U.S. patent application number 14/091442 was filed with the patent office on 2014-03-27 for disk dispensing and retrieval system and associated methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to REDBOX AUTOMATED RETAIL, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Redbox Automated Retail, LLC. Invention is credited to William H. Barber, Philip J. Tomasi.
Application Number | 20140089065 14/091442 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26833745 |
Filed Date | 2014-03-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140089065 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Barber; William H. ; et
al. |
March 27, 2014 |
DISK DISPENSING AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED METHODS
Abstract
A kiosk dispenses and receives recorded optical disk media using
an interconnected system central server computer through an
Internet Service Provider. The system central server contains
databases and processing, and is connected to a credit verification
system. The central databases collect inventory administration
information and customer data from the kiosks including credit card
and email addresses. The central server initiates credit
verification and sends receipts to customers via email. The central
server maintains databases that are used for remote inventory
control and administration of the kiosk network. A kiosk has the
capability to identify a recorded disk for automated restocking and
may also perform quality assessment of a recorded disk. A kiosk may
also provide publishing-on-demand or-act as a portal for remotely
served advertisement.
Inventors: |
Barber; William H.;
(Thousand Oaks, CA) ; Tomasi; Philip J.; (Newbury
Park, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Redbox Automated Retail, LLC |
Bellevue |
WA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
REDBOX AUTOMATED RETAIL,
LLC
Bellevue
WA
|
Family ID: |
26833745 |
Appl. No.: |
14/091442 |
Filed: |
November 27, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12257193 |
Oct 23, 2008 |
8639578 |
|
|
14091442 |
|
|
|
|
09578631 |
May 25, 2000 |
7444296 |
|
|
12257193 |
|
|
|
|
60143601 |
Jul 13, 1999 |
|
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|
60135854 |
May 25, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/14.4 ;
705/28 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/087 20130101;
G06Q 30/0241 20130101; H04N 21/21 20130101; G07F 17/16 20130101;
H04N 21/4622 20130101; G06Q 20/204 20130101; G06Q 20/1235 20130101;
H04N 21/23 20130101; G06Q 20/20 20130101; G06Q 30/06 20130101; G06Q
20/12 20130101; G07F 9/02 20130101; H04N 21/4782 20130101; G07F
17/305 20130101; G11B 20/18 20130101; G06Q 20/202 20130101; G06Q
30/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/14.4 ;
705/28 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 10/08 20060101
G06Q010/08 |
Claims
1. A system for dispensing optical storage media from, and
maintaining inventory in, a kiosk, the kiosk remote from a system
server and communicatively connected to said system server, said
system comprising: a plurality of optical storage media each
storing data for a particular program; a storage carousel in the
kiosk for storing said plurality of optical storage media, the
kiosk inventory comprising an inventory of said plurality of
optical storage media; a first central processing unit in said
kiosk; a database including information representative of the kiosk
inventory and accessible by a user via a kiosk interface and the
Internet; a first media readable by said first central processing
unit, having a first set of instructions for directing said first
central processing unit to: read data from a selected one of said
plurality of optical storage media stored in said kiosk; dispense
said selected one of said plurality of optical storage media and/or
display data from said selected optical medium on a display in said
kiosk; and receive a returned optical medium, identify said
returned optical medium, and transmit identity of said returned
optical medium to said system server; maintain information of the
kiosk inventory; remove a one of said optical storage media from
said kiosk inventory information when dispensing said selected one;
add a one of said optical storage media to said kiosk inventory
information when receiving said returned optical medium; a second
central processing unit in said system server, having a second
media including a second set of instructions for directing said
second central processing unit to: maintain an inventory of optical
storage media in said kiosk in said database; receive a message
indicating said returned optical storage medium has been returned
to the kiosk; receive an update of the kiosk inventory from said
first central processing unit when said first central processing
unit updates said kiosk inventory information; and cause optical
storage media to be added to the kiosk inventory based on said
kiosk inventory information.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising an optical reading
device.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein said second set of instructions
further comprises instructions for directing said second central
processing unit to provide access to a database of a third central
processing unit.
4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a media identification
reader in said kiosk that is operable to detect an identification
marking on one of said selected and returned optical storage
media.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein said first set of instructions
includes instructions for directing said first central processing
unit to: read said identification marking on a one of said selected
and returned optical storage medium using said media identification
reader, and identify said selected or returned optical storage
medium.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein said first set of instructions
further comprises instructions for directing said first central
processing unit to maintain a record of a position of said optical
recording storage media in the kiosk based upon said identification
of said selected and returned optical storage media.
7. The system of claim 4, wherein said identification marking on
said optical storage media includes a concentric marking around a
center of an optical storage medium.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein said concentric marking is a bar
code.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein said media identification reader
is a bar code scanner.
10. A method for maintaining an inventory of a plurality of optical
storage media in a kiosk for dispensing, the kiosk remote from a
system server and communicatively connected to the system server,
the method comprising the steps of: providing a user with
information representative of the inventory of the kiosk, said
inventory information contained in a database that is
user-accessible from one of the kiosk and the Internet; dispensing
a selected optical storage medium or receiving a returned optical
storage medium from a user of the kiosk; updating said kiosk
inventory information to remove said selected optical storage
medium or to add said returned optical storage medium; notifying
the system server of said updated kiosk inventory information; and
alerting the system server when said kiosk inventory information
indicates that a number of a particular one of the plurality of
optical storage media falls below a first identified threshold.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of
displaying on a display of the kiosk advertisements relating to a
particular optical storage medium in the inventory when the number
of said particular optical medium reaches a second identified
threshold.
12. The method of claim 10, further comprising the steps of:
reading an identification marking on said selected or returned
optical storage medium using a media identification reader in the
kiosk; and identifying said selected or returned optical storage
medium.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of
maintaining a record of a position of said returned optical storage
medium in said kiosk based upon said identification of said
returned optical storage media.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein said step of reading said
identification marking includes reading a concentric marking around
a center of said selected or returned optical storage medium.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein said step of reading said
concentric marking includes reading a bar code printed
concentrically around said optical storage media with a bar code
scanner in the kiosk.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein said advertisements are
promotions for optical media available at the kiosk.
17. The system of claim 10, wherein said kiosk inventory
information is viewable at a kiosk display and/or over the
Internet.
18. The method of claim 10, wherein a rental price to dispense said
selected optical storage medium from said kiosk is based upon said
kiosk inventory information.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 12/257,193 filed Oct. 23, 2008, which is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 09/578,631 filed May 25, 2000 (now U.S. Pat.
No. 7,444,296), which claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. Nos. 60/135,854 filed May 25, 1999, and 60/143,601
filed Jul. 13, 1999, all of which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates to a method and apparatus for
dispensing recorded optical disks employing computers and software.
More particularly, this invention relates to a method and apparatus
for providing automated retail distribution of recorded optical
disks. Still more particularly, this invention relates to a method
and apparatus for providing a freestanding distribution and
retrieval system for recorded optical disks, which is linked to a
central server computer using the Internet.
BACKGROUND
Problem
[0003] One method commonly used for distribution of recorded media
is a retail outlet. A retail outlet may sell or rent recorded
media. A large inventory is common at a retail location, and staff
is required for sales, rentals and restocking. A building is
required to house inventory and to provide a retail location. A
computer system is usually employed to track inventory of rentals
and sales. A retail outlet for recorded media is very expensive to
construct and operate. Because of these factors, there is
considerable overhead required to run a rental or sales business
for recorded media.
[0004] Another method of media distribution is a limited scale
operation. A convenience store might offer a limited selection of
items for sale or rent. However, staff is still needed for sales,
rentals and restocking. A significant limitation of the retail
distribution model for disks is the overhead required to operate a
business.
[0005] One way that retailers have sought to reduce costs is
through electronic commerce (EC). Providing an Internet-connected
website for customer interaction is quickly becoming a new business
model. A system of distribution using EC can significantly reduce
overhead associated with retail locations. In this type of business
model a central warehouse or warehouses ship an order submitted via
the Internet through the mail or using a private courier. The cost
of operating a retail location is avoided with this business model.
However, a strictly Internet-based distribution system often has
significant liabilities. One disadvantage is that a customer must
wait for an order to be shipped from a warehouse location. Another
disadvantage is that stock may not be available at the time the
order is processed. If stock is unavailable, an order may be placed
on back-order or the order may be canceled. Another significant
disadvantage of an Internet-based distribution system is the
impracticality for media rental. The rental business is one of
immediacy; a customer will rent an item that is available
immediately, but may not rent if it is not available immediately. A
customer is much less likely to rent an item that is shipped after
ordering, requiring days for delivery. In addition, once a customer
is finished with a rented item it must be return-shipped to the
distribution location.
[0006] An advantage of an Internet-based distribution, however, is
that a customer may set up an account, pay electronically, and
provide invaluable information to a retailer, wholesaler or the
media industry. What is needed is an Internet-based distribution
system that allows a customer instant distribution or retrieval of
media that does not require a retail outlet with the attendant
staff and other costs of doing business. In addition, there is a
need to provide automated services for payment and quality
assurance such that a distribution system is simple and inexpensive
to construct and maintain.
Solution
[0007] The above and other problems are solved and an advance in
the art is made by provision of a method and product for
Internet-based automated distribution and collection of recorded
disks.
[0008] A first advantage of the invention is the ability to provide
automated distribution of recorded disks. A standalone fully
automated kiosk serves as a distribution point for an integrated
system of automated distribution linked via the Internet. The kiosk
is a simple and inexpensive mechanical system providing storage and
dispensing of disks. A carousel or shuttle system provides access
to multiple media selections within the kiosk. Multiple kiosks may
be connected to the system via the Internet for simultaneous use by
users at different locations.
[0009] A user interacts with the system via a touch screen. The
system software guides each customer through the process using HTML
linked pages connected to a database. A selection is entered on the
touch screen to choose one or more items for rental or sale. The
selections are added to a "shopping cart," or a temporary database
represented on the display, that is approved by the customer. A
credit or debit card or other membership information may be entered
using a magnetic strip card reader or other device that imports the
data to a verification module. Approval or denial of credit is
accomplished via a local database, and/or a connection to the
system central server computer, and/or a connection to banking
services. If the credit or debit is approved, the ongoing
transaction is attached to a customer, approval for the price of
the disk is entered, and a dispensing system is activated. A
database then queries software for the requested item location. A
carousel or shuttle system manipulates the media until it is
aligned with the dispensing/retrieving slot. A door mechanism is
activated to open, and a mechanism is activated to push the
recorded disk partially out of the slot to make it available for
hand retrieval by the customer.
[0010] A second advantage of the present invention is the ability
to reduce expense by emailing transaction information to a
customer. During the disk dispensing operation, an option to
receive an e-mailed receipt is given. The option contains a
touch-screen keyboard pop-up for the purpose of entering email
address characters and other data. A consumer enters an email
address via the touch screen keyboard. Receipts may include
transactional information as well as advertising and links to
specific web-sites. All receipts are given by e-mail reducing the
expense of a kiosk since a hard-copy receipt printer is not
required. Additionally, the system acquires e-mail addresses from
customers allowing post transaction interaction while the consumer
is on online.
[0011] A third advantage of the present invention is the ability to
receive media back to the system. The customer activates a return
process by selecting "Return" from a touch screen menu or by
presenting the disk to the system bar-code reader or optical
sensor. The carousel or shuttle system positions to accept a disk
at the opening. An initial sensor detects if the recorded disk
belongs to the system and activates a door mechanism to allow
placement of the recorded disk in the opening. If the recorded disk
does not register as a system disk, the door mechanism will not
allow the disk to enter the opening. Once registered, the
individual code associated with each item is entered into the
database and the position in the carousel or shuttle is stored. An
open transaction is closed when the item is returned and logged in
the database or sold. The location of each item is stored in the
database upon insertion through the return slot. Recorded disks are
stored raw or in containers specific to the system. This may
include certain lock and key structures on the system and on the
containers that enable early identification of the item.
Item-specific identifiers may be present on the container, on the
item, or on both to further verify the identity of the individual
items.
[0012] A fourth advantage of the present invention is an error
detection system. Quality scanning software can accomplish a
playable/not playable decision via interaction with the error
correction code on individual optical media. Product to be
dispensed can be assured of quality after an automated analysis.
The scanning may be performed using a media specific drive, in
concert with automated transporting to and from the drive within
the storage system. The error system first identifies every file in
the file tree structure. It then traps errors in the file tree
structure if a file cannot be opened. Next, the error system opens
each file, reads the first block of each file, reads subsequent
blocks of each file, trapping errors on each block. The block size
is adjustable, the number of blocks read is adjustable and the
number of blocks skipped is adjustable. The error system stores
block data in a database. The error system totals successful and
unsuccessful block reads. The error testing system allows an
algorithm to determine the integrity of the media, and to generate
disk imperfection data toward tracking the degradation of disk
quality over successive rentals.
[0013] The error-testing algorithm runs on readily available
personal computer hardware. Once an error is found, the system
determines a number of contiguous blocks affected. Based on the
number of bad blocks and the number of contiguous bad blocks, the
system determines a probable level of media integrity on a
multi-point scale. The system then compares the file tree found and
errors found against test results for perfect disk and previous
test results for the same disk. If a "bad media identifier" is
indicated, the "bad media" tag is associated with the database
entry, the disk is not made available for re-rental or sale and
notification is made at the central server that the disk is
available for removal. A mechanism is preferably incorporated into
system media cases that when toggled allows the system to identify
a disk that the customer deemed to be damaged or in need of
attention. Additionally, an attached or stand-alone polishing
system that has payment elements common to the invention system can
take a disk, resurface the read side, and return the disk. This may
include a grinding system and/or a buffing system and may be
Internet connected, or linked to the system kiosk.
[0014] A fifth advantage of the present invention is the ability to
provide on-demand publishing for automated distribution. The system
will be linked to a central server computer for the transfer of
data in multiple directions. Multiple individual systems can be
linked via a network, and data may be transferred to a kiosk site
or group of sites, recorded on disk and distributed for rental or
sale in an automated process.
[0015] A sixth advantage of the present invention is a circular bar
code for the purpose of identifying disks inserted into the kiosk
system from any orientation. The "ringcode" consists of concentric
circles separated in dark and light bands with relative distances
recognized by standard line scanners.
[0016] The ringcodes are created by reducing a standard barcode to
a single point width cross-section. This produces a single straight
line of dots that are spaced to the original barcode. The line is
then pivoted around a prescribed center radius to produce a group
of concentric circles spaced to the original barcode. A standard
line scanner will view a simple straight cross-section as it passes
through the center of the ring. This gives the scanner two attempts
at reading the entire code on the coded object; once on either side
of the center as the reader passes over the center of the code.
[0017] A seventh advantage of the present invention is the
universal kiosk element of the system. The kiosk system may be
shipped via standard shipping methods such as UPS. This capability,
in combination with Hot-Swappable Kiosks, and low cost
manufacturing allows rapid Remove and Replace (R&R) maintenance
as needed. Additional units can be stocked on site specifically for
maintenance and replacement or can be shipped quickly to provide
locations with optimal ongoing performance.
[0018] The kiosk may be designed to utilize a quick-mount wall
frame system. This capability addresses the maintenance of public
use terminals, allowing anyone with keyed access to remove the
system from the wall mount bracket for repair or replacement. This
reduces maintenance costs by speeding installation and provides
plug-and-play instant connectivity requiring no special tools,
training or connections. Additionally, the kiosk system is totally
portable, and can be mounted by one person on a wall or in a wall.
Wireless devices that allow connection to the Internet without
phone or data lines present will allow interactive kiosk units to
be placed in unwired locations.
[0019] An eighth advantage of the present invention is automatic
restocking of the kiosk system. Customers return the media to the
system. A single-touch selection or bar-code-activated initiation
of the system starts the process. The kiosk system then rotates the
carousel into the appropriate alignment of the opening to the
selected inventory slot. Once in the appropriate alignment, and
upon recognition of the system-specific barcode, the door opens for
acceptance of a cased recorded disk. As the case passes through,
the door mechanism pivots to decline additional insertions until
the system is ready. The location information is stored in the
computer, restocking information is downloaded to the central
server and the disk is then available for subsequent rental or
sale.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates the disk distribution system of the
invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system kiosk;
[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates a system central server computer;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a block diagram data exchange within the
distribution system;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a system transaction;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary computer
system;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a depiction of a ringcode for recorded disks;
[0027] FIG. 8 a flowchart of an error detection process for
recorded disks;
[0028] FIG. 9 is an exemplary front-view of a preferred embodiment
of a kiosk;
[0029] FIG. 10 is an exemplary side-view of the kiosk of FIG.
9;
[0030] FIG. 11 is an exemplary front-view of a second preferred
embodiment of a kiosk;
[0031] FIG. 12 is an exemplary side-view of the kiosk of FIG.
11;
[0032] FIG. 13 is an exemplary top-view of the kiosk of FIGS. 11
and 12;
[0033] FIG. 14 is an exemplary front-view of a preferred embodiment
of a disk-shuttle system;
[0034] FIG. 15 is an exemplary side-view of the disk-shuttle system
of FIG. 14;
[0035] FIG. 16 is an exemplary top-view of the disk-shuttle system
of FIGS. 14 and 15;
[0036] FIG. 17 is a depiction of a test result for an error
correction system;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] In the following detailed description of the present
invention, a method and product for Internet-based automated disk
distribution and retrieval, specific details are set forth in order
to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It
will be obvious, however, to a person skilled in the art that the
present invention may be practiced without these specific
details.
System Overview
[0038] The integrated disk distribution system is centered on
combining instant physical access to recorded disk media with the
convenience of Internet based e-commerce. The system is designed to
support Digital Versatile Disk (DVD) players, and other optically
recorded disk systems.
[0039] An Internet-connected central server computer integrates
customers, suppliers, employees, kiosks, owners, and the video
industry in a "Hub and Spoke" system that is fully automated and
interactive, providing real time business-to-consumer and
business-to-business capabilities.
[0040] The system kiosks are a critical piece of the Hub and Spoke
network system. For the purpose of the following discussion "kiosk"
may be used interchangeably with Automated Dispensing or Retrieval
System (ADRS). The kiosks act as the brick and mortar spokes,
providing a faster, more convenient way for customers to obtain and
return DVD videos or other disks. Each kiosk is a self-service unit
that combines mechanical dispensing systems, Internet connectabilty
and a touch screen monitor for customer interaction. The compact
nature of the DVD format allows up to 1000 disks to be stocked in a
kiosk like the system shown in FIG. 9. The kiosk's small space
requirement allows placement in high-traffic locations that are
more convenient than traditional retail locations. Internet
connectivity allows customers to have the choice of shopping online
or on-site or to access a variety of real-time services.
Additionally, smaller low-cost units holding fewer disks, but with
the same interactive capabilities allow placement in a multitude of
convenience-based locations in both floor mount and wall mount
configurations. The kiosks present significant reductions in labor
and real estate costs compared to traditional video rental
outlets.
[0041] Each kiosk is a self-service unit that uses a computer,
Internet connectivity, and a touch screen monitor for customer
interaction. The small physical footprint of the kiosk enables it
to be placed in a variety of locations. The kiosks can operate 24
hours a day, 7 days a week, providing instant electronic access to
products. The kiosks are fully automated providing customer service
through the Internet; and on-site staffing is not required to
support customer needs. The system web site provides 24-hour access
to on-line customer support. It also provides access to specific
kiosk inventory, movie trailers and reviews, customer inquiries,
special orders, regular individually tailored e-mailed updates, and
overall service. The integrated remote kiosk monitoring system
allows low cost inventory management, tailored marketing
promotions, operations planning, and system diagnosis.
[0042] In the preferred embodiment, the kiosks are physically
designed to meet American Disabilities Act (ADA) specifications so
that they may be placed in public facilities. The kiosks also
preferably meet other regulatory requirements of public
transportation facilities, universities, and office buildings.
[0043] The system central server supports a World Wide Web site.
The central server includes promotional drivers and accessory
services that route through the system website in conjunction with
the kiosks. Customers may use the Internet to query a specific
kiosk for availability or to purchase new and used media, register
for e-mailed updates, or participate in various targeted
programs.
[0044] The integrated system allows fast transactions. A simple and
easy to use title search process minimizes shopping time and allows
rapid transactions. Transaction times from walk-up to walk-away can
be less than 60 seconds and average 2.5 minutes. Return of media is
also simple, as the disks only need to be re-inserted into the
dispensing/retrieval mechanism. Upon the return of a disk at a
kiosk, the internal computer reads individual identification
information from the disk and restocks it automatically.
[0045] The system uses standardized components. The standard design
of the kiosk components minimizes manufacturing costs and
simplifies maintenance. Standardized automated kiosks allow
placement of the system kiosks in non-customary locations providing
the appropriate service to the target customer and ease of
maintenance.
[0046] The system allows remote price changes and can also gather
up-to-the minute product availability and customer data.
Thin-client computing technology keeps hardware costs low and
speeds up application deployment by centralizing management, and
enhancing security. E-mailed receipts generated from the kiosks
through the central server allow ongoing access to customers after
the completion of the transaction.
[0047] Recorded disk pricing may be determined on a kiosk-by-kiosk
basis based on local market conditions. Pricing also varies
depending on market elasticity; for example, premiums may be placed
on DVD videos available in airport terminals. Differentiated
pricing can be used for newer releases vs. older releases. In
addition, rental terms and promotions may vary based on kiosk
locations and the time of week, and can be adjusted remotely on
demand.
Operational Overview
[0048] At the kiosk, a graphical user interface (GUI) utilizing a
touch screen display provides a user-friendly interface even to
consumers lacking computer experience. Once a touch screen is
activated, a computer in the kiosk generates a touch-selectable
list of available media: movie genres such as Action, Drama,
Romance, and Comedy, for example. By touching on one of the genres,
a selection of associated titles and/or a promotional picture may
appear on the screen. Touching an image causes basic information to
be displayed about that media such as cost and rating, along with
an option to rent or purchase the media. When selection of media is
complete, a credit, debit card, or other membership ID is requested
to execute the transaction and then the disk is dispensed to a
customer.
[0049] Return of rental media is similar; a customer may select
"Return" on a touch screen, and then insert a disk into an opening
in the kiosk. An optical scanner first verifies that the disk
belongs to the system before accepting a disk. Upon return, a disk
may be evaluated for damage by a media diagnostic system. Damaged
rental stock, scratched or warped disks for example, are identified
and quarantined. This provides a means to track inventory quality
and when and who damaged a disk. Depending on the extent of the
damage a customer may be assessed a fee.
[0050] Internet connectivity and a dynamic customer database
provide product promotion capabilities and consumer access. Product
information and promotions may be tailored to each location's
demographics and additionally to each kiosk's rental and
sell-through history. Advertising is available on a kiosk screen
and on associated monitors such as overhead plasma displays.
Advertising on the kiosk screen provides a mechanism to promote
specific marketing initiatives as well as additional local and
global advertising. A loyalty program encourages and rewards repeat
customers by offering special discounts or services while
conducting transactions. The system website allows consumers to
search for kiosks and to query a specific kiosk for available
content. The website also carries updated lists of used media for
sale at discounted prices at individual kiosks. A customer may
reserve and pay for a DVD stocked at a specific kiosk from the
website, then pick up the DVD within a specified time period at the
specific kiosk. Once a customer enters e-mail information at the
kiosk or at the website, that customer is eligible to receive
frequent tailored e-mailed updates from the central server on
current promotions.
[0051] Additional products potentially distributed through the
kiosks include a variety of other disk-based media such as books on
disk, DVD music videos, DVD-ROM, DVD video games, DVD-Audio, SA-CDs
and CDs. The modularity of the system allows for easy adoption of
additional disk-based content distribution.
Detailed Description of System Elements
[0052] Some portions of the following detailed description are
presented in terms of procedures, logic blocks, processing steps,
computer program code and other symbolic representations of data
operations within a computer memory. A procedure, logic block,
process, etc., is a self-consistent sequence of steps or
instructions leading to a desired result. The steps are those
requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities.
[0053] A practitioner will recognize that all of these and similar
terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities
and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities.
Unless specifically stated, terms such as "processing,"
"computing," "calculating," "determining," "displaying," refer to
the action and processes of a computer system or similar electronic
computing device.
[0054] FIG. 6 illustrates a computer system 612. In general,
computer system 612 used by the preferred embodiment of the present
invention comprises a bus system 600 for communicating information
between system components. A central processing unit 601 for
processing information and instructions is coupled to bus system
600. A processing unit may be a processor a microprocessor or any
group or combination of processors or microprocessors. A
random-access memory 602 for storing information and instructions
for the central processor 601 is coupled to bus system 600. A
read-only memory 603 for storing static information and
instructions for the processor 601 is coupled to bus system 600. A
data storage device 604, such as a magnetic or other disk drive,
for storing information and instructions is coupled to bus system
600. A display device 605 for displaying information to the
computer user is coupled to bus system 600. An alphanumeric input
device 606, including alphanumeric and function keys, for
communicating information and command selections to the central
processor 601, is coupled to bus system 600. A cursor control
device 607 for communicating user input information and command
selections to the central processor 601 is coupled to bus system
600. And, a signal-generating device 608 for communicating data or
signals between devices external to system 612 and processor 601 is
coupled to bus system 600.
[0055] The display device 605 of FIG. 6 utilized with computer
system 612 is suitable for displaying graphic images and
alphanumeric characters. A cursor control device 607 is known in
the art to include a trackball, mouse, joystick, or special keys on
an alphanumeric input device 606. A cursor control device 607
inputs cursor movement of a given direction or manner of
displacement. The cursor control device 607 also may be directed
and/or activated via input from the keyboard using special keys and
key sequence commands. Alternatively, the cursor may be directed
and/or activated via input from a number of specially adapted
cursor directing devices or may be integrated with a display device
605.
[0056] FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of an optical disk
distribution system 100. Generally, system 100 distributes recorded
optical media in disk form; for example a Digital Versatile Disk
(DVD), or a Compact Disc (CD). A disk, recorded disk, or recorded
optical media are hereafter used to refer to a recorded optical
disk media. The system 100 integrates one or more kiosks 101 with a
server system 103 through a virtual network 107. The server system
103 is connected to the Internet 104 for direct linking to
individual email accounts 105 and 105'. The server system 103
supports a World Wide Web page set 108 for general access by
customers using the Internet. Generally, access to system web page
set 108 supported by server 103 is through an Internet Service
Provider (ISP) that provides an Internet connection for a personal
computer 106. The kiosk 101 has a display 106 for viewing and
entering information. The kiosk 101 dispenses and receives disks
102, via an opening on the front.
[0057] FIG. 2 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a system kiosk
200. The system kiosk 200 is a self-contained unit dispensing
system that contains computer devices and mechanical devices. A
central processing unit 201 is operably connected to a system bus
250. System bus 250 may be a single bus or a series of busses for
communicating data or signals between various devices and central
processing unit 201. A memory device for storing instructions 202
is operably connected to system bus 250. A data storage device for
storing data, or containing databases and/or other instructions, is
connected to system bus 250. A display device having alphanumeric
input capability 204 is operably connected to system bus 250.
Alternatively, system kiosk 200 may contain computer system 612 for
controlling system functions. If computer system 612 is contained
in system kiosk 200, then bus 600 is operably connected to or
replaces system bus 250. A magnetic card reader 211 for reading
magnetically imprinted cards is operably connected to system bus
250. Any device suitable for uniquely identifying a customer such
as a retinal scanning device, a smart-card reader or finger-print
scanner for example, may be substituted for magnetic card reader
211 when appropriate. An optical reader for reading bar-type codes
205 is operably connected to system bus 250. A disk shuttle
assembly for accessing and storing disk media 206 is operably
connected to system bus 250. A media storage unit 207 for storing
optical media 214 is contained in kiosk 200. Shuttle system 206 may
be contained in, or integrated with, media storage unit 207 for
accessing optical media 214. A kicker device 208 for dispensing or
receiving optical disk media 214 is operably connected to system
bus 250. An optional audio device 212 for providing kiosk sound
capability may be connected to system bus 250. An optional DVD-Ram
or DVD-ROM drive 214 for reading data from, or writing data to,
optical media may be operably connected to system bus 250.
[0058] An optional error detection system 209 for detecting damaged
optical disc media may be internal to or external to system kiosk
200. When error detection system 209 is internal to system kiosk
200, error detection system 209 is operably connected to system bus
250, and DVD-RAM or DVD-ROM drive 213 is operably connected to
system bus 250.
[0059] In a preferred embodiment of the invention a system for
polishing damaged optical media may be internal to kiosk 200 or may
be a linked freestanding unit external to kiosk 200 but preferably
shares power and functionality. If a polishing system is provided
with a kiosk 200, shuttle 206 may be used to move optical media to
or from kiosk 200. In a preferred embodiment kiosk processor 201
may be utilized to control functions of a polishing mechanism. A
polishing system for optical media is known in the art and is not
depicted in FIG. 2.
[0060] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a preferred embodiment of a
central server computer 300. The system central server computer 300
may also be computer system 612. System server 300 provides command
and control and collects and delivers data to system kiosk 200.
Server computer 300 has a central processing unit 301 that is
operably connected to server system bus 350. A memory device
capable of storing instructions 302 is operably connected to server
system bus 350. A database 303 for storing data is operably
connected to system bus 350. A communication device capable of
transmitting and receiving data or html 304 is operably connected
to system server bus 350. An optional second communication device
for exchanging data for commercial transactions 305 may be operably
connected to server system bus 350.
[0061] FIG. 4 depicts a preferred embodiment of the system data
transfer mechanism 400. Mechanism 400 is, for example, item 107 of
FIG. 1. A virtual network connection, item 107 FIG. 1, provides
data exchange between a kiosk 200 of FIG. 2, and server computer
300 of FIG. 3. The kiosk-server virtual network system 107 can be a
local network system or a remote network system that may utilize an
html-based data exchange, e.g. an intranet or extranet. The
exchange of data in html format includes an html request 425 and an
html page 435. Both the kiosk 200 of FIG. 2, and the server
computer 300 of FIG. 3, may request and receive data using the html
protocol, allowing a two-way data-exchange system. The use of the
html protocol allows an Internet browser to be a system interface,
and additionally allows the system to be administered by an
Application Service Provider (ASP) using the Internet. Application
Service Providers (ASP) provide software applications across the
Internet by basing resident software on a central server that is
accessed using an Internet browser. The use of ASP's is desirable
where the functionality of a network is desired, but the use of a
private server-system is impossible or impractical. An Internet
Service Provider (ISP) 401 may also be an ASP. An ISP provides a
connection to the Internet to individual computer users.
[0062] Exchange of data using virtual network 107 of FIG. 1, is
accomplished in a secure manner using methods of data encryption
and decryption known in the art. Secure transfer of data through an
ISP provides a virtual private network connection. An additional
data exchange may occur on a dedicated private network connection
for banking services, or alternatively using a virtual network as
in item 107 of FIG. 1. Server 300 of FIG. 3 may obtain credit or
debit or other membership authorization using information received
from a customer. A credit authorization request 412 is transmitted
from server 300 of FIG. 3, to a bankcard verification service 410,
which generally is a secure server computer. After receiving credit
authorization request 412, bank-card verification service 410
processes credit authorization request 412, and transmits a
response 411 to server computer 300 of FIG. 3. Response 411 is
conveyed to kiosk 200 of FIG. 2 through virtual network 107 of FIG.
1.
[0063] FIG. 5 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a disk
dispensing transaction process 500. Process 500 begins with a
request to dispense a media selection from kiosk 200 of FIG. 2, in
step 501. Information including, for example, credit card number or
email address is next received from a customer to kiosk 200 in step
502. Kiosk 200 then securely transmits data received in step 502 to
ISP 401 of FIG. 4, in step 503. Data securely transmitted in step
503 is received to ISP 401 in step 504. Data received to ISP 401 in
step 504 is securely transmitted to system server 300 of FIG. 3, in
step 505. Data securely transmitted to system server 300 in step
505 in next received to system server 300 in step 506. System
server 300 next securely transmits debit authorization request data
to a credit verification server in step 507. System server 300 next
securely receives credit authorization data from a credit
verification service in step 508. System server 300 next securely
transmits authorization data received in step 508 to ISP 401 in
step 509. In step 510 system server 300 transmits to ISP 401 an
e-mail receipt for a debit transaction occurring in steps 507 and
508 for an e-mail address supplied in step 502. In step 511 data
transmitted by system server 300 in step 509 and step 510 is
received by ISP 401. Step 509 and step 510 may occur simultaneously
in one step or sequentially in different steps. In step 512 ISP 401
securely transmits to kiosk 200 authorization to dispense requested
media received from system server 300 in step 511. In step 513 ISP
401 transmits email receipt data received from system server 300 in
step 511 to an email address received in step 501. In step 514
kiosk 200 securely receives authorization to dispense media
transmitted from ISP 401 in step 512. In step 515 kiosk 200
dispenses requested media to a customer.
[0064] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 7,
an optical ringcode 701 uniquely identifies each recorded disk 700.
Generally an optical disk is comprised of a sandwich of
polycarbonate and a reflective surface. A region between the media
outside diameter 705, and the center region 704 may be used for a
label region 702. On a single-sided media the label region 702
which is positioned upon the reflective surface may contain printed
information. On a dual-sided media nothing may be printed in the
label region 702. A center region 704 exists between the label
region 702 and the center hole 703. The center region 704 may
contain printed information on both single-sided and double-sided
optical media. A standard barcode system has been established and
is known in the art. For recorded disk 700 a radial optical code
701 is achieved by rotating a section of a standard barcode around
a fixed position located at disk 700's true center. The resulting
"ringcode" 701 is a series of concentric circles that may be
scanned from any radial position of the disk 700. In the preferred
embodiment of the invention a standard optical reader 205 may be
used to identify the recorded disk. In another preferred embodiment
of the invention the label region 702 of a single-sided disk may be
used for a ringcode 701. In another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the ringcode 701, may be detectable by a non-standard
barcode reader operating at a non-visible frequency in infra-red or
ultra-violet, for example. A ring-code 701 may therefore be
transparent or may be opaque, allowing a greater degree of security
for proprietary identification features or codes.
[0065] In a preferred embodiment of the invention an error media
error detection system may optionally be incorporated into kiosk
200 of FIG. 2. Error detection process 800 is depicted in FIG. 8.
Error detection process 800, within kiosk 200, is generally a
sequential instruction set for directing a computer 612 or a
processor. In step 801 a disk error detection system, item 209 of
FIG. 2, is initiated. Error detection process 800 can be initiated
as in step 801 automatically by kiosk system 200 or by system
server 300 or by manual selection. In step 802 a recorded disk,
item 214 of FIG. 2 for example, is shuttled to a disk drive
mechanism, item 213 of FIG. 2 for example, for reading data. In
step 803 data is read from a disk shuttled to a disk drive 213 in
step 802. Data read from disk 214 in step 803 is analyzed by an
algorithm in step 804 to detect data errors. If no errors are
detected in step 804 then step 805 occurs and system kiosk 200 is
signaled that no error was detected. In step 806 a disk with no
detected data errors is shuttled to kiosk 200's media storage unit,
item 207 of FIG. 2. Next, in step 807 system kiosk 200 updates a
database to indicate that the error free disk is available. If a
data error is detected in step 804, step 808 occurs and an error
tag is generated. In step 809 kiosk 200 is signaled of an error tag
attaching to the disk. In step 810 the error tagged disk is
shuttled to segregated area for damaged disks within media storage
unit 207. Alternatively, in step 810 a database may be updated to
indicate that the disk is not available.
[0066] FIG. 9 is an exemplary front-view embodiment of a kiosk 200
of FIG. 2. A kiosk housing 900 forms an enclosure. A computer 901
is included inside housing 900. Computer 901 may be computer 612 of
FIG. 6, or one or more components illustrated in FIG. 2, such as
CPU 201. Stereo speakers 912, for audio are positioned on the front
of housing 900. A touch screen display 904 is positioned on the
front of housing 900. A dispense/return opening 940 is positioned
on the front of housing 900. A credit-card magnetic reader 911 is
positioned on the front of housing 900. A disk inventory system 907
is included internal to housing 900. A transfer
mechanism/controller 906 is included in housing 900. Transfer
mechanism 906 may be shuttle/carousel 206 of FIG. 2, or as
illustrated in FIGS. 14-16. A sleeve dispenser 930 is positioned on
the front of housing 900, for dispensing protective coverings for
media. Sleeve dispenser 930 may be a mechanical device or a holding
area for sleeves that requires manual extraction by a kiosk
user.
[0067] FIG. 10 is an exemplary side-view embodiment of a kiosk 200
of FIG. 2, as shown in FIG. 9. A housing 1000 is identical to
housing 900 of FIG. 9.
[0068] FIG. 11 is an exemplary front-view of a second kiosk 200 of
FIG. 2. A bulkhead 1100 forms a base upon which components may be
mounted. Stereo speakers 1112 are mounted on bulkhead 1100. A
touch-screen display 1104 is mounted on bulkhead 1100. A carousel
1107, for storing media is mounted on bulkhead 1100. A carousel
drive 1106 is mounted on bulkhead 1100 for driving carousel 1107. A
debit/credit magnetic card reader 1111 is mounted on bulkhead 1100.
A dispense/return door mechanism 1108 is mounted on bulkhead 1100.
A Dispense/return door drive 1120 is mounted on bulkhead 1100 to
operate dispense/return mechanism 1108. A dispense/return guide and
case scanner 1105 is mounted on bulkhead 1100. Dispense/return
guide 1105 may have an integrated optical scanning unit for
identifying media before allowing media to be received to a
kiosk.
[0069] FIG. 12 is an exemplary side view of a second kiosk 200 of
FIG. 2, as illustrated in FIG. 11. A bulkhead 1200 forms a base
upon which components may be mounted. Bulkhead 1200 is identical to
bulkhead 1100 of FIG. 11. A dispense/return door 1240 is attached
to bulkhead 1200. A media case/disk ID scanner 1205 is mounted on
bulkhead 1200. Media case/disk scanner 1205 is identical to
dispense/return guide and case scanner 1105 of FIG. 11.
[0070] FIG. 13 is an exemplary top view of a second kiosk 200 of
FIG. 2, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. A bulkhead 1300 forms a base
upon which components may be mounted. Bulkhead 1300 is identical to
bulkhead 1100 of FIG. 11 and bulkhead 1200 of FIG. 12. A
dispense/return mechanism 1308 is mounted on bulkhead 1300.
Dispense/return mechanism 1308 is identical to dispense/return door
mechanism 1108 of FIG. 11. A keyed or unkeyed case 1330 is mounted
on bulkhead 1300.
[0071] FIG. 14 is an exemplary front-view embodiment of a
shuttle/carousel system for shuttling a recorded disk as in 206 of
FIGS. 2 and 906 of FIG. 9. A rack-mount plate 1410 forms a base
upon which components may be mounted. A transfer mechanism base
1425 forms a base for transfer mechanism components. Transfer
mechanism base 1425 attaches to rack-mount 1410. A disk grip 1422
is mounted on base 1425. A transfer gearbox 1423 is mounted on
transfer mechanism base 1425. An end-of-travel sensor 1424 is
attached to transfer mechanism base 1425. An input/output motor
1426 is attached to transfer mechanism base 1425. An input/output
shaft 1427 is attached to transfer mechanism base 1425 and operably
coupled to input/output motor 1426. A clamp motor 1429 is attached
to transfer mechanism base 1425.
[0072] FIG. 15 is an exemplary side-view embodiment of a
shuttle/carousel system for shuttling a recorded disk as in FIG.
14. A rack-mount plate 1510 forms a base upon which components may
be mounted. A transfer mechanism base 1525 forms a base for
transfer mechanism components. An input/output faceplate 1528 is
attached to transfer mechanism base 1525. A disk clamp 1534 for
holding a recorded disk is attached to transfer mechanism base
1525. An arm-at-input sensor 1532 for detecting positional
orientation is attached to transfer mechanism base 1525. An
arm-at-transfer sensor 1533 for indicating positional orientation
is attached to transfer mechanism base 1525. A disk support 1530
for supporting a recorded disk is attached to transfer mechanism
base 1525.
[0073] FIG. 16 is an exemplary top-view embodiment of a
shuttle/carousel system for shuttling a recorded disk as in FIGS.
14 and 15. A rack-mount plate 1610 forms a base upon which
components may be mounted. A transfer mechanism base 1625 forms a
base for transfer mechanism components. A disk transfer arm 1635 is
attached to rack-mount plate 1610. A grip arm 1611 for gripping a
recorded disk is attached to disk transfer arm 1635. A disk
transport arm 1613 for transporting a recorded disk is operably
attached to disk transfer arm 1635. A disk support/sensor 1612 is
operably attached to disk transport arm 1613. An unclamp sensor
1614 is operably attached to disk transport arm 1613. An arm-clear
sensor 1615 is operably attached to disk transport arm 1613. A
first disk-clear pin sensor 1616 is operably attached to transfer
mechanism base 1625. A disk stop pin 1617 is attached to transfer
mechanism base 1625. A second disk-clear pin sensor 1618 is
attached to transfer mechanism base 1625. A disk input sensor 1619
is attached to transfer mechanism base 1625. An interconnect PCBA
for circuitry is attached to transfer mechanism base 1625. A
transfer motor 1621 is mounted on rack mount plate 1610 and
operably attached to disk transfer arm 1635.
[0074] FIG. 17 depicts a graphical display of a test file result
derived from the following computer code instructions when
sequentially performed by a computer such as computer 612 of FIG.
6.
[0075] The following data table corresponds to the graphical
display result of FIG. 17, and results from the following computer
code instructions being sequentially performed by a computer such
as computer 612 of FIG. 6. The table indicates information about a
test-subject optical media and results of a testing algorithm that
evaluates media integrity by reading error-correction data from an
optical disk.
TABLE-US-00001 water Rec Test Blocks Errors Test Test color ID
Length Read Found ID Date File Name 6289 6289 0 7 0 1 3/21/00
D:\VIDEO_TS\VIDEO_TS.BUP 6290 6290 0 14 0 1 3/21/00
D:\VIDEO_TS\VIDEO_TS.IFO 6291 6291 1 1750 0 1 3/21/00
D:\VIDEO_TS\VIDEO TS.VOB 6292 6292 0 1787 0 1 3/21/00
D:\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_0.BUP 6293 6293 0 1824 0 1 3/21/00
D:\VIDEO_TSWTS_01_0.1FO 6294 6294 0 2058 0 1 3/21/00
D:\VIDEO_TSWTS_01_0.VOB 6295 6295 268 526275 0 1 3/21/00
D:\VIDEO_TSWTS_01_1.VOB 6296 6296 259 1050489 0 1 3/21/00 D:\VIDEO
TS\VTS_01_2.VOB 6297 6297 171 1360177 0 1 3/21/00
D:\VIDEO_TSWTS_01_3.VOB
[0076] The following computer instruction code may be used to
implement a preferred embodiment of error detection process
800:
[0077] The above is a description of a method and system for
Internet based automated disk distribution and retrieval. It is
expected that others will design alternative methods and systems
for Internet-based disk distribution using stand-alone automated
kiosks as set forth in the claims below either literally of through
the Doctrine of Equivalents.
* * * * *