CA2605563A1 - System and method for offline vending of a media product - Google Patents

System and method for offline vending of a media product Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2605563A1
CA2605563A1 CA002605563A CA2605563A CA2605563A1 CA 2605563 A1 CA2605563 A1 CA 2605563A1 CA 002605563 A CA002605563 A CA 002605563A CA 2605563 A CA2605563 A CA 2605563A CA 2605563 A1 CA2605563 A1 CA 2605563A1
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CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
vending
transaction
user
controller
inventory
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
CA002605563A
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French (fr)
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CA2605563C (en
Inventor
Eric Hoersten
J. Mitchell Lowe
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Redbox Entertainment Inc
Original Assignee
Redbox Automated Retail, Llc
Eric Hoersten
J. Mitchell Lowe
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Application filed by Redbox Automated Retail, Llc, Eric Hoersten, J. Mitchell Lowe filed Critical Redbox Automated Retail, Llc
Publication of CA2605563A1 publication Critical patent/CA2605563A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
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Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

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    • G06Q10/00Administration; Management
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    • G06QINFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00Administration; Management
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    • G07F11/04Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which magazines the articles are stored one vertically above the other
    • G07F11/16Delivery means
    • G07F11/165Delivery means using xyz-picker or multi-dimensional article picking arrangements
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    • G07F11/04Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which magazines the articles are stored one vertically above the other
    • G07F11/16Delivery means
    • G07F11/26Endless bands
    • GPHYSICS
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    • G07FCOIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
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    • G07F11/46Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from movable storage containers or supports
    • G07F11/48Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from movable storage containers or supports the storage containers or supports, e.g. magazine, being pivotally mounted
    • GPHYSICS
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    • G07F11/50Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from movable storage containers or supports the storage containers or supports being rotatably mounted
    • G07F11/54Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from movable storage containers or supports the storage containers or supports being rotatably mounted about vertical axes
    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
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    • G07F11/00Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/62Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles in which the articles are stored in compartments in fixed receptacles
    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07FCOIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/0042Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for hiring of objects
    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07FCOIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/0042Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for hiring of objects
    • G07F17/005Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for hiring of objects for the hiring of content carriers, e.g. of DVDs or CDs
    • GPHYSICS
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    • G07FCOIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
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    • GPHYSICS
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    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
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    • G07F7/00Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/06Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles
    • G07F7/069Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles by box-like containers, e.g. videocassettes, books
    • GPHYSICS
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    • G07F9/026Devices for alarm or indication, e.g. when empty; Advertising arrangements in coin-freed apparatus for alarm, monitoring and auditing in vending machines or means for indication, e.g. when empty
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Abstract

A system and method for offline vending of digital video discs is provided.
The method comprises the step of receiving, at a vending location and at a first time, a request for a digital video disc from a user interface. The method also comprises the step of determining whether a vending controller is capable of being placed in communication with a transaction network.
Transaction data is stored, wherein the transaction data is provided by the user interface. The transaction data is stored in a memory, and comprises a title of the requested digital video disc and financial information provided by the user interface. The method also comprises encrypting the transaction data, and generating a signal for vending the digital video disc from a vending apparatus. The transaction network is polled at predetermined periodic intervals, and the transaction data is transmitted via the transaction network upon a determination that the vending controller can be placed is capable of being placed in communication with the transaction network.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR
OFFLINE VENDING OF A MEDIA. PRODUCT
DESCRIPTION

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/674,011, filed April 22, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/824,781, filed on April 15, 2004, is also incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The invention relates to a system and method for offline vending of a media product having entertainment content therein from a media vending apparatus.
More particularly, the present invention provides a method for receiving transaction data for a vendible media product at a first time and transmitting the transaction data via a transaction networlc at a second time.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Wliile the present invention is often described herein with refereiice to a digital video disc distribution system, an application to which the present invention is advantageously suited, it will be readily apparent that the present invention is not limited to that application and can be enlployed in vending systems used to distribute a wide variety of vendiiig products.
[0004] Currently, brick-and-inortar digital video disc ("DVD") stores dominate the movie video and video gaine rental landscape in the U.S. One element repeatedly cited for success of certain brick-and-mortar store video rental fianchises is perceived high availability of new video releases. Consumers want their entertaimnent on demand, and tbrough stocking multiple units of each new release, successful briclc-and-nlortar companies deliver as promised.
[00051 Pay-per-view video services, mail-based video rental services and Internet-based video rental services are also laiown. Internet based video rental services have been plagued by their inability to meet the demands of consumers for new video releases during peak viewing times, leading to increased customer dissatisfaction. Pay-per-view video services offer only limited selections to viewers during any time period, resulting in significantly less rentals per any given period of tiine.
[0006] The foregoing indicates that there is a tremendous market potential for aligning regular routines of consumers (e.g., shopping, getting coffee or gas or going to a convenience store) witl-i their DVD movie video and video game rental activities.
[0007] The present invention can fiinction as a DVD dispensing machine-based distribution system that recognizes the consumer deinand recognized of traditional video rental stores by having multiple units of each new release per video dispensing machine. The dispensing machines can stock up to two thousand DVDs (movies and/or gaines), malcing them competitive with existing brick-and-mortar video rental superstores.
[0008] The present invention distinguishes itself from such stores by offering major benefits not conventionally offered by sucli stores, including additional cross-marketing programs (e.g., promotional rentals for a certain amount of dollars spent at the hosting store) and convenience (e.g., open always).
[0009] The present invention yields a competitive advantage in the DVD rental marlcetplace by offering consunlers cross-marlceting/promotional programs, convenience of selection (e.g., computer-based searches for movies and recommendations based on consumer profiles), and extended hottrs. The present invention employs a more cost effective, convenient platfoazn than briclc-and-mortar stores. In addition, with the present invention, DVD dispensing machines can be situated in hosting locations having high foot traffic, such as at a popular hosting location and/or a high foot traffic area at a hosting location.
[0010] The present invention can be operated at a stibstantial savings over the costs associated with traditional briclc-and-inortar video rental stores. For exainple, the present invention does not require hourly employees at the dispensing machines or restocking them with inventories, due to the ability of article transport storage units delivered to/picked up fioin host locations by third-party delivery services, such as ovenlight courier services.
[0011] Unlike brick-and-mortar stores, the present invention does not require an on-site store manager Uecause all operational decisions can be made at a centralized location by a management team office reinote from the hosting locations. Unlike brick-and-mortar stores, the present invention does not require a great deal of physical space. Unlilce brick-and-mortar stores, the present invention has low operating costs Uecause no heating or air conditioning is required for the dispensing machines and they consume a relatively low level of electrical energy. In addition, the present invention has low inaintenance costs and downtime.
[0012] The present invention addresses all of these shortcomings of traditional briclc-and-mortar stores in a convenient and cost effective delivery vehicle having the added bonus of serving as an effective promotional platforin that drives incremental sales to hosting locations. In addition, the present invention overcomes these disadvantages by offering more new releases and older selections for any given time period, lower cost per viewing, and more convenience than internet-based and pay-per-view seivices.
[0013] Dispensing macliines are known. Dispensing machines have been traditionally used to distribute a wide variety of goods, including, among otlier things, snack foods.
Conventional dispensing inachines used in article dispensing systems must be restocked with inventory manually. In the conventional machines, the inventory articles are uploaded to the machines and offloaded from the machines by dedicated route servicemen, who are provided access to the storage space. Route servicemen conventionally are employed to control inventory of a plurality of dispensing machines situated at a plurality of hosting locations. In order to stock the machines with inventory, a serviceman typically first removes the articles of inventory designated for offloading one by one prior to uploading new articles of inventory one by one. An alternative maimer of removing inventoiy designated for offloading from a dispensing machine is by removal of all inventory in the machine by removing a drawer containing all articles of inventory. This latter approach of removing inventory articles is particularly suitable for dispensing machines that are either directly connected or in close proximity to manned dispensing locations.
[0014] Most dispensing machines must be serviced by a serviceman to upload new dispensable articles of inventoiy into the machines in multiple quantities.
Conventional drawers used to stock dispensing machines with inventory and remove articles designated for offloading fronl dispensing machines require a dedicated service man for carrying out the stoclcing and removal tasks. In addition, conventional drawers do not pennit automated access to the article dispensing machines. Such conventional drawers allow the servicemen to have access to the articles of inventory being stocked into the dispensing machine and the articles of inventoiy being removed from the dispensing machine. The present invention overcomes the disadvantages associated with traditional nzetliods of providing merchandise to dispensing machines.
[0015] The present invention is provided to solve the problems discussed above and other problems, and to provide advantages and aspects not provided by prior systeins and methods of this type. A fi.ill discussion of the features and advantages of the present invention is deferred to the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention is a compact article dispensing machine in which a removable and substitutable article transport storage unit is used to carry out inventory functions for an article dispensing inachine. Each unit is locked in transport and the articles camiot be extracted froin the unit unless the unit is installed within the loclced dispensing machine.
[0017] These units are preferably furnished with articles slated for inventory at a central location and then loclced and provided to authorized persomiel who, in turn, deliver the locked units to a plurality of dispensing machines. At each location, the servicing of the machine consists essentially in initiating the resident unit removal process by entering the appropriate cominands at the machine. This will cause the unit residing within the dispensing machine to be automatically ejected from the machine. The previously installed unit is then removed from the machine, and the new unit delivered fioin the central location is then installed into the machine. Preferably, the machine automatically pulls the unit into the machine and the unit is locked in place. The unit is unloclced and opened, preferably within the locked dispensing machine and the machine then has access to the articles in the unit.
Reinoved units are retLii-ned to the central location by the third party freight company and are processed for the next shipment of inventory. Authorized customers can then select articles from the inventory of the dispensing machines.
[0018] The present invention provides a removable article transport storage unit for the handling of ai-ticles of inventory. The unit has a particularly siinple, yet reliable, construction for use in article dispensing machines. This aspect of the present invention malces it particularly suitable for use in association with DVD dispensing machines.
[0019] Preferably, each unit is configured to receive a plurality of articles of inventory to be stocked into and/or removed from an article dispensing machine. In that regard, each unit is configured to have an interior with a volume sufficiently large enough to receive and store an appropriate quantity of the particular lcind of inventoiy to be dispensed.
The articles of inventory are preferably stored within the unit in an aligned relationship, and most preferably in racks contained within the unit.

[0020] Each unit can be received witliin a receptacle associated with a dispensing inachine and preferably is opened autoinatically once the unit is received into the receptacle to permit rapid stoclcing of inventory articles into the dispensing machine.
In that regard, a robotic arm preferably positioned in the dispensing inachine is acttiated and upon opening of the inventoiy transport and stoclcing unit, the robotic ann causes uploading and/or offloading of inventory articles, as desired. In one einbodinient, the unit may be quiclcly received on and/or removed from a drawer at the dispensing machine for stocking of the inaclline or replenishinent of inventory into the unit for subsequent stocking of an article dispensing machine with inventoiy.
[0021] The flow of inventory can be controlled at a centralized inventory control or supply center. In addition, the removal of offloaded articles of inventory from a received article transport and storage unit can be carried out at the inventory control or supply office.
Furthernnore, the replenislmient of articles of inventoiy into the units can be carried out at the inventory control or supply office, translating into increased quality control and security associated with the articles dispensable at dispensing machines.
[0022] The article transport storage unit is tamper and theft proof and easy to handle.
The article transport storage units reduce tlieft and personnel costs and ensure a steady supply of new releases suitable for each dispensing machine.
[0023] Following installation into a dispensing machine, the article transport storage unit can be unloclced and opened automatically to release the DVDs. The article transport storage units caiuiot be opened prior to installation, thus deterring and preventing theft that typically plagues video rental stores. The resident article transport storage unit is closed and locked automatically and then removed from the machine and returned to a system inventory control or supply office via the tliird party deliveiy service. Only authorized personnel at the system inventory control or supply office are able to unlock and open the rettinzed article transport storage unit and remove the individual DVDs, preferably stored within racks witllin the interior of the unit.
[0024] The present invention provides a systeni for distriUuting DVD movie videos and video gaines for home entertaiiunent or other use. The present invention linlcs the regular routines of consumers to renting and/or purchasing movie videos and/or video games from a dispensing machine.
[0025] The dispensing machines can include a user-friendly control interface resembling the interface conventionally used in association with an automated teller machine. The dispensing machines also preferably have a grapliical user interface with touch screen interface control capability. In addition, if desired, multiple control interfaces can be incorporated in dispensing machines sittiated at high traffic locations, such as by being positioned on each side panel of such machines.
[0026] The dispensing machines used in the present invention preferably incorporate a slot loading DVD drive associated therewith that permits video related to a desired advertisement or trailer to be read from DVD media at the machine location.
The video content read from the DVD media will preferably be stored in a storage unit (e.g., hard drive) associated with the dispensing machine and can be accessed, played and presented on the associated video display monitor, as desired.
[0027] The dispensing machines used in the present invention are fully automated, integrated DVD movie video and video ganie rental and/or purchase systems. The present invention preferably incorporates robust, secure, scalable software that provides a fitlly personalized user experience and real-time feedbaclc to hosting locations and advertisers, scalable hardware that leverages existing technologies such as touch screen, focused audio spealcers and plasma video monitors, technology utilizing the Internet througll a system website, and an article transport storage unit that facilitates the exchange of new DVDs for old DVDs in each machine with virtually no need for hunzan intervention. These technologies and others fill long felt needs in the art and give advantages over conventional video distribution options. The present invention fiinctions as much as a promotional platfornn as it does a rental kiosk.
[0028] By situating the dispensing machines at hosting locations where there is both high repeat foot traffic and the opportunity to utilize marketing/promotional programs to leverage the synergies between hosting locations, such as grocery stores, consumers are enticed to use the dispensing macllines. For example, a grocery store hosting a machine could offer its preferred cardliolders reduced price DVD rentals or even free rentals for a specified dollar amount of groceries purchased by liiilcing certain aspects of its preferred cardholder promotional program with the promotional software used by the present invention. This and otlier types of creative proniotions can be implemented to ensure that the dispensing machines are valuable to the hosting locations and their patrons alilce.
[0029] Renting DVDs fiom the dispensing machines is seen as more rewarding because of such promotional programs. The rental experience is more convenient for the consuiner versus renting froni traditional briclc-and-mortar video stores as the rental experience is closely tied to the shopping routines of the consumer and the hours of hosting locations. The present invention fosters ei-Aianced customer loyalty, satisfaction and goodwill for the llosting locations, as well as the opportunity to share revenues generated by the dispensing machines at their hosting site.
[0030] By utilizing the dispensing machines and the fiilly interactive, real-time, linlced hlternet website, coilsumers can rent one or inore DVD nlovie videos and/or video games directly from dispensing machines as well as indirectly by malcing a rental reservation through the website for later picluip at a conveniently located machine. The dispensing machines will preferably be fiilly networked with each other, with the inventory control or supply office and with the system website Internet linlcs at each hosting location. Through this linked networlc, the rental experience for each consumer, can be customized based on a profile for each consuiner, such as via personalized home pages and rental screens.
[0031] In addition, the rental experience can be customized for each hosting location.
For example, a large number of Spanish language fihns can form the basis for the inventory in dispensing niachines situated at a hosting location with predominately Spanish speaking patrons. Furthennore, by leveraging the networlc, the present invention is able to run customized promotional program tailored to the unique needs of each hosting location and provide feedback as to the success of such promotion in real time via networlc links to the hosting location computers.
[0032] The present invention has the advantage of generating revenue from the following sources: movie and video game rentals, cross-marketing proniotional programs whereby preferred customer or otlier targeted customer segments at a hosting location are encouraged to patronize the store and repeatedly rent from the dispensing machines, advertising revenues resulting from video advertisements displayed on plasma video display monitors incorporated as part of the dispensing machines, advertisements presented on DVD jaclcet case covers dispensed from the.dispensing machines, and baiuler ads displayed on the systein website.
The present invention can also generate revenues from sales of new and pre-viewed movie videos and new and used video gaines via the system website and dispensing machines, and recuYTing reveinie generated througli membership-based rentals (e.g., monthly fees paid by a consumer in exchange for a fixed number of rentals over a specified period of time on a discounted basis).
[0033] Through use of the present invention, new customers are drawn to the hosting locations to take advantage of the added service and convenience of renting DVD media from within the locations and the cross-marlceting promotions, such as reduced DVD
rental rates that are offered to preferred customers and/or those spending a specified ainount of money on the products and services offered by the host locations. The host locations can also share in the revenue generated by the dispensing machines at its location.
[0034] Several aspects of the present invention distinguish it from conventional options.
The present invention utilizes software designed to provide real-time monitoring of the inventory at each dispensing maclline, customer history and demographic infornlation, and inventory management, among other things. Tlie infieractive system website will be linked to the dispensing machines and provide customers witll the ability to query machine locations and select and reserve DVDs for rental.
[0035] The present invention also incorporates a unique article transport storage unit that provides the ability to exchange the inventory of the dispensing machines with little need for human intervention. The present invention also is designed to provide for autoinated query of rental patterns. Furtherlnore, on a per machine basis, the present invention also provides for automatic survey of the system inventory of existing movies/games and new releases. By comparing these two sources of information, the present invention provides for automatic selection of the DVDs in each dispensing machine tliat are experiencing a low rental rate and therefore should be automatically pulled by the robotic ann for offloading and loaded into the article transport storage unit residing inside the machine.
[0036] The present invention includes a user-friendly website to facilitate the consumer experience. The website permits a consurner to browse new releases and older titles, query titles in stock for viewing or purchase, read reviews and recoininendations froin critics and otlier users, locate a machine based on inputting a preferred geographical area such as a particular zip code eiuoll as a member, and view movie trailers and promotions. Members are able to do all of the foregoing tasks, and are able to modify their preferences, alter or cancel their meinbership, and view special members only promotions.
Additionally, existing members are greeted by a customized homepage which is personalized for each member based on their inputted preferences and viewing habits (e.g., preferred genres, already viewed movies, etc.). The website is preferably accessible from a variety of hardware units and in a variety of formats. For example, the website may be accessed from personal digital assistants, cell phones and personal computers.
[0037] Each dispensing machine is a"smart" machine such tliat each macliine has an Intei7iet uplinle that networks all of the machines together through the Internet, coordinates the user experience via the system website, and perniits the system administrator to manage all of its operations at a centralized location. The present invention perinits coordinated roll-out of promotional programs across all or select dispensing machines, real-time feedback from each machine as to its use and fiuictionality, and coordinates distribution of movie trailers and promotional programs across all or select machines.
[0038] The present invention can geilerate revenue by selling time slots to movie studios, food manufacturers and other select parties to play their trailers and/or promotions on the plasma video display monitors. The trailers and/or promotions can be loaded into the dispensing machines and stored in a storage unit associated with the machine through the use of a DVD drive. These proinotional efforts can be compleinented by selling ad space on the DVD rental jacket covers and selling banner ads on the system website and/or ad space on the panels of the dispensing machines.
100391 When desired, the existing/resident article transport storage unit will be swapped out for a new article transport and storage unit containing new releases and popular existing titles, which can delivered by a third party ovenligllt courier service. The foregoing process is entirely automated, and the only need for human intervention occurs when authorized persoiuiel from the third party delivery service approaches a designated unit with the new article transport storage unit. Each article transport storage unit contains a radio frequency identification transznitter that triggers a proximity sensor positioned at eacli dispensing machine. As the delivery person approaches a specified unit, the transmitter coinnzunicates with the proximity sensor in known inanner to cause the dispensing machine to release the resident article transport storage unit, wllich the delivery person will swap for the new article transport storage unit being delivered. The entire process talces just a few minutes and can be done without causing airy dispensing machine downtime.
[0040] One benefit of the present invention is that it can provide a unique means for autoniatic inventory control and restoclcing of flat-pack type products such as DVD jewel cases and the like from a11 article dispensing macliine.
[0041] Another beneflt of the present invention is that it can permit uiunanned loading and offloading of DVD cases in large quantity through remote networlcing of dispensing machines to an inventory control or supply office.
[0042] Another benefit of the present invention is that it can provide an article transport and storage unit that is readily removable from a dispensing niachine by autllorized persoiunel from a tliird party delivery company witliout requiring the use of a dedicated seiviceinan.
[0043] Another Ueneflt of the present invention is that it can provide for efficient, automated stoclcing of inveirtoiy articles into a dispensing inachine and removal of inventory articles from a dispensing machine.

[0044] A further benefit of the present invention is that it can provide an improved metliod of initiatiug the steps of stoclcing articles of urventory into a dispensing machine and removing articles of inventory from a dispensing rnachine.
[0045] Another benefit of the present invention is that it can provide a unique coupling and actuating mechanism carried by a dispensing mechanism for causing the dispensing and restocking of articles from a removable article transport storage unit.
[0046] Another benefit of the present invention is that it can be adapted to receive a pair of trays or racks contained within an article transport and storage unit to allow distribution of either two different types of articles or a double quantity of the sanle type of article, with articles being removed selectively from each tray or rack to stock dispensing machines with inventory, as desired.
[0047] Another benefit of the present invention is that it can provide a method for automated inventory control so that electronic data records can be kept related to inventory control for each dispensing machine within a networlc of such machines.
[0048] Another benefit of the present invention is that it can provide for a linlced network of dispensing machines all in coiruiiunication with each other and witll an inventoiy control office, preferably via the internet, such that the inventory of each dispensing machine on the network can be reviewed so that inventory decision inaking fiuictions can be cen.tralized and carried out at the inventory control or supply office.
[0049] Furtlier benefits of the present invention are to substantially reduce the time and expense involved in the stoclcing and maintenance of article dispensing machines situated at a plurality of hosting locations over a given period, and to reduce any losses due to pilferage of articles.
[0050] The present invention provides a method for offline vending of a media product having entertainment content therein from a media vending apparattis. A
request is received for the media product froni a user interface, at a first tinie. In response thereto, it is deternlined wliether comnlunication with a transaction network is capable of being established. Transaction data received from the user interface is then stored in a vending memory, and the media product is vended from the media vending apparatus. The transaction data is, at a second time, transmitted via the transaction networlc.
[0051] In one eniUodinient, the method also includes the step of determining whether the user has exceeded a predetermined limit of requests for media products. In anotlier embodiment, the method also comprises the step of deleting the transaction data from the vending inemoiy. In yet another enibodiment, the step of deternnining wliether communication witll the transaction networlc is capable of being established is performed without notification being to that effect being displayed on the user interface. In another embodiinent, the metliod also comprises the step of encrypting the transaction data. In a further embodiment, the method also comprises the step of determining whether communication with the transaction networlc is capable of being established at predetermined periodic intervals.
[0052] In another einbodiment, the method also includes the step of storing a data indicator with the transaction data, wherein the data indicator indicates that the media product was vended while the media vending apparatus was in an offline state. In yet another embodinient, the method also comprises the step of storing a data indicator with the transaction data, wherein the data indicator indicates a vend time at which the media product was vended from the media vending apparatus.
[0053] The present invention further provides a system for offline vending of a media product having entertaiiunent content tlierein from a media vending apparatus.
The system comprises a transaction network. The system further coniprises a vending controller structtired to determine whether communication with the transaction network is capable of being established. The vending controller further stores transaction data received from a user interface in a memory, upon a determination that communication with the transaction network cannot be establislled. The vending controller is fiirtller structLired to transmit the transaction data via the transaction networlc upon establislnnent of coniniunication between the vending controller and the transaction network.
[0054] The present invention furtlier provides a metliod for offline vending of digital video discs. The method comprises the step of receiving, at a vending location and at a first time, a request for a DVD, from a user interface. It is then detennined whether a vending controller is capable of being placed in cominunication with a transaction network.
Transaction data received via the user interface is encrypted and stored in a memory, wherein the transaction data coinprises a title of the requested DVD and financial information provided via the interface. A signal is generated to vend the DVD from a vending apparatus, and the transaction networlc is polled at predeterinined periodic intervals to detennine whether the vending controller is capable of being placed in con7munication with the transaction network. Upon a detemiination of that condition, the transaction data is transmitted via the transaction networlc at a second time, and the transaction data is deleted from the memoly.

[0055] Otlier features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification talcen in conjunction with the following drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00561 To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the acconlpanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an article dispensing macliine and an ai-ticle transport storage unit constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is anotller perspective view of the article dispensing machine illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the article dispensing magazine illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the article dispensing machine illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a rear view of the article dispensing machine illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the article transport storage unit illustrated in FIG. 1, sliown in a closed condition;
FIG. 7 is an elevational view of the article transport storage unit illustrated in FIG. 6, shown in an open condition;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the article transport storage unit illustrated in FIG. 6;
FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the article transport storage unit illustrated in FIG.
6;
FIG. 10 is a partially open rear perspective view of the article dispensing machine illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an article dispensing inachine constructed in accordance witli the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 12 is a partially exploded perspective view of the article dispensing nlachine illustrate in FIG. 11, along witli another embodiment of an article transport storage unit constructed in accordance witll the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 13 is a partially exploded rear perspective view of the article dispensing niachine and article transport storage unit illustrated in FIG. 13;
FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of the article transport storage unit illustrated in FIG. 13, shown in a closed condition;

FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of the article transport storage unit illustrated in FIG. 14, shown in an open condition;
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the article transport storage unit illustrated in FIG.
14, shown in an open condition;
FIG. 17 is another perspective view of the article transport storage unit illustrated in FIG. 14, shown in an open condition;
FIG. 18 is a partially exploded perspective view of another embodiment of an article dispensing machine constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention and another einUodiment of an article transport storage unit constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 19 is a partially open perspective view of the article dispensing machine illustrated in FIG. 18;
FIG. 20 is a partially open side elevational view of the article dispensing machine illustrated in FIG. 18;
FIG. 21 is a partially open top view of the article dispensing machine illustrated in FIG. 18;
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the article transport storage unit illustrated in FIG.
18;
FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of the article transport storage unit illustrated in FIG. 18;
FIG. 24 is aai illustration of a system for communicating and processing infornmation in a networlc of article dispensing machines and vending apparatus and a remote control center;
FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating the order of operations performed by a vending apparatus and remote control center in a system and metliod for regulating vending merchandise;
FIG. 26 is a flowcliart illustrating the order of operations perfonned by a vending apparatus and remote control center in a systeni and metllod for offline vending of a media product;
FIG. 27 is a flowcliart illustrating the order of operations perfomzed by a vending apparatus and remote control center in a system and method for communicating vending infortnation for a vendible media product;

FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating the order of operations performed by a vending apparatus and reinote control center in another system and method for communicating vending information for a vendible media product;
FIG. 29 a flowchart illustrating the order of operations performed by a vending apparatus and remote control center in a system and inethod for selling a rental media product;
FIG. 30 is a flowcliart illustrating the order of operations performed by a vending apparatus in a system and method for calibrating the vend'uig apparatus for vending a media product;
FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating additional elements in the order of operations performed by a vending apparatus in a system and method for calibrating the vending apparatus;
FIG. 32 is an illustration of the internal coinponents of a vending apparatus for use in a system and metliod for calibrating the vending apparatus;
FIG. 33 is a flowcliart illustrating the order of operations performed by a vending apparatus and remote control center in a system and inethod for managing vending inventory of a plurality of vendible media products;
FIG. 34 is a scliematic diagrain of the elements of a system for managing vending inventory of a plurality of vendible media products;
FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating the order of operations performed by a vending apparatus and reinote control center in a system and method for vending vendible media products;
FIG. 36 is an illustration of a user interface for selecting a vendible media product at a vending apparatus;
FIG. 37 is an ilhistration of a user interface for displaying information regarding a vendible media product and initiating a rental transaction for the vendible media product;
FIG. 38 is an illustration of a user interface for a plurality, of rental and purchase transactions for a plurality of vendible media products at a vending apparatus;
FIG. 39 is an illustration of a security interface for providing security information during a rental and/or purcllase transaction of a vendible media product at a vending apparatus;
FIG. 40 is an illustration of a user interface for providing promotional inforniation during the transaction of a vendible media product at a vending apparatus;

FIG. 41 is an illustration of a user interface for providing an electronic mail address during the transaction of a vendible media product at a vending apparatus;
FIG. 42 an illustration of is a user interface for configuring an electronic mail message to be transmitted to a user-provided mail address according to the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 43 an illustration of is a user interface for entering inventory infonnation to an inventory database in accordance with a system for managing vending inventory;
FIG. 44 an illustration of a user interface for viewing a vending inventory at a vending apparatus, in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 45 is an illustration of a user interface for displaying the results of a query of an inventoly database storing data related to a system for vending vendible media products;
FIG. 46 is an illustration of a user interface for viewing and editing customer user information stored in a database configured for use with a vending apparatus;
FIG. 47 is an illustration of a user interface for selecting vendible media products in a vending inventory of a vending apparatus for removal from the vending apparatus;
FIG. 48 is an illustration of a user interface for viewing vendible media products that have been rented from a vending apparatus;
FIG. 49 is an illustration of a user interface for displaying pricing policy information for a plurality of vendible media products stored in a vending apparatus;
FIG. 50 is an illustration of a user interface for establishing a discount offer for a vendible media product vended from a vending apparatus; and, FIG. 51 is an illustration of a user interface for displaying and editing infonnation pertaining to users of a vendible media distribution system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] While this invention is susceptible of einUodiments in many different fonns, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention witli the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the enlbodiments illustrated.
[0058] FIGS. 1-5 illustrate an article dispensing machine generally designated 30.
Ai-ticle dispensing machine 30 is one of a plurality of article dispensing machines included within an article distribution system having a plurality of such machines situated at a plurality of hosting locations. The article dispensing machines of a particular article distribution system preferably form a networlc. As such, those machines are preferably in electrical coininunication witli each other and with a central office from which inventory decisions can be made.
[0059] In a preferred application, the article dispensing machines 30 of the system are directed to DVD dispensing machines that can be utilized by consumers to purchase and/or rent movie videos and/or video ganles enzbodied on DVD discs. Nonetheless, those slcilled in the art will appreciate that ai-ticle dispensing machine 30 is not limited to the application of DVD distribution, but rather will have applicability for use in the distribution of a variety of articles.
[0060] As illustrated, article dispensing machine 30 includes a cabinet housing 32 with front, rear, top, bottom and side panels. Dispensing iiiachine 30 further includes a user interface portion 34 and an article traa.zsport storage unit holder 36 designed to receive an article transport storage unit 38, as desired.
[0061] The machine housing 32 is preferably a colnbination molded fiberglass and sheet inetal cabinet. However, those slcilled in the art will appreciate that the housing can be constiucted from a variety of other suitable materials and with a variety of other suitable manufacturing techniques.
[0062] In the article dispensing niachine enibodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the article dispensing machine 30 preferably has a total height of eiglity-one inches, a total width of fifty-seven inches, and a total depth of forty-six inches. Assuming the construction described above with reference to this illustrated embodiinent of the article dispensing machine, machine 30 and article transport storage unit 38 (when empty) preferably have an approximate combined weight of six hundred sixty pounds.
[0063] As shown most clearly in FIG. 4, the user interface portion 34 of liousing 32 includes a card reader 40, a keypad and/or touch screen 42 and an article transfer opening 44.
The card reader 40 is preferably designed in known fashion to read magnetically encoded menibersllip and/or credit cards for authorizing the distribution of articles of inventory througli the article transfer opening 44. K-eypad and/or touch screen 42 permits consumers and/or inventoiy stoclcing persoiuiel to commuiiicate with the dispensing machine 30 and/or a central office Iiiilced in electrical connnunication with the dispensing inachine. K-eypad and/or touch screen 42 also permits consumers and/or inventoiy stocking persomlel to enter appropriate cominands directed to carrying out specific machine tasks. It will be appreciated that the optional touch screen includes a monitor made wit11 laiown tecluiologies making it capable of being utilized as a user interface for entry of cominands designed to carry out inacliine tasks. Additionally, luiown audio tecluiology could be incorporated with article dispensing maclline 30.
[0064] Furthermore, it will be appreciated that additional user interface portions having additional or even identical user interface components could be incorporated within article dispensing machine 30. For example, these componerits could be incorporated on other panels of the housing 32 of machine 30 so that the machine can be used simultaneously by niultiple consuiners, translating into more efficient distribution of articles in high traffic areas.
[0065] The article transport storage unit holder 36 is able to slide in and out of housing 32. Holder 36 is connected to two generally spaced and parallel rails 45a, 45b positioned within housing 32. The holder 36 can be manually slid into and out of housing 32, as desired.
Alternatively, a drive motor (not shown) can be used to slide holder 36 into and out of housing 32, as desired.
[0066] Referring now to FIG. 10, a robotic ann 46 positioned within article dispensing machine 30 is illustrated. The position of robotic aim 46 can be due to a powered drive niotor (not shown). Rails 47, at least some of which are illustrated in FIG.
8, are included to define paths for inovement of robotic aiin 46. Robotic ann 46 can preferably move in all the x, y and z directions. Using laiown electromechanical teclnlology, robotic amz 46 can be used to open and close the article transport storage unit 38, as desired, and can further be used to move retLU-ned articles into the unit and grab and dispense requested articles from the unit, as desired.
[0067] FIGS. 6-9 illustrate a generally rectangular-shaped article transport storage unit 38. As best illustrated in FIG. 6, the article transport storage unit 38 includes a roller door 48 shown closed but designed to be selectively opened to grant access to the interior of the unit.
The roller door 48 can incorporate catches 49 to facilitate the opening and closing process, as described below. FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the article transport storage unit 38 with its roller door 48 open. As sllovcm, the interior of article transport storage unit 38 preferably includes a plurality of compartinents 50 forming racks configured to receive articles slated for inventory within the article dispensing machine. The interior compartinents 50 in the illustrated article transport storage unit 38 are fonned by a plurality of laterally and longitudinally extending conipartYnent boundary panels and are designed to receive a plurality of articles. Generally, a tllirty inch wide, tliirty-six inch long and eight inch deep article transport storage unit can store one liundred twenty DVD cases. While the compartments 50 of the illustrated article transport storage unit 38 are particularly suitable for flat paclc type articles, such as DVD
cases, it will be appreciated that the compartments of a particular article transport storage unit can be designed to receive a variety of types of articles, as desired. It will further be appreciated that the nunlber of compartments in the interior of a unit can be varied to accominodate a different quantity of articles slated for inventory at a dispensing machine. In addition, aii article transport storage unit may be designed to hold a plurality of types of articles and articles having a plurality of sizes and shapes, as desired.
[0068] FIG. 9 illustrates a latch block 52 positioned and designed to selectively lock the roller door 48 of the article transport storage unit. The unit also includes an electrical switch 54 in the form of a solenoid positioned and designed to cause the latch block 52 to move between two distinct positions, one of which enables movement of the roller door along its J-shaped track 56, the otller of wllich prevents such movement. A removable cover 58 for the loclcing meclianism is also illustrated in FIG. 9.
[0069] With the present invention, the article transport storage units are filled with inventoiy at a centralized inventory supply center. Once filled witll articles slated for dispensing machine inventory, the roller doors 48 of the article transport storage units 38 are closed and locked by systein administration personnel. Tliereafter, a particular article transport storage unit is then delivered to a particular article dispensing inachine as illustrated in FIG. 1. This delivery can be made by third party delivery coinpanies, such as overnight courier services.
[0070] The authorized serviceman initiates the appropriate routine for removal of the previously installed article transport storage unit. A variety of n7echanisms can provide access to the machine by the serviceinan. For example, a personal digital assistant having an infrared transmitter can actuate an optional drive motor associated with the holder mechanism and cause the previously installed article transport storage unit to be carried outside the dispensing machine housing. Additionally, tlie delivered article transport storage unit can include a radio fiequency identification tag that can similarly actuate an optional holder mechanism drive motor. Additionally, the serviceman can enter appropriate coinmands at the user interface keypad to initiate the unit removal process. Furthermore, ejection of the holder can be accomplished manually.
[0071] In any event, the previously installed article transport storage unit is ejected from the housing of the dispensing machine during the removal process. The ejected unit is loclced upon removal fiom the holder to prevent access to the articles foi7ning the contents of the unit. In that regard, the electrical switch 54 is de-energized when the unit is removed from the holder, causing the block to move to its locked position. The removed article transport storage unit can be delivered back to an inventory supply center by the third party freight coinpany for restoclcing of appropriate articles slated for inventory of a particular dispensing machine.
[00721 When the removed article transport storage unit arrives back at the inventory supply center, it can be unlocked and opened, its contents can be etnptied and it can be refilled with articles, based on the desired inventory at its newly assigned dispensing machine. Thereafter, that unit can be delivered to its assigned dispensing machine to update the inventory of articles available for consumption at that niachine.
[0073] Following removal of the previously installed article transport storage unit, the delivered article transport storage unit is placed on the holder mechanism. In particular, the top and bottom panels of the article transport storage unit will rest upon the extracted holder mechanism.
[00741 Upon placement of the unit onto the holder mechanisin, the electrical switch is actuated, causing the bloclc to move to its unloclced position. This allows the unit door to be opened so the interior of the unit caii be accessed.
[0075] The holder mechanism can then be slid into the dispensing machine along its associated rails. This sliding can be done manually, or more preferably, under the power of the drive motor, as desired. In the event that a drive motor is used for autoinatic installation of the article transport storage unit, the motor can be actuated by a sensor mechanism that detects that the unit is secure witliin the holder inechanism. As a result, the automated installation of the delivered article transport storage unit can be done by simply placing the unit onto the holder mechanism.
[0076] In the enlbodiinents of tlie dispensing machine and the article transport storage unit illustrated in FIGS. 1-10, the back panel of the article transport storage unit acts as the cover door for the dispensing inachine to prevent access therein. The holder mechanism secures the article transport storage unit witliin the cabinet.
[0077] Upon installation of the article transport storage unit into the dispensing machine, the robotic arm positioned within the dispensing machine can open the roller door of the article transport storage unit and has access to the articles delivered for dispensing machine inventory. Alternatively, the door catches can be cauglit by cooperating fingers positioned within the machine housing while the holder inechanisin is slid into the housing. This allows the unit to be installed into the machine housing, but prevents the door from being inserted into the housing much past the fingers to cause the door to slide along its 0-shaped track, thereby opening the unit to permit access to its interior by the robotic arin.
[0078] During suUsequent removal of the article transport storage unit, the roller door is closed by the robotic ann or altematively by the action of sliding the holder mechanism out of the machine housing. The electrical switch is de-energized upon removal of the unit from the holder mechanisin, causing the latch mechanism to shift into its loclced position to prevent the roller door from opening and exposing the contents of the unit.
[0079] FIGS. 11-13 illustrate another article dispensing machine generally designated 130 forining one of a plurality of article dispensing machines included within a networlced article distribution system.
[0080] Article dispensing machine 130 includes a cabinet housing 132 with front, rear, top, bottom and side panels. Dispensing machine 130 fiirther includes a user interface portion 134 and opposing rails 136 designed to receive an article transport storage unit 138, as desired. The machine housing 132 is preferably a coinbination molded fiberglass and sheet metal cabinet.
[0081] The user interface portion 134 of housing 132 preferably includes a card reader 142, a display monitor 143 and an article transfer opening 144. The card reader 142 is preferably designed in lcnown fashion to read magnetically encoded membership and/or credit cards for authorizing the distribution of articles of inventoiy through the article transfer opening 144.
[0082] Display monitor 143 pennits consumers and/or inventory stocking personnel to comnluiaicate with the dispensing machine 130 and/or a central office linked in electrical conlmunication with the dispensing machine. Display monitor 143 also permits consumers and/or inventory stocking personnel to enter appropriate coininands directed to carrying out specific machine tasks.
[0083] Display monitor 143 provides for a user interface presenting visual display of pertinent infonnation during the servicing and distribution processes of machine 130.
Display monitor 143 preferably incorporates luiown plasma video technology and known touch screen technology. As such, display monitor 143 preferably operates as a user interface for entry of connnands designed to carry out machine tasks. Optionally, a keypad can be included to permit all or some of those fi.inctions to be carried out.
[0084] Additionally, luiown audio technology could be incoiporated within article dispensing machine 130. Preferably, laiown audio teclniology is incolporated within dispensing inaclliile 130 to broadcast focused audio directed to relatively small (e.g., 3 square feet) locations in front of the machines and/or in other designated locations at a hosting site.
[0085] Furthermore, it will be appreciated that additional user interface portions having additional or even identical user interface coinponents could be incorporated within article dispensing machine 130. For example, these components could be incorporated on other panels of the housing 132 of machine 130 so that the machine can be used simultaneously by multiple consumers, translating into more efficient distribution of articles in high traffic areas.

[0086] The article transport storage unit 138 can be slid in and out of housing 132. Each article transport storage tuiit 138 has guides positioned along the top and bottom panels of the unit. The guides are designed to cooperate with the associated rails 136 contained within machine 130.

[0087] A robotic aml (not shown) is positioned within article dispensing machine 130. A
powered drive motor (not shown) can be used to move the robotic arni. Rails are preferably included to define paths for movement of the robotic arm, and the robotic arm can preferably niove in all the x, y and z directions. Using known electromechanical technology, the robotic arm can be used to open and close the article transport storage unit 138, as desired, and can fiirther be used to move rettuned articles iiito the unit and grab and dispense requested articles from the unit, as desired.
[0088] FIGS. 14-17 illustrate a generally rectangular-shaped article transport storage unit 138. As used herein, the terms "article transport storage unit" and "vending delivery module"
are synonyinous, and refer to an apparattis for transporting a plurality of vendible media products to and from a vending apparatus 30. The article transport storage unit 138 includes a roller door 148, shown closed but designed to be selectively opened to grant access to the interior of the unit. FIGS. 15-17 illustrate the article transport storage unit 138 with its roller door 148 open. As shown, the interior of article transport storage unit 138 preferably includes a plurality of compartinents 150 configured to receive articles slated for inventory witliin the article dispensing machine. The interior conipartinerrts 150 in the illustrated article transport storage unit 38 are formed by a plurality of longitudinally extending colnpartinent boundary panels and a plurality of laterally extending coinpartm.ent boundary panels extending from a longittidinally extending boundary panel partially towards anotlier longitudinally extending boundary panel. The laterally extending boundaiy panels can be aligned to retain opposite ends of the same side of flat-pack type article.

[0089] While the compartments 150 of the illustrated article transport storage unit 138 are particularly suitable for flat-pack type articles, such as DVD cases, it will be appreciated that the coinpartments of a particular article transport storage unit can be designed to receive a variety of types of articles, as desired. It will further be appreciated that the number of conlpartments in the interior of a unit can be varied to accommodate a different quantity of articles slated for inventory at a dispensing machine. In addition, an article transport storage unit may be equipped with racks having compartments of different types so that it is designed to hold a plurality of types of articles and articles having a plurality of sizes and shapes, as desired.
[0090] FIG. 17 illustrates latch bloclcs 152 positioned and designed to selectively lock the roller door 148 of the article tTansport storage unit. The unit also includes electrical switches 154 positioned and designed to cause the latch blocks 152 to enable and prevent the roller door to be opened.
[0091] With the present invention, the article transport storage units are filled with inventory at a centralized inventory supply center. Once filled with articles slated for dispensing machine inventory, the roller doors 148 of the article transport storage units 138 are closed and locked by system adniinistration personnel. Thereafter, a particular article transport storage unit is then delivered to a particular article dispensing machine. The article transport storage unit 138 preferably includes a handle 155 to facilitate delivery. Delivery of an article transport storage unit to the hosting site can be made by third party delivery conipanies, such as overnight courier seivices.
[0092] The authorized serviceman initiates the appropriate routine for removal of the previously installed article transport storage unit. A variety of mechanisms can provide access to the machine by the seiviceman. For example, a personal digital assistant having an infrared trailsmitter can unlock a side door panel of the machine and provide access by the seiviceman. Additionally, the delivered article transport storage unit can uiclude a radio frequency identification tag that can similarly actuate the holder mechanism drive motor.
Additionally, the serviceman can enter appropriate commands at the user interface lceypad to initiate the unit removal process.
[0093] In any event, the previously installed article transport storage unit is accessible and removable from the housing of the dispensing machine during the renioval process. The previously installed unit is locked prior to it being accessible, thereby securing the articles forming the contents of the unit. In particular, once the previously installed unit is moved from its fiilly inserted position, the electrical switches are deactivated (de-energized), causing the latch blocks to move into their loclced positions. Once removed, the previously installed article transport storage unit can be delivered back to an inventory supply center by the third party freight coinpany for restocking of appropriate articles slated for inventory of a particular dispensing machine.
[0094] When the reinoved article transport storage unit arrives back at the inventory supply center, it can be unlocked and opened, its contents can be emptied and it can be refilled with articles, based on the desired inventory at its newly assigned dispensing machine. Thereafter, that unit can be delivered to its assigned dispensing machine to update the inventory of articles available for consumption at that machine.
[0095] Following removal of the previously installed article transport storage unit, the delivered article transport storage unit is installed into the dispensing macliine. In particular, the guides are slid into cooperating relationship with the rails within the machine so that the unit rests upon the rails and is secured tliereby.
[0096] In the embodiments of the dispensing machine and the article transport storage unit illustrated in FIGS. 11-17, the rails and guides cooperate to secure the article transport storage unit witliin the cabinet.
[0097] Upon installation of the article transport storage unit into the dispensing machine to its fiilly inserted position, the electrical switches are actuated, causing the latch blocks to move to their unlocked positions. As a result, the roller door associated with the unit is pennitted to be opened. Opposing latches on opposite sides of the unit allow the unit roller door to be opened only when mating latches meet up with their counterparts.
When actuated, these elements unlock the door and the door will open or close as the unit moves in or out of the machine. An electronic solenoid in the article transport storage unit is actuated and unlocks the roller door only wlien the proper electronic connection is made between the unit and the machine. Under these circumstances, the roller door will open or close as the magazine moves in or out of the maclline. As the magazine is pulled into the vending nlachine, the inagazine will lock into place allowing new articles to be uploaded into the vending machine. The robotic ann positioned witllin the dispensing machine then opens the door and thereafter has access to the articles delivered for dispensing machine inventory.
[0098] During subsequent removal of the article transport storage unit, the roller door is closed by the robotic arin and the latch ineclianisni is shifted into its locked position to prevent the roller door from opening and exposing the contents of the unit.
This closing and loclcing of the roller door can be carried out prior to unloclcing the side door panel and nialcing the article transport storage unit accessible. These actions will talce place once the unit moves from its fiilly inserted position.
[0099] FIGS. 18-21 illustrate another preferred emUodinient of an article dispensing machine generally designated 230 fonning one of a plurality of article dispensing machines included within a networlced article distribution system. Article dispensing machine 230 includes a cabinet liousing 232 with front, rear, top, Uottoin and side panels. The illustrated side panel of cabinet housing 232 preferably includes a door pane1233 that can be opened for repair of conlponents included witliin machine 230.
[00100] The machine housing 232 is preferably a combination molded fiberglass and slleet metal cabinet. However, those slcilled in the art will appreciate that the housing can be constructed fiom a variety of otlier suitable materials and with a variety of other suitable manufacturing techniques.
[001011 Dispensing maclline 230 further includes a user interface portion and an article transport storage unit transfer opening 236 with an associated door designed to receive an article transport storage unit 238, as desired. The user interface portion of housing 232 can include a touch activated display screen 234 for input of commands, a card reader 235 and an article transfer opening 244. The article transfer opening 244 permits distribution of requested articles througli the opening and receipt of returned articles through the opening.
[00102] The card reader 235 (details not shown) is preferably designed in Icnown fashion to read magnetically encoded lnembership and/or credit cards for authorizing the distribution of articles of inveiitory througli the article transfer opening 244. The touch screen 234 pennits consumers and/or inventory stoclcing personnel to coininunicate with the dispensing macliine 230 and/or a central office linlced in electrical communication with the dispensing macliine. Touch screen 234 also permits consumers and/or inventory stocking personnel to enter appropriate coinmands directed to carrying ottt specific machine tasks.
[00103] In particular, the display monitor of the dispensing machine 230 preferably incotporates lazown touch screen tecluiology. As stich, it provides for a user interface presenting visual display of pertinent infomiation during the servicing and distribution processes of machine 230 and operates as a user interface for entry of coninlands designed to carry out machine taslcs.
[00104] The dispensing machine 230 preferably includes an additional display monitor 245. Display 245 preferably incoiporates laiown plasma video technology and provides for display of trailers, advertiseinents and other desired point-of-purchase video effects.

[0100] Dispensing machine 230 also preferably includes speaker units 246.
Preferably, lffiown audio technology is incoiporated within dispensing inachine 230 to broadcast focused audio directed to relatively small (e.g., tluee square feet) locations in front of the machines froin spealcer units 246 and/or in other designated locations at a hosting site.
[0101] Referring now to coinponents positioned in the interior of dispensing machine 230, the machine includes a storage rack unit 248 having a plurality of circular-shaped storage racks 250 sharing a common central axis. A motor 251 is configured to drive a shaft 252, wliich is positioned along the common central axis of storage rack unit 248 to provide for rotation of the storage racks 250, as desired. Wheels 253 are included to receive a belt used to rotate the wheels and, in turn, rotate shaft 252.
[0102] Each storage rack 250 includes radially extending, angularly separated compartiilent panels defining article receiving compartments designed to receive and retain flat-type pack articles, such as DVD cases, as desired. The compartinent panels are preferably axially aligned to retain the opposing sides of DVD cases at the top and bottom ends thereof. In that regard, the DVD cases are preferably retained between successive vertical pairs of storage racks 250. The storage racks 250 are vertically spaced by axially extending support members 254.
[0103] The dispensing machine includes a robotic ami 256 that is coiulected to a conveying belt 258 carried by rollers 260. At least one of the rollers 260 is driven by a motor to provide for movenient of robotic arin 256.
[0104] FIG. 21 illustrates an article transport storage unit 238 having a generally square configuration with a cut off corner. The article transport storage unit 238 is designed to have an opening 262, which pei7nits articles to be removed from and inserted into the unit.
[0105] Article transport storage tinit 238 includes a top pane1264 having a shaft aligned bore extending through it, a bottom panel 266 also having a shaft aligned bore extending tlirotigh it, side panels 267, and a storage rack unit 268 illttstrated as having two axially aligned, circular-shaped storage racks 270. As shown, top pane1264, bottom pane1266 and side panels 267 are constructed to fornn opening 262 when assenibled.
[0106] Each storage rack 270 includes radially extending, angularly separated compartment panels defining article receiving compartments designed to receive and retain flat-type pack articles slated for inventory, sucli as DVD cases, as desired.
The conipartment panels are preferably axially aligned to retain the opposing sides of DVD
cases at the top and bottom ends thereof. In that regard, the DVD cases are preferably retained in coinpartments illustrated as slots foi7ned between successive vertical pairs of storage raclcs 270.

[0107] The storage racks 270 are vertically spaced by axially extending support members 274. In addition, a closing member 276 configured from two adjacent locked slots extends between the storage racks and is designed to prevent access to the articles stored within article transport storage unit 238 when the closing member is axially aligned with opening 262.
[0108] Again, it will be appreciated that the compartnients of a particular article transport storage unit can be designed to receive a variety of types of articles, as desired. It will further be appreciated that the number of compartinents in the interior of a unit can be varied to accominodate a different quantity of articles slated for inventory at a dispensing machine. In addition, an article transport storage unit may be designed to hold a plurality of types of articles and articles having a plurality of sizes and shapes, as desired.
[0109] The storage rack unit 268 also includes a centrally positioned, locking rotational mechanism 278 designed to permit selective rotation of the storage rack unit within the interior of article transport storage unit 238. It will be appreciated that storage raclc unit 268 cannot be rotated within article transport storage unit 238, absent locking rotational mechanism 278 being actuated by a cooperating unlocking mechanism. It will fiirther be appreciated that the shaft 252 within article dispensing machine 230 includes a cooperating unlocking mechanism and that additional unloclcing mechanisms are available at a centralized inventory supply center. In the arrangement shown, the article transport storage unit 238 includes loclcing pins 280 that, when depressed, pennit the storage rack unit to be rotated.
[0110] With the present invention, the article transport storage units 238 are filled with inventory at a centralized inventory supply center. Once filled with articles slated for dispensing machine inventory, aii unlocking mechanism is brougllt into cooperating engagement with locking inechanism 278 and implemented to cause rotation of storage rack unit 268 to align closing member 276 with opening 262. In particular, pins 280 are depressed and the storage rack unit 268 is rotated until closing inenzber 276 is aligned with opening 262. Thereafter, the unlocking mechanism is removed from engagement witli locking mechanism 278 and access to the contents within article transport storage unit 238 is prevented. These steps are preferably perforined by authorized system administration persomiel.
[0111] Thereafter, a particular article transport storage unit 238 is then delivered to its destined article dispensing machine 230. This delivery can be made by third party delivery conipanies, such as ovenlight courier services.

[0112] The authorized serviceman initiates the appropriate routine for removal of the previously installed article transport storage unit. A variety of inechanisms can provide access to the inachine by the serviceman. For example, a peripheral device, such as a personal digital assistant having an infrared transmitter, can initiate the removal process.
Additionally, the delivered article transport storage unit 238 can include a radio frequency identification tag that can similarly initiate the removal process.
Additionally, the serviceman can enter appropriate commands at the user interface (e.g., touch screen and/or keypad) to initiate the unit removal process.
[0113] In any event, any additional inventoiy to be offloaded is delivered from storage rack unit 248 to storage rack unit 268 in the article transport storage unit 238 and loaded into unit 238. This off loading process is carried out by robotic ann 256 and shaft 252, which has Ueen brought into engagement with the loclcing rotational mechanisin 278 of the previously installed unit.
[0114] The article transport storage unit ejection process is then commenced.
Shaft 252 is actuated to rotate storage rack unit 268 until closing inember 276 is axially aligned with opening 262. Thereafter, shaft 252 is raised, or alternatively article transport storage unit 238 is lowered, to bring the shaft out of engagement with the locking rotational mechanism 278 of the previously installed article transport storage unit 238. In particular, fingers (not shown) associated witli the shaft can be brought out of engagement with loclting pins 280 so that the pins are no longer depressed. This causes the previously installed article transport storage unit 238 to be loclced and prevents access to the articles forming the contents of the unit. The door associated with opening 236 is opened. The previously installed article transport unit 238 is tlien automatically ejected from dispensing machine 230 so that it can be removed tlirough opening 236.
[0115] The article tran.sport storage unit 23 8 is then removed and delivered back to an inventoiy supply center by the third party freight conlpany for restoclcing of appropriate articles slated for inventory of a particular d'zspensing machine.
[0116] When the removed article transport storage unit arrives back at the inventory stipply center, its contents can be einptied and it can be refilled witli articles, based on the desired inventory at its newly assigned dispensing machine. Thereafter, that tinit can be closed, locked and then delivered to its assigned dispensing machine to update the inventory of articles available for consunzption at that machine.
[0117] Following removal of the previously installed article transport storage unit, the delivered article transport storage unit 238 is inserted into article transfer opening 236 for installation within dispensing machine 230. The installation processor may be completed by using either a tractor, or by inanual effort. After being partially inserted into opening 236, a tractor (not sliown) completes the installation process. The article transport storage unit 238 is automatically positioned so that it is centrally aligned witli shaft 252.
The automatic positioning and installation of article transport storage unit 238 can be actuated by a sensor mechanism that detects that the unit has been inserted into article transfer opening 236. It will be understood that the process may be perfoi7ned either mantially, or autoniatically.
[0118] Upon installation of the article transport storage unit 238 into the dispensing machine, the unit is raised so that the unloclcing fingers associated with shaft 252 are brought into engagement with and press against pins 280 of loclcing rotational inechanism 278 and an inventory storage process is then comnienced. Shaft 252 rotates storage rack unit 268, successively causing articles stored within article transport storage unit 238 to be aligned with opening 262. Robotic ann 256 is then actuated to grab each article of inventory, remove that article from the unit, carry that article to its desired location on one of the storage raclcs 250 of storage rack unit 248 and insert that article into the proper compartment.
[0119] In its preferred fozm, electronic records are stored within a storage unit (e.g., hard drive unit) related to each of tlie inventory supply and removal process. For example, the delivered article transport storage unit is preferably identified and accepted by the dispensing niacliine prior to commencement of the reinoval and installation processes.
[0120] In addition, each article of inventory removed from the storage rack unit fixed within the dispensing machine housing and delivered to the storage rack unit contained within the article transport storage unit is preferably scanned and identified by the dispensing niachine. Similarly, each article of inventory renloved from the storage raclc unit contained witliin an installed article transport storage unit and delivered to the storage rack fixed within the dispensing inachine housing is preferably scanned and identified by the dispensing machine, along with an identification of its stored position on the storage rack unit.
Electronic records are preferably stored in the system regarding this infomlation.
[0121] Each article of inventory dispensed from a dispensing machine is also preferably scaimed and an electronic record is created indicating the consumer wlzo rented and/or purcllased the media. In addition, articles of inventory retui7ied to a dispensing machine by a customer and inserted into the aiticle transfer opening thereof are preferably scanned and identified by the dispensing machine (for example with a bar code reader or scanner in electronic comnnulication with the dispensing machine controller, positioned proximate the media dispending / retuni opening) along with an identification of its later stored position on the storage rack unit.
[0122] These electronic records can be shared among dispensing machines within a networlc tliereof, and can also be shared with a centralized office via the Internet or any other electronic data comnlunication liiilc. These electronic records can be used to ensure that the inventory process is carried out efficiently and accurately.
[0123] Electronic records will also be transmitted to the machines indicating the new articles slated for inventory and uploaded into the machine. Therefore, wlien new inventory is loaded into a machine, each article can be inspected and scarmed for verification.
[0124] Article dispensing machine 230 incorporates a slot loading drive in electronic communication witll a storage unit (e.g., hard drive) for the machine. The DVD
drive can receive an ttncased DVD from the robotic arin. The END drive then reads ttie content from the DVD media. The content is stored on the storage unit in the fonn of one or more coinputer files. The content is then available for fast access and presentation on the plasma video monitor. Accordingly, video, such as video related to a desired advertisement or trailer, can be read from DVD media at the machine location. The video content read from the END media is stored in the storage unit and can be accessed and played on display monitor 245, as desired.
[0125] As a consumer approaclles a dispensing machine, the consunler observes the display monitor and the user interface. The consumer may also oUseive a plasma/LCD
monitor displaying marketing information, or a liglitbox containing inarlceting infonnation for branding the vending apparatus 30. The consumer then enters the appropriate commands at the user interface control systeln associated with tlie dispensing machine to select a DVD
to be dispensed by the machine. The user interface control systein 49 can employ simple menus and a fixed set of keys for consumers to malce their selections, it can employ break-resistant touch screens, or it can einploy a coinbination of botli. Once a selection has been made, the consumer would tlien merely insert his/her magneticall.y encoded dispense activation card into the card reader slot positioned at the fi=ont of the dispensing machine and, in response, the machine will dispense the selected DVD without the need for fiirtlier input by the consumer.
[0126] It is not necessary for a consumer to become a znember of a video rental program in order to rent a movie. As an alternative, consunzer can simply pay for rentals by credit card instead. With appropriate hardware, the machine is also configurable to accept currency.

[0127] For those consumers having a rental membership, the DVD rental experience can more readily be customized. The member can insert his/lier inembership card into the card reader and enter his/her personal identification number ("PIN") when prompted through the user interface control system. In response to these commands, the consumer is presented with a customized, personal start-up menu. From this personalized menu, which can be customized to have suggested titles scroll across the screen based on past renting patterns of the particular member and/or all inembers at the particular hosting location, the member selects a previously reserved movie or selects a new inovie from the list of titles embodied in DVD media contained within the inventory of the dispensing inacliine. Once the selection has been made, the robotic ann incorporated in the machine will grab and cause the selected DVD to be dispensed, preferably in less than twenty seconds. The specific user request made at the nzachirie (e.g., renting a new movie or payment by credit card) is then sent via satellite feed or DSL or cable nlodem or via the Inteniet to a centralized system office in real-time for processing. Such a procedure ensures accurate and rapid handling of every user request as well as secure billing to any credit card account of the consumer.
[0128] When a consumer retunzs a DVD to a dispensing inachine, he/slie, if he/she is a member, can insert the membership card into the card reader on the front of the machine, enters his/her personal identification number when prompted and inputs the appropriate additional cominands to initiate the return process. The consumer then inserts the DVD into the dispensing/receiving receptacle on the front of the machine. A bar code reader inside the machine then scans the retLinied DVD for its unique code and places the returned DVD back into the physical inventory of the machine to await the next rental of that DVD. As an added convenience, consumers will have the option of returning a DVD to machines other than the one from wliich they originally rented the movie, preferably but not necessarily for an additional charge to cover any additional incremental administrative costs.
[0129] The machines and software are preferably configured to automatically produce and deliver a printed receipt to consunzers renting or purchasing DVDs froni a machine.
They can also preferably send an email receipt to a consumer, or cause a hardcopy receipt to be delivered to a consumer by mail upon request. In addition, consumers can rent and/or purchase DVDs remote from the dispensing machines tlirough use of the system website, already described.
[0130] Referring now to FIG. 24, a system is provided for communication between the article dispensing nlachine 30 and a central controller 302, preferably located remotely from the article dispensing machine 30. It will be understood that as used herein, the tenns [0134] The software in memory inay include one or more separate programs. The separate prograins comprise ordered listings of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. The software in memory includes a suitable operating system (O/S). A
non-exllaustive list of examples of suitable coinmercially available operating systems is as follows: (a) a Windows operating system available from Microsoft Corporation;
(b) a Netware operating system available from Novell, Inc.; (c) a Macintosh operating system available from Apple Compnter, Inc.; (d) a UNIX operating system, which is available for purchase from many vendors, such as the Hewlett-Packard Company, Sun Microsystems, Inc., and AT&T Corporation; (e) a LINUX operating system, which is freeware that is readily available on the Internet; (f) a run time Vxworlcs operating system from WinndRiver Systems, Inc.; or (g) an appliance-based operating system, such as that implemented in handheld computers or personal digital assistants (PDAs) (e.g., PalmOS available from Palm Computing, Inc., and Windows CE available from Microsoft Corporation).
Operating system essentially controls the execution of other conlputer programs and provides scheduling, input-output control, file and data management, memoiy management, and connnunication control and related services.
[01351 Steps and/or elements, and/or portions thereof of the present invention may be iniplemented using a source program, executable program (object code), script, or any other entity colnprising a set of instructions to be performed. When a source program, the prograln needs to be translated via a compiler, asseinbler, interpreter, or the like, which inay or may not be included within the memory, so as to operate properly in connection witli the O/S.
Furthermore, the software embodying the present invention can be written as (a) an object oriented programming language, which has classes of data and methods, or (b) a procedural prograinming language, wliich has routines, subroutines, and/or ftinctions, for example but not limited to, C, C++, Pascal, Basic, Forlran, Cobol, Perl, Java, and Ada.
[0136] The I/O devices may include input devices, for example but not limited to, input modules for PLCs, a keyboard, mouse, scanner, nlicrophone, touch screens, interfaces for various medical devices, bar code readers, stylus, laser readers, radio-frequency device readers, etc. Furthermore, the I/O devices may also include output devices, for example but not limited to, output modules for PLCs, a printer, bar code printers, displays, etc. Finally, the UO devices may fiu-ther include devices that communicate both inputs and outputs, for instance but not limited to, a modulator/demodulator (modem; for accessing another device, system, or networlc), a radio frequency (RF) or other transceiver, a telephonic interface, a bridge, and a router.

[0137] If the server 302 is a PC, workstation, PDA, or the like, the software in the memory inay furtller include a basic input output system (BIOS). The BIOS is a set of essential software routines that initialize and test hardware at startup, start the O/S, and support the transfer of data alnong the hardware devices. The BIOS is stored in ROM so that the BIOS can be executed when sei ver 302 is activated.
[0138] Wlien server 302 is in operation, processor is configured to execute software stored within memoiy, to coinmunicate data to and from memory, and to generally control operations of seiver 302 pursuant to the software. The present invention and the O/S, in whole or in part, but typically the latter, are read by processor, perliaps buffered witliin the processor, and then executed.
[01391 Wlien the present invention is iinplemented in software, it should be noted that the software can be stored on any computer readable medium for use by or in corinection with any computer related system or method. In the context of this document, a computer readable medium is an electronic, magiietic, optical, or other physical device or means that can contain or store a computer program for use by or in connection with a conlputer related system or method. The present invention can be enibodied in any coinputer-readable medium for use by or in connection with an instiuction execution systern, apparatus, or device, such as a coinputer-based system, processor-containing systein, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instnictions. In the context of this document, a"coniputer-readable medium"
can be any means that can store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The computer readable inediunl can be for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparattis, device, or propagation medium. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the coinputer-readable medium would include the following: an electrical comiection (electronic) having one or more wires, a portable coinputer dislcette (mag7.ietic), a randoni access nzemory (RAM) (electronic), a read-only meinoiy (ROM) (electronic), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM, EEPROM, or Flash memoiy) (electronic), an optical fiber (optical), and a portable compact disc read-only memory (CDROM) (optical). Note that the computer-readable mediuni could even be paper or another suitable medium upon which the program is printed, as the program can be electronically captured, via, for instance, optical scaiming of the paper or otller mediunz, then compiled, inteipreted or otherwise processed in a suitable nzanner if necessary, and then stored in a coniputer memory.

"central controller" and "central server" are synonyinous, and refer to a microprocessor operating coinputer software that is configured to perforin the software taslcs described herein. Article dispensing machine 30, as described previously herein, is electronically controlled, and is equipped for that purpose with electronic circuitiy including a vending controller 300. The vending controller 300 is responsible for generating the user interface, processing commands received from the user interface, displaying infoi7nation to the user and communicating with the vending networlc.
[0131] Generally, in tenns of hardware architecture the server 302 includes a processor and/or controller, nieinory, and one or more input and/or output (I/O) devices (or peripherals) that are connnunicatively coupled via a local interface. The local interface can be, for exatnple, but not limited to, one or more buses or other wired or wireless connections, as is lalov~ni in the art. The local interface inay have additional elements, which are omitted for simplicity, such as controllers, buffers (caches), drivers, repeaters, and receivers, to enable communications. Further, the local interface may include address, control, and/or data connections to enable appropriate communications among the other computer coinponents.
[0132] Processor/controller is a hardware device for executing software, particularly software stored in meinoiy. Processor can be any custom made or coinlnercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with the server 302, a semiconductor based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chip set), a macroprocessor, or generally any device for executing software instructions. Examples of suitable connnercially available microprocessors are as follows: a PA-RISC series microprocessor from Hewlett-Packard Coinpany, an 80x86 or Pentium series microprocessor from Intel Coiporation, a PowerPC microprocessor from IBM, a Sparc nlicroprocessor fiom Sun Microsystems, Inc., or a 68xxx series microprocessor from Motorola Corporation. Processor may also represent a distributed processing architecture stich as, but not limited to, SQL, Smalltalk, APL, KLisp, Snobol, Developer 200, MUMPS/Magic.
[0133] Memory can include any one or a coinbination of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.)) and nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, tape, CDROM, etc.). Moreover, memory may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or other types of storage inedia. Memory can have a distributed architecture where various components are sittiated remote from one another, but are still accessed by processor.

[0140] For that purpose, article dispensing machine 30 is equipped with network communication equipment and circuitry. In a preferred embodiinent, the networlc communication equipment includes a networlc card such as an Ethenlet card. In a preferred network enviroiunent, each of the plurality of article dispensing machines 30 on the network is configured to use the TCP/IP protocol to comnnuiicate via the network 301.
It will be understood, however, that a variety of networlc protocols could also be employcd, such as IPXISPX, Netware, PPP and others. It will also be understood that while a preferred einbodiment of the present invention is for article dispensing machine 30 to have a "broadband" connection to the networlc 301, the principles of the present invention are also practicable with a dialup connection using a standard modem. Wireless networlc comiections are also conteinplated, such as wireless Ethernet, satellite, infrared and radio frequency networks.
[0141] Vending controller 300 is configured to transmit information to, and receive infomiation from, the network 301. While the Internet is the preferred networlc method for interconnecting the network 301 of the plurality of article dispensing machines 30, it will also be understood that a private or closed networlc is also practicable herewith.
The network 301 is preferably the Internet, but may be any networlc for placing the plurality of article dispensing machines 30 in communication with the central controller 302. The network 301 serves to communicate infonnation regarding vending transactions, and is also therefore referred to herein as a"transaction network," though as used herein, the tenns "networlc" and "transaction networlc" are synonynlous.
[0142] The central controller 302 is responsible for communicating with the vending controller 300 via the network 301. The central controller 302 is preferably located at a central station that is remote from the plurality of article dispensing machines 30. The central controller 302 operates as the server for comnltuiicating over the networlc 301 between the plurality of article dispensing machines 30. The central controller 302 receives comnntnication from the article dispensing machines 30, and also transmits infomiation to the machines 30. For exainple, when a DVD rental transaction is performed at the article dispensing machine 30, transaction data such as the rented DVD title is then transmitted from the machine 30 to the central controller 302 via the networle 301. It will be understood that servers in general, such as tlie central controller 302, are often distributed.
[0143] As sliown in FIG. 24, there are preferably a plurality of central controllers 302.
Thus, the controllers 302 are aiTanged in a "load Ualanced" architecture to iinprove the speed and efficiency of the network. To accomplish the implementation of inultiple controllers 302, the controllers 302 are in com.munication witli a router/distributor 303.
The router 303 receives comniunication from the networlc 301, and distributes the communication to one of the plurality of controllers 302. Likewise, when one of the controllers 302 transmits information, that infomlation is received by the router 303 and tlien transmitted to the networlc 301.
[01441 The central controller 302 is in conununication with a central database 304. The database 304 stores infonnation regarding the transaction network. For example, the database 304 stores data regarding the vending inventory at each of the plurality of arCicle dispensing machines 30. The database 304 also stores sales infoi7nation regarding the sales quantities of the vending inerchandise stored in the inacllines 30. For exainple, the database 304 stores inforniation regarding the sales totals for each DVD title and for each machine 30 vending location. Database 304 also stores user information and rental trailsaction infortnation, such as user IDs, PINs, the date on which DVDs are due to be returned and the date on which DVDs were rented from the machines 30.
[01451 Database 304 is preferably a relational database, although other types of database architectures may be used without departing from the principles of the present invention. For exaniple, database 304 may be a SQL database, an Access database or an Oracle database, and in any such embodiinent liave the functionality stored herein. Database 304 is also preferably capable of being shared, as illustrated, betwcen a plurality of central controllers 302 and its infonnation is also preferably capable of being transmitted via network 301. It will be understood that a variety of methods exist for seiving tl-ie information stored in database 304, such as ODBC, MySQL and CFML.
j0146] The central controller 302 and database 304 are also preferably accessible by a personal computer 306. The personal computer 306 will be understood as comprising hardware and software consistent with marketable personal computers, such as a display monitor, a lceyboard and mouse and a nlicroprocessor. The personal computer also comprises Internet browser software such as Mozilla or Internet Explorer. Using the browser software, a user at the personal coinputer 306 can access a web interface through the central controller 302. To that end, central controller 302 preferably coniprises web server software such as IIS
or Apache. It will be understood that a variety of web server software and web browser software exists to impleinent the principles of the present invention without departing therefrom. Through the web browser software, the personal computer 306 coinmunicates with the central controller 302 and allows the user to login to a central command fiuictionality of the central controller 302 and to view and modify data stored in the database 304. The browser interface also allows the user to perform certain system functions, which will affect the inventory and behavior of the article dispensing inachines 30.
[0147] In a preferred embodiinent, a financial server 305 is also in cominunication with the networlc 301. It will be understood that a variety of financial services exist for processing financial infonnation via the Inteniet and other networks 301. Those services allow for the processing of credit card and debit card information, so that users of the services do not have to interface directly with credit and debit card companies. In FIG. 24, the financial server 305 is illustrated as a single server, although the financial server 305 may coinprise an entire sub-networlc of financial servers 305 responsible for processing financial infornlation.
[0148] When a user interfaces with the article dispensing machine 30 and provides financial infonnation such as a credit card numUer, that information is transmitted from the machine 30 via the network 301. In one einbodiment, the financial inforlnation is transmitted directly from the machiiie 30 to the financial server 305. In another en-ibodiment, the infonnation is transmitted to the central controller 302 first, and is then transmitted to the financial server 305. In either of those embodiments, financial server 305 is responsible for processing the financial infonnation received from the user at the article dispensing machine 30. In another enibodiment, financial server 305 software is comprised in the central controller 302, and financial transactions are perfonned by the central controller 302 without a separate financial server 305.
[0149] Refeiring now to FIG. 25, a systenZ and method is illustrated for regulating vendible nledia products. A plurality of vendible media products are provided in a first vending apparatus 30 (also referred to herein as article dispensing macliine 30), located at a first vending location. A list of vendible media products is received from a remote control location from the vending location, wlierein the list identifies a subset of the vendible media products at the vending location. A signal is tlleii generated to place the subset of vendible media products at the vending location in a predetennined area within the vending apparatus 30 for removal from the vending apparatus 30 at the vending location. The system and inethod allows for the tiser, or the system itself, to remotely deterniine a set of DVD titles that will be renioved froni the vending inventory of the article dispensing machine 30.
[0150] First, as shown in step 315, the central controller 302 is accessed.
Step 315 can be perforined reinotely, by a user at a personal computer 306 (through the web browser iiaterface described previously), or can be perfonned by a user at the remote control location.
Alternatively, step 315 can be perfonned autoznatically by a microprocessor executing software embodying the niethod for regulating vendiUle media products. In other words, the method for regulating vending merchandise can be perfonned nianually by a user, or can be perfonned automatically by a processor configured to perform the steps of the method described herein. The inventory database 304 is queried next, as shown in step 307. The query of the database comprises first a detemiination of the inventory stored in the vending apparatus 30. In effect, a query is n.in to detennine which DVDs are in the machine inventory.
[0151] Next, in step 308, sales data stored in the database 304 is queried. In one embodiment, the analysis of the sales data in step 308 is to determine how long the vendible media products have been stored in the vending inventory. For exainple, it is desirable to have a large quantity of new releases in the vending inventory, because new releases are frequently the most popular titles for rental and/or purchase. To store the new releases, older titles must first be removed. Thus, the querying of the sales data in step 308 allows for the selection of DVD titles that have been stored in the vending inventory for longer than a predetennined period of time.
[0152] In ariother exnbodiment, the querying and analysis perfonia.ed in step coinprises a profitability analysis to detennine which vendible media products (such as DVD
titles) are selling well and which are not. For exainple, a vending inventory may comprise ten copies of DVD Title A and ten copies of DVD Title B. It can be determined in step 308 which title is selling better. For example, all ten copies of DVD Title A may be vended from the inventory, while only one copy of DVD Title B may be vended. In that event, the sales data analysis perfonned in 308 can determine that it is advantageous to reduce the supply of DVD Title B in the vending inventory and increase the supply of DVD Title A.
The analysis in step 308 therefore allows the system or user to determine which vendible media products should be removed from the vending inventory and which vendible media products should be added to the vending inventory.
[0153] In step 309, a manual user selection of vendible media products is made based on the analysis perfonned in step 308. In one einbodinient, the querying in step 308 is perfonned manually by a user who personally analyzes the sales data stored in the database 304. In that embodiinent, the user then selects the vendible media products, in step 309, that are to be removed froni the vending inventory at the vending apparatus 30. In another embodiment, a microprocessor executing computer software is used to generate, in step 310, a set of vendible media products. The computer software embodies the analysis performed in step 308. For example, the software can be configured to automatically suggest the removal of vendible media products that have been in the vending inventory for longer tlian a predetermined period of time, such as two months. As anotlier example, the software can be configured to automatically suggest the removal of vendible products that are renting or selling below a predetennined threshold, such as 20%. As another example, the software can einbody an algorithm to suggest an adjustment of the vending inventory to meet demand.
(E.g., if the vending inventory contains ten copies of Title A, but only two copies are vended at any point in time, the software can be configured to suggest the removal of eight of the copies of Title A) The manual vendible niedia selection in step 309 and the automatic selection in step 310 have the sanle result, and both are based on the queiying and analysis perfomled in step 308. The difference is that step 309 is perfonned manually by a user, while step 309 is perfonned automatically by a microprocessor executing coniputer software. In addition, the two steps 309, 310 can be perfonned jointly, such as where the software suggests a set of vendible media products and the user adjusts the suggested set or adds to the selected set. Either embodiment is practicable in accordance with the principles of the present invention, and both cinbodiinents are jointly practicable as well.
[0154] The next step in the method, illustrated as step 311, is to confinn the selection made in either or botli of step 309 and 310. Step 311 is optional, yet particularly helpful if the vendible media product selection was made automatically, as shown in step 310, without user input. In that embodixnent, the confimlation of the selection performed in step 311 assures user oversight of the method. Upon completion of steps 310 and 311, a list of vendible media products to be removed from the venting inventory is ready for transmission to the vending controller 300.
[0155] In one enlbodiment, illustrated in step 312, the central controller 302 at the central location then awaits for commuiiication from the vending controller 300.
Coinmunication between the central server 302 and the vending controller 300 is bi-directional, such that both controllers 300, 302 can transniit data to and receive data from the otller controller 300, 302.
However, it is advantageous for the central server 302 to only transinit data in response to comniunication from the vending controller 300. It will be understood that in certain types of computer networlcs, the networlc address (e.g., IP address) of a network terminal will be static, and in otlier types of computer networlcs the networlc address will change. In TCP/IP
networlcs, for exaniple, networlc addresses are frequently static. But in PPP
networks, networlc addresses are frequently changing. For that reason, it is advantageous in the present system for data transmissions from the central server 302 to the vending controller 300 to be made in response to convnunication froin the vending controller 300. That relieves the central server 302 of the burden of detennining the networlc address for each of the vending controllers 300. By comparison, the networlc address of the central server 302 in that embodiinent is preferably made static.
[0156] Thus, in step 312, the central server 302 awaits a coinmunication from the vending controller 300. Such a communication is made, for example, when a rental transaction has occurred at the vending apparatus 30. In that enibodiment, the central server 302, in response to tlie communication from the vending controller 300, transmits the list of vendible media products to be removed from vending inventory to the vending controller 300. That step is illustrated as step 313. In another embodiment, the system proceeds to step 313 without awaiting communication from the vending controller 300.
[0157] The vending controller 300 receives the list of vending inventory from the central server 302, and in response thereto, generates in step 314 a signal to place the identified set of vendible media products in a predeteimined location for removal from the vending location.
As described previously, that step is physically accoinplished by instructing the robotic arm 46, 256 to remove the vendible media products (e.g., DVDs) from the vending inventory and place them in the portable vending managenzent module (also referred to herein as an article transport unit) 38. Thus, when service persomiel arrive to add inventory to the vending apparatus 30, the service personnel need simply remove the vending management module 38, as described previously. That saves the need for the service personnel to manually instruct the machine to place the vendible media products in the predetermined location, because the vending controller 300 has already instructed the robotic ann 46, 256 to perform that step. In anotlier einbodiment, the predetermined location for reinoval can be the article transfer opening 44, 144, 244. In that embodiment, the sexvice persomiel identifies herself, and in response, the vending controller 300 automatically delivers the inventory identified in steps 310 aiid 311 througli the article transfer opening 44, 144, 244.
[0158] Referring now to FIG. 26, there is illustrated a system and method for the offline vending of a vendible media product. The present invention provides for vendible media products to be distributed and the transaction recorded, without requiring networlc coiulectivity between the vending controller 300 and the network 301.
Begimiing with step 316, the vending controller 300 receives a request from a user for a vendible media product.
For example, the user may request to rent a DVD from the vending apparatus 30.
The vending controller 300 then deternnines, in step 317, whether coinmunication with the central seiver 302 is capable of being established. It will be understood that there are a variety of ways to perfonn that fiinetion, including a"ping checlc" to determine wliether the vending controller 300 is in conuixunication with the networlc 301. Such a checlc also enables a determination of whether the central server 302 is in coinmunication with the network. If the ping is successful, communication is capable of being established between the controllers 300, 302. If the ping is unsuccessful, communication is temporarily not capable of being establislled.
[0159] In the event that communication is capable of being established, the system then proceeds along an "online" mode of operation. In the "online" inode of operation, the transaction data (e.g., DVD title rented, user identification infonnation, user financial infonnation, rental term, etc.) is transmitted to the central server 302 in step 318. Then, in step 319, the transaction data is deleted from the nleinory of the vending apparatus 30. The "online" mode of operation is thus to receive transaction data and vend a selected vendible inedia product from the vending inventory, without storing the transaction data at the vending location.
[0160] However, in the event that the vending controller 300 determines, in step 317, that conununication is not capable of being established, the system then proceeds in an "offline"
mode of operation. In the "offline" mode, the system is still capable of vending and receiving inedia products, and therefore a loss of comlectivity does not hann the operation of the system. In one embodiment, the vending controller 300 and/or central controller 302 checks the inventoiy database 304 to determine whether user has exceeded a predetemiined number of rentals. If the user has exceeded the predetermined number of rentals, then the transaction is not performed.
[0161] In a preferred embodiment, the system restricts the nuinber of rentals that can be made from a vending apparatus 30 wliile the vending apparatus is unable to establish a connection to the transaction networlc 301. In another embodiinent, the system restricts the amount of time during which a vending apparatus 30 will be operational while the vending apparatus 30 is unable to establish a connection to the transaction network 301. In another einbodiment, the system restricts the nuinber of rentals that can be made by any one specific user while the vending apparattis 30 is unable to establish a coiuzection to the transaction network 301. It will be understood that such restrictions are embedded in the com.puter software and/or operating system of the vending controller 300.
[0162] In the offline mode, tlie systenl receives transaction data in step 320. Next, in step 321, the vending controller 300 stores the transaction data in a vending niemory located at the vending location and in communication with the vending controller 300.
Preferably, the transaction data stored in the menlory is also encrypted. A variety of inethodologies are lazown for encrypting stored data. In a preferred embod'unent, the transaction data is asyinmetrically encrypted using a public/private lcey encryption algorithm, wherein the public lcey is published by the central server 302. In a preferred embodiment, the transaction data is timestamped as having occurred at the tinie of the transaction. Tlius, when the transaction data is ultiinately uploaded to the central server 302, the data will accurately reflect the time of the transaction, not the time of the upload.
[0163] In a preferred einbodiment, the vending controller 300 then marks the transaction data as having occurred wliile the vending apparatus 30 was in an "offline"
state, as illustrated in step 322. Identifying the transaction data as having occurred "offline" assists in generating statistical reports regarding the number of transactions that occur "online" versus "offline", and also assists in identifying networlc comiectivity problems at the plurality of vending locations.
[0164] As illustrated in step 317, the system then returns to a status of determining whether coinmunication with the central server 302 is capable of being established. If coinmunication is capable of being established, the stored transaction data is uploaded to the central server 302, illustrated in step 318, and the transaction data is then deleted from the memory, illustrated in step 319.
[0165] It will be understood that the transaction data can coniprise not only vending infomiation such as DVD rental information, but can also comprise vending purchases, such as the purchase of a DVD from the vending inventoiy. Furthennore, the transaction data can also comprise return infonnation, such as the return of a rented DVD to the vending inventory.
[0166] Referring now to FIG. 27, there is illustrated a system and method for communicating vending information for a vendible media product. A vending request is received for the vendible inedia product at a first location. Then, it is determined whether the vendible niedia product is in a first vending inventory within a first vending apparatus at the first location. Next, it is determined whether the vendible media product is in a second vending inventory within a second vending apparatus at a second location, wherein that determination is performed if it is determined that the vendible media product is not at the first location. Tlien, inventoiy data is transmitted, wherein the data indicates whether the vendible media product is in the second vending inventory apparatus at the second location.
The system and metlzod for communicating vending infonnation allows for a user at a first location to receive infonnation indicating a second location at which a vendible media product is located and can be rented or purchased. In one embodiment, the first location is a vending apparatus 30. In another enibodiinent, the first location is a personal conlputer 306.

[0167] The method for communicating vending infonnation begins as illustrated at step 323, where the system receives a vendible media product identifier from a user. The product identifier siinply identifies the vendiUle media product for which the user is searching. For exaniple, if the user wishes to rent a DVD Title A, the product identifier received in step 323 will identify the requested vendible media product as DVD Title A. Next, in step 324, the system detennines whether the requested vendiUle media product is in inventory. In one emUodinZent, that determination is performed by vending controller 300, by clzeclcing the vending invezitory at the vending location, and the result of the deteniiination is displayed to the user via the display monitor 143. In another enlUodiinent, that deternlination is performed by the central controller 302, by consulting or querying the inventory database 304, and is then comnlunicated to the user via the Inten-iet 301 and the web browser software on the personal computer 306.
[0168] If the requested vendible media product is in the vending inventory at the vending apparatus 30, a transaction interface is generated in step 329, as in the "nonnal" mode of operation described herein. If, however, it is detennined in step 324 that the requested vendible media product is not in the vending inventory, the system proceeds to step 325, wherein the system receives a location identifier. The location identifier identifies tlie location of the user.
[0169] The location identifier can be received fioin several sources. First, the location identifier can be received manually from a user at the vending location. In that embodiment, the user interface 234, 42, 143 at the vending apparatus 30 requests that the user provide the location identifier. The user then supplies the location identifier using the keypad or touch screen 234, 42. In that emUodiinent, the location identifier can be data that is easy to recall for tlie user, such as a zip code. In another einbodinient, the location identifier is received automatically, from the vending controller 300. The vending controller in that embodiment is provided with data identifying its own location, such as an address, an intersection, a global positioning identifier or otlier coordinate data identifying its physical location.
[0170] Next, in step 326, the location identifier is transmitted from the vending controller 300 to the central server 302. In essence, the vending controller 300 requests of the central server 302 the location of the requested vendible media product. In step 327, the central seiver 302 queries the database 304 to determine the location of the vendible media product.
A query is performed on the database 304 to deterniine a vending apparatus 30 inventory having the requested vendible inedia product. The restdts of the qtteiy are then sorted according to their location, and are ranked according to the locations that are closest to the location identifier. For example, the first result will be the location of a vending apparatus 30 that is one block away, the second result will be the location of a vending apparatus 30 that is 1 mile away, and so on. Further, the system may be optionally configured to transmit any predetermined number of locations. For exainple, the system may transmit to the user only one recoininended location having the requested vendible media product, or the system may suggest any number of locations having the product, wherein the suggestions are ranked in order of proximity to the location identifier.
[0171] In step 328, the location of a vending apparatus 30 having the requested vendible media product in its vending inventory is transmitted to the user. The location can be displayed on the touch sensitive display 234 at the vending apparatus 30.
Then, in step 329, the system generates a transaction interface, wherein the user can rent or purchase the requested vendible media product, located at the second location, from the interface at the first location. Thus, the user interface at the first vending apparatus 30 allows the user to rent or purchase a vendiUle znedia product from the inventory at a second, renlotely located vending apparatus 30. The user rents or purchases the vendible media product via the user interface at the first vending locatioil, and the transaction data is transmitted to the central server 302, and then to a vending controller 300 at the second vending location. Then, at the second vending location, the vending controller 300 receives user identification, such as a credit card or identification card passed through the card reader 40, 142, 235 or a PIN
provided by the user using the lceypad 42. When the vending cozitroller 300 at the second vending location has confirined the identity of the user, the vending controller 300 generates a signal in step 331 to deliver the vendible media product to the user at the second vending location.
[0172] In another enzbodiinent, a system for communicating vending information is provided to comniunicate the location of a requested vendible media product to a user using a personal computer 306. In that einUodinient, the system for communieating vending information is ernbodied in an interactive website in communication witli the central server 302. A user uses browser software at the personal conlputer 306 to visit the website, and provides first, in step 323, a requested vendible media product. For example, the user selects a DVD title from a list of titles displayed on the website. Then, in step 325, the user provides a location identifier such as a zip code. In step 326, the location identifier is transmitted from the user's personal coinputer 306 to the central server 302. The central server in step 327 consults with or queries the database 304 to determine the location of a vending apparatus 30 that both has the requested vendible media product in its vending inventoiy and is located within a proximity to the location identifier. In step 328, the central server transmits the location of that vending apparatus 30 to the user, thereUy notifying the user of the location of the vending apparattis 30 that has the requested vendible media product.
[0173] In a prefeiTed emUodinient illustrated in step 329, the website then provides a transaction interface, whereby the user can purchase or rent the requested vendible media product using the personal computer 306 and the website. The user may then travel to the location of the vending apparattis 30 to receive the vendible media product that she rented or purchased through the website. In a preferred einUodiment illustrated in step 330, the vending apparatus 30 receives a user identification from the user, such as a credit card, user identification card, usernaine/password or PIN, and then in step 331 the vendible media product is delivered to the user, preferably through article transfer opening 44. In another emUodinlent, if the requested vendible media product is not located at the vending apparatus 30, the user may provide an electronic mail address; when the requested vendible media product is in the vending inventory at that vending apparatus 30, the user will be transmitted an electronic mail message indicating that the requested vendible media product is at that point in the inventory. Preferably, the electronic message further comprises a uniform resource locator, wliereby the user can reserve the vendihle media prodtict via the Internet.
[0174] Referring now to FIG. 28, there is provided a system and inethod for communicating vending information. A vending controller 300 receives a plurality of transaction data from a plurality of users regarding a plurality of transactions, and stores each of the plurality of transaction data in a memory located within the vending apparatus 30. The vending controller 300 then receives a request for coinmunication from the central server 302 and in response thereto, transmits the plurality of transaction data to the central server 302.
[0175] Initially, as illustrated in step 332, the vending controller receives transaction data froin the user. The transaction data comprises inforniation concerning the transaction perfonned by the vending apparattis 30. For example, the transaction data can comprise a user identification, a vendible media product identification (e.g., a serial nuinUer of a rented DVD) and financial inforrnation such as the user's credit or debit card number. The vending controller then stores the transaction data in a memory, illustrated in step 333, and preferably encrypts the data. As discussed herein, a variety of encryption schemes are practicable with the present invention. A preferred cncryption scheme is an asyminetric public/private lcey encryption scheme, wherein the puUlic lcey is puUlished by the central selver 302. In a preferred emUodiment illustration in step 334, the transaction data is also timestaniped, so that the transaction data wlien uploaded to the central server 302 will reflect the actual time of the transaction as opposed to the tiine of the upload.
[0176] In step 335, the vending controller 300 checks to determine wliether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the transmission of transaction data to the central server 302. The predetennined period of time is configurable by vending personnel at either the vending controller 300 or tlie central server 302. The predetermined period of time determines the frequency with which the vending controller 300 uploads transaction data to the central server 302. For example, if the predetennined period of time is two minutes, the vending controller 300 will transmit any stored transaction data to the central server 302 every two minutes.
[0177] hi step 336, the vending controller 300 checks to determine if the stored transaction data has exceeded a predetermined storage tbreshold. The storage threshold is configurable by vending personnel at either vending controller 300 or the central server 302.
The storage threshold detennines a niemory storage liinit. If the limit is exceeded, the vending controller 300 uploads transaction data to tlie central server 302.
For example, if the predetermined storage threshold is 1 megabyte, the vending controller 300 will transmit any stored transaction data to the central seiver 302 upon a determination that the stored transaction data exceeds 1 megabyte in memory storage.
[0178] The vending controller 300 and its attendant coniputer software can be figured to upload transaction data upon either or Uoth of the expiration of the predetermined time interval and the reaching of the predeteiinined storage threshold. In other words, either or both of those events can trigger the uploading of the transaction data. The option of which event to use, or to use both, is configurable by vending persoimel at either the vending controller 300 or the central seiver 302.
[0179] As illustrated in step 337, upon the triggering of one or both of the aforementioned events, the transaction data is uploaded to the central server 302 , similarly to the "norinal" inode of operation. In step 338, the transaction data is then deleted froni the memory at the vending apparatus 30.
[0180] The present invention further provides a system for cominunicating vending infonnation via a transaction networlc, as illustrated in FIG. 24. The system fiirther conlprises a remote control center, which is a physical location housing the central server 302. The central server(and thereby, the remote control center) is in communication with the vending controller 300. The central seiver 302 receives a communication from the vending controller 300 at a predetermined time interval, as discussed herein. The central server 302 also receives a plurality of transaction data from the vending controller 300, wherein each of the plurality of transaction data corresponds to a rental transaction from the vending apparatus 30. In a prefeiTed embodiment, each of the plurality of transaction data corresponds in particular to a rental transaction for a DVD.
[0181] The present invention fiirther provides a system for communicating vending infoimation comprising a transaction networlc as illustrated in FIG. 24 and a vending controller 300 in coinmunication with the transaction networlc. The vending controller 300 transmits, at a predetemiined time inteival, a conimunication to a central server 302 located at a remote control center. The vending controller 300 is also preferably configured to receive a request for infonnation from the central server 302. The vending controller 300 transmits a plurality of transaction data to the central server 302 , wlierein each of the plurality of transaction data corresponds to a rental transaction.
[0182] Referring now to FIG. 29, there is illustrated a systein and method for selling a rental media product, whereby a user who rents a vendible media product from a vending apparatus 30 may then have the option to purchase the vendible media product.
Transaction data is received from a user interface, wherein the transaction data comprises an electronic mail address for a user. The rental product is then vended from the vending apparatus 30 to the user, and an electronic mail message is transmitted to the electronic mail address, wherein the electronic mail message comprises an invitation to purchase the rental media product.
[0183] The vending controller initially receives transaction data from a user, as illustrated in step 340. The transaction data comprises infonnation related to the specific transaction perfonned at the vending apparattis 30, such as vending product information (e.g., the serial nunlber of a rented DVD), user identification infonnation and financial infomlation such as the user's credit or debt card number. The vending controller 300 also receives an electronic mail address from the user. It will be understood, llowever, that an electronic mail address coinprises not only traditional electronic mail such as POP and IMAP
electronic mail systems, but also comprises instant inessaging protocols and alphanumeric protocols as well.
Tl-ius, the electronic mail address received by the vending controller 302 is an address to which a message may be electronically transmitted, and is not limited to traditional electronic mail.
[0184] After the vending controller 300 receives the transaction data and electronic mail address from the user, the remainder of the method can then be perfonned inunediately, wliile the transaction is still occurring at the article dispensing machine 30, or can occur later by electronic n1ai1. In either enlbodiment, the steps of the method remain largely the saine.

First, a controller checks to determine wllether the product is available for purchase. That check may be performed by either the vending controller 300 or the central server 302. In one emUodiment, the vendible media rental product is offered for sale immediately, while the user is still plrysically present at the article dispensing machine 30. In that embodiment, the vending controller 300 checks a local database to determine whether the requested vendible media xental product lias heen flagged as a vending product that can be offered for sale.
Optionally, the vending controller transmits infonnation identifying the vending product to the central seiver 302 azid receives from the central server 302 information that identifies the requested vendible media rental product as a vending product that can be offered for sale.
[0185] Tn anotller elnUodinient, the ceZitral server 302 perfornzs the check to deternline whether the vendible media rental product can be offered for sale. Typically, that step is performed by qtierying a database 304. A vendiUle inedia rental product inay be flagged as a vending product that can be offered for sale eitlier by vending persozulel, manually, or by the system autoinatically. Computer software operated by a microprocessor at the central server 302 can be configured to determine whether a product should be offered for sale. For exaniple, the software can be configured to detennine the percentage of vendible media rental products of a certain type that are being rented. The software can then suggest that the percentage of the products not being rented be offered instead for sale. For instance, if only 20% of the inventory of DVD Title A is ever rented by a vending apparatus 30 at any time, the software can be configured to automatically suggest that the remaining 80%
of the vending inventoiy of DVD Title A be offered for sale to users at the vending apparatus 30.
That deten.nination of whether a product should be offered for sale, and the quantity and price at which the product should be offered, may thus be made autoinatically by the system, or may be made inanually by the user. Tii either event, the vending controller 300 and/or central server 302 determine in step 341 whetlier the requested vendible media rental product has been identified as a vending product that can be offered for sale.
[0186] If the controller 300, 302 determines that the vendible niedia rental product has not been identified as a product that can be offered for sale, the inethod for selling the product temlinates. If, however, it is deterniined in step 341 that the product can be offered for sale, the controller 300, 302 then detennines the sale price of the vending product.
In one entbodiinent, tlie central server 302 consults or queries database 304 to determine a user-defined sale price. The user-deflned sale price is a price established and recorded in the database 304 by vending persoiuiel, wlio have nianually detennuied the price at which the vendible media rental product should be sold. In another enibodinlent, the sale price is recorded in tlie database 304 autoinatically by computer software executed by the central server 302 or another controller located at the remote control center. The software is configured to determine the price at which the vending inventory should be offered for sale in order to hotli meet customer demand at the vending apparatus 30 and meet predetermined tllresholds of profitability established by the vending persomiel.
[0187] In another einbodiment, the sale price of a vendible media rental product is deteniiined by the vending controller 300 at the article dispensing machine 30. The sale price can be stored in an inventory database local to the machine 30, or can be identified on the vendible media rental product itself. The veriding controller 300 can then generate a user interface coinprising an offer to the user to purchase the vendible media rental product, so that the product is offered for sale iimnediately to the user upon vending.
[0188] In another einUodiment, the vendible media rental product is offered for sale at a later time, after it has been vended to the user, such as in a vending rental transaction. A
controller located at the remote control location, such as the central server 302, generates a purchase offer and transinits the purchase offer to the user-provided electronic mail address, as illustrated in step 345. In a preferred einUodiment, the message transmitted to the user in step 345 includes a website address, which the user can then visit using personal computer 306 and thereby electronically purchase the rented product. Because the user has already provided financial transaction information to the vending apparattis 30 at the time of the rental of the vendible media rental product, the user need not provide financial information again. Rather, the user need only provide user identification infonnation, such as the last four digits of the credit or debit card used during the rental transaction, or a zip code correspouding to the financial account used during the rental transaction.
Alteniatively, the message transmitted to the user-provided electronic mail address can coniprise instructions, wherein the instructions instruct the user to physically visit a vending apparatus 30 to purchase the vendible media rental product. Alteniatively, the purchase offer can be transmitted to the user upon returning the product to the vending apparatus 30.
[0189] In a preferred embodiment, a controller at the remote control center such as the central server 302 determines whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed, as illustrated in step 343. The predetermined period of time deterinines the time interval at which purchase offers for the vendible media rental product will be transmitted to the user.
The predetennined time period is configurable by an administrative user, such as vending perso1u1e1 at the remote control location or an adniinistrative user accessing the control facility using a personal computer 306. For exainple, if the predetermined period of time is conflgLired to be one day, then the system will transmit a purchase offer to the user once per day. If the controller detemzines that the predetermined period of time has not elapsed, the controller checks again in a "loop" fashion and does not proceed until the predetermined period of tiine has elapsed.
[0190] In a preferred embodinient, a controller at the remote control location such as the central seiver 302 deterniines whether the vendible media rental product has been returned by the user before transmitting a purchase offer to the user. If the product has been returned by the user to the vending apparatus 30, the purchase offer is not transinitted to the user-provided electronic mail address. If, however, the rental product has not been returned to the vending apparatus 30, then the purchase offer is transinitted to the user-provided electronic mail address.
[0191] In a preferred embodiment, the vendible media rental product is removed from the vending inventory after it has been purchased by the user, illustrated in step 347. That step may be acconlplished by marlcing the vending product as "sold" in the inventory database 304, and may also be accomplished by deleting the vendible inedia rental product from the inventory database 304. It will be understood that the steps of transmitting the purchase offer to the user-provided email address, generating the transaction interface for the purchase of the vending product, and reflecting such purchase in the inventory database can be accomplished by either the central server 302 , the vending controller 300 or another controller at a location remote from the vending apparatus 30. In a preferred embodiment, those steps are performed by a contioller located at the remote control location.
[0192] The present invention provides a system for selling vendible inedia rental products, wherein a central server 302 at a central location receives transaction data from a vending controller 300 at a vending location. The transaction data comprises an identifier, which identifies a rental product, and further comprises an electronic mail address. The system fiirther coinprises an electronic nzail application, preferably residing on a server 302 at the central location. The electronic mail application transmits an electronic mail message to the electronic mail address, wlierein the message comprises an invitation to purchase the rental product. The system fiirtlier comprises a purchase application, preferably residing on a seiver 302 at the central location. The purchase application receives a second transaction data from a user, wlierein the second transaction data comprises a request to purchase the rental product.
[0193] Referring now to FIG. 30, there is illustrated a system and method for calibrating a vending apparatus 30. As used herein, the tei7n "vending apparatus" refers to a vending-machine style device, such as article dispensing machine 30. The vending apparatus 30 is equipped with an optical sensor 370 for sensing objects stored in the inventory of the apparatus. A variety of forms of optical sensors are practicable witll the present invention without departing from the principles thereof, including an optical laser scaimer, a magnetic scaiuler, an optical bar code reader, an ultraviolet optical scanner and an infrared optical scamzer. It will be understood that optical sensors such as optical sensor 370 have sensitivity settings that detennine the amount of ligllt that will be sensed by the optical sensor 370. It will be further understood that such optical sensors are operated by an optical sensitivity controller, which controls the optical sensitivity of the optical sensor and processes data received by the optical sensor.
[0194] The optical sensor and its controller are preferably mounted on a selector arm 373, as illustrated in FIG. 32. As ilhistrated in step 348, one step of the method for calibrating the vending apparatus is to initialize the optical sensor 370 such that the optical sensor 370 has an initial optical sensitivity setting of zero.
[0195] As illustrated in step 349, the optical sensitivity setting of the optical sensor 370 is then incremented, such that the optical sensitivity setting of the optical sensor 370 is greater thai.l zero. The optical sensor controller then checks, in step 350, to deterrnine whether the optical sensor 370 has optically sensed one of the objects in the inventory of the vending apparatus. If the optical sensor 370 has not sensed one of the objects, then the optical sensor controller again increinents the optical sensitivity setting of the optical sensor 370. As illustrated by steps 349 and 350, this "loop" is repeated uiitil the optical sensor 370 optically senses one of the objects in the inventory of the vending apparatus 30.
[0196] Upon the optical sensing of one of the objects, the optical sensor controller stores the optical sensitivity setting of the optical sensor 370 as a first optical sensitivity setting, illustrated in step 351. It will be understood that the setting may also be stored by another controller within the vending apparatus, such as the vending controller 300.
Then, as illustrated by step 352, tl-ie optical sensor controller decrements the optical sensitivity setting of the optical sensor 370, such that it is less tlian the first optical sensitivity setting at which the optical sensor 370 sensed the object. The controller 371 then detennines, in step 353, whether the optical sensor 370 no longer detects the object. If the optical sensor 370 does continue to detect the object, the optical sensor controller 371 again decreinents the optical sensitivity setting of the optical sensor 370, and perfornis the sanie check to detennine whether the optical sensor 370 continues to sense the object. As illustrated by steps 352 and 353, this "loop" continues until the optical sensor 370 is no longer able to optically sense the object in the vending apparatus inventory.
[0197] Upon the inability of the optical sensor 370 to sense the vending inventory object, the optical sensor controller 371 stores the optical sensitivity setting of the optical sensor 370 as a second optical sensitivity setting, illustrated in step 354. It will be understood that the second setting may also be stored by another controller within the vending apparatus, such as the vending controller 300. The combination of the first and second optical sensitivity settings establishes an upper and lower bound of optical sensitivity, within which range the optical sensor 370 is capable of sensing an object in the vending apparatus inventory.
[0198] As illustrated in step 355, the optical sensor controller 371 selects a third optical sensitivity setting, wlierein the third optical sensitivity setting is within the range defined by the first and second optical sensitivity settings. In one embodiment, the third optical sensitivity setting is the average of the first and second optical sensitivity settings. It will be understood that the selection of the third optical sensitivity setting can be perfonlied by another controller within the vending apparatus 30, such as the vending controller 300. It will be understood that an optical sensor 370 is used to optically sense the object in the vending inventoiy. However, other types of sensors can be used without departing from the principles of the present invention, such as radio frequency sensors.
[0199] Referring now to FIG. 31, a system and method for calibrating a vending apparatus 30 is provided. Illustrated in step 356 an optical sensor 370 senses a first position on a compartn-ientalized storage device, such as the storage device 369 illustrated in FIG. 32.
The optical sensor controller 371 records that position as a horizontal base reference position in step 357. The optical sensor 370 then senses a second position on the compartmentalized storage device 369, in step 358, and the optical sensor controller 371 records that position as a vertical base reference position in step 359. In a preferred embodinlent, the vertical and horizontal base reference positions are the same position, forining a position denoted by a coordinate pair such as (0,0).
[0200] A selector arm 373 on which the optical sensor 370 is preferably located is then moved, as illustrated in step 360. While the selector ann is being moved, the optical sensor 370 tracks the motion of the selector ann 373. A variety of inethodologies for traclcing the moveinent of the selector arin 373 are practicable with the present invention.
In one embodiment, the selector ann 373 is operated by a controller, which directs the movement of the selector arm 373 by a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance corresponds to a diniension (height, width or depth) of one of the objects stored in the inventoiy of the vending apparatus. For example, the selector arm controller can instruct the selector arm to move "up" a distance of seven inches, wherein the dimension of seven inches corresponds to a heiglht of a DVD stored in the inventory of the vending apparatus. The sensor 370 then senses the new position of the selector arm 373 after the motion of the selector arm 373 has been coinpleted. Alternatively, the sensor 370 can sense the motion of the selector arm 373 while the selector arm 373 is in motion.
[0201] In anotlier einbodiment, the selector axnl controller instructs the selector arm 373 to move in a direction (up, down, left, riglit), and the sensor 370 optically scans the inventory of the vending apparatus until a new vending object is detected. Upon detection of the new vending object, the sensor 370 transmits a signal to the selector ami controller to stop the motion of the selector ann 373. In that einbodiment, the selector arm 373 is in effect driven by input froni the seiisor 370. For exainple, the selector ann controller can direct the selector ann 373 to move "up," at which time the sensor 370 optically senses DVD Title A in the inventory. When the sensor 370 optically senses DVD Title B in the inventory, the sensor 370 transmits a signal to the selector ann controller to stop the movement of the selector arm 373.
[0202] In a preferred embodiinent, the compartinentalized storage device 369 comprises a plurality of compartnientalized rows 250 wherein each of the compartmentalized rows 250 conlprises a plurality of compartments 254. Each of the conipartinents 254 corresponds to a horizontal position, and each of the rows corresponds to a vertical position, such that each compartiiient 254 within the storage device 369 lias a position defined by a coordinate pair such as (0,0). The present invention provides a system and method for sensing the position of a selector ann 373 with respect to the storage device 369, and for directing the selector arm 373 to a compartment 254 of the storage device 369.
[0203] In one embodiment, the sensor 370 senses an object within the storage device 369, as described herein. The sensor 370 then cominunicates that data to a controller within the vending apparattiis, such as vending controller 300. The controller 300 then determines, by consulting or querying a vending database within the vending apparatus, the position of the selector am1373 with respect to the storage device 369. For exanlple, the inventory database can store inforniation relating DVD Title A to position (1,2), denoting that DVD Title A is stored in the first compartinentalized row 250, in the second compartment 254 within that row. Then, at a later time, the controller 300 can require the selector arin to be positioned relative to another comparhnent 254 on the storage device 369, which stores for example DVD Title B. The controller 300 consults or queries the inventory database to determine the compartment 254 in which DVD Title B is stored, for exainple, the compartment 254 denoted by the coordinate pair (3,7). The controller 300 then transmits that position to the selector arm 373. which inoves the selector ann to the third compartnientalized row 250 and the seventh compartinent 254 within that row 250. The optical sensor 370 can then be used to verify the position of the selector arm relative to the storage device 369, or can be used to control the motion of the selector arm 373 while it is being moved, as described herein.
[02041 Referring to FIG. 32, the storage compartment 369 is adjacent to the selector arm 373. FIG. 32 is a relief illustration of the interior of the vending apparatus 30 illustrated in FIGS. 19, 20 and 21. The compartmentalized storage device 369 is preferably a carousel-style, cylindrical storage facility having a plurality of comparlinentalized rows 250 wherein each of the rows 250 has a plurality of compartments 254. In each of the compartments 254 can be stored a vending product, such as a DVD. A motor 253 conlprised of a plurality of wheels rotates the storage device 369 about a vertical axis 252. Positioned adjacent to the storage device 369 is the selector aim 373, which moves vertically along a second vertical axis 258. The selector arm is driven by a second motor 260, which may be positioned on the vertical axis 258, as illustrated. Altei7iatively, the second motor 260 may be positioned on the selector ann 373. In a preferred embodiment, the motors 253, 260 are stepper motors.
The selector arm 373 coinprises at least one conveyor 374 such as a conveyor belt 374, which contacts one of the media products in one of the compartnzents 254 and conveys the product to the article transfer opening 44, 144, 244, whereUy it is delivered to a user on the exterior of the article dispensing machine 30. The conveyor 374 is driven by a motor 372.
The sensor 370 is preferably, as illustrated, mounted on the selector ann 373, as is the sensor controller 371.
[0205] Referring again to FIG. 31, the system and metb.od for calibrating the vending apparatus uses a coordinate-style map to remove products from, and place products into, the storage device 369. In one einbodiment, the controller (such as the vending controller 300 or the sensor controller 371) analyzes the coordinates of a vending product stored within one of the coinpart7nents 254. The coordinates coinprise a vertical coordinate and a horizontal coordinate, wherein the vertical coordinate refers to one of the plurality of compartmentalized rows 250 and the llorizontal component refers to one of the comparhnents 254 within that row 250. The controller 371 tlien analyzes the vertical coordinate of tlie coordinate pair to detemiine whether to advance the selector ami 373 up or down along the vertical axis 258. If the vei.-tical coordinate is greater than the present vertical base reference position of the selector ann 373, as determined in step 367, the controller 371 instructs the motor 260 to advance the selector ann 373 in an "up" direction along the vertical axis 258, as illustrated in step 363. If the vertical coordinate is less than the present vertical base reference position of the selector ann 373, as detennined in step 368, the controller 371 instructs the motor 260 to advance the selector ami 373 in a"down" direction along the vertical axis 258, as illustrated in step 364. Thus, the selector arm 373 is positioned at the vertical coordinate received from the controller 300, 371, wllerein the vertical coordinate refers to one of the plurality of coinpartnientalized rows 250.
[0206] The controller 371 also analyzes the horizontal coordinate of the coordinate pair, whereiii the horizontal coordinate refers to one of the storage compartments 254 in one of the rows 250. If the horizontal coordinate is greater than the present horizontal Uase reference position of the selector ann 373, as detennined in step 366, the controller 371 instructs the motor 253 to rotate the storage device 369 in a cloclavise direction, as illustrated in step 362.
If, however, the horizontal coordinate is less tla.an the present horizontal base reference position of the selector arm 373, as determined in step 365, the controller 371 instructs the inotor 253 to rotate the storage device 369 in a countercloclcwise direction, as illustrated in step 361. Thus, after the rotation is coinplete, the selector arin 373 will be aligned with the storage compartYnent 254 corresponding to the coordinate pair.
[0207] It will be understood that a motor 253 capable of rotating in a single direction (i.e., cloclcwise or counter-cloclcwise) is practicable with the present invention, because the storage device 369 is cylindrical. In particular, if the horizontal coordinate of the coordinate pair is less than the present horizontal base reference position of the selector arm 373, the controller 371 can instruct the motor 253 to rotate the storage device 369 clockwise until the selector arin 373 is aligned with the correct compartYnent 254. Thus, either a unidirectional or bidirectional motor 253 can be used to rotate the storage device 369.
[0208] Referring now to FIG. 33, a systenl and method for maiiaging vending inventory is illustrated. An inventory descriptor is generated, wherein the inventory descriptor corresponds to a set of vendible media products. The set of vendible media products conzprises a first and second vendible media product storeds in first and second locations 391, respectively. A signal is generated to dispense the first vendible media product from the first location 391, and a second signal is generated to dispense the second vendible media product from the second location 391. The set of vendible media products is then secured in a vending delivery module 238.
[0209] An inventory descriptor is generated in step 380, wlierein the descriptor corresponds to a set of vendible inedia products such as DVDs, wherein the set of vendible inedia products coniprises first and second vending products stored in first and second locations 391, respectively. A signal is then generated, in step 382, to provide the fi'rst vendible media product from the first location 391 and the second vendible media product from the second location 391. The first and second products are then, in step 383, secured within a vending delivery module 238.
[0210] The generation of the inventory descriptor is illustrated in steps 375, 378, 379 and 380. In step 375, the vending supplier selects the vending products that it wishes to purchase from the product supplier. For example, the operator of vending apparatus 30 selects a plurality of DVD titles that it wishes to supply in the vending apparatus 30.
The vending supplier also detennines, for each of the vending locations, a set of inventory that will be placed at that vending location. Next, in step 378, those inventory allocations are entered into a database 304. The inventory data in the database is used to create delivery allocations, in step 379, corresponding to inerchandising routes. For example, the inventory allocation for a first vending apparatus 30 located along merchandising route A will be organized so as to coincide with the inventory allocation for a second vending apparatus 30 that is also located along inerchandising route A. Thus, the product inventories for multiple vending apparatuses 30 are organized based on inerchandising routes, to assure a more efficient method of distribution of the products.
[0211] In step 380, an inventoiy descriptor is generated, wllerein the inventory descriptor refers to a set of vendible media products. The inventory descriptor identifies the quantity and type of each of the vendible media products that will be in the inventory of the vending delivery module 238 wliich the inventory descriptor identifies. For exanlple, if the vending supplier wishes to secure 10 copies of DVD Title A and 20 copies of DVD Title B within a vending delivery inodule 238, an inventoiy descriptor will be generated in step 380 that identifies those inventory allocations. The inventory descriptor itself may be an optically readable media, such as a bar code, an infrared code or an ultraviolet code, or may also be a radio fiequency identifier that is readable by a radio frequency receiver.
[0212] In step 376, the vendible media products that have been selected by the vending supplier are shipped to the supplier. In step 377, the products are arranged in predetermined locations 391. The predetei7nined locations 391 can be storage bins or fiiction feeders. Each predetei inined location 391 stores a particular type of vendible inedia product. For example, all of the copies of DVD Title A will be stored in storage bin A, all copies of DVD Tit1e B
will be stored in storage bin B, etc. In step 381, the inventoiy descriptor is scanned. The scamiing can be performed by an optical sensor such as a bar code reader, an ultraviolet [0231] Referring now to FIG. 38, there is illustrated a transaction interface for renting and/or purchasing vendible media products such as DVDs. The transaction interface allows the user to select multiple vendible media products to rent and/or purchase, using a "shopping cart" functionality lmown to one of skill in the art. The interface comprises a list of a plurality of vendible inedia products that have been selected by the user, wherein the list coinprises detailed information 417 relating to the selected vendible media products, such as the title of the product and the rental and/or purchase price of the product.
The interface also preferably comprises a"remove" function 418, whereby the user may edit the list of selected products to remove a product she no longer desires to rent and/or purchase.
The interface also preferably coinprises a"checlcout" function 419, whereby the user can select to complete the transaction to rent and/or purchase the products listed in the interface.
[0232] Refeiring now to FIG. 39, there is illustrated a security interface for the rental or purcliase of a vendible media product such as a DVD. The security interface comprises a touch sensitive nuinber pad 420, as illustrated, or a touch sensitive lceypad.
Wlien the user provides financial infonnation such as a credit card or debit card nuinber, preferably by sliding the credit or debt card through a financial card reader on the exterior of the article dispensing machine 30, the security interface illustrated in FIG. 39 is preferably displayed, providing additional security to the transaction. The user can be prompted, as illustrated, to provide a security identifier associated with the financial account, such as the zip code associated witli the billing address of the financial account. Alteniatively, the user can be prompted to enter a PIN or a CVV nuinber using the number pad 420.
[0233] Referring now to FIG. 40, there is illustrated a promotional interface for use in renting and/or purcliasing vendible media products such as DVDs. The promotional interface coinprises an entry fiinction 421 sucli as a touch-sensitive keyboard displayed on the display screen, as illustrated. The keypad allows the user to enter a proinotional code, thereby entitling tlie user to a discount offer for the rental and/or purchase of a vending product.
[0234] Referring now to FIG. 41, there is illustrated an electronic mail address interface, through wh.ich the user can provide an electronic mail address to which will be transinitted promotional offers, discount offers and/or offers for the sale of vendible media products. The interface comprises a touch-sensitive keyboard 421 displayed on the display screen, whereby the user can provide her electronic mail address. The interface also preferably comprises a denial fiinction 422, whereby the user can elect not to provide an electronic mail address to the system.

[0235] Referring now to FIG. 42, a user interface is illustrated for configuring an electronic mail message to be transmitted to a user-provided electronic mail address according to the system and method for selling vendible media products. The user interface is intended to be used by an adininistrative vending personnel user einploying personal computer 306 and interfacing with the central server 302 via the Internet browser software of personal computer 306. Through the interface, the user can specify the text 423 of the electronic inail message that will be received by the customer user, and can also specify the price portion 424 of the transaction data that will be transmitted to the custoiner. The user interface allows the adnzinistrative user to format the presentation of a receipt for the transaction, as illustrated, and can also be used to transmit to the customer user an option to purchase the vendible media rental product, or to rent or purchase additional vendible media products at a discounted price. The user interface also allows the adniinistrative user to view and, if desired, transmit to the user-provided electronic mail address payment information 425 that has been provided by the user during the transaction, and location information 426 specifying the vending location at wlzich the transaction occurred. It will be understood that the user interface provides a template for electronic mail messages, and need not be accessed or modified by the administrative user for every receipt or discount offer.
The template is used by an electronic mail application eanbodied in computer software executed by the central server 302 to send the template to the customer users. It will be understood that the electronic mail application retrieves inforination froni the inventoiy database 304 and enters the inforination from the database 304 into the template and then automatically transmits the electronic mail message to the user-provided electronic mail address.
[0236] Referring now to FIG. 43, a user interface is illustrated for entering inventory inforination to the inventory database 304, wherein the inventory infornnation specifies a type of vendible media product. The user interface is intended to be used by an administrative vending personnel user employing personal computer 306 and interfacing witli the central server 302 via the Intei7iet browser software of personal computer 306. The user interface allows the administrative user to detennine the information that will be displayed to a customer user at the vending apparatus 30 pertaining to a particular type of vendible media product. The interface allows the user to specify the title 442 of the vendible media product, and additional information 445 related to the vendible media product, such as the actors starring in a DVD movie, the director of the movie and a description of the movie. The interface also allows the user to specify a user rating 444 or an MPAA rating 444 that will be displayed to customer users. The interface also allows the adniinistrative user to specify a genre 447 of the vendible inedia product, and further to specify the quantity 448 of the vendible media products.
102371 The quantity 448 of vendible inedia products entered into the user interface can specify the quantity of that type of vendible media products located at a particular vending location, or the quantity that type of vendible media product in aggregate throughout the vend'u1g inventories of the vending apparatuses 30 or the quantity of that type of vendible media product that will be ordered from a vendible media supplier and then delivered to the vending inventoiy of the vending apparatuses 30. The user interface also allows the administrative user to specify an image 446 that will be displayed to the customer user pertaining to the vendible media product, such as a trailer image, a screenshot or a promotional poster image.
[0238] Referring now to FIG. 44, a user interface is illustrated for viewing the vending inventory at a vending apparatus 30. The user interface is intended to be used by an administrative vending personnel user eniploying personal conlputer 306 and interfacing with the central server 302 via the Internet browser software of personal computer 306. The user interface is generated by querying database 304 to retrieve a listing of the vendible media products located in the vending inventory of a particular vending apparatus 30. The user interface displays aii identifier 449 that uniquely identifies each of the vendible media products, such as a product identifier. The iiiterface also displays a title 450 of the vendible media product, and the pliysical status 451 of the product, indicating for example whether the vendible media product is prevent in the inventory, has been rented or is missing. The interface also displays a quantity indicator 452 that indicates the quantity of that type of vendible media product in the inventory. For example, if the quantity of that type of vendible media product in the vending inventory is below a predetennined threshold, the interface will display that vendible media product supply as being "thin" or below the threshold.
[0239] Referring now to FIG. 45, a user interface is illustrated for querying the inventory database 304 to retrieve vending infonnation regarding the vendible media products. The user interface is intended to be used by an adnzinistrative vending personnel user employing personal computer 306 and interfacing with the central seiver 302 via the Internet browser software of personal computer 306. The interface allows the adininistrative user to query the database according to the title 453 of the vendible media product, a vending location 454, a unique product identifier 455 or a customer user name 456. Information stored in the database 304 pertaining the queiy will be displayed in the user interface, as illustrated in FIG.
46.

[0240] Referring now to FIG. 46, a user interface is illustrated for viewing and editing customer user infomlation. The user interface is intended to be used by an administrative vending personnel user employing personal computer 306 and interfacing with the central server 302 via the Internet browser software of personal coinputer 306. The interface allows the administrative user to view the customer's naine 458 and a unique customer identification code 457. The interface also allows the administrative user to view the customer user's financial information 459, sucli as the user's credit card account information. In a preferred enlbodiment, the customer user's credit or debit card nunzber is stored in the database 304, but the administrative persoiuiel, as illustrated, cannot view the infonnation via the interface.
The interface also allows the adininistrative user to view and/or edit the customer user's electronic mail address 460, and the customer user's aggregate data 461 relating to the number of vendible media products that have been rented and/or purchased by that customer user. The interface also allows the administrative user to set a privilege 462 that will detemzine the type of customer user; for example, specifying whether the customer user is able to rend vendible inedia prodticts at the vending apparatus 30 or whether the customer user is a preferred customer. It will be understood that any changes made via the interface can then be stored in the database 304 for later retrieval via the interface or download to a vending controller 300.
[0241] Referring now to FIG. 47, a user interface is illustrated for selecting vendible inedia products in a vending inventory of a vendiuig apparatus 30 that will be removed from the vending apparatus 30. The user interface is intended to be used by an administrative vending personnel user employing personal coinputer 306 and interfacing with the central server 302 via the Inteniet browser software of personal coinputer 306. The user interface allows an adininistrative user to query the database 304 for vendible media products meeting an inventory description 463 such as the title of a type of vendible media product. The interface then displays a list of database 304 entries of vendible inedia products meeting that inventory description 463. The interface displays the location 464 of the vendible media product, and allows the user to select a quantity 465 of the vendible niedia product to be removed froin the vending apparatus 30. The administrative user then submits tlie inforination to the database 304, and it is then downloaded to the vending controller 300. The identified vendible media products are then placed in a predetermined location for removal from tlie vending apparatus 30 according to the system and method described elsewllere herein.

[0242] Referring now to FIG. 48, a user interface is ilhistrated for viewing vendible media products that have been rented longer than a predetermined period of time. The user interface is intended to be used by an administrative vending personnel user employing personal coinputer 306 and interfacing with the central server 302 via the Internet browser software of personal computer 306. The interface queries the database 304 based on the rental time infonnation 468 of the vendible media product descriptions stored in the database 304, and retrieves a list of vendible media products that have been rented, and not returned, for long than a predetermined period of time. The administrative user, via the interface, may specify the predeterinined period of time. For exaniple, the user can select to view a list of vendible media products that have been rented and not returned for longer than one week.
The interface tlien displays a product identifier 466 identifying the vendible media product, such as a unique product code or a title of the product. The interface also displays contact information 467 for the customer user, such as the user's electronic mail address, by which the administrative user can contact the customer user to notify her of the late status of the rented vending media product.
[0243] Referring now to FIG. 49, a user interface is illustrated for displaying pricing policy infonnation for a plurality of vendible media products at a vending apparatus 30. The user interface is intended to be used by an administrative vending personnel user employing personal computer 306 and interfacing with the central seiver 302 via the hiternet browser software of personal computer 306. It will be understood that the fields illustrated in the user interface are populated with data retrieved from the inventory database 304.
The interface allows the user to specify a pricing policy for a vending location, or for a particular type of vendible media product. For example, the adininistrative user can use a media selector 469 to detennine a pricing policy for a particular type of vendible media product, or can use a location selector 470 to detennine a pricing policy for a set of vending apparatuses 30 or an individual vending apparatus 30. The interface allows the user to determine a tllreshold of time 471 which will be considered a maximum rental period, beyond which the customer user will be charged for the fiill purchase price of the vendible nledia product.
The interface also allows the administrator user to determine a tlireshold cost 472 as a maximum rental period cost, beyond which the customer user will not be charged for the rental of the vendible media product.
[0244] The interface also allows the user to specify pricing inforination 473, wliich defines a pricing policy for the rental and/or purchase of vendible media products. As illustrated, the interface allows the adininistrative user to customize the rental and/or purchase prices for vendible media products at a particular set or individual one of vending apparatuses 30, according to periods of time such as days of the week. For example, the administrative user can, via the interface, establish a different rental price for Thursday as opposed to Friday, and a different late fee charge for those days as well.
Using the interface, the administrative user can also thereby establish discount periods and discount offers based on the time periods. It will be understood that after the user submits the requisite information in the interface, the data is then saved into the inventory database 304 and then downloaded to the vending controller 300.
[0245] Referring now to FIG. 50, a user interface is illustrated for establishing a discount offer. The user interface is intended to be used by an administrative vending personnel user employing personal computer 306 and interfacing with the central server 302 via the Internet browser software of personal computer 306. It will be understood that the fields illustrated in the interface are populated with data retrieved from the database 304. The interface allows the adn-iinistrative user to detemiine the number of times 474 the discount offer will be offered, and the value 475 of the discount offer. The interface also allows the user to specify a duration 476 for the discount offer. The interface can also allow the user specify a particular type of vendible media for which the discount offer will be offered, and/or a particular location at which the discount offer will be offered. It will be understood that after the user submits the infonnation via tlie interface, the information is stored in the database 304 for later download to the vending controller 300.
[0246] Referring now to FIG. 51, a user interface is illustrated for displaying and/or editing information pertaining to users of the vendible media distribution system. The user interface is intended to be used by an adininistrative vending personnel user einploying personal computer 306 and interfacing with the central server 302 via the hitenlet browser software of personal coniputer 306. The interface allows the administrative user to view and change infonnation pertaining to both customer users and adininistrative users. The interface allows the adniinistrative user to view identification information 477 pertaiiiing to the user, and contact information 478 pertaining to the user. The interface also allows the user to specify a set of vending apparatuses 479 for which an admuiistrative user is responsible for adininistering; via the same interface, the administrative user also view a set of vending apparatuses 479 at wliich a customer user has transacted a vendiulg transaction for a media product. The interface also allows the user to view and change a list 480 of vending apparatuses for which an adniinistrative user is responsible for administering, or a list at which a customer user has perfonned a vending transaction. It will be understood that after the administrative user enters data into the interface, that data is uploaded to the database 304 for later download to the vending controller 300.
[0247] Any process descriptions or blocks in figures represented in the figures should be understood as representing modules, seginents, or portions of code which include one or more executable instructions for impleinenting specific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternate impleinentations are included within the scope of the embodiments of the present invention in which functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including suUstantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood bythose having ordinary slcill in the art.
[0248] While the specific einbodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention, and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying Claims.

Claims

What is Claimed is:

l A method for offline vending of a media product having entertainment content therein from a media vending apparatus, comprising the steps of:

receiving a request for the media product from a user interface at a first time;
determining whether the user has exceeded a predetermined limit of requests for media products;

determining whether communication with a transaction network is capable of being established;

storing transaction data received from the user interface in a vending memory;

vending the media product from a media vending apparatus:

storing a data indicator with the transaction data, wherein the data indicator indicates that the media product was vended while the media vending apparatus was in an offline state:
and, transmitting the transaction data via the transaction network at a second time.

3. The method of Claim 1, further comprising the step of:

deleting the transaction data from the vending memory.

4. The method of Claim 1, wherein the step of determining whether communication with the transaction network is capable of being established is performed without notification being displayed on the user interface.

5. The method of Claim 1, further comprising the step of:
encrypting the transaction data.

6. The method of Claim 1, further comprising the step of:

attempting to establish communication with the transaction network at predetermined periodic intervals.

8. The method of Claim 1, further comprising the step of:

storing a data indicator with the transaction data, wherein the data indicator indicates a vend time at which the media product was vended from the media vending apparatus.

9. A system for offline vending of a media product having entertainment content therein from a media vending apparatus, comprising:

a transaction network; and, a vending controller structured to determine whether communication with the transaction network is capable of being established and to store transaction data received from a user interface in a memory when the vending controller determines that communication with the transaction network cannot be established, wherein the vending controller is further structured to determine whether a predetermined request limit has been exceeded, wherein the request limit represents a predetermined number of requests that have been received from a user interface for vending the media products, wherein the vending controller is further structured to store a data indicator wherein the data indicator indicates that the media product was vended from the media vending apparatus in an offline state, wherein the vending controller is further structured to transmit the transaction data via the transaction network upon establishment of communication between the vending controller and the transaction network.

11. The system of Claim 9, wherein the vending controller is further structured to delete the transaction data from the the memory after the transaction data has been transmitted via the transaction network.

12. The system of Claim 9, wherein the vending controller is structured to encrypt the transaction data.

13. The system of Claim 9, wherein the vending controller is further structured to attempt to establish communication with the transaction network at predetermined periodic intervals.

15. The system of Claim 9, wherein the vending controller is further structured to store a data indicator, wherein the data indicator indicates a time at which the vending product was vended media vending apparatus.

16. A method for offline receipt of a media product having entertainment content therein to a media vending, apparatus, comprising the steps of:

receiving media product into the media vending apparatus at a first time;
determining whether communication between the media vending apparatus and a transaction network is capable of being established;

storing transaction data related to the media product in a memory of the media vending apparatus proximate the first time if communication between the media vending apparatus and the transaction network is not capable of being established:

storing with the transaction data a first data indicator indicating that the media product was received from the user in an offline state;

storing with the transaction data a second data indicator indicating a time at which the media product was received from the user; and, transmitting the transaction data via the transaction network at a second time.
17. The method of Claim 16, further comprising the steps of:

encrypting the transaction data; and, deleting the transaction data from the memory after the transaction data has been transmitted via the transaction network.

18. The method of Claim 16, further comprising the step of:

attempting to establish communication with the transaction network at predetermined periodic intervals.

20. A method for offline vending of digital video discs, comprising the steps of:

receiving, at a vending location and at a first time, a request for a digital video disc from a user interface;

determining whether a vending controller is capable of being placed in communication with a transaction network;

storing transaction data provided by the user interface in a memory, wherein the transaction data comprises a title of the requested digital video disc and financial information provided by the user interface;

encrypting the transaction data;

generating a signal for vending the digital video disc from a vending apparatus;
polling the transaction network at predetermined periodic intervals to determine whether the vending controller is capable of being placed in communication with the transaction network;

transmitting the transaction data via the transaction network at a second time, upon a determination that the vending controller is capable of being placed in communication with the transaction network; and, deleting the transaction data from the memory.
CA2605563A 2005-04-22 2006-04-21 System and method for offline vending of a media product Active CA2605563C (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

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US67401105P 2005-04-22 2005-04-22
US60/674,011 2005-04-22
PCT/US2006/015130 WO2006116113A2 (en) 2005-04-22 2006-04-21 System and method for offline vending of a media product

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CA2605563A1 true CA2605563A1 (en) 2006-11-02
CA2605563C CA2605563C (en) 2015-06-23

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CA002606391A Abandoned CA2606391A1 (en) 2005-04-22 2006-04-21 System and method for vending vendible media products
CA002605550A Abandoned CA2605550A1 (en) 2005-04-22 2006-04-21 System and method for selling a rental media product
CA2605543A Active CA2605543C (en) 2005-04-22 2006-04-21 System and method for communicating vending information
CA2605567A Active CA2605567C (en) 2005-04-22 2006-04-21 System and method for communicating vending information
CA2605563A Active CA2605563C (en) 2005-04-22 2006-04-21 System and method for offline vending of a media product
CA2606388A Active CA2606388C (en) 2005-04-22 2006-04-21 System and method for managing vending inventory
CA2605552A Active CA2605552C (en) 2005-04-22 2006-04-21 System and method for calibrating a vending apparatus
CA2606385A Active CA2606385C (en) 2005-04-22 2006-04-21 System and method for regulating vendible media products

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CA002606391A Abandoned CA2606391A1 (en) 2005-04-22 2006-04-21 System and method for vending vendible media products
CA002605550A Abandoned CA2605550A1 (en) 2005-04-22 2006-04-21 System and method for selling a rental media product
CA2605543A Active CA2605543C (en) 2005-04-22 2006-04-21 System and method for communicating vending information
CA2605567A Active CA2605567C (en) 2005-04-22 2006-04-21 System and method for communicating vending information

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CA2606388A Active CA2606388C (en) 2005-04-22 2006-04-21 System and method for managing vending inventory
CA2605552A Active CA2605552C (en) 2005-04-22 2006-04-21 System and method for calibrating a vending apparatus
CA2606385A Active CA2606385C (en) 2005-04-22 2006-04-21 System and method for regulating vendible media products

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US (19) US7499768B2 (en)
CA (8) CA2606391A1 (en)
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