Patent ID: 6994252
Filing Date: 2006-02-07
Classification: G06K,G06Q

Abstract:
1. A library self service check-in/out work station for selectively checking in/out library articles, where each article includes a discrete identification element attached thereto, and wherein the discrete identification element has library cataloging information and/or specific library patron loan information associated therewith specific to the accompanying article, including among others, library check-in and check-out date, late fees, cataloging circulation and the like, and where each library patron is issued a unique patron identifier, the library check-in/out work station comprising: a combined library patron and library staff self-service counter having, a library patron identification means, positioned and supported by said counter, and accessible by a library patron from said first counter side, said identification means responsive to said unique patron identifier associated with a current library patron initiated transaction for assigning the current patron initiated transaction to a specific patron, an article receiving area and article interrogator positioned and supported by said counter, and accessible by a library patron from said first counter side, wherein said article interrogator and said receiving area are arranged to interrogate the discrete identification element associated with a received article introduced into the article receiving area for providing an output representative of said information associated with said discrete identification element associated with the received article; a library patron control unit including a library patron accessible visual display, positioned and supported by said first counter portion, and accessible by a library patron from said first counter side, for displaying first selected library patron operational information associated with a current library patron initiated transaction, where the first selected library patron operational information includes at least operational instructions and current library patron-specific transaction process feedback information; a library supervisor control unit including a staff accessible visual display, positioned and supported by said second counter portion, and accessible by a library staff person from said second counter side, for displaying second selected library patron operational information associated with the current library patron initiated transaction for assisting said library patron self-service check-in/out transaction; and a library cataloging system and system controller coupled to the article interrogator, the patron identification means, the library patron accessible visual display, and the library staff accessible visual display, for displaying first selected library patron operational information on said library patron accessible visual display, and displaying at least portions of said first selected library patron operational information on said library staff accessible visual display, separately or concurrently, so that a library staff person may assist a library patron self-service check-in/out transaction as required to complete a library patron initiated transaction while remaining in said library administration work area.