System for an automated dispensing and retrieval kiosk for recorded media

US9224137B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• REDBOX AUTOMATED RETAIL, LLC · US

Inventors

• Philip J. Tomasi · Newbury Park, US
• Alva D. Cravens · Los Gatos, US
• Jens Horstmann · Goldkronach, DE
• William H. Barber · Thousand Oaks, US
• John Chen · Ashburn, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 1, 2006
• Grant date: Dec 29, 2015
• Expiry date: Mar 12, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H02K7/14
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A system for an automated dispensing and retrieval kiosk for recorded media includes a kiosk having a plurality of vertical racks arranged in a circular formation, each vertical rack configured for storing a plurality of recorded media. A customer interface allows a customer to select or return a recorded media. A robotic element delivers the selected recorded media from the vertical racks to a media output, at the customer interface. The element also delivers a returned recorded media from a media input at the customer interface to the vertical racks. A computer controls operation of the kiosk, and an internet interface connects the kiosk to the Internet. The kiosk may communicate with a central server and/or other kiosks of a group, to locate a requested recorded media within a kiosk of the group. Once located within the group, the requested media may be reserved for customer pick-up.