Abstract:
A kiosk dispenses and receives recorded optical disk media using an interconnected system central server computer through an Internet Service Provider. The system central server contains databases and processing, and is connected to a credit verification system. The central databases collect inventory administration information and customer data from the kiosks including creditcard and email addresses. The central server initiates credit verification and sends receipts to customers via email. The central server maintains databases that are used for remote inventory control and administration of the kiosk network. A kiosk has the capability to identify a recorded disk for automated restocking and may also perform quality assessment of a recorded disk. A kiosk may also provide publishing-on-demand or act as a portal for remotely served advertisement.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. Nos. 60/135,854, filed May 25, 1999 and 60/143,601, filed Jul. 13, 1999 each of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a method and apparatus for dispensing recorded optical disks employing computers and software. More particularly, this invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing automated retail distribution of recorded optical disks. Still more particularly, this invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing a freestanding distribution and retrieval system for recorded optical disks, which is linked to a central server computer using the Internet. 
     PROBLEM 
     One method commonly used for distribution of recorded media is a retail outlet. A retail outlet may sell or rent recorded media. A large inventory is common at a retail location, and staff is required for sales, rentals and restocking. A building is required to house inventory and to provide a retail location. A computer system is usually employed to track inventory of rentals and sales. A retail outlet for recorded media is very expensive to construct and operate. Because of these factors, there is considerable overhead required to run a rental or sales business for recorded media. 
     Another method of media distribution is a limited scale operation. A convenience store might offer a limited selection of items for sale or rent. However, staff is still needed for sales, rentals and restocking. A significant limitation of the retail distribution model for disks is the overhead required to operate a business. 
     One way that retailers have sought to reduce costs is through electronic commerce (EC). Providing an Internet-connected website for customer interaction is quickly becoming a new business model. A system of distribution using EC can significantly reduce overhead associated with retail locations. In this type of business model a central warehouse or warehouses ship an order submitted via the Internet through the mail or using a private courier. The cost of operating a retail location is avoided with this business model. However, a strictly Internet-based distribution system often has significant liabilities. One disadvantage is that a customer must wait for an order to be shipped from a warehouse location. Another disadvantage is that stock may not be available at the time the order is processed. If stock is unavailable, an order may be placed on back-order or the order may be canceled. Another significant disadvantage of an Internet-based distribution system is the impracticality for media rental. The rental business is one of immediacy; a customer will rent an item that is available immediately, but may not rent if it is not available immediately. A customer is much less likely to rent an item that is shipped after ordering, requiring days for delivery. In addition, once a customer is finished with a rented item it must be return-shipped to the distribution location. 
     An advantage of an Internet-based distribution, however, is that a customer may set up an account, pay electronically, and provide invaluable information to a retailer, wholesaler or the media industry. What is needed is an Internet-based distribution system that allows a customer instant distribution or retrieval of media that does not require a retail outlet with the attendant staff and other costs of doing business. In addition, there is a need to provide automated services for payment and quality assurance such that a distribution system is simple and inexpensive to construct and maintain. 
     SOLUTION 
     The above and other problems are solved and an advance in the art is made by provision of a method and product for Internet-based automated distribution and collection of recorded disks. 
     A first advantage of the invention is the ability to provide automated distribution of recorded disks. A standalone fully automated kiosk serves as a distribution point for an integrated system of automated distribution linked via the Internet. The kiosk is a simple and inexpensive mechanical system providing storage and dispensing of disks. A carousel or shuttle system provides access to multiple media selections within the kiosk. Multiple kiosks may be connected to the system via the Internet for simultaneous use by users at different locations. 
     A user interacts with the system via a touch screen. The system software guides each customer through the process using HTML linked pages connected to a database. A selection is entered on the touch screen to choose one or more items for rental or sale. The selections are added to a “shopping cart,” or a temporary database represented on the display, that is approved by the customer. A credit or debit card or other membership information may be entered using a magnetic strip card reader or other device that imports the data to a verification module. Approval or denial of credit is accomplished via a local database, and/or a connection to the system central server computer, and/or a connection to banking services. If the credit or debit is approved, the ongoing transaction is attached to a customer, approval for the price of the disk is entered, and a dispensing system is activated. A database then queries software for the requested item location. A carousel or shuttle system manipulates the media until it is aligned with the dispensing/retrieving slot. A door mechanism is activated to open, and a mechanism is activated to push the recorded disk partially out of the slot to make it available for hand retrieval by the customer. 
     A second advantage of the present invention is the ability to reduce expense by emailing transaction information to a customer. During the disk dispensing operation, an option to receive an e-mailed receipt is given. The option contains a touch-screen keyboard pop-up for the purpose of entering email address characters and other data. A consumer enters an email address via the touch screen keyboard. Receipts may include transactional information as well as advertising and links to specific web-sites. All receipts are given by e-mail reducing the expense of a kiosk since a hard-copy receipt printer is not required. Additionally, the system acquires e-mail addresses from customers allowing post transaction interaction while the consumer is on online. 
     A third advantage of the present invention is the ability to receive media back to the system. The customer activates a return process by selecting “Return” from a touch screen menu or by presenting the disk to the system bar-code reader or optical sensor. The carousel or shuttle system positions to accept a disk at the opening. An initial sensor detects if the recorded disk belongs to the system and activates a door mechanism to allow placement of the recorded disk in the opening. If the recorded disk does not register as a system disk, the door mechanism will not allow the disk to enter the opening. Once registered, the individual code associated with each item is entered into the database and the position in the carousel or shuttle is stored. An open transaction is closed when the item is returned and logged in the database or sold. The location of each item is stored in the database upon insertion through the return slot. Recorded disks are stored raw or in containers specific to the system. This may include certain lock and key structures on the system and on the containers that enable early identification of the item. Item-specific identifiers may be present on the container, on the item, or on both to further verify the identity of the individual items. 
     A fourth advantage of the present invention is an error detection system. Quality scanning software can accomplish a playable/not playable decision via interaction with the error correction code on individual optical media. Product to be dispensed can be assured of quality after an automated analysis. The scanning may be performed using a media specific drive, in concert with automated transporting to and from the drive within the storage system. The error system first identifies every file in the file tree structure. It then traps errors in the file tree structure if a file cannot be opened. Next, the error system opens each file, reads the first block of each file, reads subsequent blocks of each file, trapping errors on each block. The block size is adjustable, the number of blocks read is adjustable and the number of blocks skipped is adjustable. The error system stores block data in a database. The error system totals successful and unsuccessful block reads. The error testing system allows an algorithm to determine the integrity of the media, and to generate disk imperfection data toward tracking the degradation of disk quality over successive rentals. 
     The error-testing algorithm runs on readily available personal computer hardware. Once an error is found, the system determines a number of contiguous blocks affected. Based on the number of bad blocks and the number of contiguous bad blocks, the system determines a probable level of media integrity on a multi-point scale. The system then compares the file tree found and errors found against test results for perfect disk and previous test results for the same disk. If a “bad media identifier” is indicated, the “bad media” tag is associated with the database entry, the disk is not made available for re-rental or sale and notification is made at the central server that the disk is available for removal. A mechanism is preferably incorporated into system media cases that when toggled allows the system to identify a disk that the customer deemed to be damaged or in need of attention. Additionally, an attached or stand-alone polishing system that has payment elements common to the invention system can take a disk, resurface the read side, and return the disk. This may include a grinding system and/or a buffing system and may be Internet connected, or linked to the system kiosk. 
     A fifth advantage of the present invention is the ability to provide on-demand publishing for automated distribution. The system will be linked to a central server computer for the transfer of data in multiple directions. Multiple individual systems can be linked via a network, and data may be transferred to a kiosk site or group of sites, recorded on disk and distributed for rental or sale in an automated process. 
     A sixth advantage of the present invention is a circular bar code for the purpose of identifying disks inserted into the kiosk system from any orientation. The “ringcode” consists of concentric circles separated in dark and light bands with relative distances recognized by standard line scanners. 
     The ringcodes are created by reducing a standard barcode to a single point width cross-section. This produces a single straight line of dots that are spaced to the original barcode. The line is then pivoted around a prescribed center radius to produce a group of concentric circles spaced to the original barcode. A standard line scanner will view a simple straight cross-section as it passes through the center of the ring. This gives the scanner two attempts at reading the entire code on the coded object; once on either side of the center as the reader passes over the center of the code. 
     A seventh advantage of the present invention is the universal kiosk element of the system. The kiosk system may be shipped via standard shipping methods such as UPS. This capability, in combination with Hot-Swappable Kiosks, and low cost manufacturing allows rapid Remove and Replace (R&amp;R) maintenance as needed. Additional units can be stocked on site specifically for maintenance and replacement or can be shipped quickly to provide locations with optimal ongoing performance. 
     The kiosk may be designed to utilize a quick-mount wall frame system. This capability addresses the maintenance of public use terminals, allowing anyone with keyed access to remove the system from the wall mount bracket for repair or replacement. This reduces maintenance costs by speeding installation and provides plug-and-play instant connectivity requiring no special tools, training or connections. Additionally, the kiosk system is totally portable, and can be mounted by one person on a wall or in a wall. Wireless devices that allow connection to the Internet without phone or data lines present will allow interactive kiosk units to be placed in unwired locations. 
     An eighth advantage of the present invention is automatic restocking of the kiosk system. Customers return the media to the system. A single-touch selection or bar-code-activated initiation of the system starts the process. The kiosk system then rotates the carousel into the appropriate alignment of the opening to the selected inventory slot. Once in the appropriate alignment, and upon recognition of the system-specific barcode, the door opens for acceptance of a cased recorded disk. As the case passes through, the door mechanism pivots to decline additional insertions until the system is ready. The location information is stored in the computer, restocking information is downloaded to the central server and the disk is then available for subsequent rental or sale. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates the disk distribution system of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a system kiosk; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a system central server computer; 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram data exchange within the distribution system; 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart of a system transaction; 
         FIG. 6  is a block diagram of an exemplary computer system; 
         FIG. 7  is a depiction of a ringcode for recorded disks; 
         FIG. 8  a flowchart of an error detection process for recorded disks; 
         FIG. 9  is an exemplary front-view of a preferred embodiment of a kiosk; 
         FIG. 10  is an exemplary side-view of the kiosk of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is an exemplary front-view of a second preferred embodiment of a kiosk; 
         FIG. 12  is an exemplary side-view of the kiosk of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is an exemplary top-view of the kiosk of  FIGS. 11 and 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is an exemplary front-view of a preferred embodiment of a disk-shuttle system; 
         FIG. 15  is an exemplary side-view of the disk-shuttle system of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  is an exemplary top-view of the disk-shuttle system of  FIGS. 14 and 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a depiction of a test result for an error correction system; 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In the following detailed description of the present invention, a method and product for Internet-based automated disk distribution and retrieval, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be obvious, however, to a person skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. 
     System Overview 
     The integrated disk distribution system is centered on combining instant physical access to recorded disk media with the convenience of Internet based e-commerce. The system is designed to support Digital Versatile Disk (DVD) players, and other optically recorded disk systems. 
     An Internet-connected central server computer integrates customers, suppliers, employees, kiosks, owners, and the video industry in a “Hub and Spoke” system that is fully automated and interactive, providing real time business-to-consumer and business-to-business capabilities. 
     The system kiosks are a critical piece of the Hub and Spoke network system. For the purpose of the following discussion “kiosk” may be used interchangeably with Automated Dispensing or Retrieval System (ADRS). The kiosks act as the brick and mortar spokes, providing a faster, more convenient way for customers to obtain and return DVD videos or other disks. Each kiosk is a self-service unit that combines mechanical dispensing systems, Internet connectabilty and a touch screen monitor for customer interaction. The compact nature of the DVD format allows up to 1000 disks to be stocked in a kiosk like the system shown in  FIG. 9 . The kiosk&#39;s small space requirement allows placement in high-traffic locations that are more convenient than traditional retail locations. Internet connectivity allows customers to have the choice of shopping online or on-site or to access a variety of real-time services. Additionally, smaller low-cost units holding fewer disks, but with the same interactive capabilities allow placement in a multitude of convenience-based locations in both floor mount and wall mount configurations. The kiosks present significant reductions in labor and real estate costs compared to traditional video rental outlets. 
     Each kiosk is a self-service unit that uses a computer, Internet connectivity, and a touch screen monitor for customer interaction. The small physical footprint of the kiosk enables it to be placed in a variety of locations. The kiosks can operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing instant electronic access to products. The kiosks are fully automated providing customer service through the Internet; and on-site staffing is not required to support customer needs. The system web site provides 24-hour access to on-line customer support. It also provides access to specific kiosk inventory, movie trailers and reviews, customer inquiries, special orders, regular individually tailored e-mailed updates, and overall service. The integrated remote kiosk monitoring system allows low cost inventory management, tailored marketing promotions, operations planning, and system diagnosis. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the kiosks are physically designed to meet American Disabilities Act (ADA) specifications so that they may be placed in public facilities. The kiosks also preferably meet other regulatory requirements of public transportation facilities, universities, and office buildings. 
     The system central server supports a World Wide Web site. The central server includes promotional drivers and accessory services that route through the system website in conjunction with the kiosks. Customers may use the Internet to query a specific kiosk for availability or to purchase new and used media, register for e-mailed updates, or participate in various targeted programs. 
     The integrated system allows fast transactions. A simple and easy to use title search process minimizes shopping time and allows rapid transactions. Transaction times from walk-up to walk-away can be less than 60 seconds and average 2.5 minutes. Return of media is also simple, as the disks only need to be re-inserted into the dispensing/retrieval mechanism. Upon the return of a disk at a kiosk, the internal computer reads individual identification information from the disk and restocks it automatically. 
     The system uses standardized components. The standard design of the kiosk components minimizes manufacturing costs and simplifies maintenance. Standardized automated kiosks allow placement of the system kiosks in non-customary locations providing the appropriate service to the target customer and ease of maintenance. 
     The system allows remote price changes and can also gather up-to-the minute product availability and customer data. Thin-client computing technology keeps hardware costs low and speeds up application deployment by centralizing management, and enhancing security. E-mailed receipts generated from the kiosks through the central server allow ongoing access to customers after the completion of the transaction. 
     Recorded disk pricing may be determined on a kiosk-by-kiosk basis based on local market conditions. Pricing also varies depending on market elasticity; for example, premiums may be placed on DVD videos available in airport terminals. Differentiated pricing can be used for newer releases vs. older releases. In addition, rental terms and promotions may vary based on kiosk locations and the time of week, and can be adjusted remotely on demand. 
     Operational Overview 
     At the kiosk, a graphical user interface (GUI) utilizing a touch screen display provides a user-friendly interface even to consumers lacking computer experience. Once a touch screen is activated, a computer in the kiosk generates a touch-selectable list of available media: movie genres such as Action, Drama, Romance, and Comedy, for example. By touching on one of the genres, a selection of associated titles and/or a promotional picture may appear on the screen. Touching an image causes basic information to be displayed about that media such as cost and rating, along with an option to rent or purchase the media. When selection of media is complete, a credit, debit card, or other membership ID is requested to execute the transaction and then the disk is dispensed to a customer. 
     Return of rental media is similar; a customer may select “Return” on a touch screen, and then insert a disk into an opening in the kiosk. An optical scanner first verifies that the disk belongs to the system before accepting a disk. Upon return, a disk may be evaluated for damage by a media diagnostic system. Damaged rental stock, scratched or warped disks for example, are identified and quarantined. This provides a means to track inventory quality and when and who damaged a disk. Depending on the extent of the damage a customer may be assessed a fee. 
     Internet connectivity and a dynamic customer database provide product promotion capabilities and consumer access. Product information and promotions may be tailored to each location&#39;s demographics and additionally to each kiosk&#39;s rental and sell-through history. Advertising is available on a kiosk screen and on associated monitors such as overhead plasma displays. Advertising on the kiosk screen provides a mechanism to promote specific marketing initiatives as well as additional local and global advertising. A loyalty program encourages and rewards repeat customers by offering special discounts or services while conducting transactions. The system website allows consumers to search for kiosks and to query a specific kiosk for available content. The website also carries updated lists of used media for sale at discounted prices at individual kiosks. A customer may reserve and pay for a DVD stocked at a specific kiosk from the website, then pick up the DVD within a specified time period at the specific kiosk. Once a customer enters e-mail information at the kiosk or at the website, that customer is eligible to receive frequent tailored e-mailed updates from the central server on current promotions. 
     Additional products potentially distributed through the kiosks include a variety of other disk-based media such as books on disk, DVD music videos, DVD-ROM, DVD video games, DVD-Audio, SA-CDs and CDs. The modularity of the system allows for easy adoption of additional disk-based content distribution. 
     Detailed Description of System Elements 
     Some portions of the following detailed description are presented in terms of procedures, logic blocks, processing steps, computer program code and other symbolic representations of data operations within a computer memory. A procedure, logic block, process, etc., is a self-consistent sequence of steps or instructions leading to a desired result. The steps are those requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. 
     A practitioner will recognize that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated, terms such as “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,” “determining,” “displaying,” refer to the action and processes of a computer system or similar electronic computing device. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a computer system  612 . In general, computer system  612  used by the preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a bus system  600  for communicating information between system components. A central processing unit  601  for processing information and instructions is coupled to bus system  600 . A processing unit may be a processor a microprocessor or any group or combination of processors or microprocessors. A random-access memory  602  for storing information and instructions for the central processor  601  is coupled to bus system  600 . A read-only memory  603  for storing static information and instructions for the processor  601  is coupled to bus system  600 . A data storage device  604 , such as a magnetic or other disk drive, for storing information and instructions is coupled to bus system  600 . A display device  605  for displaying information to the computer user is coupled to bus system  600 . An alphanumeric input device  606 , including alphanumeric and function keys, for communicating information and command selections to the central processor  601 , is coupled to bus system  600 . A cursor control device  607  for communicating user input information and command selections to the central processor  601  is coupled to bus system  600 . And, a signal-generating device  608  for communicating data or signals between devices external to system  612  and processor  601  is coupled to bus system  600 . 
     The display device  605  of  FIG. 6  utilized with computer system  612  is suitable for displaying graphic images and alphanumeric characters. A cursor control device  607  is known in the art to include a trackball, mouse, joystick, or special keys on an alphanumeric input device  606 . A cursor control device  607  inputs cursor movement of a given direction or manner of displacement. The cursor control device  607  also may be directed and/or activated via input from the keyboard using special keys and key sequence commands. Alternatively, the cursor may be directed and/or activated via input from a number of specially adapted cursor directing devices or may be integrated with a display device  605 . 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a preferred embodiment of an optical disk distribution system  100 . Generally, system  100  distributes recorded optical media in disk form; for example a Digital Versatile Disk (DVD), or a Compact Disc (CD). A disk, recorded disk, or recorded optical media are hereafter used to refer to a recorded optical disk media. The system  100  integrates one or more kiosks  101  with a server system  103  through a virtual network  107 . The server system  103  is connected to the Internet  104  for direct linking to individual email accounts  105  and  105 ′. The server system  103  supports a World Wide Web page set  108  for general access by customers using the Internet. Generally, access to system web page set  108  supported by server  103  is through an Internet Service Provider (ISP) that provides an Internet connection for a personal computer  106 . The kiosk  101  has a display  106  for viewing and entering information. The kiosk  101  dispenses and receives disks  102 , via an opening on the front. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a preferred embodiment of a system kiosk  200 . The system kiosk  200  is a self-contained unit dispensing system that contains computer devices and mechanical devices. A central processing unit  201  is operably connected to a system bus  250 . System bus  250  may be a single bus or a series of busses for communicating data or signals between various devices and central processing unit  201 . A memory device for storing instructions  202  is operably connected to system bus  250 . A data storage device for storing data, or containing databases and/or other instructions, is connected to system bus  250 . A display device having alphanumeric input capability  204  is operably connected to system bus  250 . Alternatively, system kiosk  200  may contain computer system  612  for controlling system functions. If computer system  612  is contained in system kiosk  200 , then bus  600  is operably connected to or replaces system bus  250 . A magnetic card reader  211  for reading magnetically imprinted cards is operably connected to system bus  250 . Any device suitable for uniquely identifying a customer such as a retinal scanning device, a smart-card reader or finger-print scanner for example, may be substituted for magnetic card reader  211  when appropriate. An optical reader for reading bar-type codes  205  is operably connected to system bus  250 . A disk shuttle assembly for accessing and storing disk media  206  is operably connected to system bus  250 . A media storage unit  207  for storing optical media  214  is contained in kiosk  200 . Shuttle system  206  may be contained in, or integrated with, media storage unit  207  for accessing optical media  214 . A kicker device  208  for dispensing or receiving optical disk media  214  is operably connected to system bus  250 . An optional audio device  212  for providing kiosk sound capability may be connected to system bus  250 . An optional DVD-Ram or DVD-ROM drive  214  for reading data from, or writing data to, optical media may be operably connected to system bus  250 . 
     An optional error detection system  209  for detecting damaged optical disc media may be internal to or external to system kiosk  200 . When error detection system  209  is internal to system kiosk  200 , error detection system  209  is operably connected to system bus  250 , and DVD-RAM or DVD-ROM drive  213  is operably connected to system bus  250 . 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention a system for polishing damaged optical media may be internal to kiosk  200  or may be a linked freestanding unit external to kiosk  200  but preferably shares power and functionality. If a polishing system is provided with a kiosk  200 , shuttle  206  may be used to move optical media to or from kiosk  200 . In a preferred embodiment kiosk processor  201  may be utilized to control functions of a polishing mechanism. A polishing system for optical media is known in the art and is not depicted in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 3  is an illustration of a preferred embodiment of a central server computer  300 . The system central server computer  300  may also be computer system  612 . System server  300  provides command and control and collects and delivers data to system kiosk  200 . Server computer  300  has a central processing unit  301  that is operably connected to server system bus  350 . A memory device capable of storing instructions  302  is operably connected to server system bus  350 . A database  303  for storing data is operably connected to system bus  350 . A communication device capable of transmitting and receiving data or html  304  is operably connected to system server bus  350 . An optional second communication device for exchanging data for commercial transactions  305  may be operably connected to server system bus  350 . 
       FIG. 4  depicts a preferred embodiment of the system data transfer mechanism  400 . Mechanism  400  is, for example, item  107  of  FIG. 1 . A virtual network connection, item  107   FIG. 1 , provides data exchange between a kiosk  200  of  FIG. 2 , and server computer  300  of  FIG. 3 . The kiosk-server virtual network system  107  can be a local network system or a remote network system that may utilize an html-based data exchange, e.g. an intranet or extranet. The exchange of data in html format includes an html request  425  and an html page  435 . Both the kiosk  200  of  FIG. 2 , and the server computer  300  of  FIG. 3 , may request and receive data using the html protocol, allowing a two-way data-exchange system. The use of the html protocol allows an Internet browser to be a system interface, and additionally allows the system to be administered by an Application Service Provider (ASP) using the Internet. Application Service Providers (ASP) provide software applications across the Internet by basing resident software on a central server that is accessed using an Internet browser. The use of ASP&#39;s is desirable where the functionality of a network is desired, but the use of a private server-system is impossible or impractical. An Internet Service Provider (ISP)  401  may also be an ASP. An ISP provides a connection to the Internet to individual computer users. 
     Exchange of data using virtual network  107  of  FIG. 1 , is accomplished in a secure manner using methods of data encryption and decryption known in the art. Secure transfer of data through an ISP provides a virtual private network connection. An additional data exchange may occur on a dedicated private network connection for banking services, or alternatively using a virtual network as in item  107  of  FIG. 1 . Server  300  of  FIG. 3  may obtain credit or debit or other membership authorization using information received from a customer. A credit authorization request  412  is transmitted from server  300  of  FIG. 3 , to a bankcard verification service  410 , which generally is a secure server computer. After receiving credit authorization request  412 , bank-card verification service  410  processes credit authorization request  412 , and transmits a response  411  to server computer  300  of  FIG. 3 . Response  411  is conveyed to kiosk  200  of  FIG. 2  through virtual network  107  of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a preferred embodiment of a disk dispensing transaction process  500 . Process  500  begins with a request to dispense a media selection from kiosk  200  of  FIG. 2 , in step  501 . In formation including, for example, credit card number or e-mail address is next received from a customer to kiosk  200  in step  502 . Kiosk  200  then securely transmits data received in step  502  to ISP  401  of  FIG. 4 , in step  503 . Data securely transmitted in step  503  is received to ISP  401  in step  504 . Data received to ISP  401  in step  540  is securely transmitted to system server  300  of  FIG. 3 , in step  505 . Data securely transmitted to system server  300  in step  505  in next received to system server  300  in step  506 . System server  300  next securely transmits debit authorization request data to a credit verification server in step  507 . System server  300  next securely receives credit authorization data from a credit verification service in step  508 . System server  300  next securely transmits authorization data received in step  508  to ISP  401  in step  509 . In step  510  system server  300  transmits to ISP  401  an e-mail receipt for a debit transaction occurring in steps  507  and  508  for an e-mail address supplied in step  502 . In step  511  data transmitted by system server  300  in step  509  and step  510  is received by ISP  401 . Step  509  and step  510  may occur simultaneously in one step or sequentially in different steps. In step  512  ISP  401  securely transmits to kiosk  200  authorization to dispense requested media received from system server  300  in step  511 . In step  513  ISP  401  transmits email receipt data received from system server  300  in step  511  to an e-mail address received in step  501 . In step  514  kiosk  200  securely receives authorization to dispense media transmitted from ISP  401  in step  512 . In step  515  kiosk  200  dispenses requested media to a customer. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in  FIG. 7 , an optical ringcode  701  uniquely identifies each recorded disk  700 . Generally an optical disk is comprised of a sandwich of polycarbonate and a reflective surface. A region between the media outside diameter  705 , and the center region  704  may be used for a label region  702 . On a single-sided media the label region  702  which is positioned upon the reflective surface may contain printed information. On a dual-sided media nothing may be printed in the label region  702 . A center region  704  exists between the label region  702  and the center hole  703 . The center region  704  may contain printed information on both single-sided and double-sided optical media. A standard barcode system has been established and is known in the art. For recorded disk  700  a radial optical code  701  is achieved by rotating a section of a standard barcode around a fixed position located at disk  700 &#39;s true center. The resulting “ringcode”  701  is a series of concentric circles that may be scanned from any radial position of the disk  700 . In the preferred embodiment of the invention a standard optical reader  205  may be used to identify the recorded disk. In another preferred embodiment of the invention the label region  702  of a single-sided disk may be used for a ringcode  701 . In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the ringcode  701 , may be detectable by a non-standard barcode reader operating at a non-visible frequency in infra-red or ultra-violet, for example. A ring-code  701  may therefore be transparent or may be opaque, allowing a greater degree of security for proprietary identification features or codes. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention an error media error-detection system may optionally be incorporated into kiosk  200  of  FIG. 2 . Error detection process  800  is depicted in  FIG. 8 . Error detection process  800 , within kiosk  200 , is generally a sequential instruction set for directing a computer  612  or a processor. In step  801  a disk error detection system, item  209  of  FIG. 2 , is initiated. Error detection process  800  can be initiated as in step  801  automatically by kiosk system  200  or by system server  300  or by manual selection. In step  802  a recorded disk, item  214  of  FIG. 2  for example, is shuttled to a disk drive mechanism, item  213  of  FIG. 2  for example, for reading data. In step  803  data is read from a disk shuttled to a disk drive  213  in step  802 . Data read from disk  214  in step  803  is analyzed by an algorithm in step  804  to detect data errors. If no errors are detected in step  804  then step  805  occurs and system kiosk  200  is signaled that no error was detected. In step  806  a disk with no detected data errors is shuttled to kiosk  200 &#39;s media storage unit, item  207  of  FIG. 2 . Next, in step  807  system kiosk  200  updates a database to indicate that the error free disk is available. If a data error is detected in step  804 , step  808  occurs and an error tag is generated. In step  809  kiosk  200  is signaled of an error tag attaching to the disk. In step  810  the error tagged disk is shuttled to segregated area for damaged disks within media storage unit  207 . Alternatively, in step  810  a database may be updated to indicate that the disk is not available. 
       FIG. 9  is an exemplary front-view embodiment of a kiosk  200  of  FIG. 2 . A kiosk housing  900  forms an enclosure. A computer  901  is included inside housing  900 . Computer  901  may be computer  612  of  FIG. 6 , or one or more components illustrated in  FIG. 2 , such as CPU  201 . Stereo speakers  912 , for audio are positioned on the front of housing  900 . A touch screen display  904  is positioned on the front of housing  900 . A dispense/return opening  940  is positioned on the front of housing  900 . A credit-card magnetic reader  911  is positioned on the front of housing  900 . A disk inventory system  907  is included internal to housing  900 . A transfer mechanism/controller  906  is included in housing  900 . Transfer mechanism  906  may be shuttle/carousel  206  of  FIG. 2 , or as illustrated in  FIGS. 14-16 . A sleeve dispenser  930  is positioned on the front of housing  900 , for dispensing protective coverings for media. Sleeve dispenser  930  may be a mechanical device or a holding area for sleeves that requires manual extraction by a kiosk user. 
       FIG. 10  is an exemplary side-view embodiment of a kiosk  200  of  FIG. 2 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . A housing  1000  is identical to housing  900  of  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 11  is an exemplary front-view of a second kiosk  200  of  FIG. 2 . A bulkhead  1100  forms a base upon which components may be mounted. Stereo speakers  1112  are mounted on bulkhead  1100 . A touch-screen display  1104  is mounted on bulkhead  1100 . A carousel  1107 , for storing media is mounted on bulkhead  1100 . A carousel drive  1106  is mounted on bulkhead  1100  for driving carousel  1107 . A debit/credit magnetic card reader  1111  is mounted on bulkhead  1100 . A dispense/return door mechanism  1108  is mounted on bulkhead  1100 . A Dispense/return door drive  1120  is mounted on bulkhead  1100  to operate dispense/return mechanism  1108 . A dispense/return guide and case scanner  1105  is mounted on bulkhead  1100 . Dispense/return guide  1105  may have an integrated optical scanning unit for identifying media before allowing media to be received to a kiosk. 
       FIG. 12  is an exemplary side view of a second kiosk  200  of  FIG. 2 , as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . A bulkhead  1200  forms a base upon which components may be mounted. Bulkhead  1200  is identical to bulkhead  1100  of  FIG. 11 . A dispense/return door  1240  is attached to bulkhead  1200 . A media case/disk ID scanner  1205  is mounted on bulkhead  1200 . Media case/disk scanner  1205  is identical to dispense/return guide and case scanner  1105  of  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 13  is an exemplary top view of a second kiosk  200  of  FIG. 2 , as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . A bulkhead  1300  forms a base upon which components may be mounted. Bulkhead  1300  is identical to bulkhead  1100  of  FIG. 11  and bulkhead  1200  of  FIG. 12 . A dispense/return mechanism  1308  is mounted on bulkhead  1300 . Dispense/return mechanism  1308  is identical to dispense/return door mechanism  1108  of  FIG. 11 . A keyed or unkeyed case  1330  is mounted on bulkhead  1300 . 
       FIG. 14  is an exemplary front-view embodiment of a shuttle/carousel system for shuttling a recorded disk as in  206  of  FIG. 2 and 906  of  FIG. 9 . A rack-mount plate  1410  forms a base upon which components may be mounted. A transfer mechanism base  1425  forms a base for transfer mechanism components. Transfer mechanism base  1425  attaches to rack-mount  1410 . A disk grip  1422  is mounted on base  1425 . A transfer gearbox  1423  is mounted on transfer mechanism base  1425 . An end-of-travel sensor  1424  is attached to transfer mechanism base  1425 . An input/output motor  1426  is attached to transfer mechanism base  1425 . An input/output shaft  1427  is attached to transfer mechanism base  1425  and operably coupled to input/output motor  1426 . A clamp motor  1429  is attached to transfer mechanism base  1425 . 
       FIG. 15  is an exemplary side-view embodiment of a shuttle/carousel system for shuttling a recorded disk as in  FIG. 14 . A rack-mount plate  1510  forms a base upon which components may be mounted. A transfer mechanism base  1525  forms a base for transfer mechanism components. An input/output faceplate  1528  is attached to transfer mechanism base  1525 . A disk clamp  1534  for holding a recorded disk is attached to transfer mechanism base  1525 . An arm-at-input sensor  1532  for detecting positional orientation is attached to transfer mechanism base  1525 . An arm-at-transfer sensor  1533  for indicating positional orientation is attached to transfer mechanism base  1525 . A disk support  1530  for supporting a recorded disk is attached to transfer mechanism base  1525 . 
       FIG. 16  is an exemplary top-view embodiment of a shuttle/carousel system for shuttling a recorded disk as in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . A rack-mount plate  1610  forms a base upon which components may be mounted. A transfer mechanism base  1625  forms a base for transfer mechanism components. A disk transfer arm  1635  is attached to rack-mount plate  1610 . A grip arm  1611  for gripping a recorded disk is attached to disk transfer arm  1635 . A disk transport arm  1613  for transporting a recorded disk is operably attached to disk transfer arm  1635 . A disk support/sensor  1612  is operably attached to disk transport arm  1613 . An unclamp sensor  1614  is operably attached to disk transport arm  1613 . An arm-clear sensor  1615  is operably attached to disk transport arm  1613 . A first disk-clear pin sensor  1616  is operably attached to transfer mechanism base  1625 . A disk stop pin  1617  is attached to transfer mechanism base  1625 . A second disk-clear pin sensor  1618  is attached to transfer mechanism base  1625 . A disk input sensor  1619  is attached to transfer mechanism base  1625 . An interconnect PCBA for circuitry is attached to transfer mechanism base  1625 . A transfer motor  1621  is mounted on rack mount plate  1610  and operably attached to disk transfer arm  1635 . 
       FIG. 17  depicts a graphical display of a test file result derived from the following computer code instructions when sequentially performed by a computer such as computer  612  of  FIG. 6 . 
     The following data table corresponds to the graphical display result of  FIG. 17 , and results from the following computer code instructions being sequentially performed by a computer such as computer  612  of  FIG. 6 . The table indicates information about a test-subject optical media and results of a testing algorithm that evaluates media integrity by reading error-correction data from an optical disk. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 water 
                 Rec 
                 Test 
                 Blocks 
                 Errors 
                 Test 
                 Test 
                   
               
               
                 color 
                 ID 
                 Length 
                 Read 
                 Found 
                 ID 
                 Date 
                 File Name 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 6289 
                 6289 
                 0 
                 7 
                 0 
                 1 
                 Mar. 21, 2000 
                 D:\VIDEO_TS\VIDEO_TS.BUP 
               
               
                 6290 
                 6290 
                 0 
                 14 
                 0 
                 1 
                 Mar. 21, 2000 
                 D:\VIDEO_TS\VIDEO_TS.IFO 
               
               
                 6291 
                 6291 
                 1 
                 1750 
                 0 
                 1 
                 Mar. 21, 2000 
                 D:\VIDEO_TS\VIDEO_TS.VOB 
               
               
                 6292 
                 6292 
                 0 
                 1787 
                 0 
                 1 
                 Mar. 21, 2000 
                 D:\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_0.BUP 
               
               
                 6293 
                 6293 
                 0 
                 1824 
                 0 
                 1 
                 Mar. 21, 2000 
                 D:\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_0.IFO 
               
               
                 6294 
                 6294 
                 0 
                 2058 
                 0 
                 1 
                 Mar. 21, 2000 
                 D:\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_0.VOB 
               
               
                 6295 
                 6295 
                 268 
                 526275 
                 0 
                 1 
                 Mar. 21, 2000 
                 D:\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_1.VOB 
               
               
                 6296 
                 6296 
                 259 
                 1050498 
                 0 
                 1 
                 Mar. 21, 2000 
                 D:\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_2.VOB 
               
               
                 6297 
                 6297 
                 171 
                 1360177 
                 0 
                 1 
                 Mar. 21, 2000 
                 D:\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_3.VOB 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     The following computer instruction code may be used to implement a preferred embodiment of error detection process  800 : 

 
     The above is a description of a method and system for Internet-based automated disk distribution and retrieval. It is expected that others will design alternative methods and systems for Internet-based disk distribution using stand-alone automated kiosks as set forth in the claims below either literally of through the Doctrine of Equivalents.