Abstract:
An RFID key dispenser. The tag dispenser has a simple mechanical construction that enables the tag dispenser to be located in unattended locations. The tag dispenser can, even with very simple construction, dispense a large number of tags between being restocked. Simple motions may be used to retrieve an individual tag for programming, move the tag to a programming station, and then route the tag to a dispensing portion of the tag dispenser or to a storage area for defective tags.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) “tags” are used in a range of systems to identify people or things. An RFID tag contains a memory that can be programmed with data. This data can identify a thing to which the tag is attached or a person who has possession of the tag. When the tag comes near an RFID reader, that data can be read and used to control actions of the system based on the identity of the thing or person near the system. The RFID tag, for example, may identify a person using the system and charge an account of that person for use of the system. 
         [0002]    One such system that uses RFID tags is a bicycle rental system. People enroll as members of the system. As part of enrolling, a person may provide financial account information, specifying an account that is to be charged for bicycle rentals. An operator of the system may record this financial information, in connection with an identifier for the member, which is also programmed into an RFID tag. 
         [0003]    The RFID tag may have a form factor similar to that of a conventional credit card, making the RFID tag easy for a member to carry. The RFID tag may also have a form factor similar to that of a key fob or any other form factor. As the member travels throughout a metropolitan area in which the bicycle rental system is deployed, the member may present the RFID tag as a key at bicycle rental stations to unlock a bicycle for that member to rent. 
         [0004]    In accordance with a conventional RFID tag distribution model, an operator of the system may receive membership registrations over the Internet. Using information collected during the registration process, an account may be established, that may include recording information to process payments for bicycle rentals. An identifier for the member, which may also be associated with the stored information, may be programmed on an RFID tag. That RFID tag may then be delivered to the member through the mail. 
         [0005]    This approach of enrolling as a member in a bicycle rental system may take a week or more to complete. If a person desires to rent a bicycle before obtaining an RFID tag, the person may, instead of using the RFID tag, pay at the time of rental. Payment may be made by presenting a credit card to a payment station associated with a bicycle rental station. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    Aspects of the disclosure include a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) key dispenser for programming an RFID key at the time of dispensing. The key dispenser may include storage for a plurality of keys to be dispensed and an RFID programming station with network access. The RFID programming station may be configured to program a key of the plurality of keys based on information received over the network from a processor system, and the storage may include a plurality of cartridges, each configured to store a portion of the plurality of keys. 
         [0007]    Further aspects of the disclosure include a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) key dispenser for programming an RFID key at the time of dispensing. The key dispenser may include first storage for a plurality of keys to be dispensed, an RFID programming station with network access. The RFID programming station may be configured to program a key of the plurality of keys based on information received over the network from a processor system. The RFID key dispenser may also include a dispensing area, second storage for a plurality of defective keys, and a key transport mechanism configured to transport a key from the first storage to RFID programming station and from the RFID programming station selectively to the dispensing area or the second storage based on a result of a programming attempt at the RFID programming station. 
         [0008]    The disclosure also includes a method of operating a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) key dispenser for programming an RFID key at the time of dispensing. The RFID key dispenser may include a plurality of key retrieval stations for holding a plurality of keys to be dispensed, each key retrieval station having a release mechanism. The RFID key dispenser may also include an RFID programming station with network access, wherein the RFID programming station is configured to program a key of the plurality of keys based on information received over the network from a processor system, and a key shuttle configured to transport a key from the first storage to RFID programming station and from the RFID programming station. The method may include moving the key shuttle successively adjacent to each of the plurality of key retrieval stations, the moving comprising, for each of the plurality of key retrieval stations, the key shuttle may engage the release mechanism of the key retrieval station upon passing adjacent to the key retrieval station. A key may move from a key retrieval station into an opening in the key shuttle when the key shuttle is aligned with the key retrieval station and the release mechanism of the key retrieval station is engaged and the opening in the key shuttle is not blocked by another key. The key shuttle may disengage the release mechanism upon moving away from the key retrieval station. 
         [0009]    Aspects of the disclosure further include a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) key dispenser for programming an RFID key at the time of dispensing. The key dispenser may include a cartridge for storing a plurality of keys to be dispensed, the cartridge comprising a first opening and a key retention member movably mounted adjacent to the first opening. The key dispenser also may include a biasing mechanism coupled to the key retention member and biasing at least a portion of the key retention member into the first opening. The key dispenser may also include a key transport device configured to pick up a key from the cartridge through the first opening, the key transport device movably mounted for movement along a path. The key transport device may include a first surface and a second, opposing surface. The key transport device may also include a second opening between the first surface and the second surface, the second opening being sized to receive a key of the plurality of keys, and outer walls configured to contact the key retention member as the key transport device passes under the first opening while moving along the path to bias the key retention member out of the first opening when the second opening aligns with the first opening. 
         [0010]    The foregoing is a non-limiting summary of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a front view of a terminal with an RFID key dispenser, according to one illustrative embodiment; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the terminal of  FIG. 1  with the front cover removed, illustrating an RFID key dispenser according to one illustrative embodiment; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a key dispenser according to one embodiment; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a bottom perspective view of a cartridge with key retention members according to one illustrative embodiment; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a portion of the RFID key dispenser of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a key transport device and a portion of the RFID key dispenser, according to one illustrative embodiment; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7A  is a top view of the key transport device of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7B  is a front view of the key transport device of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7C  is a side view of the key transport device of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a bottom view of the key transport device as it begins to pass under a cartridge, according to one embodiment, when the key retention members are blocking the opening of the cartridge; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a bottom view of the key transport device of  FIG. 6  when a recess of the key transport device aligns with a key and the key retention members are moved out of the opening; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a bottom perspective view of the key transport device according to one embodiment as it begins to travel under a cartridge; 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a bottom perspective view of the key transport device according to one embodiment as it travels under a cartridge; 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a bottom perspective view of the key transport device according to one embodiment as it travels under a cartridge; 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  illustrates a mechanism of the key transport device, according to one illustrative embodiment, when the key transport device travels toward a cartridge containing a plurality of keys; 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  illustrates a mechanism of the key transport device, according to one illustrative embodiment, when the key transport device begins to pass under a cartridge containing a plurality of keys; 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  illustrates the key transport device passing under a cartridge containing a plurality of keys; 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  illustrates the key transport positioned under an opening of a cartridge containing a plurality of keys; 
           [0029]      FIG. 17  illustrates the key transport device having passed under a cartridge containing a plurality of keys; 
           [0030]      FIG. 18  illustrates the key transport device transporting a key; 
           [0031]      FIG. 19  illustrates the key transport device transporting a key to a dispensing station; 
           [0032]      FIG. 20  is a side view of the key transport device in the dispensing station; and 
           [0033]      FIG. 21  is a top perspective view of a portion of the RFID key dispenser. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0034]    The inventors have recognized and appreciated design techniques for an RFID key dispenser that will support unattended operation of the key dispenser. The key dispenser may be relatively compact, yet hold a large numbers of keys for dispensing. The key dispenser may be readily serviced, such as by incorporating key holders that enable the supply of keys for dispensing to be readily replenished. Additionally, the key dispenser may contain features that reduce the need for service, such as sensors for tracking a supply of keys and reporting an indication when the supply is low and/or when the supply is adequate, such that an operator of the key dispenser may service it when the key supply is below a first threshold, but forego servicing when the key supply is above a second threshold. 
         [0035]    The key dispenser also may contain features that support security. The key dispenser may include a lockable enclosure to protect against unauthorized access to the keys. Additionally, keys stored within the key dispenser may be blank, without any identifying information stored on them, until the time at which they are to be dispensed. Appropriate information for programming on a key to be dispensed and/or authentication of a person to whom a key is to be dispensed may be obtained via a network at the time of dispensing the key. As a result, even if unauthorized access to the keys were gained, the keys would be unusable within the system with which they were intended to be used. 
         [0036]    Further, the key dispenser may be robust. A simple mechanical arrangement may support retrieving a key from any of a number of key retrieval stations. Moreover, the system may be designed such that a faulty key or a key that undergoes a faulty programming operation can be detected and diverted to a reject collection area, rather than being dispensed to a customer. These operations all may be achieved using a carriage that is driven linearly. The linear range of motion may encompass regions adjacent to key retrieval stations, an RFID programming station, a dispensing station, and a reject collection station. 
         [0037]    In this way, simple linear motion of the carriage may achieve any of a number of operations. For example, in some embodiments, the carriage and release mechanisms on the key retrieval stations may be shaped such that linear motion of the carriage past each of multiple key retrieval stations loads only one key, or other predetermined number of keys, in the carriage. Further linear motion of the carriage may position the carriage adjacent to a programming station. Yet further linear motion, which depending on direction, will position the carriage adjacent to the dispensing area or the reject collection area. Moreover, structures adjacent to the linear path of the carriage may restrain a key within an opening (or recess) of the carriage in some regions while allowing the key to drop out of the opening when the carriage is adjacent to other regions, such as the dispensing area or the reject collection area. 
         [0038]    Moreover, because the carriage may be configured to hold only one of a predetermined number of keys, it may pass under any number of key retrieval stations and only trigger release of one key. Such a feature enables multiple key retrieval stations that can hold a large quantity of keys to be positioned adjacent to a linear track of the carriage. These key retrieval stations may operate as together without active control of the release mechanisms. 
         [0039]    Moreover, such a shuttle or other carriage that acts as a key transport mechanism that is configured to not release further keys when it already contains its predetermined number of keys can pass under the key retrieval stations multiple times, even when holding a programmed or defective key. In this way, two key release areas may be provided at opposing ends of the track for the carriage. These key release areas may also be passive, not requiring electromechanical or other controlled actuators to release keys from the carriage. 
         [0040]    Such an arrangement allows for a simple control method, which can be implemented by controlling when to move the carriage and in which direction. 
         [0041]    In some embodiments, the method of operating a key dispenser may include moving the key shuttle successively adjacent to each of any number of key retrieval stations. The moving may include, for each of the key retrieval stations, the key shuttle engaging the release mechanism of the key retrieval station upon passing adjacent to the key retrieval station. The moving may also include a key moving from a key retrieval station into an opening in the key shuttle when the following conditions are met: the key shuttle is aligned with the key retrieval station, the release mechanism of the key retrieval dispensing station is engaged, and the opening in the key shuttle is not blocked by another key. The moving may also include the key shuttle disengaging the release mechanism upon moving away from the key retrieval station. Moreover, a single key may be mechanically selected from any number of key retrieval stations based on motion of the key shuttle. Alternatively, the moving may include moving the key shuttle between predetermined positions, which may include a position adjacent to each of the key retrieval stations, a position at a programming station, a position adjacent to a key dispensing area, and a position adjacent to a storage area for defective keys. 
         [0042]    A key dispenser, improved using some or all of the techniques described herein, may enable a distributed system that supports a membership model. Members may obtain an RFID key at any location at which an RFID key dispenser is installed. That RFID key may be used to identify the holder as a member of the system at any user interface to the system. 
         [0043]    For example, a bicycle rental system may have multiple rental stations around a metropolitan area. People may rent a bicycle at any one of these rental stations by identifying themselves as members of the system at a user interfaces associated with any rental station. An RFID key may be used to identify the person as a member such that an account of the user may be charged for rental of the bicycle. Any person wishing to become a member of the rental system may interact with a key dispenser to obtain a key and then use it at a bicycle rental station. 
         [0044]    In some embodiments, the key dispenser may be integrated into a bicycle rental station or installed in a location where a prospective member might access it. In some embodiments, the key dispenser may be integrated with a payment station at the bicycle rental station or elsewhere in the vicinity of the bicycle rental stations. For example, the key dispenser may be integrated with a payment station used to collect payment for parking. Regardless of other functions of the payment station, it may provide an interface through which a user can provide information to establish a membership. The information provided may be stored, such as on a remote server, about the membership or the member or to acquire information that is programmed on the RFID key. 
         [0045]    Nevertheless, the key dispenser is not limited to use in connection with a bicycle rental station. In some embodiments, the key dispenser may be used in connection with a parking payment system in which “members” have accounts that are debited as payment for parking. 
         [0046]    Turning now to the figures,  FIG. 1  illustrates a bicycle rental station  100  or other kiosk that may incorporate an RFID key dispenser  200  for dispensing RFID keys  204  to be used to rent a bicycle. The rental station  100  may include a user interface  106 , a payment interface  108  such as a credit card reader, and a key dispenser output  110  to retrieve a dispensed key  204 . These components may be controlled by a microcontroller or other suitable processor or processors. Using techniques as may be known in the art, the controller may acquire payment information, identity information, and/or other information to determine whether to program and dispense a key. This information may be acquired in whole or in part through the user interface and/or via network wired or wireless communication with a remote sensor or other device. For example, the key dispenser may have a component or components with wired or wireless access to internal and/or external networks including the Internet and may receive information over the networks from a processor system. Regardless of the manner in which the data is acquired, once acquired, a key  204  may be programmed with the data by controlling components as described below. 
         [0047]      FIG. 2  shows an interior view of a key dispenser  200  according to some embodiments. The key dispenser  200  may include any number of cartridges  202  (the storage or first storage) for storing a plurality of keys  204 . The cartridges  202  may be removably attached to a base  206  of the key dispenser  200  such that an empty cartridge  202  may be removed and a filled cartridge  202  may be installed. Alternatively, the cartridges  202  may be permanently installed and refilled with keys  204  when the cartridges  202  become empty or have a predetermined number of keys  204  remaining. The cartridges  202  may have an internal shape matched to the shape of the keys  204  and may allow stockpiling of keys  204 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 3  shows the cartridges  202 , separate from the kiosk attached to base  206 . Base  206  may contain a track on which a carriage (not shown) or other key transport device may move. This track may support linear motion of the carriage. 
         [0049]    The base  206  may have a key release area that may be coupled to dispenser output  110  through a channel (not numbered) through which a key  204  may pass. As shown, dispenser output  110  may be below base  206  so that a key  204  may pass from the key release area to dispenser output  110  by action of gravity. 
         [0050]      FIG. 4  shows a lower portion of a cartridge  202 . The portion of cartridge  202  visible in  FIG. 4  is attached to base  206  to be adjacent the track for the carriage. 
         [0051]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the cartridge may include a housing with an opening  208  and retention members  210  that partially block the opening  208  to prevent the keys  204  from escaping. In one embodiment, the key retention members  210  may be biased to cover a portion of the opening  208  by a spring mechanism  212  coupled between the housing and the key retention members  210 . In operation, a carriage (not shown) moving along the track may pass adjacent to opening  208 . The carriage may be shaped to move the key retention members  210  to release a key  204 . When a key  204  is to be retrieved, the key retention members  210  may move out of the opening  208  and allow a key  204  to drop through the opening  208  due to the force of gravity. The remaining keys  204  in the cartridge  202  will drop toward the opening  208  when a key  204  has been retrieved. Alternatively, the keys  204  may be pushed toward the opening  208  by a spring or other device during retrieval. 
         [0052]    According to one embodiment, the key dispenser  200  may include a carriage or other key transport device  220 , as shown in  FIGS. 5 through 7 , for retrieving, transporting, and dispensing a key  204 . Once the key transport device  220  has retrieved a key  204 , the key transport device  220  may transport the key  204  to three possible positions or stations: an RFID programming station  222 , a dispensing station  224 , and a rejected key station  226 , as shown in  FIG. 21 . At the programming station  222 , the key  204  may be programmed by an RFID printed circuit board (PCB) antenna (at  222 ) to write membership information in the key  204 . The RFID antenna may also test the key  204 . If the key  204  is working properly, the key transport device  220  may transport the key  204  to a dispensing station  224 . If a defect is detected, the key transport device  220  may transport the key  204  to a rejected key station  226 . 
         [0053]    According to some embodiments, the RFID programming station  222  may have wired or wireless access to internal and/or external networks including the Internet and may receive information over the networks from a processor system. The processor system may include a central processing unit (CPU), a memory, and any other components that may be known in the art. 
         [0054]    The position of the key transport device  220  may be sensed using infrared (IR) slot sensors  225  (shown in  FIG. 6 ) mounted on an elongated PCB. Each sensor  225  may be positioned such that it becomes obstructed when the key transport device  220  has reached a specific position. The IR slot sensors  225  may be triggered by an IR slot sensor trigger  227 , shown in  FIGS. 6 and 8  through  12 . 
         [0055]      FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate how the key transport device  220  may transport a key  204  according to one embodiment. The key transport device  220  may move linearly by means of any of a number of mechanisms, including a lead screw  231  driven by a motor  232 . In the embodiment shown, a motor  232  may drive the lead screw  231  to the appropriate position when prompted. For example, when a user visits the bicycle rental station, the user may purchase a rental agreement and retrieve a key  204 . The rental station may prompt the motor  232  to drive the lead screw  231  to move the key transport device  220 , if empty, to pick up a key  204  from a cartridge  202 , transport the key  204  to the programming station  222 , and then transport the key  204  to either the dispensing station  224  or the rejected key station  226 . Any suitable component or components may be used to cause this linear movement. 
         [0056]    According to one embodiment, when the key transport device  220  transports a key  204 , a bottom surface of the key  204  rests on a key floor  230  to support the key, as shown in  FIG. 5 . The key floor  230  may be one or more plates forming the floor. The key floor  230  may include cutouts at the dispensing station  224  and at the rejected key station  226 . Alternatively, the key floor  230  may not extend over the dispensing station  224  or the rejected key station  226 . Due to the cutout or lack of a key floor  230 , when transported to the dispensing station  224  or the rejected key station  226 , the key  204  may no longer be supported by the key floor  230  and may drop into a dispenser output  110  or a rejected key storage area (second storage) (not shown). 
         [0057]    According to some embodiments, the key transport device  220  may include an opening (the recess  242 ) that is sized to receive a key  204 . The key transport device  220  may be mounted to move within a first region (adjacent to the opening  208 ), a second region (the rejected key station  226 ) and a third region (the dispensing station  224 ). The first region may be adjacent to a first key storage area, such as the cartridges  202 . The second region may be adjacent to second key storage area, such as the rejected key storage area. The third region may be adjacent to the dispensing area. The key floor  230  may include a first key surface and a second key surface, the two of which are opposite to each other across the path of motion of the key transport device  220 . The key transport device  220  may be adjacent the first key surface and the second key surface in the first region such that the first key surface blocks a first portion of the opening  242  in the first region and the second key surface blocks a second portion of the opening  242  in the first region. The first key surface and/or the second key surface is configured such that, in the second region and the third region, at least one of the first portion of the opening  242  or the second portion of the opening  242  is unblocked. This may allow the key  204  to drop into a dispenser output  110  or a rejected key storage area (not shown). According to some embodiments, the first region, the second region, the third region, and the RFID programming station  222  may be arranged along a linear path of motion of the key transport device  220 . The second region and the third region may be positioned on opposite sides of the RFID programming station. The second region and the third region may also be positioned on opposite ends of the linear path of motion of the key transport device  220 . 
         [0058]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 4 ,  5 , and  8 , the key dispenser  200  may include a cartridge  202  with a first opening  208  and a key retention member  210  mounted in a movable way adjacent the first opening  208 . The key dispenser  200  also may include a biasing mechanism coupled to the key retention member  210 , biasing at least a portion of the key retention member  210  into the first opening  208 . The key dispenser may also include a key transport device  220  configured to pick up a key  204  from the cartridge  202  through the first opening  208 . The key transport device  220  may be mounted in a movable way for movement along a path. The key transport device  220  may include a first surface and a second, opposing surface. The key transport device  220  may also include a second opening (recess  242 ) between the first surface and the second surface. The second opening may be sized to receive a key  204 . The key transport device  220  may also include outer walls  245  configured to contact the key retention member  210  as the key transport device  220  passes under the first opening  208  while moving along the path to bias the key retention member  210  out of the first opening  208  when the second opening aligns with the first opening  208 . The key dispenser  200  may also include a support surface (key floor  230 ) adjacent the second surface. The support surface may be adjacent to a portion of the second opening over a portion of the path. 
         [0059]    As shown in  FIGS. 7A-C , the key transport device  220  includes design features to efficiently manage the retrieving, transporting, and dispensing of a key  204 . A bottom side of the key transport device  220  may include a through hole  240  for connecting to the lead screw  231  for moving the key transport device  220 . The key transport device  220  may include a recess (an opening)  242  for loading a key  204  from a cartridge  202 . The depth of the recess  242  may be sized to allow only one key  204  to enter the recess  242  (e.g., the key  204  fits between key floor  230  and a top surface  247  of the key transport device  220 ). When the key transport device  220  passes under a cartridge  202  containing at least one key  204 , a key  204  may drop into the recess  242  of the key transport device  220 . 
         [0060]    According to one embodiment, the key transport device  220  may also include outer walls configured to contact and push the key retention members  210  away from the opening as the key transport device  220  moves under a cartridge  202 . Without the key retention members  210  obstructing the opening  208 , one or more keys  204  may be released from the cartridge  202 . For example, the key transport device  220  may include angled outer walls  244 . As shown in  FIGS. 8 through 12 , when the key transport device  220  moves under a cartridge  202 , the key retention members  210  slide along the angled outer walls  244  and are pushed away from the opening  208 . When the key transport device  220  is positioned under the opening  208 , as shown in  FIG. 9 , the key retention members  210  rest on outer walls  245 , completely unblocking the opening  208  and allowing a key  204  to drop into the recess  242 . The key transport device  220  may include angled outer walls  244  on both sides of the key transport device  220  such that the key retention members  210  may be pushed out of the opening  208  when the key transport device  220  travels in either direction. 
         [0061]      FIGS. 13 through 20  illustrate the key transport device  220  as it passes under a cartridge  202  to retrieve, transport, and dispense a key  204  according to one embodiment. In  FIG. 13 , the key transport device  220 , not containing a key  204 , travels toward a cartridge  202 . In  FIG. 14 , as the key transport device  220  approaches a cartridge, a rounded edge  246  contacts a key  204  in the cartridge. The rounded edge  246  may slightly lift the keys  204  in the cartridge to allow the key transport device  220  to pass under the cartridge  202 . As the key transport device  220  passes under the cartridge  202 , the angled outer walls  244  start to push the key retention members  210  away from the opening  208 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , an upper surface  247  of the key transport device  220  supports and prevents the keys  204  from dropping through the opening while the key retention members  210  are pushed away from the opening  208 .  FIG. 16  shows a key  204  dropping into the recess  242  when the key transport device  220  is positioned under the opening  208 . The key  204  may rest and travel on the key floor  230  when in the recess  242  while being transported. 
         [0062]    Once a key  204  has been deposited in the recess  242 , the key  204  in the recess  242  and the upper surface  247  may act as support to prevent any more keys  204  from dropping out of a cartridge  202  while the key transport device  220  passes under the cartridges  202 . Therefore, the key transport device  220  may travel under cartridges  202  filled with keys to transport a key  204  to either the RFID programming station  222  or the dispensing station  224  without causing other keys  204  to drop, as shown in  FIGS. 16 through 18 . The key transport device  220  may include an inner curve  248  to slightly lift up the remaining keys  204  in a cartridge  202  as the key transport device  220  moves away from the opening  208 . For example, when a key  204  drops into the recess  242 , or alternatively, when the key transport device  220  moves under a cartridge  202  opening  208  while containing a key  204 , the remaining keys  204  in the cartridge  202  may fall onto the key  204  within the recess  242 . The inner curve  248  may push the stack of keys  204  back up off the dropped key  204  in the recess  242  to allow the key transport device  220  to continue moving. 
         [0063]      FIGS. 19 and 20  illustrate a key  204  in the dispensing station  224  according to one embodiment. Once a key  204  has been properly programmed and tested, the key  204 , if working properly, may be brought to the dispensing station  224 . In this position, the key floor  230  terminates, allowing the key  204  to fall below into the dispenser output  210  for a user to retrieve. Alternatively, if a defect is detected in the programming and testing attempt, the key  204  may be transported to the rejected key station  226 , to fall into a rejected key storage area. 
         [0064]    According to some aspects, the key dispenser  200  and/or the cartridges  202  may include sensors  250  to detect when the cartridges  202  are full, empty or low on keys  204  and need to be refilled. The sensors  250  may be located in a bottom portion of the key dispenser  200  to alert when one or more cartridges  202  need refilling. The sensor  250  may be reflective proximity sensors placed under each cartridge  202  to sense when a cartridge  202  is empty or not-empty. Alternatively, the sensors  250  may be pressure sensors and detect the fullness of the cartridges  202 . For example, when the sensors detect a predetermined number of keys  204  left in a cartridge  202 , the sensors  250  may signal that a refill is required. Alternatively, when two cartridges  202  are determined to be empty, the sensors  250  may alert the need to refill the key dispenser  200 . The key dispenser  200  may also include a network interface adapted to receive an output of sensors  250 . The network interface may have wired or wireless access to internal and/or external networks including the Internet. The network interface may also be adapted to send data indicating the state of the cartridges  202  over the network or networks. For example, the network interface may send a notification to a service specialist that the cartridges  202  have a state of being empty. The network interface may include or be connected with a central processing unit (CPU), a memory, and any other components that may be known in the art. 
         [0065]    Having thus described several aspects of at least one embodiment of this invention, it is to be appreciated that various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.