Video cassette recording and/or viewing vending system
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An automated video center for visual and audio recording of a customer'"'"'s personal message on video cassette tape, said automated video center comprising:
- computer control means for sequencing and regulating video center operation;
payment detection means for verifying payment of a prescribed amount;
a rotatable drum for storing a plurality of blank video cassette tapes;
a video cassette recorder/player;
a video camera electronically connected to said video cassette recorder/player for visual and audio recording of said personal customer message on blank tape;
a video monitor/viewer electronically connected to said video cassette recorder/player for customer monitoring of his appearance while recording said personal message;
a tape insertion/removal tray, said tray being positioned between said rotatable drum and said video cassette recorder/player;
a loading mechanism for moving a blank video cassette tape from said rotatable storage drum, across said tray, and into said video cassette recorder/player in response to payment of a prescribed amount, said loading mechanism being positioned within said rotatable storage drum when said mechanism is in a retracted position;
an unloading mechanism for moving the recorded video cassette tape from said video cassette recorder/player upon completion of a recording operation onto said tape insertion/removal tray for removal and retention by the customer; and
a booth defining a space for customer privacy when recording a personal message on a blank tape.
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Abstract
A vending system which allows a customer to record a personal message on a blank video cassette tape or view and inserted prerecorded video cassette tape is disclosed. The system includes a payment detection mechanism, an activation means responsive to the payment detection mechanism, a video recording and/or viewing device and an ejection mechanism for ejecting a recorded video cassette tape. A booth surrounding the vending system is provided for customer privacy while recording or viewing a tape.
94 Citations
15 Claims
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1. An automated video center for visual and audio recording of a customer'"'"'s personal message on video cassette tape, said automated video center comprising:
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computer control means for sequencing and regulating video center operation; payment detection means for verifying payment of a prescribed amount; a rotatable drum for storing a plurality of blank video cassette tapes; a video cassette recorder/player; a video camera electronically connected to said video cassette recorder/player for visual and audio recording of said personal customer message on blank tape; a video monitor/viewer electronically connected to said video cassette recorder/player for customer monitoring of his appearance while recording said personal message; a tape insertion/removal tray, said tray being positioned between said rotatable drum and said video cassette recorder/player; a loading mechanism for moving a blank video cassette tape from said rotatable storage drum, across said tray, and into said video cassette recorder/player in response to payment of a prescribed amount, said loading mechanism being positioned within said rotatable storage drum when said mechanism is in a retracted position; an unloading mechanism for moving the recorded video cassette tape from said video cassette recorder/player upon completion of a recording operation onto said tape insertion/removal tray for removal and retention by the customer; and a booth defining a space for customer privacy when recording a personal message on a blank tape. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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- 10. The automated video center of 1, wherein said loading mechanism comprises a slidable loading plate, said loading plate a having a substantially straight front edge surface for contacting video cassette tape, and forward and reverse loading plate drive means.
Specification