초록 ▼

A vending unit includes a plurality of cubicles each holding a TV film, dispensed in response to the manipulation by an identified patron. The patron has an identification code number, which upon being entered as information into the vending unit, energizes a computer unit and conditions the apparat

A vending unit includes a plurality of cubicles each holding a TV film, dispensed in response to the manipulation by an identified patron. The patron has an identification code number, which upon being entered as information into the vending unit, energizes a computer unit and conditions the apparatus for vending. This information may be entered by pushbuttons or using an ID card. A monetary coin or money bill, or token, is inserted and then a film is dispensed in response to depression of a selection button by the patron. The apparatus includes a record of transactions by each patron, according to his ID code number, which shows films taken out, and their return, and a security deposit credit, and sets off the dispensed films against that deposit credit, and re-establishes the deposit credit upon return of the film. Upon entering the ID information, instructions are given to the patron by the computer, visually or audibly, for successive steps to be taken following each previous step. An alternative arrangement utilizes a billing operation instead of a coin or token. The invention also encompasses an arrangement including a central station and a plurality of substations. Another alternative includes an ID card, known as a “smart card,”that includes a complete built-in computer that performs all the functions of the computer unit in the first forms.

대표청구항 ▼

Vending apparatus comprising, a vending unit containing articles to be vended, the articles having predetermined individual values, means for receiving ID information from a patron, record means, means responsive to entering the ID information, and to manipulation by the patron, for vending an artic

Vending apparatus comprising, a vending unit containing articles to be vended, the articles having predetermined individual values, means for receiving ID information from a patron, record means, means responsive to entering the ID information, and to manipulation by the patron, for vending an article and recording such vending on the record means, means responsive to return of the article vended for recording such return on the record means, a computer unit having means for receiving control information and putting out instructional information and control signals, means for entering information in the computer unit representing a predetermined security deposit value corresponding to a predetermined number of aritcles, and means controlled by the computer unit for enabling vending to each patron of only articles having a total value within said security deposit value.