Abstract:
An automated check-in and check-out for a user needing rental space. Specifically, there is an electronic device configured to: provide information regarding the rental space available for rental; provide the user with a way to select desired information; and provide for entry of data needed to use the rental space. Provide automated reservation check in/out management without interaction of business personnel. The device works for rental space that is selected from the group selected from: RV Park, hotel, motel, resort cabins, property storage units, camp sites, harbor boat slips, cruise ship cabins. Additionally, the electronic device gives a list of services provided to a user at the rental space. Wherein the list of services provided to a user at the rental space is selected from the group consisting of: laundry pick-up and delivery, propane gas delivery, grocery delivery, pharmaceutical delivery, pizza delivery, and a mobile mechanic repair service.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to a system for automatic check-in and/or check-out for space occupancy involving various reservation, leasing or rental entities. Specifically, there is a kiosk-like station, a based check-in and out system for reserving and renting of available space, like hotel, motel, cabin, storage unit, camp site, RV site, cruise cabin, etc. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Renting, leasing or making reservations at commercial spaces like hotel, motel, cabin, storage unit, camp site RV site, boat slip (at a marina), cruise cabin and such is very common. Typically, a person must perform a standard sequence of steps to gain access to such spaces. For example, in renting a RV (recreational vehicle) site the person drives up to the main office, fills out some identification forms, is assigned an RV site, receives an identification tag to put in the front window and pays for the requested period of time for rental of that space. Thereafter, the user is then required to check out from the establishment renting that space At other space rental facilities, the order of the sequence of steps may vary, but the steps typically exist in all systems. 
     There are many disadvantages with this old system. First, the facility space rental owner must always have a person at a check-in desk or phone in order for the user to gain access to the desired space for the desired time. Since many space renters arrive any time during a 24 hour period, it is often difficult, especially for small enterprises, to pay sufficient personnel to man the check-in stations twenty-four hours a day seven day a week or provide manual after hours check in/out methods. Although, illegal in some states, current after hours check in/out methods enable check in/out during off hours which could result in lost rental income. In addition, it will be appreciated that a significant amount of time is wasted for the space user to have to go through the check-in and check-out process, especially if there are other users waiting in line to do the same activity. 
     The following patents are offered to assist in understanding the state of the art known to be at least somewhat be related to the present invention, and are herein incorporated by reference for their supporting teachings:
         U.S. Pat. No. 5,183,142, is an automated cashier system that provides for microprocessor-controlled product display, order acceptance, payment and change generation. Both cash and credit card payments are accepted. The system is preferably mounted in a cabinet having upper and lower sections. The upper section contains the input and output systems, while the lower section contains the cash receipt, storage and dispensation systems. The main microprocessor is also located in the lower section, which is preferably in the form of a safe which prevents access to the critical systems of the invention.   U.S. Pat. No. 6,061,668, is an integrated electronic system that has a network of appliances and machines, such as clothes washers and dryers, vending machines, or other equipment, controlled from a central management computer. Each networked apparatus is uniquely identified, and is maintained in an inoperative standby state, until a prospective user has a valid account for payment, and authorizes stated charges to be billed to their account, or optionally has presented a charge card, thus paying for use of the respective appliance or machine. Account information is maintained and processed in the central management computer, which can be interactively linked to a separate billing system, property management system or financial institution thereby automating the verification and billing process. Message data can be sent to and displayed on any or all appliances and machines, a periodic polling of the network ensures security, and an audit trail is generated, with the operational history of each apparatus on the network. Operation of any or all appliances and machines on the network can be inhibited, on command from the central management computer, and the system has extensive maintenance and diagnostic capabilities.   U.S. Pat. No. 6,425,524, is a generalized remote ordering apparatus for customer and employee use within a restaurant, auto repair facility, iiiiretal store, grocery store, airport, or other service facility, to place orders, determine the status of orders, access information, and allow the customer to pay the bill for the goods and/or services either by cash or credit card c. The system comprises an input device having a keypad, a credit or debit card reader, a first memory, a first processor, and a transmitter. The input device is adapted to communicate with an ordering station having a receiver tuned to the transmitter. A second processor, located in the ordering station, is adapted to decode information received from the transmitter through the receiver and produce decoded information. A display is also provided in the ordering station and is adapted to display the decoded information. The ordering station also includes a second memory adapted to store item numbers and prices. A communications link from the ordering station to a point-of-sale system allows payment to be made by credit or debit card or by cash.   U.S. publication No. 20022/0038287 A1, with publication date Mar. 28, 2002, provides for a system and method which provide authentication for electronic transactions. The present invention involves inputting smart card information from a smart card into a payment enabled device and inputting an identification number into the payment enabled device. The smart card information and their identification number are then authenticated. Payment information is then sent from a server to a desired location after authenticating the smart card information and identification number.   U.S. publication No. 2002/0062277 A1, with publication date May 23, 2002 relates to completing a lease for property in an on-line computing environment. A distributed computer network can enable a user to access multiple databases and to obtain comparable data related to a property of interest for use in calculations. This can enable users to access the latest, broadest set of relevant property data and to select relevant comparable values quickly and with minimal manual intervention. An on-line property management environment can comprise a distributed computer network, such as the global internet, coupled to numerous client computers, a property services server platform connected to a local data base, and numerous property information databases. Building owners or their agents can list their available space for rent on a Web site hosted by property services server platform in a distributed computing environment. Commercial tenants or their agents requiring space can either directly enter the property services server platform or enter through allied sites.   It is believed that none of the above incorporated patents teach alone or in combination the present illustrated embodiments of the invention.       

     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available vacuum head devices manual check-in/out methods. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide a system for automatic check-in and/or check-out for various spaces by reservation, leasing, or rental or similar entities. Specifically, there is a kiosk based check-in/and out system for reserving and renting of available space, like a hotel, motel, cabin, storage unit, camp site, RV site, harbor boat slip, cruise cabin, etc. 
     The present invention relates generally to a console  10  (also referred to as a kiosk or point of sale terminal) mounted to a pedestal  12 , which itself is firmly affixed to the floor, such as by threaded studs  14 . The console  10  includes an upper portion  16  bearing a video display tube  18  and the associated electronics, as well as a credit card reader  20 , a receipt delivery aperture  22 , and an indicator area  24  which displays check-in, check-out and other information and data. Access to the interior of the upper portion may be obtained through a locked access door  26 . 
     A feature of the invention is to provide an automated check-in and check-out for a user needing rental space. Specifically, there is an electronic device configured to: provide information regarding the rental space available for rental; provide the user with a way to select desired information; and provide for entry of data needed to use the rental space. 
     Another feature of the invention is to have allow full functionality of the electronic device accessible via the internet. 
     Another feature of the invention is to have the electronic device providing a location map for the user to locate the desired rental space. 
     Another feature of the invention is to have the electronic device providing a picture of each rental space and that of related surrounding scenery. 
     Another feature of the invention is to have the electronic device that works for many kinds of rental space such as: RV park, hotel, motel, resort cabins, property storage units, camp sites, harbor boat slips, cruise ship cabins. 
     Yet a further feature of the invention is for the electronic device to provide for a list of area places of interest. Wherein the list of area places of interest is selected from the group consisting of: parks, zoos, historic sites, museums, restaurants, vehicle repair, vehicle washing, grocery stores and pharmacies. 
     Another feature of the invention provides for printing of selected data. 
     A feature of the invention is to provide an electronic device that gives a list of services provided to a user at the rental space. Wherein the list of services provided to a user at the rental space is selected from the group consisting of: laundry pick-up and delivery, propane gas delivery, grocery delivery, pizza delivery, and a mobile mechanic repair service. 
     Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. 
     Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention. 
     These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the electronic communication device. 
         FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  are front and side planer views of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  are flow charts of the invention  4  diagram of another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  are diagrams of another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram of yet another embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. 
     Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. 
     Many of the functional units described in this specification have been labeled as modules, or systems in order to more particularly emphasize their implementation independence. For example, a module may be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising custom VLSI circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A module may also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices or the like. 
     Modules may also be implemented in software for execution by various types of processors. An identified module of executable code may, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions which may, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executables of an identified module need not be physically located together, but may comprise disparate instructions stored in different locations which, when joined logically together, comprise the module. 
     Indeed, a module of executable code could be a single instruction, or many instructions, and may even be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, and across several memory devices. Similarly, operational data may be identified and illustrated herein within modules, and may be embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure. The operational data may be collected as a single data set, or may be distributed over different locations including over different storage devices, and may exist, at least partially, merely as electronic signals on a system or network. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b , one embodiment of the illustrated embodiment(s), there is embodied in a console  10 , although the broad meaning of the term “console” is intended to include definitions of (also referred to as a kiosk, or point of sale terminal, or rental communication device. The console is) mounted to a pedestal  12 , which itself is firmly affixed to the floor, such as by threaded studs  14 . The console  10  includes an upper portion  16  bearing a video display tube  18  and the associated electronics, as well as a credit card reader  20 , a receipt delivery aperture  22 , and an indicator area  24  which displays check-in, check-out and other information and data for a user. Access to the interior of the upper portion may be obtained through a locked access door  26 . 
     The lower portion  28  of the console may comprise a safe  30  having access doors  32 , along with coin and bill acceptance ways  34  and a bill and coin change bin  36 . Also included in the lower portion is the apparatus necessary to accept, sort and transport customer payments to the appropriate storage magazines and to generate the appropriate change in the necessary form. There is also optional internet connection  100  to enable information stored therein to be accessible through internet connections. 
     As set forth in the flow charts of  FIG. 3   a  and  3   b , the system interfaces with a customer primarily through the computer-controlled, software driven video display screen  18 , which both displays information requiring customer response and accepts customer-generated information by use of a touch-screen function as known in the art. Initially, the screen displays an introduction  38 , which may include a short explanation of operation, as well as icons of the product or service categories presented by the system. The customer may further be requested to choose an alternative language  40  which then causes an operation branch to display through  42  subsequent commands in the chosen language. The choice of language selected is stored in memory  44  for later retrieval and/or analysis. 
     The customer is then instructed to choose a category or subject  46 . In the example of the RV rental environment, this could range between RV pad selection, like concrete or ground and support services supplied to the RV Park. There may also be additional or sub-screens and categories as required depending upon the number of choices available, like number of days, size of RV, number of adults/children/pets, electrical hook up, water hookup, computer hookup, cable hookup, etc. The software utilized to perform such display is of the type known in the art of displaying information and selection of items. As a screen is displayed, a timer  48  may be engaged to scroll the categories on the screen at  50  if a choice is not made within a certain period of time, such as 10 seconds. The timer may further include logic to revert to start  38  in the event no selection is made within an overall time period. 
     Once a category is selected, the control program causes the menu items in the category to be displayed  52  and any quantities (i.e. number of days) selected, for example, by known touch screen activation  54 . As selections are made, the total check-in is computed and displayed on the screen  56 . At any time when a check-in is displayed, the payment of money  58  indicates to the system that the check-in is completed. If money is not received, the system screen queries the customer  60  as to whether additional purchases are required, the system continuing to allow order entry until money is inserted or the customer indicates  62  that the check-in is completed. The user may also specifically indicate that the check-in is complete by activating the appropriate screen icon  64 . Once a completed check-in is indicated, the system insures that the check-in is truly complete by inquiring  64  whether a further purchase is desired. If the response is affirmative, the system display returns to the selection loop, displaying purchase categories as required. 
     If no further purchase is desired, the system displays the total check-in  66  and waits  68  for payment, either by cash or by credit card. One alternative embodiment may allow the renter to stay the night and pay cash in the office the next morning. If no payment is commenced within a certain time designated  70 , inquiry is made as to whether assistance is required for the customer  72 . An affirmative response causes the system to initiate a call  74  and await action. It may further include a timer to cancel the transaction if further action is not taken within a given time. A failure to respond causes the system to wait  76  for payment for a limited time, such as  20  seconds, canceling the order at the end of the elapsed time period if an transaction has not occurred or payment is not made. 
     When payment is initiated, either by the insertion of currency or coin or the use of a credit card, the system determines the method of payment  78  by sensors at the payment entry points and branches to the appropriate logic. In the case of money payment, the system accepts and verifies the money, issuing change as required at  80 . If a credit card entry is made, by passing the credit card through an appropriate “swipe” reader as known in the art, the system reads the data  82 , communicating by modem with an appropriate verifying agency in a known fashion. The system then determines whether approval has been received  84 . If approval is denied, the system requests the customer to use another card or cash. If a different payment form is made, the system processes the payment as required, while a failure to make payment within a certain time results in a cancellation of the order and a return to start at  88 . 
     With acceptance of payment, a receipt is generated  90  and provided and displayed in the indicator area  24 , which may be in the form of a matrix of light-emitting diodes or other indicators, with the appropriate check-in data being stored in memory  92  and transmitted to the check-in printing area  94  to print a sticker or tag to be displayed in a vehicle window indicating payment for the RV pad space has been made for that period of time. 
     The appropriate sales data may also be transmitted to a central facility for accounting and inventory purposes, as designated at  96 , which transmission maybe do on a real-time, transaction basis or on a batch basis upon inquiry from a remote source. The system then returns to start  98 , displaying the introductory display to allow entry of a new check-in. Always present on the screen is a cancel order icon, as well as an icon present during the order entry stage which allows an indicated item to be deleted. Such deletion automatically causes the recalculation of the subtotal. 
     Pricing information is stored in system memory in a manner which prevents unauthorized alteration. In particular, the primary memory board upon which the information may be stored may be located within the lower console, the safe portion of the console, and is in a non-reprogrammable form. Safe data may be stored elsewhere, such as an intranet server or local/regional server. Functionality of data may be stored local at the kiosk and updated automatically via scheduled download call to a remote server. The data entry and interface circuitry, along with associated memory, which may be located in the upper section of the console, is programmed to transmit to and receive information from the primary memory board, but is unable to direct the memory either to modify prices or to dispense money. Check-in/out revisions are effected by reprogramming of the memory contained in the customer interface unit, but only with certain limits. Data stored on this board is compared to the pricing data stored in the primary memory, and is checked to determine compliance with pre-set limits. For example, the price of an RV pad unit would be stored in primary memory at a range of $20.00-$535.50 per day. The entry of pricing data for display and computational purposes through input into the upper memory is compared to these limits, and cannot be accepted if out of range. In addition, change computation is monitored by primary memory to prevent improper logic commands from being hacked or programmed into upper memory. 
     In  FIG. 4  illustrates one alternative check-in and check-out embodiment. I, instead of requiring the RV owner  410  to be physically present at the kiosk  10 , there is illustrated an internet communication system  400 . Specifically, the it is contemplated to enable the RV owner  410  located in their RV, uses an internet access device  412 , such as a computer, and a printer  414  to access communicate with the kiosk  10  or receive the internet  416  check-in and other information by way of a hard line connection or wireless connection  418 .internet connections  100 . In this embodiment, the kiosk  10  serves the purpose of a server holding specific RV site availability data that is accessible via the internet. Although, it is well know that a separate server could also perform the functions of the kiosk  10  in this embodiment. In any case, the exact same selection and payment processes will be followed as described above, except that remote access for check-in/out is now enabled through wireless internet or mobile internet connection. 
     In another embodiment or module related to the internet system  400 , if the RV owner  410 . In this embodiment, the RV owner can serf the Web and learn which RV Parks have an opening before driving to the RV Park. Thus, potentially saving vast amounts of time from driving to a park that is already full. Additionally, the RV owner may receive directions to the RV Park, via the internet, to determine whether to proceed to the next one or to stay at the closer one for the night. If the RV owner has a printer  414 , it would also be possible to enable the preplanning RV owner to print send a receipt of payment and a sticker or reservation tab to post in the RV window indicating that the RV sites has been paid for. Therefore, this automatic check-in/out internet process  400  further allows the customer  410  to skip “on-site” check-in/out entirely. 
     In another embodiment or module, using either the internet system  400  or the drive-up kiosk  10  method, it is contemplated to include a map of the RV Park and picture of each RV pad or site and that of the surrounding views scenery or vistas. These views or pictures could be displayed on the kiosk screen  18  or on the computer  412  connected through the internet. This will allow the user to select the desired location and surrounding views scenery without having to drive around the RV Park and picking out a site or looking at a paper map that they would get from the attendant at the front desk. If this embodiment is combined with the internet service, an RV owner can go to an area of the country and select the best site available from several RV Parks. In another embodiment, searches for RV Parks could include logical limitations, like: those RV Parks that are within 30 miles or 1 hour from a current location, only those with electric power, or those with fishing access, etc. This embodiment allows a user to more easily determine where to stay with their RV. 
     Yet, another embodiment or module contemplates adding additional information for the information provided to the check-in users  410 .over the kiosk  10  or internet that a user could be interested in when staying at a particular RV Park. For example, there could be lists of area attractions, like parks, zoos, historic sites, museums, etc. This concept can also be extended to providing information about area restaurants, pharmacies, vehicle repair, vehicle washing, grocery stores, or any other destination that is commonly desired by people habituating an RV Park for a period of time. Of course, it would be helpful to provide additional information for all of the above sites, such as maps/directions to get there, costs, seasons open, discounts, etc. This embodiment provides comprehensive information to an RV owner to make their stay enjoyable. 
     Further, it is another embodiment or module of the invention to include additional selection items, or categories or modules for services to be brought to the rented RV Park site to assist the RV owner on their trip. For example, the categories of services may include: laundry pick-up and delivery, propane gas delivery, grocery delivery, pizza delivery, and a mobile mechanic or repair service. Thus, an RV owner may still be in transit to the RV Park and order, via the wireless internet, pizza to be delivered to the site selected that evening, have a mechanic scheduled to show up the following morning, and have replacement propane gas tanks ordered to be delivered, all without leaving the comforts of their moving RV. 
     Still a further embodiment or module may be to include sensors  99  at the kiosk to read an identification tag from a vehicle as it drives past, much like an automatic toll booth payment system. In this embodiment, a user may buy a membership to a certain chain of RV Parks. An identification tag would be supplied that provides the kiosk identification sensor with the information sufficient to charge the account of the specific RV owner. Any known means of infrared, radio frequency or other communication means that are known in the art would be suitable, just so an account may be read and charged by simply driving by an appropriate member kiosk or reader. This would further save the RV owner time in having to enter their check-in and out information every time they want to use the rented space. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates another embodiment building onto the internet system of  FIG. 4 . In this internet related embodiment 500, it is contemplated to have a several RV Parks or a chain of RV Parks coupled to the internet  416 . This will allow the RV owner  410  to serf the Web  416  and find out which RV Parks (separately owned or in the chain) have an opening before driving to the RV Park. It is noted that the present embodiment of an RV Park was used for illustrative purposes only. One skilled in the art would understand that the illustrated invention could easily include other embodiments, such as, but not limited to a hotel, motel, cabin, property storage unit, camp site, harbor boat slip, cruise ship cabin, etc. Thus, potentially saving vast amounts of time from driving to a park that is already full. Additionally, the RV owner  410  any business that rents, leases, loans, reserves space for occupation may receive directions to the RV Park, via the internet  416 , to determine whether to proceed to the next one or to stay at the closer one for the night. Furthermore, the RV owner may plan an entire trip including several different RV Park destinations for the RV from the convenience of their computer, long before actually beginning the travel adventure. In that fashion, the owner may have all the rental fees paid in advance, reservations made, specific sites reserved, sites of interest planned one visiting, travel time calculated between the different sites, and any other advantages provided by having advanced reservations and trip planning for the RV travel experience. 
     In another embodiment, using either the internet  400  or  500  or drive-up method, computer searches for specific RV Parks could include logical limitations, like: RV parks that will accommodate large RVs, handicap access, those RV Parks that are within 30 miles or 1 hour from a current location, only those with electric power, or those with fishing access, etc. This embodiment allows a user to more easily determine where to stay with their RV. 
     Yet a further embodiment or module, building on the automatic toll both sensors embodiment specifically, there is another advantage. A and receive allows the user  410  to drive by any member kiosk  10  and be charged for the use of the RV site. Of course, this method of check-in/out would not allow the user  410  to be selective of sites like the previous methods describe. To operate this drive through system, it may be needed to have designated drive-through sites reserved for such an operation. 
     Another embodiment or module of the present invention is to provide the owner or management with check-in and check-out status reports, audit reports, information management reposts and any other data relevant to the management of the space rental business. 
     It is further noted that the present embodiment(s) are described as having the illustrated kiosk  10 , whereby any type of electronic communication system could be implemented. For example, a wall mounted unit could work, a counter top unit, a unit with the touch screen positioned exterior to the building and the remainder of the unit positioned remote therefrom could also work. Additionally, it is even contemplated that some implementations may not use a kiosk of any sort, but would use only the internet and server arrangement. This set up, however, would only benefit those using the internet. 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.