Redbox Automated Retail, LLC Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20150105901 | WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FOR CONSUMER-OPERATED KIOSKS - Systems, apparatus, and methods for kiosk accessibility via a mobile device. In some embodiments, a wireless mobile device has input features such as voice-control and GUI-based buttons that assist visually impaired people to send wireless messages for accessing features of a kiosk. The kiosk is equipped with wireless communication hardware and or software to receive messages from the mobile device for performing various kiosk-related operations, such a renting, vending, and or returning a product. | 04-16-2015 |
20140089065 | DISK DISPENSING AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A kiosk dispenses and receives recorded optical disk media using an interconnected system central server computer through an Internet Service Provider. The system central server contains databases and processing, and is connected to a credit verification system. The central databases collect inventory administration information and customer data from the kiosks including credit card and email addresses. The central server initiates credit verification and sends receipts to customers via email. The central server maintains databases that are used for remote inventory control and administration of the kiosk network. A kiosk has the capability to identify a recorded disk for automated restocking and may also perform quality assessment of a recorded disk. A kiosk may also provide publishing-on-demand or-act as a portal for remotely served advertisement. | 03-27-2014 |
20140081845 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CURRENCY CONVERSION RELATED TO CREDITS REDEEMABLE IN A VARIABLE VALUE TRANSACTION - A system and method of converting currency items to credits that are redeemable in a variable value transaction are disclosed. Converting currency items to credits allows the credits to be used for satisfying an initial balance or a remaining balance of the variable value transaction involving a piece of media content. The conversion may include receiving a unique customer identifier identifying a customer, receiving a unique identifier of the currency items, and determining whether the currency item is valid for being converted to a credit. If the currency item is valid, a conversion ratio of the currency items to credits may be retrieved and a quantity of the credits may be calculated from the currency items, based on the conversion ratio. The quantity of the credits may be issued to the customer in a credits database. Invalid currency items may be rejected for conversion to the credit. | 03-20-2014 |
20140081450 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMMUNICATING VENDING INFORMATION - A system and method for communicating vending information is provided. The system includes a plurality of vending apparatuses, each containing a vending inventory comprised of vendible products, and a control center in communication with the plurality of vending apparatuses configured to receive user information. The user information can include a vending request for a vendible product and a location identifier. The system is further configured to select a vending apparatus from the plurality of vending apparatuses based on the location identifier, determine whether the requested vendible product is in the vending inventory of the selected vending apparatus, and transmit an electronic message to a user-specified electronic mail address upon determining that the requested vendible product is in the vending inventory of the selected vending machine. | 03-20-2014 |
20140081449 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDEMPTION OF CREDITS IN A VARIABLE VALUE TRANSACTION - A system and method of processing a variable value transaction with credits and a payment card are provided. The variable value transaction may involve a piece of media content and include an initial balance and a remaining balance. The initial balance and the remaining balance may be dependent on the piece of media content and when the variable value transaction is completed. Credits may be redeemed for some or all of the initial balance and/or the remaining balance, depending on the availability and applicability of the credits. The payment card may also be processed for some or all of the initial balance and/or the remaining balance. The remaining balance may not be known until the variable value transaction is completed. | 03-20-2014 |
20140052292 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VENDING VENDIBLE MEDIA PRODUCTS - A system and method for vending digital video discs is provided. A request is received from a user to complete a rental transaction for a first digital video disc. A database is queried to determine whether a quantity of a set of second digital video discs in a vending inventory exceeds a predetermined threshold. A discount offer notification is presented to the user to rent one of the set of second digital video discs, upon determining that the quantity of the set of second digital video discs exceeds the predetermined threshold. A second request from the user to rent one of the second set of digital video discs is received, and one of the set of second digital video discs is vended to the user. | 02-20-2014 |
20140018956 | ARTICLE VENDING MACHINE AND METHOD FOR AUTHENTICATING RECEIVED ARTICLES - An article dispensing machine, system and method for authenticating an article returned to the article dispensing machine and an article for use in such a machine and system are disclosed herein. The returned article comprises an authentication code disposed on the surface of the returned article and a layer that is substantially opaque in visible light and at least partially overlays the authentication code. The article dispensing machine comprises a light source for illuminating the surface of the returned article so that the authentication code is visible through the layer, an image capture device for capturing an image of the authentication code when the surface is illuminated, and a processor for comparing the captured image to a master authentication code. | 01-16-2014 |
20130325176 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SIMULTANEOUS ARTICLE RETRIEVAL AND TRANSACTION VALIDATION - A system and method for dispensing an article from an article dispensing machine by reducing the amount of time for completing a transaction involving the article is provided. A request related to a selected article and payment information for a balance related to the selected article may be received at the article dispensing machine through a user interface. The payment information may be validated, and simultaneously and in parallel, the selected article may be retrieved from a storage unit in the article dispensing machine. The selected article may be dispensed from the article dispensing machine if the payment information is valid. If the payment information is not valid, the selected article may be returned to the storage unit. Quicker dispensing of articles during consumer transactions with the article dispensing machine may result. The articles may include media articles, such as DVDs, Blu-Ray discs, and video game discs. | 12-05-2013 |
20130238116 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING UTILIZATION OF INVENTORY SPACE FOR DISPENSABLE ARTICLES - A system and method for optimizing the utilization of inventory space for articles dispensable from an article dispensing machine is provided. A subset of articles in the article dispensing machine may be targeted for removal. Based on a list of the subset of articles, the article dispensing machine may move the subset of articles from a storage unit to a predetermined area. The subset of articles may be removed from the predetermined area, followed by loading of new articles to the predetermined area. Quicker and more efficient removal and loading of articles from and to the article dispensing machine may result. | 09-12-2013 |
20130238115 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING UTILIZATION OF INVENTORY SPACE FOR DISPENSABLE ARTICLES - A system and method for optimizing the utilization of inventory space for articles dispensable from an article dispensing machine is provided. A subset of articles in the article dispensing machine may be targeted for removal for various purposes. Based on a list of the subset of articles, the article dispensing machine may move the subset of articles from a storage unit to a predetermined area, such as a merchandising zone of the storage unit or a separate article removal bin. The subset of articles may be removed from the predetermined area, followed by loading of new articles to the predetermined area. | 09-12-2013 |
20130231776 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMMUNICATING VENDING INFORMATION - A system and method for communicating vending information for a vendible product is provided. A plurality of vending transaction data is received, wherein each of the plurality of data comprises a transaction timestamp and corresponds to a rental transaction for a vendible product. The plurality of vending transaction data is stored in a memory of a vending apparatus, and is encrypted. It is determined whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since a first transmission of transaction data from the vending apparatus, and a communication request is transmitted upon such determination to a remote control center. A signal is received at the vending apparatus from a control center in response to the communications request, and a plurality of vending transaction data is transmitted to the remote control center in response to receiving the signal. | 09-05-2013 |
20130227013 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION RELATED TO MEDIA CONTENT - A method of providing supplemental information synchronized with a piece of media content being played and related to a current state of the piece of media content being played is provided. The supplemental information may be transmitted to an electronic device in synchronization with the playing of the piece of media content on an audio/visual display interface. The method includes receiving identifying information from the electronic device and/or the audio/visual display interface, storing the identifying information in an active device table, receiving a viewing initiation notification, and transmitting the supplemental information to the electronic device in response to the viewing initiation notification. The electronic device may also transmit a request to begin playing the piece of media content. Transmission of the supplemental information may be paused, stopped, or resumed in synchronization with the piece of media content being played. | 08-29-2013 |
20130131863 | ARTICLE DISPENSING MACHINE AND METHOD FOR AUDITING INVENTORY WHILE ARTICLE DISPENSING MACHINE REMAINS OPERATIONAL - An article dispensing machine capable of performing an inventory audit of a portion of the inventory and automatically pausing the inventory audit in response to a customer transaction request and method for performing the same are shown. After completing the customer request, the article dispensing machine resumes the inventory auditing process. The article dispensing machine thereby remains available for customer use during the inventory auditing process. | 05-23-2013 |
20130080415 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING NOTIFICATIONS RELATED TO NEW MEDIA - A method of generating notifications related to availability of new media content is provided. The method includes receiving a notification subscription including a request to monitor for new media content. The method also includes detecting new media content based on the subscription, and if a change is detected, determining an access right and transmitting a notification of the new media content. The metadata of the new media content is used in the subscriptions to determine when to generate notifications. Media content may include media articles, media selections, theatrical media releases, live content, or miscellaneous media sources. | 03-28-2013 |
20130080227 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREDICTIVE ACCRUAL OF CREDITS IN A VARIABLE VALUE TRANSACTION - A system and method of predicatively accruing a credit in a variable value transaction are provided. The variable value transaction may involve a piece of media content and include an initial balance and a remaining balance. The initial balance and the remaining balance may be dependent on the piece of media content and when the variable value transaction is completed. Credits may be accrued for a predicted redemption of the credit for the remaining balance, depending on the availability and applicability of the credits. A payment card may also be processed for some or all of the remaining balance. The remaining balance may not be known until the variable value transaction is completed. A pending revenue amount may be determined based on the accrual of the credits. | 03-28-2013 |
20130080223 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGEMENT OF CREDIT SUBSCRIPTIONS - A system and method of managing credit subscriptions corresponding to a customer are disclosed. The credit subscriptions may include quantities of one or more credits with predetermined validity durations. The credit subscriptions may be active for a subscription lifetime, and the credits may be redeemable in a variable value transaction involving a piece of media content. Managing a credit subscription may include receiving a subscription management message, translating a subscription package code to a quantity of credits, creating or renewing the credit subscription with the quantity of credits, modifying the credit subscription, or deleting the credit subscription. The subscription management message may include a customer number, a subscription package code, and a subscription lifetime specification. Credits and credit subscriptions may be created as a one-time issuance or may be automatically renewed on a periodic basis. | 03-28-2013 |
20130079117 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZED REDEMPTION OF CREDITS IN A VARIABLE VALUE TRANSACTION - A system and method of optimizing the redemption of credits in a variable value transaction are disclosed. The variable value transaction may involve a piece of media content and include an initial balance and a remaining balance. The initial balance and the remaining balance may be dependent on the piece of media content and when the variable value transaction is completed. The remaining balance may not be known until the variable value transaction is completed. Credits may be assigned an order of availability for redemption based on credit redemption criteria such as a redemption priority, a product value, an expiration date, and/or a redemption value. The credits with a higher order of availability may be redeemed prior to credits with a lower order of availability. | 03-28-2013 |
20130073468 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ASSOCIATING AN ARTICLE DISPENSING MACHINE ACCOUNT WITH A CONTENT PROVIDER ACCOUNT - A method of associating a first customer account for an article dispensing machine with a second customer account at a content provider. The article dispensing machine has a user interface. The method receives a unique customer identifier through the user interface, accesses the first customer account based on the unique customer identifier, and associates the second customer account at the content provider with the first customer account. The second customer account can include a customer subscription with access permission for a digital media selection at the content provider. In addition, the unique customer identifier can include at least one of a credit card number or a debit card number, and the method can apply a hash function to at least one of the credit card number or the debit card number to produce at least one of a hashed credit card number or a hashed debit card number. | 03-21-2013 |
20130066844 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SEARCHING AND BROWSING MEDIA CONTENT - A method of searching for media content in a metadata database is provided. Searching may include matching keywords in search criteria or using predefined search criteria for browsing of static or dynamic listings of media content. The method includes receiving a search request including search criteria, and searching the metadata database for a physical media article matching the search criteria and a digital media selection matching the search criteria. The method also includes determining availabilities of the matching media article and the matching media selection. A search result set with the matching media articles and matching media selections is provided, based on their availabilities. The search result set may also include media articles and media selections that are indirectly associated with the search criteria. An associated content provider may be linked to the customer based on a subscription. The media selection may be accessed by an audio/visual display interface. | 03-14-2013 |
20130066464 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SUBSTITUTING A MEDIA ARTICLE WITH ALTERNATIVE MEDIA - A method of substituting digital alternative media for a physical media article at an article dispensing machine to a customer is provided. The method includes receiving a request related to the media article through a user interface from the customer, identifying an associated content provider, and determining the alternative media selection at the associated content provider that corresponds to the media article. The method also includes receiving a unique customer identifier and identifying the associated content provider based on the unique customer identifier. The method further includes mapping the media article to the alternative media selection based on metadata. The media article may be available at the article dispensing machine or may be unavailable due to being out-of-stock or reserved to another customer. The associated content provider may be linked to the customer based on a subscription. The digital alternative media selection may be accessed by an audio/visual display interface. | 03-14-2013 |
20130061260 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR APPLYING PARENTAL CONTROL LIMITS FROM CONTENT PROVIDERS TO MEDIA CONTENT - Methods of filtering and modifying access to media content based on parental control limits are provided. The method for filtering media content includes receiving authentication information for a content provider, authenticating to the content provider, importing parental control limits from the content provider, storing the received parental control limits in a customer profile, and filtering the media content based on the parental control limits to produce a filtered list of the media content. The method for modifying access to media content includes authenticating to a customer profile with a unique customer identifier, retrieving parental control limits from the customer profile, and modifying access to the media content based on the retrieved parental control limits. Changes in the parental control limits at a content provider may be detected and updated in the customer profile. | 03-07-2013 |
20130060767 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SEARCHING AND BROWSING FOR DIRECTLY AND INDIRECTLY MATCHING MEDIA CONTENT - A method of searching for directly and indirectly matching media content in a metadata database is provided. Searching may include matching keywords in search criteria or using predefined search criteria for browsing of static or dynamic listings of media content. The method includes receiving a search request including search criteria, and searching the metadata database for a digital media selection matching the search criteria. A mapping of metadata of the media selection may be utilized to find a matching media article that directly or indirectly matches the search criteria. The method also includes determining availabilities of the matching media article and the matching media selection. A search result set with the matching media articles and matching media selections is provided, based on their availabilities. An associated content provider may be linked to the customer based on a subscription. The media selection may be accessed by an audio/visual display interface. | 03-07-2013 |
20130060660 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING MEDIA-RELATED NOTIFICATIONS - A method of generating notifications related to availability of media content is provided. The method includes receiving a watchlist subscription including a request to monitor for availability of media content. The method also includes detecting a change in the availability of media content based on the subscription, and if a change is detected, determining an access right and transmitting a notification of the change in the availability of the media content. The metadata of the media content is used in the subscriptions to determine when to generate notifications. The media content may include a media article, media selection, live content, or a theatrical media release. | 03-07-2013 |
20130060648 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AGGREGATING RATINGS FOR MEDIA CONTENT - Methods of aggregating and importing user-generated and/or professional ratings of media content are provided. User-generated ratings may have been previously created at a ratings source by a user associated with a customer profile. The method for aggregating ratings includes importing the ratings from the ratings source, storing the ratings in a customer profile, normalizing the ratings, and storing the normalized ratings. The normalized rating may be used to determine recommendations and preferences. The method for importing ratings includes receiving authentication information for a ratings source, authenticating to the ratings source, importing the ratings from the ratings source, and storing the ratings in a customer profile. Changes in the ratings may be detected and updated in the customer profile. | 03-07-2013 |
20130046753 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING THE IDENTIFICATION OF GEOGRAPHICALLY CLOSEST ARTICLE DISPENSING MACHINES - A system and method of searching for physical media articles available from article dispensing machines within a geographic proximity is provided. Searching may include matching keywords in search criteria or using predefined search criteria for browsing of static or dynamic listings of media content. The method includes receiving a search request including search criteria, and searching the metadata database for a physical media article matching the search criteria. The method also includes determining the availability of the matching media article at an article dispensing machine. The geographic location of article dispensing machines with available matching media articles is determined, based on personally identifying information such as an IP or MAC address. The geographic location may be limited by a proximity from an audio/visual display interface. A search result set with the matching media articles is provided, based on their availabilities. | 02-21-2013 |
20130046707 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPORTING RATINGS FOR MEDIA CONTENT - Methods of aggregating and importing user-generated and/or professional ratings of media content are provided. User-generated ratings may have been previously created at a ratings source by a user associated with a customer profile. The method for aggregating ratings includes importing the ratings from the ratings source, storing the ratings in a customer profile, normalizing the ratings, and storing the normalized ratings. The normalized rating may be used to determine recommendations and preferences. The method for importing ratings includes receiving authentication information for a ratings source, authenticating to the ratings source, importing the ratings from the ratings source, and storing the ratings in a customer profile. Changes in the ratings may be detected and updated in the customer profile. | 02-21-2013 |
20120290423 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAKING RENTAL INVENTORY AVAILABLE FOR SALE - A system and method for selling a rental media product having entertainment content therein via an automated vending machine are provided. The method receives a request from a user, the request identifying the rental media product, retrieves, from a database, product rental information relating to the rental media product, wherein the product rental information comprises a product release date, a last maximum out-of-rent value, a sold-out date value, and a current on-hand count, determines whether the product rental information satisfies a set of sales decision criteria, wherein the set of sales decision criteria includes a product release date threshold, a last maximum out-of-rent value threshold, a sold-out date requirement, and a current on-hand count threshold. The method further provides an offer to sell the rental media product if the plurality of sales decision criteria is satisfied, and vends the rental product from a vending apparatus to the user if the user accepts the offer for sale. | 11-15-2012 |
20120059509 | ARTICLE VENDING MACHINE AND METHOD FOR AUTHENTICATING RECEIVED ARTICLES - An article dispensing machine, system and method for authenticating an article returned to the article dispensing machine and an article for use in such a machine and system. The article dispensing machine comprises an infrared light for illuminating the surface of the returned article, an image capture device for capturing the image of an authentication code on the returned article, and a processor for comparing the captured image to a master authentication code. The returned article comprises the authentication code printed in a carbon-containing ink and a substantially carbon free ink portion printed overtop of and at least partially concealing the authentication code, such that the authentication code is not visible in white light, but becomes visible when exposed to infrared light. | 03-08-2012 |
20120046786 | SECONDARY MEDIA RETURN SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method for facilitating a rapid return of a article to an article dispensing machine is provided. The article dispensing machine comprises a first user interface portion having the first user interface, a second user interface portion having a second user interface, and an article transfer portion for vending and returning articles. The method includes receiving from a first user interface a first request to return the article, determining whether the article transfer portion is available to enable the return of the article, and based on the availability determination, displaying through a first user interface screen associated with the first user interface portion information indicating whether to proceed with the return of the article or to wait for a notification to proceed with the return. | 02-23-2012 |
20110145033 | System and Method for Communicating Vending Information - A system and method for communicating vending information for a digital video disc is provided. A plurality of vending transaction data is received, wherein each of the plurality of data comprises a transaction timestamp and corresponds to a rental transaction for a digital video disc. The plurality of vending transaction data is stored in a memory of a vending apparatus, and is encrypted. It is determined whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since a first transmission of transaction data from the vending apparatus, and a communication request is transmitted upon such determination to a remote control center. A signal is received at the vending apparatus from a control center in response to the communications request, and a plurality of vending transaction data is transmitted to the remote control center in response to receiving the signal. | 06-16-2011 |
20110060456 | ARTICLE VENDING MACHINE AND METHOD FOR EXCHANGING AN INOPERABLE ARTICLE FOR AN OPERABLE ARTICLE - An article vending machine in a network of article vending machines capable of exchanging an inoperable rental article received from a user for an operable replacement article. The article dispensing machine checks customer identification information against one or more customer rental criteria to determine if the customer is eligible to exchange an inoperable article for an operable one. The article vending machine searches for an identical replacement article within an inventory of the machine itself and within inventories of the networked article vending machines. Alternatively, the article vending machine may provide a refund for the inoperable article. | 03-10-2011 |
20110060454 | ARTICLE VENDING MACHINE AND METHOD FOR EXCHANGING AN INOPERABLE ARTICLE FOR AN OPERABLE ARTICLE - An article vending machine in a network of article vending machines capable of exchanging an inoperable rental article received from a user for an operable replacement article. The article dispensing machine checks customer identification information against one or more customer rental criteria to determine if the customer is eligible to exchange an inoperable article for an operable one. The article vending machine searches for an identical replacement article within an inventory of the machine itself and within inventories of the networked article vending machines. Alternatively, the article vending machine may provide a refund for the inoperable article. | 03-10-2011 |
20110047010 | ARTICLE VENDING MACHINE AND METHOD FOR RECEIVING RESTRICTED DISCOUNT CODES - A network of DVD dispensing machines and method for accepting user-inputted coupon codes that are only accepted when certain restrictions are satisfied. In one aspect of the present invention, certain coupon codes are only accepted by kiosks located in certain geographic areas. In another aspect of the present invention, certain coupon codes are only accepted if the customer is a new customer opening a new account. In another aspect of the present invention, certain coupon codes are only accepted once per user account. In yet another aspect of the present invention, certain coupon codes are only accepted if the coupon codes are used at kiosks housed in certain vending partners or in stores affiliated with a certain entity. | 02-24-2011 |
20110004536 | ARTICLE VENDING MACHINE AND METHOD FOR AUDITING INVENTORY WHILE ARTICLE VENDING MACHINE REMAINS OPERATIONAL - An article vending machine capable of performing an inventory audit and automatically pausing the inventory audit in response to a customer transaction request and method for performing the same are shown. After completing the customer request, the article vending machine resumes the inventory auditing process. The article vending machine thereby remains available for customer use during the inventory auditing process. | 01-06-2011 |
20100318219 | System and Method for Communicating Vending Information - A system and method for communicating vending information is provided. The system includes a plurality of vending apparatuses, each containing a vending inventory comprised of vendible media products, and a control center in communication with the plurality of vending apparatuses configured to receive user information. The user information can include a vending request for a vendible media product and a location identifier. The system is further configured to select a vending apparatus from the plurality of vending apparatuses based on the location identifier, determine whether the requested vendible media product is in the vending inventory of the selected vending apparatus, and transmit an electronic message to a user-specified electronic mail address upon determining that the requested vendible media product is in the vending inventory of the selected vending machine. | 12-16-2010 |
20100312380 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REGULATING VENDIBLE MEDIA PRODUCTS - A system and method for regulating vendible media products is provided. A database stored information corresponding to a plurality of digital video discs within a vending apparatus at a vending location. A central server, having a memory, stores the database. An interface application interfaces with the central server and the database, and selects from the database a subset of the digital video discs. A vending processor within the vending apparatus receives a first signal from the central server, wherein the first signal comprises a list of digital video discs identifying the subset of digital video discs. The vending processor also generates a second signal to place the subset of digital video discs into a portable vending management module. | 12-09-2010 |
20100057871 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMMUNICATING SECONDARY VENDING OPTIONS - A system and method for communicating secondary vending options for a vendible media product having entertainment content therein is provided. The system comprises a transaction network, and a database in communication with the transaction network, wherein the database stores a plurality of digital video disc titles and a plurality of locations and release dates corresponding to the digital video disc titles. A vending controller at a vending location receives a user request signal for a digital video disc, and determines whether the digital video disc is available in a vending inventory at the vending location. A central controller receives a first signal from the vending controller, wherein the first signal comprises a secondary vending option and a user electronic mail address. The central controller receives a second signal from the vending controller, wherein the second signal comprises an indication that the digital video disc is available in the vending inventory. | 03-04-2010 |
20090089187 | Article Vending Machine And Method for Auditing Inventory While Article Vending Machine Remains Operational - An article vending machine capable of performing an inventory audit and automatically pausing the inventory audit in response to a customer transaction request and method for performing the same are shown. After completing the customer request, the article vending machine resumes the inventory auditing process. The article vending machine thereby remains available for customer use during the inventory auditing process. | 04-02-2009 |
20090018792 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CALIBRATING A VENDING APPARATUS - A system and method for calibrating a vending apparatus is provided. A vertical base reference position of a selector arm is stored, wherein the vertical base reference position corresponds to one of a plurality of rows in a cylindrical storage device. A horizontal base reference position is stored, wherein the horizontal base reference position corresponds to a compartment identifier identifying a compartment within each of the plurality of rows. A position of the selector arm corresponding to a media storage compartment is also stored, wherein the position comprises a vertical position and a horizontal position. A motor is initiated to move the selector arm along a vertical axis, wherein a movement of the selector arm results in one of an increment and/or a decrement to the vertical position of the selector arm. A stepper motor is initiated to rotate the cylindrical storage device, wherein a rotation of the device results in one of an increment and/or a decrement to the horizontal position of the selector arm. | 01-15-2009 |
20090005905 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMMUNICATING VENDING INFORMATION - A system and method for communicating vending information for a digital video disc is provided. A plurality of vending transaction data is received, wherein each of the plurality of data comprises a transaction timestamp and corresponds to a rental transaction for a digital video disc. The plurality of vending transaction data is stored in a memory of a vending apparatus, and is encrypted. It is determined whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since a first transmission of transaction data from the vending apparatus, and a communication request is transmitted upon such determination to a remote control center. A signal is received at the vending apparatus from a control center in response to the communications request, and a plurality of vending transaction data is transmitted to the remote control center in response to receiving the signal. | 01-01-2009 |
20090005904 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMMUNICATING VENDING INFORMATION - A system and method for communicating vending information for a digital video disc is provided. A plurality of vending transaction data is received, wherein each of the plurality of data comprises a transaction timestamp and corresponds to a rental transaction for a digital video disc. The plurality of vending transaction data is stored in a memory of a vending apparatus, and is encrypted. It is determined whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since a first transmission of transaction data from the vending apparatus, and a communication request is transmitted upon such determination to a remote control center. A signal is received at the vending apparatus from a control center in response to the communications request, and a plurality of vending transaction data is transmitted to the remote control center in response to receiving the signal. | 01-01-2009 |