Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110130873 | SELF-SERVICE KIOSK WITH MULTIPLE SECURE SERVICE AREAS - A self-service kiosk apparatus is presented that has a plurality of secure service areas. Access to the plurality of secure service areas and the components of the kiosk system contained within each area is controlled. Authorization to access each secure service area is based on a person's level of training and security level. | 06-02-2011 |
20110147400 | ENTERTAINMENT MEDIA RENTAL AND RETURN SYSTEM AND A REMOVABLE STORAGE BIN THEREFOR - An entertainment media rental and return system comprises a rental terminal at which a customer can either rent entertainment media or return entertainment media which has been previously rented from the rental terminal, a return terminal at which a customer can only return entertainment media which has been previously rented from the rental terminal, and a removable storage bin interchangeable between the terminals and arranged to (i) receive entertainment media which has been returned by a customer at the return terminal when the bin is installed in the return terminal, (ii) receive entertainment media which has been returned by a customer at the rental terminal when the bin is installed in the rental terminal, and (iii) provide entertainment media which is available to be rented to a customer at the rental terminal when the bin is installed in the rental terminal. | 06-23-2011 |
20110147446 | DEDICATED SELF-SERVICE RETURN TERMINAL AND METHOD OF OPERATING A DEDICATED SELF-SERVICE RETURN TERMINAL FOR RECEIVING RETURNED MEDIA ON WHICH ENTERTAINMENT DATA IS STORED - A dedicated self-service return terminal is provided for receiving returned media on which entertainment data is stored. The dedicated self-service return terminal comprises a reader arranged to read data associated with returned media on which entertainment data is stored, a media transporter mechanism having a media return slot for receiving returned media, a shutter mechanism having a shutter door movable between an open position which allows returned media to be inserted through the media return slot and a closed position which blocks the media return slot and prevents returned media from being inserted through the media return slot, and a controller arranged to (i) move the shutter door to the open position to allow returned media to be inserted through the media return slot when a determination is made that returned media is being returned to the correct location based upon data read from returned media, and (ii) maintain the shutter door in the closed position to prevent returned media from being inserted through the media return slot when a determination is made that returned media is not being returned to the correct location based upon data read from returned media. | 06-23-2011 |
20110153060 | DEDICATED SELF-SERVICE RETURN TERMINAL AND METHOD OF OPERATING A DEDICATED SELF-SERVICE RETURN TERMINAL FOR RECEIVING RETURNED MEDIA ON WHICH ENTERTAINMENT DATA IS STORED - A dedicated self-service return terminal is provided for receiving returned media on which entertainment data is stored. The dedicated self-service return terminal comprises a media transporter having a media return slot through which returned media can be received from a customer returning the media, a removable media storage bin for storing returned media which has been received through the slot, a container having a chamber in which the media storage bin is installed when the media storage bin is in use, a sliding mechanism arranged to support the container for vertical sliding movement between a top position in which the media storage bin can receive returned media received through the slot and a bottom position in which the media storage bin can be removed from the container, and a controller arranged to control the sliding mechanism to effect movement of the container between the top and bottom positions during operation of the dedicated self-service return terminal. | 06-23-2011 |
20120101631 | Compact Media Disc Vending or Rental Kiosk - A low cost compact kiosk for media disc vending or rental is described. Reduced height and an effective disc drop arrangement allow gravity fed dispensing of media discs simplifying design by eliminating complex robotics requiring trained personnel for maintenance. One such kiosk is approximately 76 cm (30 inches)×58 cm (23 inches)×15 cm (6 inches) and can hold at least 375 standard 1.2 mm thick by 12 cm diameter DVDs. | 04-26-2012 |
20130027187 | SECURITY KIOSK - A security kiosk which allows travelers to process themselves through a security checkpoint. An example security kiosk includes an identification device, communications circuitry, a security scanner for examining a traveler and items accompanying the traveler, and a processor for obtaining identification information from the traveler using the identification device, for connecting to a host computer system using the communications circuitry, for determining whether the traveler has previously checked in from the host computer system, for checking in the traveler when the traveler has not previously checked in, for reading a check-in document when the traveler has previously checked in, and for operating the security scanner. | 01-31-2013 |
20130096962 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MANAGING PROMOTIONS OF DIFFERENT GOODS OR SERVICES AT LODGING ESTABLISHMENTS - A system and method of managing promotions of different goods or services at lodging establishments which is directed to reducing distressed inventories of a variety of different goods or services offered at the lodging establishments. An example method includes connecting to different property systems which manage sales of goods or services, obtaining reservation data and guest data from the different property systems, comparing the reservation data to predetermined thresholds to determine distressed inventories of the goods or services of the property systems, obtaining promotions directed to the distressed inventories, determining customers to receive the promotions of the distressed inventories, and sending the promotions to the customers. | 04-18-2013 |
20130096963 | CHECK-IN SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LODGING ESTABLISHMENTS - A check-in system and method for lodging establishments which facilitates faster check-in. An example method includes creating a record of a reservation for a prospective guest including contact information associated with a mobile communication device of the prospective guest, determining from the record that the first night of the reservation is within a predetermined number of days, sending a message to the mobile communication device of the prospective guest using the contact information, the message including a check-in reminder and a hyperlink to a check-in web page, providing the check-in web page to the mobile communication device in response to selection of the hyperlink by the prospective guest, receiving check-in information entered into the check-in web page by the guest from the mobile communication device, and providing a confirmation web page including confirmation details of the reservation and a confirmation code containing reservation information. | 04-18-2013 |