CA1189973A - Self-service terminal - Google Patents
Self-service terminalInfo
- Publication number
- CA1189973A CA1189973A CA000413680A CA413680A CA1189973A CA 1189973 A CA1189973 A CA 1189973A CA 000413680 A CA000413680 A CA 000413680A CA 413680 A CA413680 A CA 413680A CA 1189973 A CA1189973 A CA 1189973A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- customer
- information
- goods
- audio
- electromechanical
- 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.)
- Expired
Links
Abstract
Abstract A self service terminal for dispensing voice and video information, printed documents, and goods; and for accepting service orders and payments therefore by currency or credit card. The terminal comprises a cathode ray tube display with mass storage for presenting information about the product of or service sold, a keyboard for entry of customer requests, a printer for delivering coupons and tickets, a vending machine for dispensing small items, a coinbox and credit card reader for accepting payments for goods and services, and a telephone interface for communicating with the staff of a command center. The operation of the terminal is controlled by a microprocessor linked to an automated reservation system. The preferred embodiment of the invention is dedicated to the promotion and sale of travel services. The terminal is operated from three memory devices. A non-volatile memory is used to store the operating program for the terminal. A semi-permanent storage in the form of a video disc is used to hold the travel documentaries and other sales presentations. A randomly accessible mass storage is used to record flight schedules, hotel occupancy and other variables which are periodically updated from the command center via a phone line data communication link. The vending machine is used primarily for dispensing travel brochures, maps, foreign currencies and other goods related to the contemplated travel.
Description
I
Description Field Ott the Invention The invention relates first to automatic reservation end ticketing terminals second, to programmed audio-visual displays used in collection with the sale of goods undo services, and to automatic, 5 around-the-clock service tellers.
Bacltgroun~ of the Invention In a service-oriented business such as a travel agency, the offices must be staffed with persotlnel working on a one-to-one basis 10 with the customers, and using hundreds of travel brochures and scores of schedules and reservation manuals. The travel agent rust verbally describe a destination, or show the customer a printed brochure, check schedules and reservation status, then physically write the tickets or coupons before collecting payments. The time 15 and means devoted to the promotion of tile service are very limited and depend upon the salesmanship of the office staff. Such agencies are usually located in busirless sections and not in places where people live work, or frequent in their daily commuting routines.
Yet studies have shown that as many as 80% of persons using a I particular travel agency do so because of convenience. Therefore, the need has arisen for a new device capable of performing the promotion and sales of services such as those coml-nonly dispensed by travel agencies, in a fully automated fashion and from easily I
accessibly locutions. rho American public his been conditioned to receive most of its information via television high-quality audio visual trnYelog con utilize prncticnlly all the hmnan senses to motivate and influence a custolnel to select a particular vacation 5 or destination. The general public is also becoming accustomed to self-service terminals from vending machines to automatic bank tellers.
The present invention, ingeniously combines the features of audio-visual media presentation with those of self-service terminals 10 to create a new anal very efficient device for the promotion and distribution of goods and services.
Summary of the Invention The objectives of the instant invention are multiple and comprise, among others, the following:
Providing an automatic and efficient means for promoting and dispensing services to the general public on a twenty-four flours per dry, seven-day per week, basis;
Reducing the overall cost of services by lowering personnel and office overhead;
Providing faster access to information and services from convenient locations along thorougllfales and in public buildings;
Achieving target marketing of services from specific locations frequented by selected demographic groups;
3';~3 Offering mercilanqise related to the service promoted; for insulins, dispensing? by Coil insertion, travel-related products such as malts, books, guides end foreigll currency, in conjunction with the sure lid prorrlotion of travel services.
Offering the customer a convellient means for evnluuting a variety of products or services presented to him by an audio visual medium; for instance, by highlightillg, describing and updating vacation destinations and programs;
Providing the public with convenient access to computerized 10 mass information systems, reservation booking and ticketing networks as well as specialized data banks; and Providing for the on-the-spot payment for products or services by currency or credit curds.
These and other objectives are achieved in tile implementation 15 of a self-serYice terminal grouping a cathode ray tube for the audio visual presentation of informatioll, n document printer, a vending machine, a coin box, a credit card reader, R keyboard for the entry of customer inquiries and a controlling unit operating from a plurality of data sources either locally or remotely located.
. . ... .. ....... ... .. . . . . ... ... . . ... .
~9~73 1, Brief Inscription of the Vrawir~s inure I is a front ele~atiollal view of the self-service terrnhlal;
legal 2 is a right side view thereto`, Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of 5 Figure l;
Figure 4 is a top-plan view of tile terminal with the upper hoed in the open position;
Figure S is an enlarged cross sectional view of the dispenser distribution station;
figure 6 is the electrical schematic of thy goods dispenser;
Figure 7 is a general block diagram of the self-service ton final;
Figure 8 is the detailed bloat< diagram thereof;
figure 9 is the top level system flow diagram; and Figures 10 and 11 are a detailed flow diagram of the system.
Dissuasion of the Preferred Embodiment referring now to the drawing and according to the invention there is shown a self-service termilml 1 which is housed in a spherical enclosure 2 supported on a pedestal 3. The spherical 20 enclosure 2 has a diameter of preferably 90 centimeters (36 inches) and extends to a height of 135 centimeters (54 inches). A transparent plexiglass door 5 covering approximately one quadrant of the upper hemisphere pivots around a hinge 7 located at the apex. The door ,, . . , , .. ..... _ .. _ . _ . . . . .. .
gives access to a cavity in which) the various control elements of toe terminal are groped. On the slanted floor 8 of the cavity ore a keyboard 20 a printer 11 and a smell lvindow 14 for viewing a goQcls dispenser 23. The Buckley is occupied by the screen of a 5 cathode ray tube 10. In the right wall are n credit card reader slot 15 and a loud speflker grid 17. A telephone hand set 25 and coin slot 16 appear on the left wall. A distribution pouch 18 associated with the goods dispenser it located on the lower hemisphere of the enclosure 2 immediately below the service cavity. A hood 4 10 comprising the upper hemispherical skin of the enclosure 2 can be rotated around hinge 6 to give access to the various components of the system. The terminal equipment is ventilated by air flowing from ventilation holes 49 at the bottom of the enclosure 2 to the vents 48 in the hood 4 under the action of fan 47.
The basic architecture of the self-service terminal can be best understood w ilk reference to tile gencrnl block diagram illustrated in Figure 7. The system operates under the control of a data processor 30. The customer's input interface elements comprise the keyboard 20 a coin box 21 and a credit card reader 22. Information 20 is delivered to the customer through tile CRT 10 and the page printer 11. Various items can be delivered by way of the dispenser 23. An audio communication link 24 associated with the telephone hand set 25 and a loud speaker 12 can be used to deliver voice information ~1~9~'73 and to commluli~atc with n reliant service confer. Ire processor 30 operates iron a variety of duty sources 26 no explained below.
I more detailed layout of the system is illustrated in Figure 8.
Tile preset embodiment of the invention is designed to prove S travel-rel~ted information nod services. The first component of the data source 26 is a video storage and playback unit 27 which holds recordings of various travel documentaries promoting tours, cruises, special events, resort facilities nod other vacation opportunities.
Each documentary is indexed and can be recalled on demand and 10 played on the cathode ray tube 10. A second source of data is provided by a mass storage unit 28 which contains information of a more transitory nettler suet) as flight schedules to various destinations, ticket prices, weather information, snow conditions at various skiing resorts, hotel occupancy status and other information 15 useful in the planning of a business trip or vacation. Issue information is periodically updated via a commllnication link 24 with a remote control center. The information contained in the mass storage unit 28 can be selectively displayed in alpha numerical form on the Clot 10. The CRT can also be used to display regular broadcasted television 20 programs as well as scheduled and private cable television productions. Any information or image displayed on the CRT 10 can also be deliverer in a hard copy form by a printer 11. All requests for services or information are entered by tile customer via the ~99'~3 lowbrowed 20. l'aylllellts for tile services may be effected either by depositing coins in the coin box 21 or by charging it to a credit card account after validation of the credit curd through the magnetic strip card render 22. A small member of travel-related goads such 5 as travel guides, maps, sunglasses, foreign currency, may be purchased on the spot by wry of the goods dispenser 23.
The goods dispenser 23 described with reference to Figures 1 through 6, comprises a rotating carousel 51 Welch surrounds the various elements of the system about the equatorial zone within the 10 enclosure 2. The carousel is divided in a plurality of stations 52 and is supported by a peripheral flange 54 riding over rollers 53 mounted against the shin of the enclosure 2. Each of the stations 52 is open at the bottom and houses a hopper 55 holding one or more items 56 to be dispensed. The hopper 55 has a triangular shape and is lo supported by a hinge 57 at one of the lower corners of the station.
The hopper is held in place by a spring-tensioned latch 58. When the latch 58 is pulled, the hopper 55 rotates downward around hinge 57 and drops the goods 56 into the distribution pouch 18. The latch 58 is released under the pull of a solenoid 60. A single solenoid 60 20 located oil tile forward edge of the equipment-suppolting shelf 45 guarantees that the goods are always dropped in the distribution pouch 18. The carousel 51 is rotated by mulls of an electrical motor Go via a set of genus 62. Hugh StatiOIl 52 is identified by a code ED
1~1'39'~
embedded in n n~a~netic sly it Go in the Buckley of each hopper. A
sensor ô4 located below the solenoid 60 reads identification codes ox the stations from the magnetic strips during the movemerlt of the carousel 51. The goods dispenser 23 is operated by means of a S vending controller 37 of which Figure 6 is a functional block diagram.
The electrical motor 61 driving the carousel 51 is energized through driver 70 when the flip-flop Yule is set upon depressing the CIRCA pushbutton located on the keyboard 20. The flip-flop Fly will remain set and the carousel will continue to rotate as long as 10 the SEARCH pushbutton is held down. After the search pushbutton has been released, the carousel will stop wizen flip-flop Fly is reset as soon as one of the station codes is detected by the code sensor 64 and OR gate Go. This guarantees that the carousel will always stop with a loaded station properly aligned below the viewing window 15 14 and With its latching lever 58 positioned above the solenoid 60.
The coin box 21 has the ability to generate a code corresponding to the amulet of chAIlge which has bell deposited therein. This informatiorl is sent to the central processor 30. The central processor in turn generates a code compatible with the identification code of 20 one or more stations. These stations are presumed to contain goods whose cost is equal to the amount of change recognized by the coin box 21~ If the code of the station which is positioned below the viewing window coincides to the code issued by the central 3`~7~3 g processor, the decoding gates 67 generate a signal which enables AND gate 68. The sl~nal generated by -the depress-in of DISPENSE pushbutton is routed through gate 68 to set flip-flop FF2. The output of flip-flop FF2 energizes the solenoid 60 by way of driver 69. This causes a release of the latch 58 holding the hopper 55 of the station and the unloading of -the goods into the distribution pocket 18. A COIN ACCEPT signal is generated through gate 66 and sent through the central processor 30 toward the coin box 21. The COIN ACCEPT signal also resets flip-flop FF2, returning the system to its standby mode.
In order to provide the maximum flexibility in the utilization of the various components of the automatic service terminal and to allow for future expansion, the entire system is managed through the central processor 30.
This central processor 30 is used to interpret the complex inputs generated by the customer via the keyboard 20, the coin box 21, and the credit card reader 22, as well as those generated from the remote site and communicated via the audio communication unit 24. The operating program of the central processor 30 is stored in a non-volatile read only memory 31. This memory contains the programmed code numbers necessary to direct the computer or microcomputer to E)erforlll the various functions ox the terminRI. Intermediate results, variables, etc., required by the operating program, will reside in the rcad/write memory 29. Both the read only memory 31 and the reud/write memory 29 are an 5 integral part with the central processor 30. As implied by the block diagram of Figure 8, the terminal system employs a bidirectional parallel bus oriented input/outp-lt structure. The exact specifications of the bus are typically a functioll of the central processor and one of the standard types well Nemo by people skilled in the art. The 10 advantage of the bus structure is not only to accommodate the various terminal components, but also to provide for addition of other devices tint may be later necessary to support future terminal features. Tile terminal system is basically a locally controlled device as explained before. remote interface is also provided for the 15 Hollowing features:
Monitoring of the operational status of the terminal system by remote site computer 42, Updating the variable data kept in the mass storage unit 28;
and Programming of additional features of capability of tile terminal system.
The central processor selected for this embodiment of the invention is an IOTA, M ode 80/ 20, single board computer. This 3~3'73 instrument, in addition to the basic central processor 30, features a bidirectional standardized bus support 40 integral read only and read/write memories, integral bidirectional serial chenille 43 for remote communications, multiple, integral, parallel input/output and 5 control lines, and an integral timer system The display system consists of various modules, parts of which are capable of receiving data and commands from the central - processor 30 via the parallel bus 40. Five distinct modules comprise the display system.
Thea CRT display device 10, capable of receiving electrical signals and transferring them into visual representation on the viewing screen.
A video playback module 27, which can retrieve, and cause to be output, visual images and audio information which is stored 5 on a removable media.
A video frame presentation module ~vidicom) 36, which can receive data, interpret it as a series of dots, and cause to be displayed nun image represented by the presence or absence of dots.
A video controller module 33, which can receive da to and 20 commands, and cause to be displayed, alpha numerical information, symbols, graphic information, etc., typically associated with texts or word-oriented applications; and A video multiplexer module 35, which can be instructed to '3~'73 select one of the above modules video Ol1tplltS and direct it to the CRT display device.
us a separate input, tile video multiplexer module 35 also is capable of pl~senting a standard television signal to the CRT device 5 10 . This sigrnnl may come from a cable television system m or a television receiver external to the terminal system, and is interpreted through the demodulate and decode device 34.
The Clot display device lo may be one of any available from various manufactures Scull as Motorola, C. Isle? etc., the only 10 requirement being the ability to trallsform electrical (video) signals unto visual representations by modulating an electron beam which strikes force phosphor-coated glass and emits visible light.
The video playback disc device 27 is preferably a DISCOVI~ION
ASSOCIATES Model PRY which can provide local storage of high 15 resolution video image and audio information. The principal features of this device are the capability of storing 54,000 individual video frames and synchronized audio playback, which can be accessed sequentially or randomly under control from the central processor 30. eye stored information, as for e~nmple, travel documental issue 20 maps, etc., is routed to the CRT 10 inshore control of the central processor 30, via the video multiplexer 35. The video frame presentation device (vidicom) 36, not unlike in technology to those available from COLORADO VOW, INC., will allow display of 99~
facsimile information acquired by the central processor from zither the mass storage 28 or the remote site computer 42. The purpose of this device is to allow timely information to be encoded at the remote location and transmitted over the serial channel unit by the 5 modems 38, 39 and the audio controller 24, to the terminal computer and subsequently decoded and displayed after routing through the video multiplexer 35.
The alphanumeric and video display controller 33 provide the capability necessary to support the intended manual-oriented 10 transaction system for user interfacing. This device may be implemented with a MErACOMP Model MCY-1023 controller which combines the necessary features into a bus-oriented controller. The video output of this controller 33 would be displayed on command via video multiplexer 35. The final module of the video display 15 system, the video multiplexer 35, is designed using existing electronic technology, to accept inputs from bus 40, the vidicom 36, the video controller 33, the video disc 27 and the demodulate and decode device 34.
The printer 11 is cost fluted by a video hard-copy unit, 20 TEKTRONIX Model 4632, which can generate a hard copy in a 21.6 X 27.9 centimeters (8-1/2" X 11") from a raster scan video source.
any image displayed on the CRT 10 can also be printed in a 21.6 X 27.9 centimeters (8-1/2" X 11") format on the printer 11.
7~3 Tile card render module 22 is included to allow input of data from a standard magnetically encoded stripe such as those normally found on credit cards. It may be implemented with AMERICAN
MEN ETlCS Model 40, which provides electrical signals S corresponding to magnetically encoded information on several parallel tracks. Card-reader 22 interfaces with the controller parallel l/O
bus. This allows the central processor 30 to sense a card being presented by the customer and to interpret the data. The data would typically be account number, credit limit, name and similar 10 information relevant to a credit card authorization and charge system. The keyboard, not unlike the one provided by KEYTRONlCS, consists of a series of keys similar to Q typewriter in arenas and mechanical operation. This keyboard can convert the mechanical motion of key depression into an electrical signal which can be 15 sensed by the central processor 30 via the bus 40.
The coin box 20 is a FLUNKS Model AL coin acceptor which can accept currency payments for various services or goods provided and communicate to the central processor 30 the amount of change deposited therein by the bus 40.
The voice and audio communication unit 24 allows the terminal computer 30 to provide an audio corlnection between the terminal user end some remote site, or to route audio outputs from the video disc 27 to the local loud speaker 12 US explained before. The control 39~
module or communication unit 24 accepts commands from the central processor 30 and connects a typical -telephone handset 25 to a telephone line or similar voice grade communication technique via a modem 38. The central processor 30 is equipped with a serial interface 43 compatible with most modem required input formats.
The on-line mass storage unit 28 it a floppy disc device available from SHUGART ASSOCIATES and has a control interface compatible with the I/O bus 40. The central lo processor 30 is able to store and subsequently retrieve data from the on-line mass storage module 28 on command.
The interfacing of the various components of the system as described above is done according to standard practices well known to those skilled in the electronic arts. The operation of the central processor unit 30 which acts as a decision-making machine, is directed from the operational program stored in the read only memory 31. The application program is derived from the on-line mass storage 28. The application program is of a "menu-type" and can be best understood by reference to the flow diagrams of Figures 9, lo and if. In order to illustrate the capabilities of the terminal, the operational program will be discussed in connection with five operations: the display of travel documentaries, the display of flight schedules, securing reservations on a particular flight, the issuance of a flight ticket, and the control of the vending machine.
The operation of Use terminal is prilned by Use ClJStomer~s droppillg a dime in the coin box slot. As explained before, the coin box generates a coded signal indicative of the amount of change deposited. This signal is immediately sensed by the central processor 5 which addresses the mass storage unit and fetches from it the basic list or menu of the services available. This information is then transmitted via the video multiplexer to the CRT where the list of services available is displayed in columnar form with, adjacent to it the key symbol to be entered by the customer in making his 10 selection. The customer may, for instance, be requested to enter a "D" in order to obtain a listing of all the travel documentaries available. A "S" to check a flight schedule, and so on. Assuming now that the customer enters a "D" on the keyboard, the central processor addresses the video-disc storage unit and fetches from it 15 a list of all documentaries recorded thereon. This list is again routed throllgh the video multiplexer to be displayed on the CRT. The name of the various documentaries are indexed with an alphanumerically code which the customer is asked to use in making hi-s selection.
Once Uris code is entered via the keyboard, it is used by the central 20 processor to address the video-disc storage to the area containing the selected documentary. after the documentary has been run, the basic menu is again displayed on the CRT and the system is ready for an alternate selection to be made by the customer. If no selection ED
9'73 is Nikolai within the next to try psychoanalyze, the system retrials to a standby s~fltus until primed again by deposit of the required change.
The flight schedule program Barnes by Use display on the CRT
of a schedule mask through which the customer is invited to fill in 5 the from nod to locations of the flights. When the customer enters tile departure point and the destination on the keyboard, two codes are generated which are used to Salk the appropriate inrorm~tion in the mass storage or, alternately, are sent via the audio commullication system to a remote reservation computer. When the 10 list of available flights has been gathered from the mass storage or received back from Use remote computer center, it is displayed on the Clot with an inquiry as to whether the customer wants a hard copy of the schedule. The amount of change to be deposited in order to obtain the hard copy is also displayed. When the proper amount 15 Of cha1lge is detected in the coin box, the central processor generates a code which is recognized by the printer as a signal to print the raster scan image being generated on the CRT. At the end of the printillg sequence the customer is offered the choice to jump immediately into tile flight reserv~tioll mode or to return to the I basic menu display.
The reservation sequence begins with Use display of a mask from the CRT requesting such inforlllation as the flight number, member of passengers, and other information such as smoking or 99'7~3 non-smoking section preferences. ~ftcr the musk his been completed by tile customer entering his selection, the central processor generates a request message which is sent via the audio communication system to the remote reservation computer After 5 receiving the confirmation message, the system again offers the customer the option to obtain a hard copy of the reservation information, after which the system offers the option to go directly into A ticket purchase mode, or a return to the basic menu display.
The flight ticket delivery program requires from the customer 10 the payment of the fare through credit card. The price to be paid is fetched from the mass storage and displayed upon the CRT. The introduction of a credit kirk into the credit card reader triggers a sequence during which the account number and the amount being charged are sent to a remote credit center where the credit line 15 is verified and the transaction is recorded. The acceptance message received back from the computing collier anuses the CPV to generate a video image of a flight ticket which is simultaneously printed by the video hard copy printer.
The computer-controlled goods dispensing program is also initiated by a video display of the lists of items available for sale.
Upon selection of the item by this alpha-numerical indexing number, the system selects from the video disc a sequence of images illustrating the product. The customer at that point is offered a 3~3~3 _ 1 9 choice to purchusc tile item by depositing Ulc amount indicutcd or to return to the item mist display mode for an alternate selection.
Once Use payment has been recognized in the coin box the carousel of the vending machine is allowed to rotate until a matching code 5 is detected in the back of the appropriate station at which point the computer triggers the dispense sequence discussed earlier.
Illustl axed in Figure 10 is the flow diagram of a program for establishing a voice commlmication with a remote site and for the transfer of data between the mass storage and a remote data center.
10 These sequences are of a very common type for which software packages are readily available for most common types of central processors.
The operational sequences just described are illustrative of the versatility of the terminal. The system can be adapted to 15 various tasks related to the delivery of travel services by mere software changes. The terminal may be used to promote and sell a variety of services and to facilitate financial transactions.
Its comprehensive communication interface makes it an ideal tool for catalog sales from a central warehouse and an adequate 20 substitute in many cases for the retail store. The terminal could also be adapted to the delivery of a higher grade of services such as professional advice and counseling.
While toe preferred embodiment of the invention has been ~i~9~3 described nod mociificntiolls thereto hove boon suggested, other implem~lltntiQns may be devised which gall be adapted to a variety of applications without deporting from -tune spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.
Description Field Ott the Invention The invention relates first to automatic reservation end ticketing terminals second, to programmed audio-visual displays used in collection with the sale of goods undo services, and to automatic, 5 around-the-clock service tellers.
Bacltgroun~ of the Invention In a service-oriented business such as a travel agency, the offices must be staffed with persotlnel working on a one-to-one basis 10 with the customers, and using hundreds of travel brochures and scores of schedules and reservation manuals. The travel agent rust verbally describe a destination, or show the customer a printed brochure, check schedules and reservation status, then physically write the tickets or coupons before collecting payments. The time 15 and means devoted to the promotion of tile service are very limited and depend upon the salesmanship of the office staff. Such agencies are usually located in busirless sections and not in places where people live work, or frequent in their daily commuting routines.
Yet studies have shown that as many as 80% of persons using a I particular travel agency do so because of convenience. Therefore, the need has arisen for a new device capable of performing the promotion and sales of services such as those coml-nonly dispensed by travel agencies, in a fully automated fashion and from easily I
accessibly locutions. rho American public his been conditioned to receive most of its information via television high-quality audio visual trnYelog con utilize prncticnlly all the hmnan senses to motivate and influence a custolnel to select a particular vacation 5 or destination. The general public is also becoming accustomed to self-service terminals from vending machines to automatic bank tellers.
The present invention, ingeniously combines the features of audio-visual media presentation with those of self-service terminals 10 to create a new anal very efficient device for the promotion and distribution of goods and services.
Summary of the Invention The objectives of the instant invention are multiple and comprise, among others, the following:
Providing an automatic and efficient means for promoting and dispensing services to the general public on a twenty-four flours per dry, seven-day per week, basis;
Reducing the overall cost of services by lowering personnel and office overhead;
Providing faster access to information and services from convenient locations along thorougllfales and in public buildings;
Achieving target marketing of services from specific locations frequented by selected demographic groups;
3';~3 Offering mercilanqise related to the service promoted; for insulins, dispensing? by Coil insertion, travel-related products such as malts, books, guides end foreigll currency, in conjunction with the sure lid prorrlotion of travel services.
Offering the customer a convellient means for evnluuting a variety of products or services presented to him by an audio visual medium; for instance, by highlightillg, describing and updating vacation destinations and programs;
Providing the public with convenient access to computerized 10 mass information systems, reservation booking and ticketing networks as well as specialized data banks; and Providing for the on-the-spot payment for products or services by currency or credit curds.
These and other objectives are achieved in tile implementation 15 of a self-serYice terminal grouping a cathode ray tube for the audio visual presentation of informatioll, n document printer, a vending machine, a coin box, a credit card reader, R keyboard for the entry of customer inquiries and a controlling unit operating from a plurality of data sources either locally or remotely located.
. . ... .. ....... ... .. . . . . ... ... . . ... .
~9~73 1, Brief Inscription of the Vrawir~s inure I is a front ele~atiollal view of the self-service terrnhlal;
legal 2 is a right side view thereto`, Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of 5 Figure l;
Figure 4 is a top-plan view of tile terminal with the upper hoed in the open position;
Figure S is an enlarged cross sectional view of the dispenser distribution station;
figure 6 is the electrical schematic of thy goods dispenser;
Figure 7 is a general block diagram of the self-service ton final;
Figure 8 is the detailed bloat< diagram thereof;
figure 9 is the top level system flow diagram; and Figures 10 and 11 are a detailed flow diagram of the system.
Dissuasion of the Preferred Embodiment referring now to the drawing and according to the invention there is shown a self-service termilml 1 which is housed in a spherical enclosure 2 supported on a pedestal 3. The spherical 20 enclosure 2 has a diameter of preferably 90 centimeters (36 inches) and extends to a height of 135 centimeters (54 inches). A transparent plexiglass door 5 covering approximately one quadrant of the upper hemisphere pivots around a hinge 7 located at the apex. The door ,, . . , , .. ..... _ .. _ . _ . . . . .. .
gives access to a cavity in which) the various control elements of toe terminal are groped. On the slanted floor 8 of the cavity ore a keyboard 20 a printer 11 and a smell lvindow 14 for viewing a goQcls dispenser 23. The Buckley is occupied by the screen of a 5 cathode ray tube 10. In the right wall are n credit card reader slot 15 and a loud speflker grid 17. A telephone hand set 25 and coin slot 16 appear on the left wall. A distribution pouch 18 associated with the goods dispenser it located on the lower hemisphere of the enclosure 2 immediately below the service cavity. A hood 4 10 comprising the upper hemispherical skin of the enclosure 2 can be rotated around hinge 6 to give access to the various components of the system. The terminal equipment is ventilated by air flowing from ventilation holes 49 at the bottom of the enclosure 2 to the vents 48 in the hood 4 under the action of fan 47.
The basic architecture of the self-service terminal can be best understood w ilk reference to tile gencrnl block diagram illustrated in Figure 7. The system operates under the control of a data processor 30. The customer's input interface elements comprise the keyboard 20 a coin box 21 and a credit card reader 22. Information 20 is delivered to the customer through tile CRT 10 and the page printer 11. Various items can be delivered by way of the dispenser 23. An audio communication link 24 associated with the telephone hand set 25 and a loud speaker 12 can be used to deliver voice information ~1~9~'73 and to commluli~atc with n reliant service confer. Ire processor 30 operates iron a variety of duty sources 26 no explained below.
I more detailed layout of the system is illustrated in Figure 8.
Tile preset embodiment of the invention is designed to prove S travel-rel~ted information nod services. The first component of the data source 26 is a video storage and playback unit 27 which holds recordings of various travel documentaries promoting tours, cruises, special events, resort facilities nod other vacation opportunities.
Each documentary is indexed and can be recalled on demand and 10 played on the cathode ray tube 10. A second source of data is provided by a mass storage unit 28 which contains information of a more transitory nettler suet) as flight schedules to various destinations, ticket prices, weather information, snow conditions at various skiing resorts, hotel occupancy status and other information 15 useful in the planning of a business trip or vacation. Issue information is periodically updated via a commllnication link 24 with a remote control center. The information contained in the mass storage unit 28 can be selectively displayed in alpha numerical form on the Clot 10. The CRT can also be used to display regular broadcasted television 20 programs as well as scheduled and private cable television productions. Any information or image displayed on the CRT 10 can also be deliverer in a hard copy form by a printer 11. All requests for services or information are entered by tile customer via the ~99'~3 lowbrowed 20. l'aylllellts for tile services may be effected either by depositing coins in the coin box 21 or by charging it to a credit card account after validation of the credit curd through the magnetic strip card render 22. A small member of travel-related goads such 5 as travel guides, maps, sunglasses, foreign currency, may be purchased on the spot by wry of the goods dispenser 23.
The goods dispenser 23 described with reference to Figures 1 through 6, comprises a rotating carousel 51 Welch surrounds the various elements of the system about the equatorial zone within the 10 enclosure 2. The carousel is divided in a plurality of stations 52 and is supported by a peripheral flange 54 riding over rollers 53 mounted against the shin of the enclosure 2. Each of the stations 52 is open at the bottom and houses a hopper 55 holding one or more items 56 to be dispensed. The hopper 55 has a triangular shape and is lo supported by a hinge 57 at one of the lower corners of the station.
The hopper is held in place by a spring-tensioned latch 58. When the latch 58 is pulled, the hopper 55 rotates downward around hinge 57 and drops the goods 56 into the distribution pouch 18. The latch 58 is released under the pull of a solenoid 60. A single solenoid 60 20 located oil tile forward edge of the equipment-suppolting shelf 45 guarantees that the goods are always dropped in the distribution pouch 18. The carousel 51 is rotated by mulls of an electrical motor Go via a set of genus 62. Hugh StatiOIl 52 is identified by a code ED
1~1'39'~
embedded in n n~a~netic sly it Go in the Buckley of each hopper. A
sensor ô4 located below the solenoid 60 reads identification codes ox the stations from the magnetic strips during the movemerlt of the carousel 51. The goods dispenser 23 is operated by means of a S vending controller 37 of which Figure 6 is a functional block diagram.
The electrical motor 61 driving the carousel 51 is energized through driver 70 when the flip-flop Yule is set upon depressing the CIRCA pushbutton located on the keyboard 20. The flip-flop Fly will remain set and the carousel will continue to rotate as long as 10 the SEARCH pushbutton is held down. After the search pushbutton has been released, the carousel will stop wizen flip-flop Fly is reset as soon as one of the station codes is detected by the code sensor 64 and OR gate Go. This guarantees that the carousel will always stop with a loaded station properly aligned below the viewing window 15 14 and With its latching lever 58 positioned above the solenoid 60.
The coin box 21 has the ability to generate a code corresponding to the amulet of chAIlge which has bell deposited therein. This informatiorl is sent to the central processor 30. The central processor in turn generates a code compatible with the identification code of 20 one or more stations. These stations are presumed to contain goods whose cost is equal to the amount of change recognized by the coin box 21~ If the code of the station which is positioned below the viewing window coincides to the code issued by the central 3`~7~3 g processor, the decoding gates 67 generate a signal which enables AND gate 68. The sl~nal generated by -the depress-in of DISPENSE pushbutton is routed through gate 68 to set flip-flop FF2. The output of flip-flop FF2 energizes the solenoid 60 by way of driver 69. This causes a release of the latch 58 holding the hopper 55 of the station and the unloading of -the goods into the distribution pocket 18. A COIN ACCEPT signal is generated through gate 66 and sent through the central processor 30 toward the coin box 21. The COIN ACCEPT signal also resets flip-flop FF2, returning the system to its standby mode.
In order to provide the maximum flexibility in the utilization of the various components of the automatic service terminal and to allow for future expansion, the entire system is managed through the central processor 30.
This central processor 30 is used to interpret the complex inputs generated by the customer via the keyboard 20, the coin box 21, and the credit card reader 22, as well as those generated from the remote site and communicated via the audio communication unit 24. The operating program of the central processor 30 is stored in a non-volatile read only memory 31. This memory contains the programmed code numbers necessary to direct the computer or microcomputer to E)erforlll the various functions ox the terminRI. Intermediate results, variables, etc., required by the operating program, will reside in the rcad/write memory 29. Both the read only memory 31 and the reud/write memory 29 are an 5 integral part with the central processor 30. As implied by the block diagram of Figure 8, the terminal system employs a bidirectional parallel bus oriented input/outp-lt structure. The exact specifications of the bus are typically a functioll of the central processor and one of the standard types well Nemo by people skilled in the art. The 10 advantage of the bus structure is not only to accommodate the various terminal components, but also to provide for addition of other devices tint may be later necessary to support future terminal features. Tile terminal system is basically a locally controlled device as explained before. remote interface is also provided for the 15 Hollowing features:
Monitoring of the operational status of the terminal system by remote site computer 42, Updating the variable data kept in the mass storage unit 28;
and Programming of additional features of capability of tile terminal system.
The central processor selected for this embodiment of the invention is an IOTA, M ode 80/ 20, single board computer. This 3~3'73 instrument, in addition to the basic central processor 30, features a bidirectional standardized bus support 40 integral read only and read/write memories, integral bidirectional serial chenille 43 for remote communications, multiple, integral, parallel input/output and 5 control lines, and an integral timer system The display system consists of various modules, parts of which are capable of receiving data and commands from the central - processor 30 via the parallel bus 40. Five distinct modules comprise the display system.
Thea CRT display device 10, capable of receiving electrical signals and transferring them into visual representation on the viewing screen.
A video playback module 27, which can retrieve, and cause to be output, visual images and audio information which is stored 5 on a removable media.
A video frame presentation module ~vidicom) 36, which can receive data, interpret it as a series of dots, and cause to be displayed nun image represented by the presence or absence of dots.
A video controller module 33, which can receive da to and 20 commands, and cause to be displayed, alpha numerical information, symbols, graphic information, etc., typically associated with texts or word-oriented applications; and A video multiplexer module 35, which can be instructed to '3~'73 select one of the above modules video Ol1tplltS and direct it to the CRT display device.
us a separate input, tile video multiplexer module 35 also is capable of pl~senting a standard television signal to the CRT device 5 10 . This sigrnnl may come from a cable television system m or a television receiver external to the terminal system, and is interpreted through the demodulate and decode device 34.
The Clot display device lo may be one of any available from various manufactures Scull as Motorola, C. Isle? etc., the only 10 requirement being the ability to trallsform electrical (video) signals unto visual representations by modulating an electron beam which strikes force phosphor-coated glass and emits visible light.
The video playback disc device 27 is preferably a DISCOVI~ION
ASSOCIATES Model PRY which can provide local storage of high 15 resolution video image and audio information. The principal features of this device are the capability of storing 54,000 individual video frames and synchronized audio playback, which can be accessed sequentially or randomly under control from the central processor 30. eye stored information, as for e~nmple, travel documental issue 20 maps, etc., is routed to the CRT 10 inshore control of the central processor 30, via the video multiplexer 35. The video frame presentation device (vidicom) 36, not unlike in technology to those available from COLORADO VOW, INC., will allow display of 99~
facsimile information acquired by the central processor from zither the mass storage 28 or the remote site computer 42. The purpose of this device is to allow timely information to be encoded at the remote location and transmitted over the serial channel unit by the 5 modems 38, 39 and the audio controller 24, to the terminal computer and subsequently decoded and displayed after routing through the video multiplexer 35.
The alphanumeric and video display controller 33 provide the capability necessary to support the intended manual-oriented 10 transaction system for user interfacing. This device may be implemented with a MErACOMP Model MCY-1023 controller which combines the necessary features into a bus-oriented controller. The video output of this controller 33 would be displayed on command via video multiplexer 35. The final module of the video display 15 system, the video multiplexer 35, is designed using existing electronic technology, to accept inputs from bus 40, the vidicom 36, the video controller 33, the video disc 27 and the demodulate and decode device 34.
The printer 11 is cost fluted by a video hard-copy unit, 20 TEKTRONIX Model 4632, which can generate a hard copy in a 21.6 X 27.9 centimeters (8-1/2" X 11") from a raster scan video source.
any image displayed on the CRT 10 can also be printed in a 21.6 X 27.9 centimeters (8-1/2" X 11") format on the printer 11.
7~3 Tile card render module 22 is included to allow input of data from a standard magnetically encoded stripe such as those normally found on credit cards. It may be implemented with AMERICAN
MEN ETlCS Model 40, which provides electrical signals S corresponding to magnetically encoded information on several parallel tracks. Card-reader 22 interfaces with the controller parallel l/O
bus. This allows the central processor 30 to sense a card being presented by the customer and to interpret the data. The data would typically be account number, credit limit, name and similar 10 information relevant to a credit card authorization and charge system. The keyboard, not unlike the one provided by KEYTRONlCS, consists of a series of keys similar to Q typewriter in arenas and mechanical operation. This keyboard can convert the mechanical motion of key depression into an electrical signal which can be 15 sensed by the central processor 30 via the bus 40.
The coin box 20 is a FLUNKS Model AL coin acceptor which can accept currency payments for various services or goods provided and communicate to the central processor 30 the amount of change deposited therein by the bus 40.
The voice and audio communication unit 24 allows the terminal computer 30 to provide an audio corlnection between the terminal user end some remote site, or to route audio outputs from the video disc 27 to the local loud speaker 12 US explained before. The control 39~
module or communication unit 24 accepts commands from the central processor 30 and connects a typical -telephone handset 25 to a telephone line or similar voice grade communication technique via a modem 38. The central processor 30 is equipped with a serial interface 43 compatible with most modem required input formats.
The on-line mass storage unit 28 it a floppy disc device available from SHUGART ASSOCIATES and has a control interface compatible with the I/O bus 40. The central lo processor 30 is able to store and subsequently retrieve data from the on-line mass storage module 28 on command.
The interfacing of the various components of the system as described above is done according to standard practices well known to those skilled in the electronic arts. The operation of the central processor unit 30 which acts as a decision-making machine, is directed from the operational program stored in the read only memory 31. The application program is derived from the on-line mass storage 28. The application program is of a "menu-type" and can be best understood by reference to the flow diagrams of Figures 9, lo and if. In order to illustrate the capabilities of the terminal, the operational program will be discussed in connection with five operations: the display of travel documentaries, the display of flight schedules, securing reservations on a particular flight, the issuance of a flight ticket, and the control of the vending machine.
The operation of Use terminal is prilned by Use ClJStomer~s droppillg a dime in the coin box slot. As explained before, the coin box generates a coded signal indicative of the amount of change deposited. This signal is immediately sensed by the central processor 5 which addresses the mass storage unit and fetches from it the basic list or menu of the services available. This information is then transmitted via the video multiplexer to the CRT where the list of services available is displayed in columnar form with, adjacent to it the key symbol to be entered by the customer in making his 10 selection. The customer may, for instance, be requested to enter a "D" in order to obtain a listing of all the travel documentaries available. A "S" to check a flight schedule, and so on. Assuming now that the customer enters a "D" on the keyboard, the central processor addresses the video-disc storage unit and fetches from it 15 a list of all documentaries recorded thereon. This list is again routed throllgh the video multiplexer to be displayed on the CRT. The name of the various documentaries are indexed with an alphanumerically code which the customer is asked to use in making hi-s selection.
Once Uris code is entered via the keyboard, it is used by the central 20 processor to address the video-disc storage to the area containing the selected documentary. after the documentary has been run, the basic menu is again displayed on the CRT and the system is ready for an alternate selection to be made by the customer. If no selection ED
9'73 is Nikolai within the next to try psychoanalyze, the system retrials to a standby s~fltus until primed again by deposit of the required change.
The flight schedule program Barnes by Use display on the CRT
of a schedule mask through which the customer is invited to fill in 5 the from nod to locations of the flights. When the customer enters tile departure point and the destination on the keyboard, two codes are generated which are used to Salk the appropriate inrorm~tion in the mass storage or, alternately, are sent via the audio commullication system to a remote reservation computer. When the 10 list of available flights has been gathered from the mass storage or received back from Use remote computer center, it is displayed on the Clot with an inquiry as to whether the customer wants a hard copy of the schedule. The amount of change to be deposited in order to obtain the hard copy is also displayed. When the proper amount 15 Of cha1lge is detected in the coin box, the central processor generates a code which is recognized by the printer as a signal to print the raster scan image being generated on the CRT. At the end of the printillg sequence the customer is offered the choice to jump immediately into tile flight reserv~tioll mode or to return to the I basic menu display.
The reservation sequence begins with Use display of a mask from the CRT requesting such inforlllation as the flight number, member of passengers, and other information such as smoking or 99'7~3 non-smoking section preferences. ~ftcr the musk his been completed by tile customer entering his selection, the central processor generates a request message which is sent via the audio communication system to the remote reservation computer After 5 receiving the confirmation message, the system again offers the customer the option to obtain a hard copy of the reservation information, after which the system offers the option to go directly into A ticket purchase mode, or a return to the basic menu display.
The flight ticket delivery program requires from the customer 10 the payment of the fare through credit card. The price to be paid is fetched from the mass storage and displayed upon the CRT. The introduction of a credit kirk into the credit card reader triggers a sequence during which the account number and the amount being charged are sent to a remote credit center where the credit line 15 is verified and the transaction is recorded. The acceptance message received back from the computing collier anuses the CPV to generate a video image of a flight ticket which is simultaneously printed by the video hard copy printer.
The computer-controlled goods dispensing program is also initiated by a video display of the lists of items available for sale.
Upon selection of the item by this alpha-numerical indexing number, the system selects from the video disc a sequence of images illustrating the product. The customer at that point is offered a 3~3~3 _ 1 9 choice to purchusc tile item by depositing Ulc amount indicutcd or to return to the item mist display mode for an alternate selection.
Once Use payment has been recognized in the coin box the carousel of the vending machine is allowed to rotate until a matching code 5 is detected in the back of the appropriate station at which point the computer triggers the dispense sequence discussed earlier.
Illustl axed in Figure 10 is the flow diagram of a program for establishing a voice commlmication with a remote site and for the transfer of data between the mass storage and a remote data center.
10 These sequences are of a very common type for which software packages are readily available for most common types of central processors.
The operational sequences just described are illustrative of the versatility of the terminal. The system can be adapted to 15 various tasks related to the delivery of travel services by mere software changes. The terminal may be used to promote and sell a variety of services and to facilitate financial transactions.
Its comprehensive communication interface makes it an ideal tool for catalog sales from a central warehouse and an adequate 20 substitute in many cases for the retail store. The terminal could also be adapted to the delivery of a higher grade of services such as professional advice and counseling.
While toe preferred embodiment of the invention has been ~i~9~3 described nod mociificntiolls thereto hove boon suggested, other implem~lltntiQns may be devised which gall be adapted to a variety of applications without deporting from -tune spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (11)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. An automatic vending apparatus operable by a customer which comprises:
means for selectively promoting by audio-visual pre-sentation, the sale of services;
means for accepting orders for said services;
means for collecting payments for said services;
means for delivering to said customer at least one document allowing access to said services;
a programmable machine responsive to the request of said customer for directing the operation of said various means;
a cabinet housing said various means and programmable machine;
said automatic vending apparatus further comprising:
(i) a ring-shaped carousel having a plurality of box-like stations, each having an opening at the bottom;
(ii) means for rotating said carousel;
(iii) within each station, releasable means for holding goods above said opening;
(iv) a pocket under said ring for receiving goods falling through the opening of a particular station positioned immediately above said pocket;
and (v) means for releasing the means for holding of said particular station.
means for selectively promoting by audio-visual pre-sentation, the sale of services;
means for accepting orders for said services;
means for collecting payments for said services;
means for delivering to said customer at least one document allowing access to said services;
a programmable machine responsive to the request of said customer for directing the operation of said various means;
a cabinet housing said various means and programmable machine;
said automatic vending apparatus further comprising:
(i) a ring-shaped carousel having a plurality of box-like stations, each having an opening at the bottom;
(ii) means for rotating said carousel;
(iii) within each station, releasable means for holding goods above said opening;
(iv) a pocket under said ring for receiving goods falling through the opening of a particular station positioned immediately above said pocket;
and (v) means for releasing the means for holding of said particular station.
2. The apparatus claimed in claim 1 wherein said releasable means comprise:
a hopper having its lower section pivotally connected to said carousel along a horizontal axis; and a spring-tensioned latch for holding said hopper in the upright position.
a hopper having its lower section pivotally connected to said carousel along a horizontal axis; and a spring-tensioned latch for holding said hopper in the upright position.
3. The apparatus claimed in claim 2 wherein said means for releasing comprise:
a solenoid positioned in relation to the latch of said particular station so as to release said latch when said solenoid is activated.
a solenoid positioned in relation to the latch of said particular station so as to release said latch when said solenoid is activated.
4. The apparatus claimed in claim 3 which further comprise:
means for collecting payments for said dispersed goods;
means for detecting the identification of each of said stations when it is positioned above said pocket;
means for coordinating said payment with said identifica-tion; and means responsive to said means for coordinating, for enabling said means for releasing.
means for collecting payments for said dispersed goods;
means for detecting the identification of each of said stations when it is positioned above said pocket;
means for coordinating said payment with said identifica-tion; and means responsive to said means for coordinating, for enabling said means for releasing.
5. The apparatus claimed in claim wherein said means for promoting comprise a cathode ray tube display unit and a video information storage unit supplying said display unit with a plurality of video programs describing said services.
6. The apparatus claimed in claim 5 which further comprises a keyboard operable by the customer for entering requests into said machine.
7. A substantially self-contained apparatus dimensioned to be easily transported and installed at a commercial location comprising:
an audio-visual means for selectively dispensing information from a plurality of data sources;
customer operated means for selecting information to be dispensed on said audio-visual means;
a first data source comprising a first mass-storage means containing product and service information;
a second data source comprising a second mass-storage means containing product and service information and system-operation directions;
electromechanical means for selectively dispensing goods from a plurality of holding stations;
means operated by the customer for selecting goods to be dispensed by said electromechanical means;
at least one electromechanical means for printing information derived from said data sources;
at least one electromechanical means for accepting payment for said goods and services from the customer; and means for directing the operation of said audio-visual means, said means operated by the customer, said data sources and said electromechanical means, said means for directing comprising means for holding an operational sequencing list and a decision-making machine responsive to the status of said various means for controlling their operations.
an audio-visual means for selectively dispensing information from a plurality of data sources;
customer operated means for selecting information to be dispensed on said audio-visual means;
a first data source comprising a first mass-storage means containing product and service information;
a second data source comprising a second mass-storage means containing product and service information and system-operation directions;
electromechanical means for selectively dispensing goods from a plurality of holding stations;
means operated by the customer for selecting goods to be dispensed by said electromechanical means;
at least one electromechanical means for printing information derived from said data sources;
at least one electromechanical means for accepting payment for said goods and services from the customer; and means for directing the operation of said audio-visual means, said means operated by the customer, said data sources and said electromechanical means, said means for directing comprising means for holding an operational sequencing list and a decision-making machine responsive to the status of said various means for controlling their operations.
8. An apparatus for automatically dispensing goods and services to a customer which comprises:
an audio-visual means for selectively dispensing infor-mation from a plurality of data sources;
customer operated means for selecting information to be dispensed on said audio-visual means;
a first data source comprising a first mass-storage means containing product and service information;
a second data source comprising a second mass-storage means containing product and service information and system-operation directions;
electromechanical means for selectively dispensing goods from a plurality of holding stations;
means operated by the customer for selecting goods to be dispensed by said electromechanical means;
at least one electromechanical means for printing information derived from said data sources;
at least one electromechanical means for accepting payment for said goods and services from the customer;
means for directing the operation of said audio visual means, said means operated by the customer, said data sources and said electromechanical means, said means for directing comprising means for holding an operational sequencing list and a decision-making machine responsive to the status of said various means for controlling their operations;
said data sources further comprising:
(i) a third data source comprising at least one remotely located mass storage and telecommunication means for transferring data from said remotely located mass storage to said audio visual means;
and (ii) means for remotely updating the product and source information and for updating the system operation directions contained in said second data source.
an audio-visual means for selectively dispensing infor-mation from a plurality of data sources;
customer operated means for selecting information to be dispensed on said audio-visual means;
a first data source comprising a first mass-storage means containing product and service information;
a second data source comprising a second mass-storage means containing product and service information and system-operation directions;
electromechanical means for selectively dispensing goods from a plurality of holding stations;
means operated by the customer for selecting goods to be dispensed by said electromechanical means;
at least one electromechanical means for printing information derived from said data sources;
at least one electromechanical means for accepting payment for said goods and services from the customer;
means for directing the operation of said audio visual means, said means operated by the customer, said data sources and said electromechanical means, said means for directing comprising means for holding an operational sequencing list and a decision-making machine responsive to the status of said various means for controlling their operations;
said data sources further comprising:
(i) a third data source comprising at least one remotely located mass storage and telecommunication means for transferring data from said remotely located mass storage to said audio visual means;
and (ii) means for remotely updating the product and source information and for updating the system operation directions contained in said second data source.
9. The apparatus claimed in claim 8 wherein said audio-visual means comprise a cathode ray tube display unit;
said means for selecting information and said means for selecting goods comprise a keyboard operable by the customer;
said first data source comprises a video information recording unit;
said second data source comprises a randomly accessible electronic storage unit; and said electromechanical means for printing comprises a printing machine responsive to a video raster scan signal.
said means for selecting information and said means for selecting goods comprise a keyboard operable by the customer;
said first data source comprises a video information recording unit;
said second data source comprises a randomly accessible electronic storage unit; and said electromechanical means for printing comprises a printing machine responsive to a video raster scan signal.
10. The apparatus claimed in claim 9 wherein said first data source comprises documentary films on travel and vacation opportunities;
said second data source comprise transportation schedules, fare, and reservation information; and said remotely located mass storage comprises a computer-ized flight reservation system.
said second data source comprise transportation schedules, fare, and reservation information; and said remotely located mass storage comprises a computer-ized flight reservation system.
11. A substantially self-contained apparatus dimensioned to be easily transported and installed at a commercial location comprising:
an audio-visual means for selectively dispensing informal tion from a plurality of data sources;
customer operated means for selecting information to be dispensed on said audio-visual means;
a first data source comprising a first mass-storage means containing product information;
a second data source comprising a second mass-storage means containing product information and system operation directions;
at least one electromechanical means for dispensing information or products;
means operated by the customer for selecting product to be dispensed by said electromechanical means;
at least one electromechanical means for accepting payment for said product from the customer; and means for directing the operation of said audio-visual means, said means operated by the customer, said data sources and said electromechanical means, said means for directing comprising means for holding an operational sequencing list and a decision-making machine responsive to the status of said various means for controlling their operations.
an audio-visual means for selectively dispensing informal tion from a plurality of data sources;
customer operated means for selecting information to be dispensed on said audio-visual means;
a first data source comprising a first mass-storage means containing product information;
a second data source comprising a second mass-storage means containing product information and system operation directions;
at least one electromechanical means for dispensing information or products;
means operated by the customer for selecting product to be dispensed by said electromechanical means;
at least one electromechanical means for accepting payment for said product from the customer; and means for directing the operation of said audio-visual means, said means operated by the customer, said data sources and said electromechanical means, said means for directing comprising means for holding an operational sequencing list and a decision-making machine responsive to the status of said various means for controlling their operations.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000413680A CA1189973A (en) | 1982-10-18 | 1982-10-18 | Self-service terminal |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000413680A CA1189973A (en) | 1982-10-18 | 1982-10-18 | Self-service terminal |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1189973A true CA1189973A (en) | 1985-07-02 |
Family
ID=4123787
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000413680A Expired CA1189973A (en) | 1982-10-18 | 1982-10-18 | Self-service terminal |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1189973A (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5309355A (en) * | 1984-05-24 | 1994-05-03 | Lockwood Lawrence B | Automated sales system |
| US6594548B2 (en) | 2001-04-12 | 2003-07-15 | Hani Bagnordi | Portable digital assistant |
-
1982
- 1982-10-18 CA CA000413680A patent/CA1189973A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5309355A (en) * | 1984-05-24 | 1994-05-03 | Lockwood Lawrence B | Automated sales system |
| US6594548B2 (en) | 2001-04-12 | 2003-07-15 | Hani Bagnordi | Portable digital assistant |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US4359631A (en) | Self-service terminal | |
| USRE32115E (en) | Self-service terminal | |
| US6264104B1 (en) | Vending device with remote electronic shopping facility | |
| US5309355A (en) | Automated sales system | |
| US5339239A (en) | Information collecting and/or service furnishing systems by which a user can request information from a central data base using a portable personal terminal and an access terminal | |
| US5655966A (en) | Method and apparatus for cashless bartop gaming system operation | |
| US4449186A (en) | Touch panel passenger self-ticketing system | |
| US6999936B2 (en) | Electronic ticketing system and methods utilizing multi-service visitor cards | |
| US5310997A (en) | Automated order and delivery system | |
| WO1997005934A9 (en) | A method and apparatus for cashless bartop gaming system operation | |
| CA1189973A (en) | Self-service terminal | |
| US20120129608A1 (en) | Network For Token-Based And Related Devices | |
| JPS60191362A (en) | Commodity reservation system | |
| KR200167689Y1 (en) | Multi display device | |
| JP2006500646A (en) | Operation method of vending machine and its sales system | |
| JPS60193070A (en) | Commodity reservation system | |
| KR20020016066A (en) | System and Method of ticket issue and Apparatus of terminal for ticket issue system | |
| AU701966B2 (en) | Electronic ordering system | |
| JPH0962827A (en) | Individual information collecting system using driving license | |
| JPH11338949A (en) | Card and card system for various kinds of sports such as horse racing | |
| KR100564017B1 (en) | Automatic Teller Machine with advertisement display | |
| JP2004013613A (en) | Information presenting system | |
| JPS60186962A (en) | Article reservation system | |
| WO2014185867A1 (en) | System for providing of services, in particular sale of goods, ordering of services and provision of betting services. | |
| GB2191025A (en) | Computer system |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEC | Expiry (correction) | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |