Automated ticket sales and dispensing system

• US 5,408,417 A
• Filed: 07/05/1994
• Issued: 04/18/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 05/28/1992
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Wilford B. Wilder
• Original Assignee: Wilford B. Wilder
• Inventors: Wilder, Wilford B.
• Primary Examiner(s): Gordon, Paul P.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Tousi, Cameron H.
• Application Number:
  US08/271,213
• Time in Patent Office: 287 Days
• Field of Search: 364/478, 364/479, 364/401, 364/407, 364/DIG. 1, 364/DIG. 2, 364/521, 235/381, 235/384, 360/12
• US Class Current: 705/5
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/02 Reservations, e.g. for tickets, services or events
• CPC Class Codes: G07B 1/00 Machines for printing and issuing tickets printing mechanisms per se B41; output mechanisms of digital computers G06C11/00
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 15/005 with dispensing of lottery tickets
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/42 for ticket printing or like apparatus , e.g. apparatus for dispensing of printed paper tickets or payment cards

Abstract

An automated ticket sales and dispensing system is customer operated to provide tickets for various entertainment events, travel, and other products and services such as lottery tickets, gift certificates, raffle tickets, moneygrams, and in some areas, off-track betting without the aid of an employee. The system includes a terminal which has a monitor with an interactive touch-sensitive display screen which will show the customer a view of the stage or field as seen from the seating area of the seats which have been selected prior to the purchase with the ability to accept or select another seat. The system is menu driven and allows a customer to select and purchase tickets by touching the screen in response to messages displayed on the screen. Verbal messages in one or more languages may be given along with visual messages. The system will accept payment in the form of cash, credit cards, bank debit cards, and local personal checks. A video cassette player in the terminal continuously shows upcoming events and attractions in the area and advertising for local clubs and restaurants during periods when no transactions are being made. The terminal may be placed at various convenient locations and is operational around the clock for the convenience of ticket purchasers.

Claims

1. An automatic ticket sales and dispensing system for use by customers to select and purchase tickets for events and other activities comprising;

a ticket sales and vending console connected to a source of electrical current and including a microprocessor control system operated in part by the input of the customer in response to displayed messages;

said console having a video display monitor with a touch sensitive screen coupled with said microprocessor control system adapted to display messages and supply data input signals relative to the displayed messages in response to the customer touching designated areas of the screen, a video cassette player operatively connected with said microprocessor control system and said video display screen for displaying recorded video images, an audio system including loudspeakers operatively connected with said microprocessor control system and said video cassette player, currency handling means in said terminal controlled by said microprocessor control system for accepting and verifying currency and dispensing change, and ticket printing and vending means controlled by said microprocessor control system for printing tickets;

first memory means connected with said microprocessor having stored programs for controlling the operation of said video display monitor and touch sensitive screen, said video cassette player, said audio system, said currency handling means, and said ticket printing and vending means;

second memory means connected with said microprocessor for storing inputted data in the course of computation and controlling the operation of said microprocessor;

event data memory means operatively connected with said microprocessor having stored data representing events for which tickets may be purchased, said event data being classified and retrievable according to main category of event types, sub-categories of each main category event type, type of seating, name, date, time of performance, price of tickets for specific events, and number of tickets available to be purchased;

a modem operatively connected to said console microprocessor and to a central data bank for periodically sending and receiving data and updating data stored in said event data memory means;

an event selection program stored in said first memory means that displays on said video display monitor a series of titles of the main categories of event types for which tickets may be purchased and a message instructing the customer to select the desired type of event by touching said touch sensitive screen at the appropriate main category title;

image memory means operatively connected with said microprocessor having stored image data representing the seating area maps of various venues and seating view memory means operatively connected with said microprocessor and said image memory means, said seating view memory means having stored views of the stage or field as seen from various seating areas in the venues;

at least one payment insertion slot on said console for accepting currency and other payment instruments and a currency drop slot on said console for dispensing currency change;

a ticket purchase program stored in said first memory means which controls the operation of said currency handling means to accept and verify currency and to calculate and dispense change; and

a ticket issuance program stored in said first memory means which controls the operation of said ticket printing and vending means;

wherein

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the desired type of event, a signal is generated to cause said microprocessor control system to retrieve from said event data memory means a list of all the sub-categories for the selected main category of event type and display a series of titles of the sub-categories for which tickets may be purchased and a message instructing the customer to select the desired sub-category of event by touching said touch sensitive screen at the appropriate sub-category title;

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the desired sub-category title, a signal is generated to cause said microprocessor control system to retrieve from said event data memory means a list of all the specific events for the selected sub-category and display them in chronological order with the name, date, time of performance, type of seating, and price of tickets along with a highlighted area on the monitor, a symbol for scrolling the list, a selection symbol for entering a selection, and a message instructing the customer to select the desired specific event by positioning it in the highlighted area and then touching said selection symbol;

upon the customer selecting a specific event having the desired type of seating, a signal is generated to cause said microprocessor control system to retreive from said image memory means and display an image of a map of the seating areas in the venue where the event is to take place along with a message instructing the customer to select the desired general seating area by touching the screen at the appropriate seating area;

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the desired seating area of the displayed map, a signal is generated to cause said microprocessor control system to display an image of the selected seating area with only the seats for which tickets are available shown and a message instructing the customer to select the exact seats desired in that area;

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the desired seating area of the displayed map, a signal is generated to cause said microprocessor control system to display an image of the selected seating area with only the seats for which tickets are available shown along with an "unselect" symbol, a "proceed" symbol, an "exit" symbol, a "seating view" symbol, and a message instructing the customer to select the exact seats desired in that area by touching each desired seat;

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at each desired seat, a signal is generated to cause said microprocessor control system to highlight the selected seat;

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the "seating view" symbol, a signal is generated to cause said microprocessor control system to retreive from said seating view memory means and display an image of the field or stage as seen from the selected seating area as though the customer were actually sitting in the selected seating area;

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the "unselect" symbol, a signal is generated to cause said microprocessor control system to cancel the current seat selection and upon touching it again to cancel the previous seat selection;

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the "exit" symbol, a signal is generated to cause said microprocessor control system to cancel the transaction and return to the main event category level;

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the "proceed" symbol, a signal is generated causing said microprocessor control system to display a "return" symbol and a "proceed" symbol along with a message asking the customer to touch the "return" symbol if it is desired to return to the main event category selection menu to select another event or to touch the "proceed" symbol if it is desired to proceed with the purchase of the current selections;

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the "return" symbol, a signal is generated causing said microprocessor control system to return to the main event category level; and

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the "proceed" symbol, a signal is generated causing said microprocessor control system to initiate said ticket purchase program.

2. An automatic ticket sales and dispensing system according to claim 1 including;

a promotional display program run by said video cassette player to continuously display upcoming events and attractions in an area and advertising for local clubs and restaurants in the form of action video and graphics during times when no transactions are being made and displaying a symbolic start image and a message instructing the customer to touch the start image to begin the transaction;

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the area of the displayed start image, a signal is generated to cause said microprocessor control system to initiate said event selection program.

3. An automatic ticket sales and dispensing system according to claim 1 in which;

said ticket purchase program calculates and displays the total amount of the purchase corresponding to the selections entered by the customer and displays and a payment category menu which represents the types of payment instruments accepted by the system and a message instructing the customer to select the desired type of payment instrument by touching said touch sensitive screen at the appropriate area on the payment category menu; and

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the appropriate area representing the desired type of payment, a signal is generated to cause said microprocessor control system to operate said currency handling means to accept payment.

4. An automatic ticket sales and dispensing system according to claim 3 in which;

said currency handling means includes a currency acceptor mechanism with a change maker mechanism connected with said at least one payment insertion slot for verifying and receiving currency bills and providing an output signal upon acceptance or rejection, counter means for registering the amount of currency and calculating the difference, a storage box for storing the accepted currency, and a storage box for storing change to be dispensed;

said payment category menu includes a "cash" category; and

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the area of the menu representing "cash", a signal is generated causing the microprocessor system to initiate operation of said currency handling mechanism and to display a message instructing the customer to insert currency bills into the bill payment insertion slot on the console;

upon an output signal of said currency acceptor mechanism indicating rejection of the inserted currency bill, said currency acceptor mechanism returning the rejected currency bill and said output signal causing said microprocessor control system to display a message instructing the customer to select another method of payment and thereafter returning to the initial said promotional display program, and

upon an output signal of said currency acceptor mechanism indicating acceptance of the inserted currency bill, and the amount inserted is greater than the calculated purchase price, said currency acceptor mechanism dispensing the correct amount of change, and said output signal causing said microprocessor control system to initiate said ticket issuance program.

5. An automatic ticket sales and dispensing system according to claim 3 including;

credit data memory means operatively connected with said microprocessor having stored data representing the credit worthiness of customers corresponding to identification numbers on credit cards and similar cards having a magnetic code thereon; and

said currency handling means including a credit card acceptor mechanism with a magnetic code reader mechanism connected with said at least one payment insertion slot for receiving and reading cards of the type having a magnetic code and providing an output signal upon acceptance or rejection;

said payment category menu includes a "credit card" category for transactions using credit cards and similar cards having a magnetic code thereon; and

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the area of the menu representing "credit card" a signal is generated causing said microprocessor system to initiate operation of said credit card acceptor mechanism and to display a message instructing the customer to insert the appropriate credit card into the said payment insertion slot on said console;

said magnetic code reader reading the code of said inserted card and recording it in said second memory means and generating a signal causing said microprocessor system to search said credit data storage means and compare the read code with the stored data and generate a rejection signal or an acceptance signal relative thereto;

upon a rejection signal being generated, said credit card acceptor mechanism returning the rejected card and said rejection signal causing said microprocessor control system to display a message instructing the customer to select another method of payment and thereafter returning to the initial said promotional display program; and

upon an acceptance signal being generated, said credit card acceptor mechanism returning the inserted card and the amount of the calculated purchase price being recorded in memory correlated to the customer'"'"'s magnetic code number as a transaction and following the recording of the transaction, said microprocessor control system initiating said ticket issuance program.

6. An automatic ticket sales and dispensing system according to claim 3 including;

credit data memory means operatively connected with said microprocessor having stored data representing the credit worthiness of customers who have pre-approved credit and have been issued a check approval number and are using an approved credit card number as security for the transaction;

said currency handling means includes a check acceptor mechanism with a magnetic code reader mechanism connected with said at least one payment insertion slot for receiving and reading the magnetic code on checks and providing an output signal upon acceptance or rejection;

said payment category menu includes a "check" category for transactions using checks having a magnetic code thereon; and

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the area of the menu representing "check", a signal is generated causing said microprocessor system to initiate operation of said check acceptor mechanism and to display an image of a numerical keypad and a message instructing the customer to enter the check approval number and then the magnetic code number at the bottom of the check by touching the number keys on the displayed keypad image;

upon the entry of the inputted numbers, said microprocessor control system recording them in said second memory means and searching said credit data memory means and comparing the inputted numbers with the stored data and generating a rejection signal or an acceptance signal relative thereto;

a rejection signal causing said microprocessor control system to display a message instructing the customer to select another method of payment and therafter returning to the initial said promotional display program; and

an acceptance signal causing said microprocessor control system to display the total amount of the purchase and and a message instructing the customer to fill in the check for the total amount of the purchase displayed, and to insert the check into the said payment insertion slot on the console; and

upon receipt of the check, the amount of the calculated purchase price being recorded in memory correlated to the customer'"'"'s magnetic code number as a transaction and following the recording of the transaction, said microprocessor control system initiating said ticket issuance program.

7. An automatic ticket sales and dispensing system according to claim 1 including;

credit data memory means operatively connected with said microprocessor having stored data representing customers who have pre-paid for tickets using an approved credit card number or personal identification number and have been issued a transaction identification number and a code word;

one of said titles of main category of events displayed by said event selection program is representative of a "miscellaneous" category; and

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the title representative of the "miscellaneous" category one of the series of titles of the sub-categories received and displayed is a title representing "pre-paid tickets" which may be picked up at said console; and

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the title representing "pre-paid tickets", a signal is generated to cause said microprocessor control system to display an image of a numerical keypad and a message instructing the customer to enter the issued personal identification number and then the issued transaction number and code word by touching the number keys on the displayed keypad image;

upon the entry of the inputted numbers said microprocessor control system recording them in said second memory means and searching said credit data memory means and comparing the inputted numbers with the stored data and displaying the selected event, date, time of performance, number of tickets, price per ticket, and total purchase price with a "YES" and "NO" confirmation image and a message asking the customer to confirm the information by touching the appropriate confirmation image;

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the "NO" confirmation image, a signal is generated to cause said microprocessor control system to return to said promotional display program; and

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the "YES" confirmation image, a signal is generated to cause said microprocessor control system to initiate said ticket issuance program.

8. An automatic ticket sales and dispensing system according to claim 1 including;

credit data memory means operatively connected with said microprocessor having stored data representing sending customers who have pre-paid for tickets redeemable for cash using a cash only purchase and have been issued a transaction identification number and code word and desire that the ticket be picked up by a receiving customer;

one of said titles of main category of events displayed by said event selection program is representative of a "miscellaneous" category; and

upon the receiving customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the title representative of the "miscellaneous" category one of the series of titles of the sub-categories received and displayed is a title representing "moneygram tickets" which may be picked up at said console; and

upon the receiving customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the title representing "moneygram tickets", a signal is generated to cause said microprocessor control system to display an image of a numerical keypad and a message instructing the customer to enter the issued transaction number and code word by touching the keys on the displayed keypad image;

upon the entry of the inputted numbers said microprocessor control system recording them in said second memory means and searching said credit data memory means and comparing the inputted numbers with the stored data;

upon entry of an incorrect transaction identification number or code word, a signal is generated to cause said microprocessor control system to return to said promotional display program; and

upon entry of the correct transaction identification number and code word, a signal is generated to cause said microprocessor control system to initiate said ticket issuance program.

9. An automatic ticket sales and dispensing system according to claim 1 including;

gift data memory means operatively connected with said microprocessor having stored data representing events, participating retail stores, and dollar amounts for which gift certificate tickets may be purchased;

one of said titles of main category of events displayed by said event selection program is representative of a "miscellaneous" category; and

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the title representative of the "miscellaneous" category one of the series of titles of the sub-categories retrieved and displayed is a title representing "gift certificates" which may be picked up at said console; and

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the title representing "gift certificates", a signal is generated to cause said microprocessor control system to display a menu displaying the names of events, participating retail stores, and dollar amounts for which tickets may be purchased, and a message instructing the customer to select an event or retail store and dollar amount by touching the appropriate area on the displayed menu;

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the area of the menu representing events a signal is generated causing said microprocessor system to return to said event selection program; and

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the area representing retail stores and dollar amounts, a signal is generated causing said microprocessor system to initiate said ticket purchase program.

10. An automatic ticket sales and dispensing system according to claim 1 including;

travel data memory means operatively connected with said microprocessor having stored data representing countries, states, cities, methods of transportation available and the corresponding travel routes, travel schedule, and ticket prices, for which tickets may be purchased;

one of said titles of main category of events displayed by said event selection program is representative of a "miscellaneous" category; and

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the title representative of the "miscellaneous" category one of the series of titles of the sub-categories retrieved and displayed is a title representing "travel" tickets which may be picked up at said console;

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the title representing "travel", a signal is generated to cause said microprocessor control system to display symbols representing international, national, and state/regional areas for which tickets may be purchased and a message instructing the customer to select the desired international, national, and state/regional area by touching said touch sensitive screen at the appropriate symbol;

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at symbol representing the desired area of travel, a signal is generated to cause said microprocessor control system to display the previously selected area symbol and retrieve from said travel data memory means and display a list of the countries or states the selected area for which tickets are available along with a highlighted area on the monitor, a symbol for scrolling the list, a "selection" symbol, a "proceed" symbol, and a message instructing the customer to enter the desired country or state by positioning the name in the highlighted area and then touching said touch sensitive screen at the "selection" symbol and then the "proceed" symbol;

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the "proceed" block, a signal is generated to cause said microprocessor control system to retrieve from said travel data memory means and display a list of names of cities within the selected country or state for which travel tickets are available along with a "selection" symbol, a highlighted area on the monitor, a symbol for scrolling the list, and a message instructing the customer to select the desired destination city by positioning the name in the highlighted area and then touching said touch sensitive screen at the "selection" symbol;

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the "selection" symbol to select the desired city, a signal is generated to cause said microprocessor control system to display a series of "transportation" symbols representing various methods of travel, windows representing the desired departure and return time, date, and month, "control" symbols for changing the time, date, and month, a "proceed" symbol, and a message instructing the customer to select the desired departure and return time, date, and month and method of travel by touching said touch sensitive screen at the appropriate "transportation" and "control" symbols and then the "proceed" symbol;

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the "proceed" symbol, a signal is generated to cause said microprocessor control system to retrieve from said travel data memory means and display a list of travel routes, travel schedules, and ticket prices corresponding to the selected method of travel and departure and return time, date, and month along with a highlighted area on the monitor, a symbol for scrolling the list, a "selection" symbol, and a message instructing the customer to select the desired travel route, schedule, and ticket price by positioning the same in the highlighted area and then touching said touch sensitive screen at the "selection" symbol;

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the "selection" symbol to select the desired travel route, schedule, and ticket price, a signal is generated to cause said microprocessor control system to display the selected country or state, city, method of travel, travel route, schedule, and ticket price, along with a "YES" and "NO" confirmation symbol and a message asking the customer to confirm the information by touching the appropriate confirmation symbol;

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the "NO" confirmation symbol, a signal is generated to cause the program to return to the "travel" sub-category level; and

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the "YES" confirmation symbol, a signal is generated to cause said microprocessor control system to initiate said ticket purchase program.

11. An automatic ticket sales and dispensing system according to claim 1 including;

chance data memory means operatively connected with said microprocessor having stored data representing chance events, such as raffles, lotteries, and off-track betting, along with the appropriate corresponding ticket prices and types of wagers and amounts for which tickets may be purchased;

said chance data memory means having stored data representing customers who have been pre-approved for wagering and have been issued a wager identification number;

one of said titles of main category of events displayed by said event selection program is representative of a "miscellaneous" category; and

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the title representative of the "miscellaneous" category one of the series of titles of the sub-categories retrieved and displayed is a title representing "chance events" which may be picked up at said console; and

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the desired title of the chance event, a signal is generated to cause said microprocessor control system to display an image of a numerical keypad and a message informing the customer that all chance events are cash only transactions along with a "YES" and "NO" confirmation symbol and a message asking the customer to confirm that the transaction will be a cash only transaction by touching the appropriate confirmation symbol and then enter the assigned wager identification number by touching the number keys on the displayed keypad image;

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the "NO" confirmation symbol, a signal is generated to cause said microprocessor control system to return to said promotional display program; and

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the "YES" confirmation symbol and entering the assigned wager identification number, a signal is generated to cause said microprocessor control system to retrieve from said chance data memory means to verify the wager identification number and, if verified, to display a list of names of chance events for which tickets may be purchased along with a highlighted area on the monitor, a symbol for scrolling the list, a "selection" symbol, and a message instructing the customer to select the desired chance event by positioning the name in the highlighted area and then touching said touch sensitive screen at the "selection" symbol; and

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the "selection" symbol, a signal is generated to cause said microprocessor control system to search said chance data memory means and determine if the selected chance event is a fixed ticket price or a variable price wager event.

12. An automatic ticket sales and dispensing system according to claim 11 wherein;

if the selected event has a fixed ticket price the microprocessor control system displays the number of tickets available for the selected event along with a window for showing the number of tickets to be purchased, symbols for increasing or decreasing the number of tickets to be purchased, a "proceed" symbol for proceeding after the number of tickets to be purchased have been selected, and a message instructing the customer to enter the number of tickets desired by touching the appropriate increasing or decreasing symbol and then touching the "proceed" symbol;

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the "proceed" symbol, a signal is generated to cause said microprocessor control system to display the selected event, number of tickets, price per ticket, and total purchase price along with a "proceed" symbol and a message instructing the customer to confirm the information by touching the "proceed" symbol; and

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the "proceed" symbol, a signal is generated to cause said microprocessor control system to initiate said ticket purchase program.

13. An automatic ticket sales and dispensing system according to claim 11 wherein;

if the selected event is a lottery-type event the microprocessor control system displays a window for showing the number of tickets to be purchased, symbols for increasing or decreasing the number of tickets to be purchased, a "proceed" symbol for proceeding after the number of tickets to be purchased have been selected, and a message instructing the customer to enter the number of tickets desired by touching the appropriate increasing or decreasing symbol and then touching the "proceed" symbol;

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the "proceed" symbol, a signal is generated to cause said microprocessor control system to display windows for entering a series of numbers to be bet on, symbols for generating the digits of the numbers to be bet on, a "proceed" symbol, and a message instructing the customer to generate and select the numbers to be bet on by touching the appropriate number generating symbol and then touching the "proceed" symbol;

upon the customer entering the desired numbers to be bet on and touching said touch sensitive screen at the "proceed" symbol, a signal is generated to cause said microprocessor control system to display the selected event, number of tickets, price per ticket, numbers to be bet on, and total purchase price along with a "proceed" symbol and a message instructing the customer to confirm the information by touching the "proceed" symbol; and

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the "proceed" symbol, a signal is generated to cause said microprocessor control system to initiate said ticket purchase program.

14. An automatic ticket sales and dispensing system according to claim 11 wherein;

if the selected event is a racing-type event the microprocessor control system displays a list of the types of race tracks available along with a highlighted area on the monitor, a symbol for scrolling the list, a "selection" symbol, and a message instructing the customer to select the desired race track by positioning the name in the highlighted area and then touching said touch sensitive screen at the "selection" symbol;

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the "selection" symbol, a signal is generated to cause said microprocessor control system to display a window for showing the number of the race to be bet on, symbols for increasing or decreasing the number of the race to be bet on, a "proceed" symbol for proceeding after the race number has been selected, and a message instructing the customer to enter the number of the race to be bet on by touching the appropriate increasing or decreasing symbol and then touching the "proceed" symbol;

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the "proceed" symbol, a signal is generated to cause said microprocessor control system to retrieve from said chance event memory means and display a list of names of the race participants, a highlighted area on the monitor, a symbol for scrolling the list of race participants, a window for entering the amount of the bet, symbols for increasing or decreasing the amount of the bet, a series of symbols representing the type of bet, a "proceed" symbol, and a message instructing the customer to select the amount of the bet, the type of bet, and the race participants to be bet on by touching said touch sensitive screen at the appropriate symbols and then touch the "proceed" symbol;

upon the customer entering the desired amount of the bet, the type of bet, and the race participants to be bet on, and touching said touch sensitive screen at the "proceed" symbol, a signal is generated to cause said microprocessor control system to display the selected race track, race number, amount of the bet, type of bet, and the race participants to be bet on, and total purchase price along with a "proceed" symbol and a message instructing the customer to confirm the information by touching the "proceed" symbol; and

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the "proceed" symbol, a signal is generated to cause said microprocessor control system to initiate said ticket purchase program.

15. An automatic ticket sales and dispensing system according to claim 1 in which;

said console has a ticket vending slot on its exterior and an interior storage box containing ticket stock, said ticket printing and vending means comprises a printer having a tractor feed mechanism for feeding said ticket stock through the printer and out of the console through a ticket dispensing slot; and

a replaceable wheel adapted to punch out shapes along said ticket stock as it is fed through the printer and which may be changed out from time-to-time to prevent counterfeiting of the tickets.

16. An automatic ticket sales and dispensing system for use by customers to select and purchase tickets for events and other activities which provides the customer with a view of the stage or field as it would be seen from the seating area in which the selected seats are located, comprising;

a microprocessor control system operated in part by the input of the customer in response to displayed messages;

a video display monitor with a touch sensitive screen coupled with said microprocessor control system for displaying messages and supplying data input signals relative to the displayed messages in response to the customer touching designated areas of the screen;

event data memory means connected with said microprocessor having stored data representing events for which tickets may be purchased;

an event selection program for displaying on said video display monitor a series of events for which tickets may be purchased and means for allowing the customer to select the desired event;

image memory means connected with said microprocessor having stored image data representing the seating area maps of various venues;

a seat selection program for displaying a map of the seating areas in the venue where the events are to take place and allowing the customer to select the desired seating area;

seating view memory means operatively connected with said microprocessor and with said image memory means having views of the stage or field as seen from various seating areas in the venues;

the map of the selected seating area in the venue of the selected event being displayed with the seats for which tickets are available highlighted along with a "seating view" symbol, and

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the "seating view" symbol, a signal is generated to cause said microprocessor control system to retreive from said seating view memory means and display an image of the field or stage as seen from the selected seating area as though the customer were actually sitting in the selected seating area.

17. In an automatic ticket sales and dispensing system for use by customers to select and purchase tickets for events and other activities of the type having a microprocessor control system operated in part by the input of the customer in response to displayed messages, a video display monitor with a touch sensitive screen coupled with said microprocessor control system for displaying messages and supplying data input signals relative to the displayed messages in response to the customer touching designated areas of the screen, event data memory means connected with said microprocessor having stored data representing events for which tickets may be purchased, an event selection program for displaying on said video display monitor a series of events for which tickets may be purchased and means for allowing the customer to select the desired event, image memory means connected with said microprocessor having stored image data representing the seating area maps of various venues, and a seat selection program for displaying a map of the seating areas in the venue where the events are to take place and allowing the customer to select the desired seating area;

seating view memory means operatively connected with said microprocessor and with said image memory means, said seating view memory means having stored views of the stage or field as seen from various seating areas in the venues;

the map of the selected seating area in the venue of the selected event being displayed with the seats for which tickets are available highlighted along with a "seating view" symbol, and

upon the customer touching said touch sensitive screen at the "seating view" symbol, a signal is generated to cause said microprocessor control system to retreive from said seating view memory means and display an image of the field or stage as seen from the selected seating area as though the customer were actually sitting in the selected seating area.