WO2012174324A1 - System and method for self checkout of portable electronic devices - Google Patents

System and method for self checkout of portable electronic devices Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012174324A1
WO2012174324A1 PCT/US2012/042578 US2012042578W WO2012174324A1 WO 2012174324 A1 WO2012174324 A1 WO 2012174324A1 US 2012042578 W US2012042578 W US 2012042578W WO 2012174324 A1 WO2012174324 A1 WO 2012174324A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
portable electronic
electronic device
kiosk
portable
check
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2012/042578
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
James K. NELSON
Michael K. ROBERTSON
Ross P. REVERMAN
Chris J. BLAZEK
Original Assignee
Tech Logic Corporation
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Tech Logic Corporation filed Critical Tech Logic Corporation
Publication of WO2012174324A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012174324A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07G—REGISTERING THE RECEIPT OF CASH, VALUABLES, OR TOKENS
    • G07G1/00—Cash registers
    • G07G1/0036—Checkout procedures
    • G07G1/0045—Checkout procedures with a code reader for reading of an identifying code of the article to be registered, e.g. barcode reader or radio-frequency identity [RFID] reader
    • G07G1/0081—Checkout procedures with a code reader for reading of an identifying code of the article to be registered, e.g. barcode reader or radio-frequency identity [RFID] reader the reader being a portable scanner or data reader
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/62—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles in which the articles are stored in compartments in fixed receptacles

Definitions

  • Public libraries serve the public by providing the public with access to information and knowledge (i.e. , "content"). Public libraries facilitate the location of desired content, ranging from music and movies to the written word, and loan media containing the desired content to customers for limited times at little or no cost.
  • Public libraries have traditionally provided the content in physical form, such as hardcover books, compact discs and digital video discs.
  • physical assets are quickly being supplanted by the delivery of content in electronic format that requires a personal electronic device to receive and display or play the content.
  • a first aspect of the invention is a portable electronic device checkout system comprising a vending kiosk equipped with a control system operable for securely storing, recharging and selectively dispensing portable electronic devices.
  • the device is operable for (i) dispensing portable electronic devices stored in the kiosk only upon receipt of an electronic approval signal, and (ii) selecting a portable electronic device to be dispensed from amongst a plurality of portable electronic devices stored in the kiosk based upon at least one characteristic of the portable electronic device identified autonomously by the control system.
  • the vending kiosk is preferably configured and arranged for self-checkout of portable electronic devices, such as e-readers, and in electronic communication with an inventory management system, such as an integrated library system, from which the vending kiosk receives the electronic approval signal and to which the vending kiosk transmits data identifying each portable electronic device dispensed.
  • portable electronic devices such as e-readers
  • an inventory management system such as an integrated library system
  • a second aspect of the invention is a method of checking-out a portable electronic device.
  • a first embodiment of the checkout method includes the steps of: (i) transmitting an electronic signal to an inventory management system that includes at least (A) a request to check-out a portable electronic device, and (B) data identifying a customer making the request, (ii) transmitting an electronic approval signal from the inventory management system to a vending kiosk control system to dispense the requested portable electronic device when the inventory management system indicates that the identified customer is authorized to check-out the requested portable electronic device, and (iii) dispensing the requested portable electronic device from the vending kiosk upon receipt of an electronic approval signal, wherein the vending kiosk is configured and arranged to securely store, recharge and selectively dispense portable electronic devices with selection of a portable electronic device to be dispensed from amongst a plurality of portable electronic devices stored in the kiosk based upon at least one characteristic of the portable electronic device identified autonomously by the control system of the kiosk.
  • a second embodiment of the checkout method includes the steps of (i) inputting into an inventory management system (A) a request to check-out a portable electronic device having a defined attribute, and (B) data identifying a customer making the request, (ii) transmitting an electronic approval signal from the inventory management system to a vending kiosk where portable electronic devices available for check-out are securely stored and recharged, to dispense the requested portable electronic device when a database on the inventory management system indicates that the identified customer is authorized to check-out the requested portable electronic device, (iii) automatically identifying a portable electronic device possessing the requested attribute from amongst a plurality of portable electronic devices with varying attributes stored in the kiosk, and (iv) dispensing the identified portable electronic device from the kiosk upon receipt of an electronic approval signal from the inventory management system.
  • a third embodiment of the checkout method includes the steps of (i) inputting into an inventory management system (A) a request to check-out a portable electronic device having a defined downloadable attribute, and (B) data identifying a customer making the request, (ii) transmitting an electronic approval signal from the inventory management system to a vending kiosk where portable electronic devices available for check-out are securely stored and recharged, to dispense the requested portable electronic device when a database on the inventory management system indicates that the identified customer is authorized to check-out the requested portable electronic device, (iii) automatically identifying a portable electronic device that is compatable with the requested defined downloadable attribute from amongst a plurality of portable electronic devices stored in the kiosk, (iv) downloading the requested defined downloadable attribute onto the identified portable electronic device, and (v) dispensing the identified portable electronic device from the kiosk upon receipt of an electronic approval signal from the inventory management system.
  • the request to check-out a portable electronic device having a defined attribute is preferably manually input by a customer while data identifying a customer making the request is preferably input by reading machine readable data from a medium presented by a customer.
  • the defined attribute is preferably defined content, such as a specific book, newspaper or periodical.
  • the defined downloadable attribute is preferably defined downloadable content, such as a specific downloadable song, book, newspaper or periodical.
  • Identification of a portable electronic device possessing the requested attribute can be accomplished by various techniques including searching the memory of the portable electronic devices stored in the vending kiosk, or searching a database containing data about the attributes of each portable electronic device stored in the vending kiosk.
  • identification of a portable electronic device that is compatible with the requested downloadable attribute can be accomplished by various techniques including searching the memory of the portable electronic devices stored in the vending kiosk for information indicating the portable electronic device is compatible with the requested downloadable attribute, and searching a database containing data indicating the attributes previously downloaded onto each portable electronic device stored in the vending kiosk.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 2 is a front view of the invention shown in Figure 1.
  • Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the invention shown in
  • Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the invention shown in
  • the phrase "portable electronic device” means an electronic device capable of receiving, storing and transmitting human perceptible information.
  • ILS integrated library system
  • a typical ILS comprises a relational database, software to interact with that database ⁇ i.e. , database management software), and graphical user interfaces for customers and staff).
  • Most ILSes separate software functions into discrete programs called modules, each of them integrated with a unified interface. Exemplary modules include acquisitions, cataloging and circulation.
  • the term "content” means information and artwork , including specifically but not exclusively music, literature, photography, paintings, film, video, etc.
  • the phrase "vending kiosk” means a structure equipped with a control system for securely storing and selectively dispensing items upon receipt of proper input ⁇ e.g. , personal identification data, a password, cash payment, authorization to charge a credit card, etc.).
  • the term "dispense” means to perceptibly distinguish and make available for physical removal from a vending kiosk.
  • the phrase "application server” means equipment, typically at least a computer and software that can be accessed through an intranet connection for delivering item information.
  • security station means a device capable of activating and deactivating a security tag (e.g. , electromagnetic (EM) security strips and RFID security tags).
  • EM electromagnetic
  • Portable Electronic Device e.g. , Archos Internet Tablet
  • Charger e.g. , Inductive Charging Pad
  • Locking Mechanism e.g. , Solenoid
  • the invention is a system and method to facilitate the maintenance and self- checkout or rental of portable electronic devices 30, such as a portable media player, a portable digital audio player, a portable internet tablet, a portable e-reader, a portable tablet computer, a portable laptop computer, a handheld game console, and devices comprising various combinations thereof.
  • the system includes a kiosk 10 with a processor (not shown), a plurality of shelves 12 each configured and arranged to hold a device 30, and a user interface such as a touch screen 13.
  • the processor (not shown) can communicate with the renter's inventory management system (e.g. , an integrated library system) and interface with a renter or customer to allow an organized check-out of the devices 30.
  • Devices 30 inserted into a shelf 12 in the kiosk 10 can be locked and charged.
  • Devices 30 can be dispensed (i. e. , unlocked) when an authorized customer checks out the device 30.
  • Each shelf 12 can contain an inductive charging pad 50 to wirelessly charge a device 30 resting on the shelf 12, an inductive sensor 90 to sense when a device 30 is fully seated in the shelf 12, and an RFID antenna 71 to read information stored on a device' s RFID transponder 72 and 73.
  • the kiosk 10 can also contain a card reader 20 for obtaining a customer's credentials, and a receipt printer (not shown) to print a receipt of the customer' s transaction, such as an identification of the device 30 checked out and the due date for return of the device 30.
  • An electrical component (not shown) within the kiosk 10 can monitor the current draw of each device 30 and relay the information to the controller (not shown) to determine the charge status of each device 30.
  • the devices 30 can be charged wirelessly using inductive charging technology and tracked using RFID transponders 72, 73.
  • Each device 30 can be surrounded by a hard plastic cover or case 40 that protects the device 30 from damage.
  • the case 40 preferably also includes the electrical components for charging the device 30 and RFID transponders 72, 73 containing data identifying the device 30.
  • Each cover 40 can be tailored to accommodate the buttons and sensors on a specific device 30, and can be configured to integrate with the shelves 12 in the kiosk 10 designed to accommodate the device 30 and its corresponding cover 40.
  • the cover 40 preferably incorporates proper ergonomics to permit the device 30 to be easily held with a single hand.
  • An inductive charging coil 60 in the case 40 can transfer power wirelessly from an inductive charging pad 50 to the device' s battery (not shown).
  • the customer enters their credentials.
  • the processor transmits this information to the inventory management system (e.g. , an integrated library system) and awaits receipt of a signal indicating that the identified customer is authorized to checkout one of the devices 30.
  • the software Upon receipt of an approval signal from the inventory management system (e.g. , an integrated library system), the software prompts the customer to select the type of device 30 they would like to checkout.
  • the kiosk 10 automatically selects a device 30 based upon the customer's request and certain predesignated criteria (e.g.
  • a device 30 whose battery (not shown) is fully charged), activates the corresponding solenoid 80 to unlock the selected device 30 by rotating the solenoid lever 81, and indicates to the customer which device 30 has been unlocked, such as by activating an indicator light 100 located next to the shelf 12 in which the unlocked device 30 is held.
  • the characteristic of the portable electronic device 30 identified autonomously by the control system of the kiosk 10 can be selected from a wide range of properties or characteristics such as charge level of the battery onboard the portable electronic device 30, age of the portable electronic device 30, amount of time the portable electronic device 30 has been checked-out, content on the portable electronic device 30, software applications on the portable electronic device 30, and combinations thereof.
  • Suitable security stations are widely known and commercially available from a number of sources. Suitable security stations are disclosed in US Patents 7,782,207, 7,489,285, 7,372,364, 6,994,252, 6,693,539, 5,602,531 and 5,288,980.
  • the security station allows a customer to quickly deactivate security on device
  • the security station can consist of scanning/desensitizing hardware, a monitor to display information on scanned items including their security status, an application server, and an inventory management system (e.g. , an integrated library system).
  • an inventory management system e.g. , an integrated library system
  • Typical security station hardware includes a desensitizing station or an RFID antenna and reader, and security gates.
  • Security station software can communicate with the facility intranet, the application server and the inventory management system (e.g. , an integrated library system).
  • the security station is preferably constantly running and scanning for items.
  • an item information request is sent to the inventory management system (e.g. , an integrated library system) via the application server, typically using SIP2 web services.
  • An item information response is then sent back to the security station via the application server, again typically using SIP2 web services.
  • the reported circulation status of the device 30 determines the response from the security station.
  • the security station software sends a signal to turn the security "off on the device 30 and the station generates a perceptible signal that the security for the device 30 has been disabled. If, on the other hand, the device 30 is designated as not checked out, the security station generates a signal prompting the customer to go to a checkout or staff station.
  • an inductive sensor 90 can sense when the device 30 is fully seated.
  • the RFID antenna 71 can then read the RFID tag 72, 73 for the device 30 and check- in the unit 30 in the library's Integrated Library System (not shown).

Abstract

A vending kiosk (10) equipped with a control system for selectively dispensing portable electronic devices (30) and associated method of checking-out such devices (30). Electronic devices (30) stored in the kiosk (10) are dispensed only upon receipt of an approval signal, with selection of the specific electronic device (30) to be dispensed based upon a characteristic of the electronic device (30) identified autonomously by the control system.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELF CHECKOUT OF PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES
[0001] This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Application No. 61/497,729, filed June 16, 2011.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Public libraries serve the public by providing the public with access to information and knowledge (i.e. , "content"). Public libraries facilitate the location of desired content, ranging from music and movies to the written word, and loan media containing the desired content to customers for limited times at little or no cost.
[0003] Public libraries have traditionally provided the content in physical form, such as hardcover books, compact discs and digital video discs. However, such physical assets are quickly being supplanted by the delivery of content in electronic format that requires a personal electronic device to receive and display or play the content.
[0004] In order to adapt to the new model for delivery and viewing of content, public libraries need a means for loaning personal electronic devices, with or without preloaded content, to customers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A first aspect of the invention is a portable electronic device checkout system comprising a vending kiosk equipped with a control system operable for securely storing, recharging and selectively dispensing portable electronic devices. The device is operable for (i) dispensing portable electronic devices stored in the kiosk only upon receipt of an electronic approval signal, and (ii) selecting a portable electronic device to be dispensed from amongst a plurality of portable electronic devices stored in the kiosk based upon at least one characteristic of the portable electronic device identified autonomously by the control system. [0006] The vending kiosk is preferably configured and arranged for self-checkout of portable electronic devices, such as e-readers, and in electronic communication with an inventory management system, such as an integrated library system, from which the vending kiosk receives the electronic approval signal and to which the vending kiosk transmits data identifying each portable electronic device dispensed.
[0007] A second aspect of the invention is a method of checking-out a portable electronic device. A first embodiment of the checkout method includes the steps of: (i) transmitting an electronic signal to an inventory management system that includes at least (A) a request to check-out a portable electronic device, and (B) data identifying a customer making the request, (ii) transmitting an electronic approval signal from the inventory management system to a vending kiosk control system to dispense the requested portable electronic device when the inventory management system indicates that the identified customer is authorized to check-out the requested portable electronic device, and (iii) dispensing the requested portable electronic device from the vending kiosk upon receipt of an electronic approval signal, wherein the vending kiosk is configured and arranged to securely store, recharge and selectively dispense portable electronic devices with selection of a portable electronic device to be dispensed from amongst a plurality of portable electronic devices stored in the kiosk based upon at least one characteristic of the portable electronic device identified autonomously by the control system of the kiosk.
[0008] A second embodiment of the checkout method includes the steps of (i) inputting into an inventory management system (A) a request to check-out a portable electronic device having a defined attribute, and (B) data identifying a customer making the request, (ii) transmitting an electronic approval signal from the inventory management system to a vending kiosk where portable electronic devices available for check-out are securely stored and recharged, to dispense the requested portable electronic device when a database on the inventory management system indicates that the identified customer is authorized to check-out the requested portable electronic device, (iii) automatically identifying a portable electronic device possessing the requested attribute from amongst a plurality of portable electronic devices with varying attributes stored in the kiosk, and (iv) dispensing the identified portable electronic device from the kiosk upon receipt of an electronic approval signal from the inventory management system.
[0009] A third embodiment of the checkout method includes the steps of (i) inputting into an inventory management system (A) a request to check-out a portable electronic device having a defined downloadable attribute, and (B) data identifying a customer making the request, (ii) transmitting an electronic approval signal from the inventory management system to a vending kiosk where portable electronic devices available for check-out are securely stored and recharged, to dispense the requested portable electronic device when a database on the inventory management system indicates that the identified customer is authorized to check-out the requested portable electronic device, (iii) automatically identifying a portable electronic device that is compatable with the requested defined downloadable attribute from amongst a plurality of portable electronic devices stored in the kiosk, (iv) downloading the requested defined downloadable attribute onto the identified portable electronic device, and (v) dispensing the identified portable electronic device from the kiosk upon receipt of an electronic approval signal from the inventory management system.
[0010] The request to check-out a portable electronic device having a defined attribute is preferably manually input by a customer while data identifying a customer making the request is preferably input by reading machine readable data from a medium presented by a customer.
[0011] The defined attribute is preferably defined content, such as a specific book, newspaper or periodical. Similarly, the defined downloadable attribute is preferably defined downloadable content, such as a specific downloadable song, book, newspaper or periodical.
[0012] Identification of a portable electronic device possessing the requested attribute can be accomplished by various techniques including searching the memory of the portable electronic devices stored in the vending kiosk, or searching a database containing data about the attributes of each portable electronic device stored in the vending kiosk.
[0013] Similarly, identification of a portable electronic device that is compatible with the requested downloadable attribute can be accomplished by various techniques including searching the memory of the portable electronic devices stored in the vending kiosk for information indicating the portable electronic device is compatible with the requested downloadable attribute, and searching a database containing data indicating the attributes previously downloaded onto each portable electronic device stored in the vending kiosk.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention. [0015] Figure 2 is a front view of the invention shown in Figure 1.
[0016] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the invention shown in
Figure 2 taken along line A-A.
[0017] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the invention shown in
Figure 2 taken along line B-B.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Definitions
[0018] As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase "portable electronic device" means an electronic device capable of receiving, storing and transmitting human perceptible information.
[0019] As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase " integrated library system" (ILS) means an enterprise resource planning system for a library, used to track items owned or controlled by the library and customers of the library. A typical ILS comprises a relational database, software to interact with that database {i.e. , database management software), and graphical user interfaces for customers and staff). Most ILSes separate software functions into discrete programs called modules, each of them integrated with a unified interface. Exemplary modules include acquisitions, cataloging and circulation.
[0020] As utilized herein, including the claims, the term "content" means information and artwork , including specifically but not exclusively music, literature, photography, paintings, film, video, etc.
[0021] As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase "vending kiosk" means a structure equipped with a control system for securely storing and selectively dispensing items upon receipt of proper input {e.g. , personal identification data, a password, cash payment, authorization to charge a credit card, etc.).
[0022] As utilized herein, including the claims, the term "dispense" means to perceptibly distinguish and make available for physical removal from a vending kiosk. [0023] As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase "application server" means equipment, typically at least a computer and software that can be accessed through an intranet connection for delivering item information.
[0024] As utilized herein, including the claims, the term "security station" means a device capable of activating and deactivating a security tag (e.g. , electromagnetic (EM) security strips and RFID security tags).
Nomencfature
10 Kiosk
11 Housing
12 Shelf
13 Touch Screen
20 Barcode Imager
30 Portable Electronic Device (e.g. , Archos Internet Tablet)
40 Case for Protectively Retaining a Portable Electronic Device
41 Case Cap
50 Charger (e.g. , Inductive Charging Pad)
60 Inductive Disc
71 RFID Antenna
72 RFID Transponder (typical size 0.75" x 1.5")
73 RFID Transponder (typical size 2" x 3.25")
80 Locking Mechanism (e.g. , Solenoid)
81 Solenoid Lever
90 Inductive Proximity Sensor
100 Indicator Light
110 Louver Receipt Opening
120 Switch (e.g., Push Button with Red/Blue Bi-Color Illuminated Ring)
Construction and Operation
[0025] The invention is a system and method to facilitate the maintenance and self- checkout or rental of portable electronic devices 30, such as a portable media player, a portable digital audio player, a portable internet tablet, a portable e-reader, a portable tablet computer, a portable laptop computer, a handheld game console, and devices comprising various combinations thereof. The system includes a kiosk 10 with a processor (not shown), a plurality of shelves 12 each configured and arranged to hold a device 30, and a user interface such as a touch screen 13. The processor (not shown) can communicate with the renter's inventory management system (e.g. , an integrated library system) and interface with a renter or customer to allow an organized check-out of the devices 30.
[0026] Devices 30 inserted into a shelf 12 in the kiosk 10 can be locked and charged.
Devices 30 can be dispensed (i. e. , unlocked) when an authorized customer checks out the device 30. Each shelf 12 can contain an inductive charging pad 50 to wirelessly charge a device 30 resting on the shelf 12, an inductive sensor 90 to sense when a device 30 is fully seated in the shelf 12, and an RFID antenna 71 to read information stored on a device' s RFID transponder 72 and 73. The kiosk 10 can also contain a card reader 20 for obtaining a customer's credentials, and a receipt printer (not shown) to print a receipt of the customer' s transaction, such as an identification of the device 30 checked out and the due date for return of the device 30.
[0027] An electrical component (not shown) within the kiosk 10 can monitor the current draw of each device 30 and relay the information to the controller (not shown) to determine the charge status of each device 30. The devices 30 can be charged wirelessly using inductive charging technology and tracked using RFID transponders 72, 73.
[0028] Each device 30 can be surrounded by a hard plastic cover or case 40 that protects the device 30 from damage. The case 40 preferably also includes the electrical components for charging the device 30 and RFID transponders 72, 73 containing data identifying the device 30. Each cover 40 can be tailored to accommodate the buttons and sensors on a specific device 30, and can be configured to integrate with the shelves 12 in the kiosk 10 designed to accommodate the device 30 and its corresponding cover 40. The cover 40 preferably incorporates proper ergonomics to permit the device 30 to be easily held with a single hand. An inductive charging coil 60 in the case 40 can transfer power wirelessly from an inductive charging pad 50 to the device' s battery (not shown).
[0029] To use the system, the customer enters their credentials. The processor transmits this information to the inventory management system (e.g. , an integrated library system) and awaits receipt of a signal indicating that the identified customer is authorized to checkout one of the devices 30. Upon receipt of an approval signal from the inventory management system (e.g. , an integrated library system), the software prompts the customer to select the type of device 30 they would like to checkout. The kiosk 10 automatically selects a device 30 based upon the customer's request and certain predesignated criteria (e.g. , a device 30 whose battery (not shown) is fully charged), activates the corresponding solenoid 80 to unlock the selected device 30 by rotating the solenoid lever 81, and indicates to the customer which device 30 has been unlocked, such as by activating an indicator light 100 located next to the shelf 12 in which the unlocked device 30 is held.
[0030] The characteristic of the portable electronic device 30 identified autonomously by the control system of the kiosk 10 can be selected from a wide range of properties or characteristics such as charge level of the battery onboard the portable electronic device 30, age of the portable electronic device 30, amount of time the portable electronic device 30 has been checked-out, content on the portable electronic device 30, software applications on the portable electronic device 30, and combinations thereof.
[0031] Depending on the security in place, the customer may have to transport the dispensed device 30 to a security station before leaving the library in order to disable the item's security. Suitable security stations are widely known and commercially available from a number of sources. Suitable security stations are disclosed in US Patents 7,782,207, 7,489,285, 7,372,364, 6,994,252, 6,693,539, 5,602,531 and 5,288,980.
[0032] The security station allows a customer to quickly deactivate security on device
30 that are checked out. The security station can consist of scanning/desensitizing hardware, a monitor to display information on scanned items including their security status, an application server, and an inventory management system (e.g. , an integrated library system).
[0033] Typical security station hardware includes a desensitizing station or an RFID antenna and reader, and security gates.
[0034] Security station software can communicate with the facility intranet, the application server and the inventory management system (e.g. , an integrated library system). The security station is preferably constantly running and scanning for items. When a customer or staff place a device into the security station, an item information request is sent to the inventory management system (e.g. , an integrated library system) via the application server, typically using SIP2 web services. An item information response is then sent back to the security station via the application server, again typically using SIP2 web services. [0035] The reported circulation status of the device 30 determines the response from the security station. If the device is designated as checked out, the security station software sends a signal to turn the security "off on the device 30 and the station generates a perceptible signal that the security for the device 30 has been disabled. If, on the other hand, the device 30 is designated as not checked out, the security station generates a signal prompting the customer to go to a checkout or staff station.
[0036] When the device 30 is returned, an inductive sensor 90 can sense when the device 30 is fully seated. The RFID antenna 71 can then read the RFID tag 72, 73 for the device 30 and check- in the unit 30 in the library's Integrated Library System (not shown).
[0037] While generally described in connection with the loaning of items from a public library, the scope of the invention extends to other types of governmental, non-profit and for-profit facilities which loan or rent items to customers and is not to be limited to public libraries.

Claims

We claim:
1. A portable electronic device check-out system, comprising a vending kiosk equipped with a control system operable for securely storing, recharging and selectively dispensing portable electronic devices, wherein (i) portable electronic devices stored in the kiosk are dispensed only upon receipt of an electronic approval signal, and (ii) selection of a portable electronic device to be dispensed from amongst a plurality of portable electronic devices stored in the kiosk is based upon at least one characteristic of the portable electronic device identified autonomously by the control system of the kiosk.
2. The portable electronic device check-out system of claim 1 wherein the vending kiosk is in electronic communication with an inventory management system from which the vending kiosk receives the electronic approval signal and to which the vending kiosk transmits data identifying each portable electronic device dispensed.
3. The portable electronic device check-out system of claim 2 wherein the inventory management system is an integrated library system.
4. The portable electronic device check-out system of claim 1 , 2 or 3 wherein the system is a self check-out system.
5. The portable electronic device check-out system of claim 1 , 2 or 3 wherein the types of portable electronic devices stored in the kiosk include at least e-readers.
6. The portable electronic device check-out system of claim 1 , 2 or 3 wherein the types of portable electronic devices stored in the kiosk include only e-readers.
7. The portable electronic device check-out system of claim 1 , 2 or 3 wherein the types of portable electronic devices stored in the kiosk include two or more of a portable media player, a portable digital audio player, a portable internet tablet, a portable e- reader, a portable tablet computer, a portable laptop computer, a handheld game console, and devices comprising various combinations thereof.
8. The portable electronic device check-out system of claim 1 , 2 or 3 wherein the at least one characteristic of the portable electronic device identified autonomously by the control system of the kiosk is battery charge level.
9. The portable electronic device check-out system of claim 1 , 2 or 3 wherein the at least one characteristic of the portable electronic device identified autonomously by the control system of the kiosk is selected from the group consisting of charge level of the battery onboard the portable electronic device, age of the portable electronic device, amount of time the portable electronic device has been checked-out, content on the portable electronic device, and software applications on the portable electronic device.
10. A method of checking-out a portable electronic device, comprising the steps of: (i) transmitting an electronic signal to an inventory management system that includes at least (A) a request to check-out a portable electronic device, and (B) data identifying a customer making the request, (ii) transmitting an electronic approval signal from the inventory management system to a vending kiosk control system to dispense the requested portable electronic device when the inventory management system indicates that the identified customer is authorized to check-out the requested portable electronic device, and (iii) dispensing the requested portable electronic device from the vending kiosk upon receipt of an electronic approval signal, wherein the vending kiosk is configured and arranged to securely store, recharge and selectively dispense portable electronic devices with selection of a portable electronic device to be dispensed from amongst a plurality of portable electronic devices stored in the kiosk based upon at least one characteristic of the portable electronic device identified autonomously by the control system of the kiosk.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein the inventory management system is an integrated library system.
12. The method of claim 10 or 11 wherein the electronic signal transmitted to the
inventory management system includes a request to check-out a portable electronic device with defined content.
13. The method of claim 10 or 11 wherein the method is a self check-out method.
14. The method of claim 10 or 11 wherein the types of portable electronic devices stored in the kiosk include at least e-readers.
15. The method of claim 10 or 11 wherein the types of portable electronic devices stored in the kiosk include only e-readers.
16. The method of claim 10 or 11 wherein the types of portable electronic devices stored in the kiosk include two or more of a portable media player, a portable digital audio player, a portable internet tablet, a portable e-reader, a portable tablet computer, a portable laptop computer, a handheld game console, and devices comprising various combinations thereof.
17. The method of claim 10 or 11 wherein the at least one characteristic of the portable electronic device identified autonomously by the control system of the kiosk is battery charge level.
18. The method of claim 10 or 11 wherein the at least one characteristic of the portable electronic device identified autonomously by the control system of the kiosk is selected from the group consisting of charge level of the battery onboard the portable electronic device, age of the portable electronic device, amount of time the portable electronic device has been checked-out, content on the portable electronic device, and software applications on the portable electronic device.
19. A method of checking-out a portable electronic device, comprising the steps of: (i) inputting into an inventory management system (A) a request to check-out a portable electronic device having a defined attribute, and (B) data identifying a customer making the request, (ii) transmitting an electronic approval signal from the inventory management system to a vending kiosk where portable electronic devices available for check-out are securely stored and recharged, to dispense the requested portable electronic device when a database on the inventory management system indicates that the identified customer is authorized to check-out the requested portable electronic device, (iii) automatically identifying a portable electronic device possessing the requested attribute from amongst a plurality of portable electronic devices with varying attributes stored in the kiosk, and (iv) dispensing the identified portable electronic device from the kiosk upon receipt of an electronic approval signal from the inventory management system.
20. A method of checking-out a portable electronic device, comprising the steps of: (i) inputting into an inventory management system (A) a request to check-out a portable electronic device having a defined downloadable attribute, and (B) data identifying a customer making the request, (ii) transmitting an electronic approval signal from the inventory management system to a vending kiosk where portable electronic devices available for check-out are securely stored and recharged, to dispense the requested portable electronic device when a database on the inventory management system indicates that the identified customer is authorized to check-out the requested portable electronic device, (iii) automatically identifying a portable electronic device that is compatable with the requested defined downloadable attribute from amongst a plurality of portable electronic devices stored in the kiosk, (iv) downloading the requested defined downloadable attribute onto the identified portable electronic device, and (v) dispensing the identified portable electronic device from the kiosk upon receipt of an electronic approval signal from the inventory management system.
21. The method of claim 19 or 20 wherein the inventory management system is an
integrated library system.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein the method is a self check-out method.
23. The method of claim 21 wherein the types of portable electronic devices stored in the kiosk include at least e-readers.
24. The method of claim 21 wherein the types of portable electronic devices stored in the kiosk include only e-readers.
25. The method of claim 21 wherein the types of portable electronic devices stored in the kiosk include one or more of a portable media player, a portable digital audio player, a portable internet tablet, a portable e-reader, a portable tablet computer, a portable laptop computer, a handheld game console, and devices comprising various combinations thereof.
26. The method of claim 21 wherein the request to check-out a portable electronic device having a defined attribute is manually input by a customer.
27. The method of claim 21 wherein data identifying a customer making the request is input by reading machine readable data from a medium presented by a customer.
28. The method of claim 21 wherein the defined attribute is defined content.
29. The method of claim 28 wherein the defined content is selected from the group
consisting of a specific book, newspaper and periodical.
30. The method of claim 21 wherein identification of a portable electronic device
possessing the requested attribute is accomplished by searching the memory of the portable electronic devices stored in the vending kiosk.
31. The method of claim 21 wherein identification of a portable electronic device possessing the requested attribute is accomplished by searching a database containing data about the attributes of each portable electronic device stored in the vending kiosk.
32. The method of claim 21 wherein the defined downloadable attribute is defined
downloadable content.
33. The method of claim 32 wherein the defined downloadable content is selected from the group consisting of a specific downloadable song, book, newspaper and periodical.
34. The method of claim 21 wherein identification of a portable electronic device that is compatible with the requested downloadable attribute is accomplished by searching the memory of the portable electronic devices stored in the vending kiosk for information indicating the portable electronic device is compatible with the requested downloadable attribute.
35. The method of claim 21 wherein identification of a portable electronic device that is compatible with the requested downloadable attribute is accomplished by searching a database containing data indicating the attributes previously downloaded onto each portable electronic device stored in the vending kiosk for information indicating that a portable electronic device is compatible with the requested downloadable attribute.
PCT/US2012/042578 2011-06-16 2012-06-15 System and method for self checkout of portable electronic devices WO2012174324A1 (en)

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