Self-check system and method for protecting digital media
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An automated check-out system for digital media located in a facility where the digital media is sold to, or rented by, patrons, said system comprising:
- a content tag secured to the digital media for containing identification data of the digital media; and
a security box into which said digital media is disposed, said security box comprising a releasable lock that precludes access to the digital media contained therein until said releasable lock is unlocked;
a check-out station comprising;
at least one tag reader for obtaining said identification data from said content tag;
a computer coupled to a database, said database associating the digital media with patron identification;
a point of sale device, coupled to said computer, that permits the patron to tender payment for purchasing or renting the digital media, said computer modifying a status identifier of said digital media stored on said database based on said payment;
an unlocker coupled to said computer, said computer activating said unlocker whenever payment occurs; and
pedestals, located at the exit of the facility, and coupled to the computer for detecting the presence of said content tag; and
an alarm, coupled to said computer, that activates whenever said content tag is detected at said pedestals and said status identifier has not been modified.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method for renting or purchasing products, preferably digital media. The system comprises a self-check station and unique locking apparatus for the media. The method includes a procedure to both rent and return the media without the aid of borrowing facility personnel.
54 Citations
41 Claims
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1. An automated check-out system for digital media located in a facility where the digital media is sold to, or rented by, patrons, said system comprising:
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a content tag secured to the digital media for containing identification data of the digital media; and
a security box into which said digital media is disposed, said security box comprising a releasable lock that precludes access to the digital media contained therein until said releasable lock is unlocked;
a check-out station comprising;
at least one tag reader for obtaining said identification data from said content tag;
a computer coupled to a database, said database associating the digital media with patron identification;
a point of sale device, coupled to said computer, that permits the patron to tender payment for purchasing or renting the digital media, said computer modifying a status identifier of said digital media stored on said database based on said payment;
an unlocker coupled to said computer, said computer activating said unlocker whenever payment occurs; and
pedestals, located at the exit of the facility, and coupled to the computer for detecting the presence of said content tag; and
an alarm, coupled to said computer, that activates whenever said content tag is detected at said pedestals and said status identifier has not been modified. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. An automated check-out system for digital media located in a facility where the digital media is sold to, or rented by, patrons, said system comprising:
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a content tag secured to the digital media for containing identification data of the digital media; and
a security box into which said digital media is disposed, said security box comprising a security tag and a releasable lock, said releasable lock precluding access to the digital media contained therein until said releasable lock is unlocked;
a check-out station comprising;
a first tag reader for obtaining said identification data from said content tag;
a computer coupled to a database, said database associating the digital media with patron identification;
a point of sale device, coupled to said computer, that permits the patron to tender payment for purchasing or renting the digital media, said computer modifying a status identifier of said digital media stored on said database based on said payment;
an unlocker coupled to said computer, said computer activating said unlocker whenever payment occurs; and
pedestals, located at the exit the facility, and coupled to the computer for detecting the presence of said security tag; and
an alarm, coupled to said computer, that activates whenever said security tag is detected at said pedestals and said status identifier has not been modified. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A method for permitting a patron to automatically check-out digital media located in a facility where the digital media is sold or rentable, said method comprising the steps of:
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securing a content tag to the digital media for containing identification data of the digital media therein and providing pedestals at an exit of the facility that can detect the passage of said content tag therethrough;
providing an alarm that can be activated when said pedestals detect the passage of said content tag therethrough;
disposing the digital media into a security box having a releasable lock that precludes access to the digital media contained therein until said releasable lock is unlocked;
wirelessly obtaining said identification data from said content tag by the patron;
obtaining patron identification data from the patron and associating the identification data with the patron identification data in a database;
receiving payment from the patron to either rent or purchase the digital media;
modifying a status identifier of said rented or purchased digital media stored on said database based on said payment and unlocking said releasable lock based on said payment;
deactivating said alarm when said pedestals detect the passage of said content tag therethrough and when said status identifier has been modified, or activating said alarm when said pedestals detect the passage of said content tag therethrough and when said status identifier has not been modified. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
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33. A method for permitting a patron to automatically check-out digital media located in a facility where the digital media is sold or rentable, said method comprising the steps of:
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securing a content tag to the digital media for containing identification data of the digital media therein and providing pedestals at an exit of the facility;
disposing the digital media into a security box having a releasable lock that precludes access to the digital media contained therein until said releasable lock is unlocked, said security box also comprising a security tag;
providing an alarm that can be activated when said pedestals detect the passage of said security tag therethrough;
wirelessly obtaining said identification data from said content tag by the patron;
obtaining patron identification data from the patron and associating the identification data with the patron identification data in a database;
receiving payment from the patron to either rent or purchase the digital media;
modifying a status identifier of said rented or purchased digital media stored on said database based on said payment and unlocking said releasable lock based on said payment;
deactivating said alarm when said pedestals detect the passage of said security tag therethrough and when said status identifier has been modified, or activating said alarm when said pedestals detect the passage of said security tag therethrough and when said status identifier has not been modified. - View Dependent Claims (34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41)
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Specification