WO1998024006A2

WO1998024006A2 - Automated check-in/check-out system

Info

Publication number: WO1998024006A2
Application number: PCT/US1997/021003
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert J. Rath
Original assignee: Express Key, Inc.
Priority date: 1996-11-12
Filing date: 1997-11-12
Publication date: 1998-06-04
Also published as: WO1998024006A3; AU5180598A

Abstract

An automated check-in system (100) provides a key to a room in a lodging establishment. The check-in system (100) includes a key dispensing mechanism (140) configured to provide a key to the selected room, a payment acceptance module (160) configured to accept payment for the room and a security module (180) to verify the person using the system. The check-in system (100) may include a computer (110) with an input device configured to allow the user to enter information into the computer and a display device (130) configured to display information such as the rate, characteristics and location of the room user to the user. The automated system can be located, for example, in the lodging establishment for use by the employees or patrons of the lodging establishment. The check-in system may also be placed in other locations such as airports and shopping centers.

Description

AUTOMATED CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT SYSTEM

Background Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of electronic devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to an automated check in system and associated method for enabling patrons to receive a room key upon confirmed payment for room accommodations at a hotel or motel. Description of Art Related to the Invention

In the early 1980s, prominent financial institutions within the United States began to routinely install automated systems at their branch offices. These automated systems, commonly referred to as automated teller machines ("ATMs"), have provided a number of benefits to both the financial institutions as well as their customers. For example, ATMs provide customers with the ability to perform normal financial transactions (i.e., deposit, withdraw, obtain account balances, etc.) on any day and at any time. This provides customers with a convenient banking alterative in lieu of waiting in line for teller assistance during normal business hours. Financial institutions benefit monetarily through a reduction in labor overhead. Such monetary benefits may be passed on to the customer through better services or lesser service charges.

Summary With the exception of the financial industry, many other service related industries have not yet realized the benefits of providing registration and other related services through automated systems. The present invention is an automated check-in system that provides a convenient alternative to requiring a visit and often waiting at the front desk of a hotel or motel to receive a room key or other related services. It will be understood that the automated system may provide a wide range of services in addition to providing a room key and the system may be located in numerous locations.

One aspect of the invention is providing registration and other related services through automated systems for the hotel and motel industry. For example, it is appreciated by the general public that, even though a patron reserves a room at a lodging establishment (e.g., hotel, motel, inn, motor court, etc.) by calling a reservation service network or the lodging establishment directly before his or her date of arrival and guarantees the arrival with a credit card or a prior cash payment, the patron still must register at the reservation or front desk to obtain his or her room key. It is not uncommon for the registration desk to be closed late at night forcing the patron to modify his or her travel schedule, or to require the patron to wait fifteen, thirty or even forty-five minutes for the manager or other employee to be awakened so that the required service can be obtained. Additionally, because there is often a line at the registration desk, patrons in some popular hotels must wait an extended period before check-in. This can be particularly burdensome for a patron who has traveled an extended distance or is in a hurry. The present invention relates to a system and associated method that may be used to streamline the current, yet inefficient, registration process. Another aspect of the present invention is that it would preclude dishonest personnel operating the lodging establishment from occasionally renting a room in cash at a discounted price and keeping the proceeds. This problem is rampant, especially in the motel industry, where there are little or no secure mechanisms to regulate the disbursement of room keys.

Other aspects of the present invention may include, but are not limited to, allowing foreign guests fluent in a non-English language to communicate their preferred accommodations without the need of an interpreter; reducing the need of paper records and fees paid to credit card companies by digitally capturing the patron's signature agreeing to the listed changes; providing the owner of the lodging establishment with occupancy, daily revenue accounts and other information remotely without the need of disturbing his or her personnel; maintaining privacy of confidential messages and facsimiles sent to the patron; providing travel tickets (e.g., airline, railroad, etc.), tickets of interest (e.g., movie, theater, ski passes, lottery, etc.) and cash for use and enjoyment by the patron. In one embodiment of the invention, an automated check-in system for obtaining a room in a lodging establishment includes a key dispensing module configured to provide a key to a selected room in the lodging establishment, a payment acceptance module configured to accept payment for the room in the lodging establishment, and a security module. Desirably the automated check-in system also includes a computer with an input device which allows a user to enter information into the computer, and a display device which displays information to the user. The check-in system preferably allows the user to select a room in the lodging establishment with the desired characteristics.

In another embodiment of the invention, the automated check-in system comprises a computer which controls a plurality of peripheral devices. The peripheral devices include a key dispensing mechanism, a payment acceptance module and a security module. The security module may include, for example, an electronic signature capturing device, a visual recognition system, a biometric recognition system, an eye recognition system, a hand geometry recognition system, a fingerprint recognition system, a voice recognition system, and a electronic signature recognition system. It will be understood that the automated system may include one or any combination of these peripheral devices.

In still another embodiment of the invention, the automated system may provide access to a desired room. The automated system includes a plurality of keys, cards or codes for a plurality of rooms, a payment acceptance device such as a currency validation device to receive payment for the room, and an identification module to identify the person using the system. Desirably the identification module ensures the identify of the person having access to the room is known.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the automated system can be located in any desired location. For example, the system may be located behind the front desk of a lodging establishment such that it is operated by employees only, or the system may be located in the lobby so that a patron of the lodging establishment can use the system. The system may also be located at locations remote from the lodging establishment to enable a patron to check-in and obtain a room key before arrival at the lodging establishment. For example, the system may be located in airports or bus stations so that the patron can check-in and obtain a room key immediately after his or her arrival into the city or while changing planes. Advantageously, these automated systems can be incorporated into a structure such as a wall, or enclosed in a structure such as a kiosk. Brief Description of the Drawings These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the present invention, which are intended to illustrate and not to limit the invention, in which:

Figure 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an automated check-in system comprising a computer configured to control a plurality of peripherals;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the automated check-in systems of Figure 1 featuring a kiosk enclosing the computer and some of the peripherals of the automated check-in system;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the automated check-in systems of Figure 1 in which a patron is providing currency for payment toward room accommodations at a lodging establishment; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the automated check-in system of Figure 1 in which the patron is obtaining a room key for a selected room;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the automated check-in system enclosed within an ornate, free-standing kiosk placed within a lobby of a lodging establishment and featuring a touch screen monitor; Figures 6A-6D are flowcharts illustrating the operational procedures needed to obtain a room key through the automated check-in system as well as other items of interest;

Figure 7 is a flowchart of another embodiment of obtaining a room key from the automated check-in system, illustrating the purchase of a room;

Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the reservation mode of the automated check-in system shown in Figure 7; Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the cash mode of the automated check-in system shown in Figure 7; and

Figures 10A-C are flowcharts illustrating the set up mode of the automated check system shown in Figure

Detailed Description The following description sets forth the preferred embodiments of the present invention in order to enable any person skilled in the mechanical and electrical fields to build the present invention. It is contemplated, however, that various widely known devices have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring the present invention.

Referring to Figure 1, a block diagram of an embodiment of the automated check-in system is shown. The automated check-in system 100 comprises a computer 110 preprogrammed to control a plurality of peripheral devices 120 coupled to the computer. The plurality of peripheral devices 120 include, for example, but are not limited to, a display device 130, an input device 135, a key dispensing mechanism 140, a key dispensing control mechanism 145, a card reading device 150, an electronic signature capturing device 1 5, a currency validation device 160, a currency dispensing mechanism 165, a transceiver device 170, a ticket printing device 175 and an authentication/ security device 180. It will be appreciated that the automated check-in system 100 does not require each of these peripheral devices 120, and that while the desired automated system may include some or all of the peripheral devices listed above, and it may also include additional peripheral device or features not described above. The computer 110 is preprogrammed by implementing: (i) nonvolatile memory 111 (e.g., electronic programmable read only memory "EPROM," "EEPROM," flash memory, etc.); and/or (ii) software coded to control various operations by the computer 110. The software is stored within either the nonvolatile memory 111 or volatile memory 112 (e.g., random access memory) of the computer 110 as appropriate. The computer 110 may also include an internal modem option card 113 and cryptographic hardware or software (not shown) to encrypt sensitive information transmitted to another node remotely located from the computer 110 through the internal modem 113 or transceiver device described below.

Referring now to Figure 2, the computer 110 as well as the desired peripheral devices 120 are enclosed within a kiosk 115 or other protective structure. The kiosk 115 may have any desired configuration and may be constructed from a variety of materials, including hardened plastic, metal, fiberglass or any other generally rigid material. The kiosk 115 may be incorporated into a supporting structure such as a wall, or may be generally freestanding. The purpose of the kiosk 115 is two-fold; namely, it protects the computer and the plurality of peripherals from being tampered with by patrons or employees of the lodging establishment, and it protects the hardware of the automated check-in system 100 from being damaged by weather conditions, especially if it is mounted outside similar to an ATM as shown in the accompanying figure. It is contemplated, however, that the automated check-in system 100 may be employed within a lobby of the lodging establishment as shown in Figure 5.

The automated system 100 may also be positioned in any desired location. For example, the system 100 may be placed behind the front desk of a lodging establishment to allow access only to employees, or the system may be placed in the lobby of the lodging establishment for easy access by the patrons. The automated system may also be placed at locations remote from the lodging establishment so that the patron may obtain his or her room key before arriving at the hotel. Advantageously, this allows the patron to go directly to the room without first going to the front desk in the lobby to check-in. For example, the automated system 100 may be located in airports, train stations, bus depots, shopping centers and the like. Thus, patrons can check-in and obtain a room key before departing for a city, while changing planes, or immediately after his or her arrival into the city. Moreover, the automated system in a location such as an airport may provide directions to the lodging establishment and may allow the patron to select a room from more than one lodging requirement.

The display device 130 is preferably a commercially available liquid crystal display ("LCD") similar to those utilized by ATMs. The display device 130 displays messages prompting the patron to depress various buttons of the input device 135 to respond to the messages. Such message request the patron to select a language type (e.g., French, German, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, Italian, etc.), accommodation preferences, a method of payment and the like. Although the display device 130 is illustrated as a LCD, it is contemplated that a back-lighted flat panel display or a touch screen monitor may be used in the alternate. Of course, the display device 130 could also be a cathode ray tube ("CRT").

The display device 130 may also provide other information, such as the location of the hotel or the location of the room within the hotel. In addition, the display screen could show, for example, a picture of the interior of the room, the layout of the room, or the view from the room. The patron may then use this information to select a desired room within the hotel.

The input device 135 is a commercially available numeric key pad having number buttons 136 associated with the numerals "0-9" as well as "OK" and "Clear" buttons 137 and 138. The "OK" button 137 may be used to signal the computer (not shown) that the patron has completed his or her response to the message currently displayed by the display device 130. Likewise, the "Clear" button 138 may be used by the patron to re-enter his or her selection if a number button is accidentally depressed. Other input devices such as touch screens, light pens, computer keyboards, a mouse and the like may also be used to input information into the system 100.

Referring back to Figure 1, the key dispensing mechanism 140 is used to dispense the room key to the patron. The dispensing mechanism 140, for example, preferably includes one of two commercially available mechanisms depending on whether standard metal keys or electronic keys are used by the lodging establishment. For those lodging establishments utilizing metal keys, the key dispensing mechanism 140 includes a rack from which a predetermined number the room keys are hung. Proximate to each of the keys is a dedicated solenoid. Depending on the room selected by the patron, the solenoid proximate to the key 141 associated with the selected room is activated by the computer. This causes the key 141 to be released from the rack and fall into a tray 142. The computer transmits a control signal to a siding panel 143 to allow the patron to retrieve his room key as shown in Figure 4.

Alternatively, the key dispensing mechanism 140 may dispense electronic keys which, for example, are similar to magnetic stripped plastic cards. Upon the patron selecting his or her room accommodations, the computer ascertains a key code assigned to that room and transmits the key code to the electronic key dispenser. The electronic key dispenser receives the key code, programs an electronic key card with the key code and automatically ejects the electronic key in a programmed state to rest in a tray accessible to the patron. These keys codes may be modified for each room after each patron checks out of the lodging establishment. The electronic key dispenser is currently manufactured by a number of companies such as VingCard, Safelock, TESA and Yale. Referring to Figure 2, the key dispensing mechanism 140 is controlled by the key dispensing control mechanism 145 accessible only to employees of the lodging establishment. The key dispensing control mechanism 145 includes a number of buttons 146 corresponding in number to the number of keys supported by the automated check-in system 100 or alternatively the number of rooms provided by the lodging establishment. By depressing a button associated with a particular room, the key dispensing control mechanism 145 precludes the automated check-in system 100 from dispensing that key or programming an electronic key with that room's preassigned key code until re-enabled. For automated check-in systems utilizing metal keys, the key dispersing control mechanism 145 allows an employee to load a copy of a key for an occupied room into the automated check-in system 100 prior to check-out of the current occupants, and the control mechanism is programmed such that the copy of the key for the occupied room is not dispensed until after the current occupants check-out. As further shown in Figure 2, the card reading device 150 is a commercially available credit card reader coupled to the computer 110 to establish a connection with a remotely located credit card authorization computer through a standard telephone line 114. Upon receiving authorization from the credit card authorization computer, the computer signals a receipt printer 156 of the electronic signature capturing device 155 to print out a receipt for the patron. The card reading device 150 may also accept other cards such as debit cards or smart cards.

The automated check-in system 100 may also require the patron to sign on a signature plate 158 utilizing an electronic pen or stylus 157 located proximate to the receipt printer 156. The electronic signature capturing device 155 electronically captures a digitized copy of the signature to the patron and transmits the digitized signature to volatile memory 111 of the computer 110 for eventual conveyance to the credit card banking computer service. This eliminates the need for the lodging establishment to retain hard copies of transactions as well as improves cash flow, reduces accounting overhead and eliminates the credit card fee markup for noπsigned charge slips. The electronic signature capturing device 155 is manufactured by Micro Billed of Atlanta, Georgia. It will be appreciated that the automated check-in system 100 does not require the use of the electronic signature capturing device 155, and that other types of signature capturing devices may be used.

Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, the currency validation device 160 accepts legitimate currency 161 from a selected country for certain predetermined denominations and signals the computer 110 of the cash deposits. Once a sufficient amount of money has been paid (including, for example, a key, phone and/or facsimile deposit), the computer 110 signals the receipt printer 156 to print a receipt for the patron. The receipt, for example, may state that the patron agrees to a specific check-out date, room rate and other terms stated in the receipt. The room key is then dispensed and made available to the patron as discussed above. It will be understood that the automated system 100 may include any type of printer, and the printer may also provide additional information to the patron such as a map of the city with the location of the lodging establishment or a map of the lodging establishment with the location of the patron's room.

Additionally, the currency validation device 160 may be used in conjunction with the electronic signature capturing device 155 so that a record of the individual who deposited the currency may be obtained. The computer 110 may store the signature in an allotted portion of volatile or nonvolatile memory for later archival. This feature advantageously increases the security of the lodging establishment by keeping a record of each patron, including those patrons paying by cash. Of course, the electronic signature capturing device 155 or other security features does not have to be used in conjunction with those patrons paying by cash.

For example, when the automated check-in system 100 is employed within the United States, the currency validation device 160 would perhaps be configured to accept legitimate United States paper currency in denominations of $1, $5, $10, $20 (and, perhaps, $50 and $100) and to reject illegitimate currency (i.e., counterfeit). The currency validation device 160 receives the currency 161 and places the same in a lock box (not shown) having a unique security key or other type of locking device which is in possession, for example, of the security department of the lodging establishment, the owner or a trusted employee. This guarantees that the lodging establishment receives those funds from its cash-paid reservations. It will be appreciated that currency validation devices are well known in the art. Referring back to Figure 1, the automated check-in system 100 may also include a currency dispensing mechanism 165 similar to that employed in widely available ATMs. Thus, the automated check-in system 100 may provide change to the individual or a cash advance voucher redeemable at the front desk or cashier of the lodging establishment for reimbursement of any overpaid amount or deposits for key or in-room services (e.g., phone, fax, honor bar, etc.).

Additionally, the automated check-in system 100 may include a transceiver device 170. The transceiver device is preferably a modem which enables communication between the system 100 and another source. The modem, for example, may allow the patron to establish a telephone or other on-line communications with another source while the patron is using the system 100. The transceiver 170 may also be connected with other jointly-owned hotels or motels, or a reservation network for that hotel or motel chain to enable the patron to inquire about room availability at other locations and/or make reservations if needed. Likewise, the transceiver device 170 may include a facsimile machine allowing patrons to send or receive a facsimile. Desirably, the transceiver 170 provides the facsimile in a confidential manner because the contents are not seen by another party, such as an employee of the lodging establishment who retrieves the facsimile and delivers it to the patron. The automated check-in system 100 may also include a ticket printing device 175 that may issue various types of tickets, including magnetic stripped tickets that could be "read" by turnstiles similar to those currently employed in European airports, train stations, ski resorts, theaters and the like. It is contemplated that the ticket printing device 175 may issue a ticket in any other acceptable format such as paper tickets, those provided by travel agencies, entertainment agencies like Ticketmaster™ and state licensed lottery machines. Finally, the automated check-in system 100 may include at least one authentication/security device 180.

For example, a security camera may be enclosed within the kiosk 115 in such a manner that it can record pictures of its patrons, for example, digitally or on video tape, without exposing the video camera outside the protective walls of the kiosk. Another example is that a motion detector may be employed within the kiosk 115 to: (i) sound an audible alarm; and/or (ii) transmit an alarm through the transceiver device 170 or the modem to security personnel or local authorities in the event that a person is attempting to break into the kiosk to steal money, keys or even the hardware.

The security device 180 may also be used to verify the identity of each patron-which advantageously helps prevent fraud and/or unauthorized entry into a room. For example, the security device 180 may also comprise a fingerprint scanner that may be used to authenticate or document the user of the automated check-in system 100. There are many companies producing fingerprint recognition technology; for example, a fingerprint scanner is presently available from Priπtrax of Irvine, California. Other types of security devices 180 may also be used in conjunction with the automated system 100. For example, the security device 180 may comprise a visual recognition system, also known as visual biometrics. Identification Technologies International of Coral Gables, Florida, produces a software system and infrared camera device that creates a digitized electronic image and stores the biometric data on a data base, or a chip card; Visionics of Jersey City, New Jersey produces a similar video based system that captures a video image and stores the image in a database; Miros of Braiπtree, Massachusetts produces a system which uses a video image which is stored in a database or on a card; and Visage of Chicago, Illinois produces a system which uses a biometric visual capture. The security device 180 may also include eye recognition. For example, Iriscan Inc. of Miami, Florida produces an iris recognition system that shines a laser into the retina and retains a digitized database of the individual's iris. In addition, the security device 180 may include hand geometry recognition systems; voice recognition technology, which retains a voiceprint and stores it on a card or database; or electronic signature technology, which could be included to check against a known signature previously entered on a database or card.

These security devices may be used individually or in combination to increase the security of the system 100. Advantageously, the security devices 180 allow only authorized persons to gain access to hotel room keys because the system 100 verifies the identity of the person before dispensing the room key. This is a significant advantage over current systems which do not positively identify the individuals using a specific room. These security features are a great improvement over simply inserting a credit card and entering a personal identification number ("PIN code") because PIN codes and credit cards can be easily stolen. The security devices 180 are also an improvement over employees at the front desk requesting photographic identification of the patron because employees often forget to request or require proper identification, especially during rush times. Additionally, the present invention increases security while saving the hotel money by being able to reduce front desk staff.

Referring now to Figure 5, another embodiment of the automated check-in system 100 is shown. This system is enclosed within a free-standing, ornate kiosk 200 having a touch screen monitor 205 to collectively operate as its display and input devices. The internal hardware utilized by this system is similar to that described above. Referring to Figures 6A-6D, illustrative operations of the computer 110 automated check-in system 100 are described below. Advantageously, because the system 100 is located either outside the lodging establishment or inside its lobby, the automated check-in system 100 allows a patron to rapidly register and obtain his or her assigned room key and to perform other services such as make future reservations, obtain travel tickets or tickets of interest, obtain cash or obtain confidential communications directed to the patron by answering messages displayed on the display device by depressing certain keys of the input device. As discussed above, the system 100 can also be located in other desired locations such as airports and shopping centers. These remotely located systems are, of course, in communication with the lodging establishment or reservation system for the lodging establishment by means such as telephone lines or other communication lines.

As shown in Figures 6A-6B, the automated check-in system initially displays a menu that requests the patron to press any key or touch a predetermined location on the touch screen to continue (Step 305). Next, the system displays a message prompting the patron to select one of a number of options including, but not limited to, cash, ticketing, future reservations, obtaining a room accommodation and the like (step 310). Upon the computer detecting that the patron has selected one of the listed options (Steps 315-330), the computer accesses the software which supports the selected option. With respect to the selection of the room accommodation option, the automated check-in system prompts the patron to indicate whether he or she has a reservation (Step 335). If the patron depresses a key on the input device indicating that he or she has a reservation (Step 340), the computer transmits communication signals to the display device for it to display a message requesting the patron to slide the magnetic stripped credit card used to guarantee the reservation through the card reading device (Step 345). The card reading device transmits the digitized credit card number to the computer which compares that digitized card number with those card numbers associated with guaranteed accommodations for that day (Steps 350-355). If a comparison is not found, the computer signals the display device to display a message that no reservations are found prompting the patron to slide a different credit card repeating (Steps 345-355) or make a new reservation as described below (Steps 465-475).

If a comparison is found, the computer obtains certain characteristics of the room accommodation (e.g., daily room rate, bed(s) size(s), smoking/nonsmoking, duration of the patron's stay, etc.) and displays these parameters in a readable format on the display device. In addition, if a facsimile or other message directed to the patron preceded his or her arrival to the lodging establishment, it is stored preferably in a digital format within volatile memory of the computer and the patron is prompted of this fact and will be reminded after registration whether he or she would like it displayed on the display device, printed out or erased from memory (Step 370). Next, the computer signals the display device to display a message inquiring whether the patron would like to alter characteristics of his or her room accommodations if available, excluding, of course, the daily room rate and possibly the date of arrival and departure, depending on the cancellation policy adopted by the lodging establishment (Step 375). If desired, these alterations may be entered through the input device (Step 380).

Upon agreeing to the room accommodations, rate and duration of stay and any other features, the automated check-in system prompts the patron to select a type of payment (e.g., cash, credit card, debit card, etc.) by depressing a particular key of the input device (Step 385). For example, if the computer detects that the patron requests payment to be made through a credit card (Step 390), the computer transmits the credit card number to a remotely located credit card authorization computer and awaits authorization if not obtained at an earlier time when the patron guaranteed the reservation with a credit card (Step 395-400). If authorization is not provided, the automated check-in system displays a message stating that authorization has been declined and requests the user to retry or select a new credit card and slide its magnetic strip through the card reading device (Step 405). However, if authorization is granted, the computer signals the receipt printer of the electronic signature capturing device to print a receipt, and signals the display device to display a message requesting the user sign the receipt with an electronic pen or stylus (Step 410-415). After signing of the receipt over an electronic signature plate, a copy of the patron's signature is digitized and stored within the computer for subsequent conveyance to the credit card banking computer service (Step 420). This causes the room key to be dispensed and accessible to the patron (Step 425). Thereafter, the automated check-in system displays a message prompting the patron if he or she would like to select another option or review/print out an awaiting message (Steps 430-435).

If the patron requests payment in cash (Step 440), the computer 110 instructs the currency validation device 160 to receive money from the patron (Step 445). The currency validation device detects each denomination to keep track of the amounts of money applied to the room rate. Once a sufficient amount of money has been paid (including, for example, a key deposit or phone deposit), the computer signals the receipt printer of the electronic signature capturing device 150 to print a receipt stating that the patron agreeing to a specific check-out date and other terms stated in the receipt (Steps 450-455). The computer also signals the display device 130 to display a message requesting the user to sign the receipt with an electronic pen or stylus and continue the same operations as denoted in Steps 420-435. In the event that neither credit or cash options are selected, the automated check-in system may redisplay the message or produce appropriate display messages for another acceptable other means of payment (Step 460). Referring still to Figures 6A-6B, if the computer 110 receives a response from the patron that he or she does not have reservations, as shown in Step 465, the computer signals the display device to display messages prompting the patron to select desired features of the room accommodations (e.g., number of persons, type of bed, smoking/nonsmoking, etc.). Next, the computer utilizes this information to provide the patron with a list of available rooms and corresponding daily room rates (Step 470). If the patron selects one of these rooms, the operations of Steps 345-435 are followed as described above.

With respect to selecting the automated check-in system to operate as a cash dispenser, it would operate in a manner similar to that of a normal ATM (Step 500). However, if the patron selects the ticketing category, the computer signals the display device to display a message listing various ticketing categories such as travel via air, rail and bus; events like movies, theater, sporting events and other attractions; lottery and the like as noted in Figure 6C (Step 600). Upon the computer 110 detecting a selection by the patron, it connects to an appropriate ticketing service and displays messages to provide that ticketing service information like itinerary, seat preference, lottery picks, etc. (Step 605-610). After completion, the automated check-in system displays the ticketing and pricing information and inquires as to whether the patron wishes to purchase the same (Steps 615-620). If so, the automated check-in system performs Steps 385-435 as noted above. Otherwise, the automated check-in system 100 returns to its first display message listing the options.

Referring now to Figure 6D, if the patron desires to make future reservations, the computer 110 signals the display device 130 to display a series of messages designed to ascertain the desired locations of the lodging establishment (Step 700). Next, a display message is displayed prompting the patron to select desired features of the room accommodations (e.g., number of persons, type of bed, smoking/nonsmoking, etc.) are displayed (Step 705). The computer utilizes this information to provide the patron with a list of available rooms and corresponding daily room rates (Step 710). If the patron selects one of these rooms, the computer 110 signals the display device 130 to display a display message requesting whether he or she wishes to guarantee late arrival through a credit card (Steps 715-720). If so, the card reading device 150 transmits the digitized credit card number to the computer 110 and the computer transmits the credit card number to a remotely located credit card authorization service and awaits authorization (Steps 725-735). If no authorization is provided, the automated check-in system displays a message notifying the user that authorization has been declined and to request the user retry or select a new credit card and slide its magnetic strip through the card reading device (Step 745). However, if authorization is granted, the automated check-in system displays a message showing the confirmation number and optionally prints the confirmation number and other information to be retained as a receipt by the patron (Step 740). The computer 100 may include a main purchase loop 800 in a preferred embodiment of the system 100. As shown in Figure 7, the display device 130 of the system 100 displays a greeting message (Step 808) and when the user touches or uses the input device 135, the computer 110 provides a reservation prompt (Step 810). If the lodging establishment is sold out, it displays a sold out message (Step 812); otherwise the system displays a message asking the user if he or she has a reservation (Step 814) or if the user would like to obtain a room. If the user desires to obtain a room, the system requests the number of persons in the party (Step 816), the type of room desired (Step 818), the length of the stay (Step 820), and that the user confirm this information (Step 822). Next, the system then asks the user to select payment (Step 824). If the user selects a credit card (Step 828), the system prompts the user to insert the credit card into the card reading device 150. The system prompts the user to insert the card again if the card reader 150 cannot correctly read the card (Step 830), but if the card reader 150 correctly reads the card, the system displays a wait screen (Step 832). If the card is accepted the system displays a "Thank You" message (Step 836), otherwise the system displays a bad card message (Step 834) stating "Sorry - this card is not acceptable. Please try another."

If the user replies he or she has a reservation (Step 814), as shown in Figure 8, the system 100 prompts the user to select whether the room will be charged to a credit card or a business account (Step 840). If a credit card is selected, the system prompts the user to insert the card (Step 842) and if the system can read the card, it searches for the reservation (Step 848), otherwise the card is bad (Step 816). On the other hand, if the business account is selected (Step 840), the system requests the account number be entered (Step 844) and the system search for the reservation (Step 848). The system 100, if no reservation is found, states "Sorry, reservation could not be found" (Step 850), but if a reservation is found, the system displays the message that "Your reservation is on file. Please remove your card." (Step 852) and then displays a thank you message (Step 854). The key dispensing mechanism 140 then dispenses the key and the system may provide the user with a receipt.

As shown in Figure 9, if the user desires to pay in cash (Step 826), the system displays the message "Please insert bills in cash slot." (Step 856). If the cash is rejected, the system displays a message to please try again (Step 838); and if the cash is accepted, it displays a thank you message (Step 860). The system continues to display requesting to "Please insert bills in cash slot" (Step 856) until sufficient cash is deposited into the system 100. If the user inserts more money than is required, the currency dispensing mechanism 165 may be used to provide change to the user.

Figures 10A-C illustrate an example of a set up mode (Step 900) of the system 100 that may be used by the owner or operator of the system. For example, the various system defaults (Step 910) such as the room rates (Step 912), room type (Step 914), seasonal rates (Step 916), summer rates (Step 918) and winter rates (Step 920) may be entered into the system 100. The set up mode (Step 900) also allows other functions of the system 100 to be established, such as reservations (Step 934) and testing of the card reader (Step 962), solenoids (Step 964), keyboard and display (Step 966), and cash reader (Step 968). The present invention described herein may be designed in many different configurations. While the present invention has been described in terms of various embodiments, other embodiments may come in mind to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The invention should, therefore, be measured in terms of the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An automated check-in system for obtaining a room in a lodging establishment, comprising: a key dispensing mechanism configured to provide a key to a selected room in the lodging establishment; a payment acceptance module configured to accept payment for the room in the lodging establishment; and a security module to permit dispensing of a key only to an particular individual.

2. The automated check-in system of Claim 1 further comprising a computer in communication with a display device and an input device, said input device configured to allow an individual to enter information into said computer and said display device configured to display information to the individual.

3. The automated check-in system of Claim 2 wherein the individual can select a desired room in the lodging establishment.

4. The automated check-in system of Claim 2 wherein the individual is a patron of the lodging establishment.

5. The automated check-in system of Claim 1 wherein said security module is an electronic signature capturing device.

6. The automated check-in system of Claim 1 wherein said security module is a visual recognition system.

7. The automated check-in system of Claim 1 wherein said security module is a biometric recognition system.

8. The automated check-in system of Claim 1 wherein said security module is an eye recognition system.

9. The automated check-in system of Claim 1 wherein said security module is a hand geometry recognition system.

10. The automated check-in system of Claim 1 wherein said security module is a fingerprint recognition system.

11. The automated check-in system of Claim 1 wherein said security module is a voice recognition system.

12. The automated check-in system of Claim 1 wherein said security module is a electronic signature recognition system.

13. The automated check-in system of Claim 1 wherein said system is located in the lodging establishment.

14. An automated room access system, comprising: a plurality of room access means; a payment acceptance module; and an identity verification module.

15. The automated room access system of Claim 14 further comprising means for dispensing said plurality of room access means.

16. The automated room access system of Claim 14 wherein said room access means is a key.

17. The automated room access system of Claim 14 wherein said room access means is a code.

18. An automated system for providing access to a selected room in a lodging establishment, comprising: a key dispensing module configured to provide access to the selected room; a payment receiving module configured to receive payment for the selected room; a computer allowing communication to said key dispensing module and said payment receiving module; and a security module to verify the user of the system wherein said key dispensing module provides a key to a selected room only after payments has been received and the identity of the user has been verified.

19. The automated system of Claim 18 further comprising a computer.

20. The automated system of Claim 19 further comprising a transceiver connected to said computer, said transceiver configured to allow said automated system to communicate with a node at a remote location.

21. The automated check-in system of Claim 18 wherein said system is located in the lodging establishment.

22. An automated check-in system, comprising: a computer; and a plurality of peripheral devices connected to said computer, said peripheral devices including a key dispensing mechanism, a payment acceptance module and a security module.

23. The automated check-in system of Claim 22 wherein said security module includes an electronic signature capturing device.

24. The automated check-in system of Claim 22 wherein said security module includes a currency validation device.

25. The automated check-in system of Claim 22 wherein said security module includes a visual recognition system.

26. The automated check-in system of Claim 22 wherein said security module includes a biometric recognition system.

27. The automated check-in system of Claim 22 wherein said security module includes an eye recognition system.

28. The automated check-in system of Claim 22 wherein said security module includes a hand geometry recognition system.

29. The automated check-in system of Claim 22 wherein said security module includes a fingerprint recognition system.

30. The automated check-in system of Claim 22 wherein said security module includes a voice recognition system.

31. The automated check-in system of Claim 22 wherein said security module includes an electronic signature recognition system.

32. An automated check-in system for obtaining a room in a lodging establishment, comprising: a key dispensing mechanism configured to provide a key to a selected room in the lodging establishment; a payment acceptance module configured to accept payment for the room in the lodging establishment; and a computer in communication with said key dispensing mechanism and said payment acceptance module, said computer including a display device configured to display information an individual; wherein said key dispensing mechanism provides a key only after payment has been accepted by said payment acceptance module.

33. The automated check-in system of Claim 32 wherein said display device provides the individual with a room number and location associated with the selected room.

34. The automated check-in system of Claim 32 further comprising a security module to permit dispensing of a key only to an particular individual.

35. A method for automatically providing access to a selected room in a lodging establishment, comprising the steps of: providing a payment acceptance module configured to accept payment for the room in the lodging establishment- providing a security module configured to verify the identity of a user; and providing a key dispensing mechanism configured to provide a key to a selected room in the lodging establishment after payment has been received and the identity of the user has been verified.