unit 556. When the customer is ready to receive
the completed DVD, i.e., the rented video, the DVD transporter 542
moves the DVD to the DVD dispenser 526A. In the DVD dispenser 526A,
the DVD is placed in an empty package that had been stored in an
empty package storage unit 558. The packaged DVD is then provided
to the customer.
[0056] When the customer first makes a video selection, the
computer system 540 can determine if the video content is stored in
a local video content server 560 within the kiosk 500. If the video
content is not stored in the local video content server 560, the
computer system 540 connects to a network/communication connection
562. The network/communication connection 562 receives the desired
video content from a remote video content server 564 that can
contain many thousands of videos in digital video content format
and provides these to the computer system 540, which stores the
video content on the local video content server 560. Preferably,
the most frequently selected video content is stored on the local
video content server 560. The most frequently selected video
content can be updated either by the computer system 540, or
remotely over the network/communication connection 562.
[0057] In certain preferred embodiments of the present invention,
the customer may use the Internet to make a video selection. The
customer visits the appropriate website via a computer 566, which
can be located within the customer's home or apartment. The website
is preferably located on a server which also functions as the
network/communication connection 562. Once the customer has
selected a video for rental or purchase, the customer goes to the
kiosk 500 to receive the completed DVD.
[0058] The opaquing layer application device 548 places an opaquing
layer on the DVD. The opaquing layer is an initially transparent
coating placed upon the side of the DVD that is optically read. The
opaquing layer becomes opaque due to the passage of time or
exposure to air or light. When the opaquing layer becomes opaque,
the DVD is no longer readable. Therefore, the DVD is not permanent,
but has a predetermined life, as desired for a rental video. Once
the opaquing layer has become opaque, the DVD is disposed or
recycled and need not be returned to the kiosk 500. In certain
preferred embodiments of the present invention, the DVD will be
purchased, not rented. In those preferred embodiments, the opaquing
layer is not applied.
[0059] FIG. 7 shows a main office 570 for providing video content
to various kiosks 500A, 500B, 500C and for hosting the website the
customer can use to order videos. The main office 570 includes the
network/communication connections that allow it to communicate with
each of the various kiosks 500A, 500B, 500C. These communication
connections are indicated by the various lines on the figure. FIG.
7 illustrates the main office 570 as being located in a single
location. It is understood, however, that the main office may be
distributed amongst many locations that could be physically far
from one another (e.g., across a state, nationally or even
internationally).
[0060] The main office 570 includes various equipment. Examples
shown are a main computer 568 and servers 575A, 575B, 575C (in
general, 575). Various functions of these computers will be
discussed below to demonstrate operations that can occur with the
present system. It is understood that various ones of these
operations could be performed by other equipment in the system,
could be modified, or could be eliminated.
[0061] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, certain of the
movies will be stored locally at the kiosks 500 while others will
be stored at the main office and transmitted to the kiosk upon
demand. In an alternate embodiment, all of the movies will be
stored at the kiosks thereby being readily available upon order. In
this case, the main computer 568 could be used to upgrade new
movies and cause the movies to be sent to the various kiosks 500.
In another alternate embodiment, the kiosk stores none of the
movies but rather sends a request whenever a movie is needed.
[0062] Various communications will occur between the kiosks 500 and
the main office 570. These communication will include receiving
requests from the various kiosks 500 for customer selected videos
and transmitting the requested video content from the remote video
content server (e.g., one or more of the servers 575). Other
communications will provide account and financial information
received from the various kiosks 500.
[0063] In a preferred embodiment, main computer 568 will control
the network communication connections and the remote video content
server. The computer 568 will keep track of sales for royalty
payment purposes as well as membership information, and others. By
using the computer 568, the various kiosks 500 can be remotely
upgraded to store the most recent releases on their respective
local video content servers 560.
[0064] A certain one or ones of the servers 560 can be used at file
servers. The file servers will keep all movies on file in case any
kiosk does not have a particular movie stored locally. The files
will be kept organized and easy to find. Other server(s) will
operate as data servers, which send new information to the kiosks.
These servers will also receive sales records to store in the main
computer.
[0065] A number of alternatives to the preferred embodiments are
envisioned. To promote sales, the computer system 540 can play
clips of different videos on the video screen 502 and the speakers
508. These clips of different videos can include videos of movies
or advertisements for products available at the grocery store,
mall, etc., where the kiosk 500 is located. By placing a kiosk 500
in a pizza delivery store, the customer could order a pizza and a
video all at one time for concurrent delivery. This is especially
feasible as the pizza delivery store is not faced with the high
inventory costs and space requirements of a traditional video
rental store.
[0066] As noted above, a wide variety of digital content is
available. This digital content can include videos, music and
software such as games, etc. In another preferred embodiment, the
software can be designed for use on a personal computer. In this
embodiment, the kiosk 500 is placed in a store selling computers.
The customer can then custom select the desired software for a new
computer being purchased. Each software manufacturer could provide
its own kiosk in this situation and provide custom software
packages and pricing based on customer information. This customer
information could include primary use for the new computer such as
word processing, games, etc., and details regarding the new
computer such as operating system, processor speed, amount of
memory, hard disk size, etc.
[0067] The payment collection panel 510 can be modified to include
a gift card dispenser. The customer would then be able to purchase
gift cards from the kiosk 500 by using the keyboard 504 and the
pointing device 506, etc. to enter a value amount for the gift
card. The value amount could either be a fixed dollar value or be
for a certain number of video rentals or purchases. Restrictions
could also be placed on the gift card such as limiting the class of
video that can be rented. The gift card could then be redeemed by
reading the gift card with the credit card reader 516.
[0068] Although the present invention and its advantages have been
described in detail, it should be understood that various changes,
substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is
not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the
process, machine, means, methods and steps described in the
specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily
appreciate from the disclosure of the present invention, processes,
machines, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to
be developed, that perform substantially the same function or
achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding
embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the
present invention. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to
include within their scope such processes, machines, means,
methods, or steps.
* * * * *