Patent Abstract:
A system and method for renting or purchasing products, preferably digital media. The system comprises a self-check station and unique locking apparatus for the media. The method includes a procedure to both rent and return the media without the aid of borrowing facility personnel.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of Invention  
         [0002]     This invention relates to collection management and theft deterrent systems. This invention improves the mechanism in which products are secured within a borrowing facility. More specifically, the invention removes the requirement for a clerk to remove security devices on the product so that the product can be sold, rented or borrowed.  
         [0003]     Currently, there are many known security mechanisms which help deter the theft of a product from a borrowing facility. Security tags play a major role in inventory control to help prevent theft or “shrinkage” of inventory. Basic security tags such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,696,379 (Minasy) discloses a passive tag that is energized by an electromagnetic field when the tag is brought into the range of a set of antennas. The antennas are customarily placed at the exits of the borrowing facility. Once the activated tag is brought into the field of antennas, the antennas then initiate an event, such as flashing lights, sounding an alarm, or logging an item-specific identifier. Conventionally, the tags are placed onto the media&#39;s packaging. This technology has limited use in digital media since the packaging has little or no value. The media itself can be taken without sounding any alarms. EAS (electronic article surveillance) tags are a type of tag that has two statuses, on or off. A normally functioning EAS tag is always on. Thus, when the tag is brought within range of an antenna, the tag is activated by the antenna and returns a signal to the antenna. There are only two ways to turn off the tag: either physically destroy the tag (EMP (electromagnetic pulse), magnetic energy, etc.) or block the tag with a detuning material so it cannot be activated.  
         [0004]     Two products are known in the industry, which help protect facilities against this problem. They are generically referred to as “security boxes.” One version is sold under the name of SAFER™ (by Checkpoint Systems, Inc. of Thorofare, N.J.) and one is sold under the name of “Clear Vu” (by Clear-Vu of Westbury, N.Y.). These security boxes essentially lock an item (e.g., digital media such as CD (compact disc) ROM (read-only memory), DVD (digital video disc), etc.) in a box and require an unlocking mechanism to remove the item from the box. When this technology is combined with an internal security tag, an effective theft deterrent system is established. The box cannot be opened to remove the media, and the box will sound an alarm if it is brought into range of the antennas. Typically, this technology is employed with EAS tags, where the tagged security box is passed around the antennas so the media can be given to the patron. Any size item can be stored inside the box, but typically most items occupy a considerable portion of the box&#39;s internal volume.  
         [0005]     The combined security tag and security boxes have several known shortcomings. The borrowing facility has difficulty taking inventory of the item in the security box since the contents cannot easily be visually inspected to determine what the box contains. Additionally, this system still requires an employee to manually check out the media since the employee needs to log which media is being rented or sold, and the employee must pass the media around the antennas or place a detuning device to the tag. This results in longer lines in borrowing facilities, and more employees working at check-out registers. If the security tag is located on the packaging of the product case, the clerk must remove the security box and pass the loaned material around the antenna or place a detuning material over the tag.  
         [0006]     One other problem that patrons who rent digital media may encounter is the accrual of late fees even though they are certain that they returned the digital media to the borrowed facility well before the return time deadline. Some of this can be attributed to the employees actually taking the returned digital media and then viewing it themselves and then entering the return time of the digital media after the deadline. Without any way to verify this, the patron has no recourse but to pay the late fee.  
         [0007]     Thus there is a long felt need to allow for an automated check-out/in system that would track which media is being rented, allow for secure interrogation of the item and provide for verified return time of rented digital media by patrons.  
         [0008]     All references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     An automated check-out system for digital media (e.g., a compact disk or digital video disk, etc.) located in a facility where the digital media is sold to, or rented by, patrons. The system comprises: a content tag (e.g., an RFID tag) secured to the digital media for containing identification data (e.g., title, author, serial number, etc.) of the digital media; and a security box into which the digital media is disposed, and wherein the security box comprises a releasable lock that precludes access to the digital media contained therein until the releasable lock is unlocked; a check-out station comprising: at least one tag reader for obtaining the identification data from the content tag; a computer coupled to a database, wherein the database associates the digital media with patron identification; a point of sale device, coupled to the computer, that permits the patron to tender payment for purchasing or renting the digital media, wherein the computer modifies a status identifier of the digital media stored on the database based on the payment; an unlocker (e.g., a magnet or electromagnet) coupled to the computer, and wherein the computer activates the unlocker whenever payment occurs; and pedestals, located at the exit of the facility, and coupled to the computer for detecting the presence of the content tag; and an alarm, coupled to the computer, that activates whenever the content tag is detected at the pedestals and the status identifier has not been modified.  
         [0010]     An automated check-out system for digital media (e.g., a compact disk or digital video disk, etc.) located in a facility where the digital media is sold to, or rented by, patrons. The system comprises: a content tag (e.g., an RFID tag) secured to the digital media for containing identification data (e.g., title, author, serial number, etc.) of the digital media; and a security box into which the digital media is disposed, and wherein the security box comprises a security tag (e.g., an RFID tag) and a releasable lock, wherein the releasable lock precludes access to the digital media contained therein until the releasable lock is unlocked; a check-out station comprising: a first tag reader for obtaining the identification data from the content tag; a computer coupled to a database, wherein the database associate the digital media with patron identification; a point of sale device, coupled to the computer, that permits the patron to tender payment for purchasing or renting the digital media, wherein the computer modifies a status identifier of the digital media stored on the database based on the payment; an unlocker (e.g., a magnet or electromagnet) coupled to the computer, wherein the computer activates the unlocker whenever payment occurs; and pedestals, located at the exit the facility, and coupled to the computer for detecting the presence of the security tag; and an alarm, coupled to the computer, that activates whenever the security tag is detected at the pedestals and the status identifier has not been modified.  
         [0011]     A method for permitting a patron to automatically check-out digital media (e.g., compact disks, digital video disks, etc.) located in a facility where the digital media is sold or rentable. The method comprises the steps of: securing a content tag (e.g., RFID tag) to the digital media for containing identification data (e.g., title, author, serial number, etc.) of the digital media therein and providing pedestals at an exit of the facility that can detect the passage of the content tag therethrough; providing an alarm that can be activated when the pedestals detect the passage of the content tag therethrough; disposing the digital media into a security box having a releasable lock that precludes access to the digital media contained therein until the releasable lock is unlocked; wirelessly obtaining (e.g., RFID reader, etc.) the identification data from the content tag by the patron; obtaining patron identification data from the patron and associating the identification data with the patron identification data in a database; receiving payment from the patron to either rent or purchase the digital media; modifying a status identifier of the rented or purchased digital media stored on the database based on the payment and unlocking the releasable lock based on the payment; deactivating the alarm when the pedestals detect the passage of the content tag therethrough and when the status identifier has been modified, or activating the alarm when the pedestals detect the passage of the content tag therethrough and when the status identifier has not been modified. A method for permitting a patron to automatically check-out digital media (e.g., compact disks, digital video disks, etc.) located in a facility where the digital media is sold or rentable. The method comprises the steps of: securing a content tag (e.g., RFID tag) to the digital media for containing identification data (e.g., title, author, serial number, etc.) of the digital media therein and providing pedestals at an exit of the facility; disposing the digital media into a security box having a releasable lock that precludes access to the digital media contained therein until the releasable lock is unlocked, and wherein the security box also comprises a security tag (e.g., RFID tag); providing an alarm that can be activated when the pedestals detect the passage of the security tag therethrough; wirelessly obtaining (e.g., RFID reader, etc.) the identification data from the content tag by the patron; obtaining patron identification data from the patron and associating the identification data with the patron identification data in a database; receiving payment from the patron to either rent or purchase the digital media; modifying a status identifier of the rented or purchased digital media stored on the database based on the payment and unlocking the releasable lock based on the payment; deactivating the alarm when the pedestals detect the passage of the security tag therethrough and when the status identifier has been modified, or activating the alarm when the pedestals detect the passage of the security tag therethrough and when the status identifier has not been modified. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]     The invention will be described in conjunction with the following drawings in which like reference numerals designate like elements and wherein:  
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a functional diagram of the system of the present invention;  
         [0014]      FIG. 2  is a top plan view of an opened security box which uses a releasable locking mechanism and a security tag and which also contains digital medium, e.g., CD ROM or DVD, that itself includes an RFID content tag;  
         [0015]      FIG. 3  depicts an exploded view showing an exemplary annular RFID tag for use with digital media;  
         [0016]      FIG. 4A  is an enlargement of an exemplary releasable locking mechanism for the security box shown in  FIG. 2  and showing the releasable locking mechanism in locked condition;  
         [0017]      FIG. 4B  is an enlargement of an exemplary releasable locking mechanism for the security box shown in  FIG. 2  and showing the releasable locking mechanism in an unlocked condition;  
         [0018]      FIG. 5A  is an isometric view of an alternate security box which also uses a releasable locking mechanism and a security tag thereon and which also contains digital medium, e.g., CD ROM or DVD, that itself includes an RFID content tag and wherein the alternate security box is shown in a locked condition;  
         [0019]      FIG. 5B  is an isometric view of the alternate security box of  FIG. 5A  showing the releasable locking mechanism in an unlocked condition and with the digital medium, e.g., CD ROM or DVD, being removed therefrom;  
         [0020]      FIG. 6A  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the releasable locking mechanism taken along line  6 A- 6 A of  FIG. 5A  shown in a locked condition;  
         [0021]      FIG. 6B  is a view similar to  FIG. 6A  but showing the releasable locking mechanism in an unlocked condition, with the slider portion moved to the left;  
         [0022]      FIG. 7A  is a cross-sectional view of the releasable locking mechanism taken along line  7 A- 7 A of  FIG. 6A ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 7B  is a cross-sectional view of the releasable locking mechanism taken along line  7 B- 7 B of  FIG. 6B  and showing how application of a requisite magnetic field interacts with the releasable locking mechanism to permit the slider portion to be slid;  
         [0024]      FIG. 7C  is a cross-sectional view of the of the releasable locking mechanism taken along line  7 C- 7 C of  FIG. 6B  and showing how the pegs in the slider portion have been removed from the tongue in the case, enabling the lid to be rotated around the hinge;  
         [0025]      FIG. 7D  is a cross-sectional view similar to the view of  FIG. 7C  showing the lid being rotated about the hinge to provide access to the contents of the alternative security box;  
         [0026]      FIG. 8  is an exploded isometric view of the slider portion showing an upper driver portion and a lower peg rack portion;  
         [0027]      FIG. 9  is an enlarged top plan view of an exemplary security tag for use on/in in the security boxes used in the system of the present invention;  
         [0028]      FIG. 10  is an isometric view of the alternative security box being applied to the unlocker, shown partially, and wherein an aperture is revealed to permit the requisite magnetic field to interact with the releasable locking mechanism;  
         [0029]      FIG. 11  is isometric view of the alternative security box being applied to an alternative unlocker, shown partially, and wherein an electromagnetic is energized to generate the requisite magnetic field to interact with the releasable locking mechanism;  
         [0030]      FIG. 12  is an exemplary record of a database on the system database for storing the status and related information of every digital media being sold or licensed using the present invention;  
         [0031]      FIG. 13  is an exemplary check-in system that can be used in conjunction with the check-out system;  
         [0032]      FIG. 14  is a flow diagram for the check-out process of the system of the present invention where a digital media content tag and a security tag with the security box are used;  
         [0033]      FIG. 15  is a flow diagram for the check-out process of the system of the present invention where only one tag is used;  
         [0034]      FIG. 16  is a flow diagram for the check-in process of the system of the present invention where the patron returns a security box along with the digital media; and  
         [0035]      FIG. 17  is a flow diagram for the check-in process of the system of the present invention where the digital media is restored to the alternative security box. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0036]     The invention of the present invention is envisioned to be used on any device that uses an existing lockable casing to secure the product. Non-limiting examples may include keys, PC cards, video games, or jewelry, etc. The majority of this disclosure concerns with applying this inventive concept towards securing DVD or CD media, but it is understood and contemplated that this technology could be employed to other technologies such as the above mentioned keys or video games.  
         [0037]     The system  20  of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 1  and basically comprises a check-out station  22 , a computer  24 , database  26  and pedestals  28 . The check-out station  22  provides for an automated method whereby a patron presents the digital media and performs a self-check-in without the need for any store employee assistance. The check-out station  22  communicates with the computer  24 /database  26  for storing status information about the digital media  2  to be removed; the check-out station  22  also comprises an unlocker  30  that unlocks the digital media container. If a valid rental (or purchase) occurs, the computer  24  controls the “unlocking” of the digital media container as well as the de-activation of an alarm  33  that is triggered by detection at the pedestals  28 . The pedestals  28  comprise antennas and a tag reader (e.g., an RFID reader). As will be discussed in detail later, the unlocker  30  may comprise a power supply  44 , a switch  46  and an unlocker device  48  (e.g., a magnet or electromagnet, etc.) although this is by way of example only and many other unlocker  30  configurations fall within the broadest scope of this invention.  
         [0038]     In order to understand the system  20  operation, it is necessary to discuss how the particular digital media, e.g., CD ROMs (hereinafter “CDs”) or DVDs, are provided to the patron for rental or sale for use with the system  20 .  
         [0039]     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the digital media  2 , CD or DVD, comprises an ID tag  32 , most preferably, an RFID (radio frequency identification) tag. RFID tags are disclosed in, by way of example only, U.S. Pat. No. 6,025,780 (Bowers) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,195,006 (Bowers et al.), both of which are incorporated by reference herein, and are designed to give detailed information about the product when the tag  32  is activated. To secure RFID tags directly to digital media  2 , an annular tag construction is preferred since it can be secured to the clear plastic hub  2 A that surrounds the hole of the CD/DVD and which is not read by the CD/DVD player. By way of example only, one such annular RFID tag  32  is sold under the mark CIRCULATION CIRCUIT® by the Assignee of the present application, namely, Checkpoint Systems, Inc. This RFID tag, hereinafter referred to as “RFID content tag”  32 , stores details about the particular digital media in its RFID integrated circuit. For example, the name of the media (e.g., title, song names, movie name, author, singer, production company) and/or a serial number, or any other information that is pertinent to that digital media is stored in the RFID content tag  32 . Such information can be used for inventory, collection management and store operation efficiency statistics, or any other useful task information. In this manner, the identity of the digital media  2  can be obtained simply by having an RFID reader, tuned to the frequenc(ies) of the RFID content tag  32 , activate the RFID content tag  32  to elicit that information. Moreover, if the digital media  2  is stored in an opaque container (e.g., a security box, as will be discussed in detail next), there is no need to remove the digital media  2  to identify what it is.  
         [0040]     As mentioned earlier to deter theft, most digital media  2  is now placed within a security box that cannot be opened unless a proper rental or purchase is performed. By way of example only, two types of security boxes are shown for use in the system  20  but it should be understood that the system  20  is not limited in any way to only these two types of security boxes.  
         [0041]      FIG. 2  depicts an exemplary security box  8 A that opens and closes like a book and which includes a releasable locking mechanism  9 . This type of security box  8 A is usually opaque and therefore the patron has to rely on any printing or labels on the outside of the security box  8 A to determine the content of the security box  8 A unless and until the patron can place the security box  8 A near an RFID reader that will activate the RFID content tag  32  to reveal the contents. In order for a patron to open the security box  8 A, he/she must perform a valid rental/purchase transaction, in which case the patron then places the security box  8 A into the unlocker  30  that opens a releasable locking mechanism  9  since a valid rental or purchase has occurred.  
         [0042]     For example, as shown most clearly in  FIGS. 4A-4B , the releasable locking mechanism  9  may comprise a pair of sleeves  9 A/ 9 B, a pair of locking tongues  9 C/ 9 D and a locking bar  9 E; the locking bar comprises a pair of notches  9 F that correspond to a pair of protrusions  9 G in the tongues  9 C/ 9 D. With the security box  8 A closed, and the locking bar  9 E slid downward through the sleeves  9 A/ 9 B, the protrusions  9 G are biased into the notches  9 F, thereby locking the security box  8 A closed. Application of the requisite magnetic field from an unlocker device  48  (e.g., using a magnet  10 , see  FIG. 4B ) of the unlocker  30 , pulls the ferromagnetic tongues  9 C/ 9 D toward the unlocker device  48 , thereby disengaging from the notches  9 F and allowing the locking bar  9 E to be slid upward in the direction of arrow  11 . The patron removes the bar  9 E, places it into a retrieval bin  9 H (see  FIG. 1 ) and then proceeds with the rented/purchased digital media  2  to the exit.  
         [0043]     As used with the system  20  of the present invention, the security box  8 A itself comprises a security tag  34  ( FIG. 9 ). The security tag  34  can be either an EAS tag or an RFID tag. These tags can operate in the frequency ranges set forth below:  
                                                     EAS Operation   RFID Operation                                Low Frequency (LF)    5 kHz-12 kHz   Low Frequency (LF)   100 kHz-400 kHz               High Frequency (HF)    2 MHz-14 MHz       Acousto-Magnetic (AM)   50 kHz-70 kHz   Ultrahigh Frequency (UHF)   860 MHz-930 MHz       Radio Frequency (RF)    2 MHz-14 MHz   Microwave Frequency   2.3 GHz-2.6 GHz                  
 
 The security tag  34  provides theft deterrent in that if the security box  8 A is attempted to be removed from the store without a valid rental or purchase, not only will the thief be unable to open the security box  8 A to remove the digital media  2 , but once he/she arrives at the pedestals  28 , they will activate the alarm  33  upon detecting the presence of the EAS or RFID security tag  34 . In contrast, if the valid rental or purchase has occurred, the pedestals  28  will not activate the alarm  33  as the patron passes through them with the security box  8 A. By way of example only, the security tag  34  may be implemented using the security tag disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,081,446 (Gill, et al.) whose entire disclosure is incorporated by reference herein and which is owned by the same Assignee, namely, Checkpoint Systems, Inc., as the present application. 
 
         [0044]      FIGS. 5A-5B  depict an alternate security box  8 B that comprises a hinged edge that also comprises a locking mechanism  11  ( FIGS. 6A-6B ) that can be locked or unlocked to permit removal of the digital media  2  which is stored in a conventional jewel case  3 . This type of security box  8 B is usually transparent so that the patron, as well as the store employee, can readily see the CD or DVD directly; placing the security box  8 B near an RFID reader will activate the RFID content tag  32  to reveal and confirm the contents of the CD or DVD. In order for a patron to open the security box  8 B, he/she must also perform a valid rental/purchase transaction, in which case the patron, with the security box  8 B then places the security box into the unlocker  30  (see  FIGS. 10-11  for example) that opens the locking mechanism  11 . The patron then removes the jewel case  3  from the security box  8 B, places the security box  8 B in a retainer bin  60  (see  FIG. 1 ) and then proceeds with jewel case  3  to the exit. As used with the system  20  of the present invention, the security box  8 B itself also comprises the security tag  34 . The security tag  34  can be either an EAS tag or an RFID tag. These tags can operate in the frequency ranges set forth in the previous table.  
         [0045]     In particular, the security box  8 B comprises a lid  12  that is hinged  12 A/ 12 B to the casing  12 C. The releasable locking mechanism  11  comprises a slider portion  12 D ( FIG. 8 ) that comprises an upper driver portion  12 E and a lower peg rack portion  12 F. When the locking mechanism  11  is locked, the pegs  12 G pass through openings  12 H in a tongue portion  121  of at the opening of the security box  8 B. The vertical arrows in  FIG. 5A  indicate the direction that the pegs  12 G move in order to unlock the lid  12  from the casing  12 C. In order for the pegs  12 G to move out of the openings  12 H, the lower peg rack portion  12 F needs to be displaced upward in the direction of arrows A ( FIG. 6B ); the lower peg rack portion  12 F is driven upward by having pegs  12 J ( FIGS. 6A, 6B  and  8 ) slide within the slots  12 K in the lower peg rack portion  12 F when the upper driver portion  12 E is displaced to the left in the direction of arrow  12 L in  FIG. 6B . Thus, it should be understood that motion of the upper driver portion  12 E is horizontal in  FIGS. 6A-6B , whereas motion of the lower peg rack portion  12 F is vertical in  FIGS. 6A-6B . Motion of the upper driver portion  12 E can be only be achieved when the lid  12  is disposed adjacent the unlocker device  48 . As shown most clearly in  FIGS. 7A-7C , a ferromagnetic member  12 M having a projection  12 N is positioned within a fairing  12 P. When the releasable locking mechanism  11  is locked, the projection  12 N is trapped within a cavity  12 Q ( FIGS. 6A and 7A ), preventing any displacement of the upper driver portion  12 E in the direction of arrow  12 L. However, when the fairing  12 P is positioned adjacent a the unlocker device  48  (e.g., magnet M with the appropriate magnetic field), as shown in  FIG. 7B , the projection  12 N is pulled out of the cavity  12 Q ( FIG. 7B ) in the direction of arrow  12 T, thereby allowing the user to slide the fairing  12 P in the direction of the arrow  12 L ( FIGS. 5A and 6B ) which causes the projection  12 N to ride along the surface of the lower peg rack portion  12 R ( FIG. 8 ) while the pegs  12 J displace the lower peg rack portion  12 F upward in the direction of the arrows A ( FIGS. 5A and 6B ). Continued displacement of the fairing  12 P in the direction of the arrow  12 L eventually causes the projection  12 N to enter a second cavity  12 S. The lid  12  is then unlocked and the user can rotate it upward as shown in  FIG. 7D  to remove the contents. It should be noted that the user can manually re-lock the lid  12  by simply closing the lid  12  and sliding the fairing  12 P in the direction opposite to the arrow  12 L which causes the projection  12 N to exit the second cavity  12 S and to return to the first cavity  12 Q where the releasable locking mechanism  11  is once again locked.  
         [0046]      FIGS. 10-11  provide exemplary configurations for the unlocker device  48  of the unlocker  30  that can be used with the security boxes  8 A/ 8 B or any other type of magnetically-controlled security box. The alternate security box  8 B is shown by way of example only in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . In  FIG. 10 , the unlocker device  48  comprises a surface  50  that includes a displaceable portion  52  that can be moved to form a cavity  54  and to expose the magnet M located therein. The displaceable portion  52  is driven by an actuator  56  controlled by the computer  24 . Thus, if a valid purchase or rental occurs, the computer  24  activates the actuator  56  to move the displaceable portion and expose the magnet M. The patron is then prompted to position the security box  8 B with the lid  12  facing downward with the fairing  12 P placed into the cavity  54 . Exposure to the magnet M causes the projection  12 N to be pulled out of the cavity  12 Q (as discussed previously) and the patron is prompted to slide the security box  8 B to the right so that the fairing  12 P impacts the side  58  of the cavity  54 , thereby causing the upper driver portion  12 E to be moved in the direction of the arrow  12 L and opening the security box  8 B. The patron then removes the jewel case  3  and places the empty security box  8 B into a bin  60  ( FIG. 1 ). Other variations to this include having a magnet that is displaceable and which is controlled by the computer  24 . For example, the magnet can be coupled to an actuator controlled by the computer  24 . In its normal position, the magnet is positioned in lower elevation, away from the surface of where the security box  8 A/ 8 B is placed by the patron. If a valid sale or rental occurs, the computer  24  drives the magnet upward to be proximate the surface where the security box  8 A/ 8 B is located to unlock the releasable locking mechanism  9  or  11 .  
         [0047]      FIG. 11  depicts an unlocker device  48  that utilizes an electromagnet  62  rather than a permanent magnet. In this configuration there is no displaceable portion  52  nor any actuator  56 . Instead, the cavity  54  is always open but the electromagnet  62  is only energized by the computer  24  where a valid purchase or rental has occurred. If a valid purchase or rental has occurred, the patron is prompted to position the security box  8 B with the lid  12  facing downward with the fairing  12 P placed into the cavity  54 . The patron then slides the security box  8 B in order to move the fairing  12 P, as discussed previously with regard to  FIG. 10 . Similarly, this alternative unlocker device  48  using the electromagnet  62  can also be used to unlock the releasable locking mechanism  9  of security box  8 A.  
         [0048]      FIG. 12  provides an example of the data stored in the database  26  in order for controlling the unlocking of the security box  8 A/ 8 B. As shown, each database record comprises digital media identification indicia (serial number, title, author, etc.). The identification of the security box, a status indicator (valid or invalid), patron identification indicia, date/time of rental and date/time of return. Except for the date/time returned, all of this information is automatically entered into the database  26  during the check-out at the checkout station  22 . The default setting for the status indicator is “invalid.” If the status indicator for any security box is “invalid”, the pedestals  28  will set off the alarm if the security box passes through them. In order for the status indicator to be changed to “valid,” there must be a valid purchase or rental that occurs at the checkout station  22 .  
         [0049]      FIG. 14  provides a flow diagram of the self-check-out procedure using this two tag configuration and  FIG. 6  provides a flow diagram of the self-check-in procedure using this two tag configuration. If, on the other hand, the RFID content tag  32  alone is used, with no EAS/RFID security tag  34  associated with the security box  8 A/ 8 B, then  FIGS. 15 and 17  provide the self-check-in procedure and the self-check-out procedure, respectively, for such a single tag configuration.  
         [0050]     In particular, once a patron has selected a security box  8 A/ 8 B from the business inventory, the patron proceeds to the checkout station  22 . The checkout station  22  ( FIG. 1 ) may comprise a first RFID reader  36 , a point-of-sale (POS) device  38  (e.g., a coin/bill device, a credit/debit card device, etc.), a display  40 , a second RFID reader  42 , a power supply  44 , a switch  46  and the unlocker device  48  and most of which are coupled to the computer  24 . It should be noted that the power supply  44 , switch  46  and unlocker device  48  can be integrated to form the unlocker  30 . Furthermore, all of the components of the checkout station  22  can form an integrated station such as that sold under mark RAPICIRC® III, or the self-checkout station sold under the mark INTELLIGENT LIBRARY SYSTEM® by the Assignee of the present application, namely, Checkpoint Systems, Inc. of Thorofare, N.J.  
         [0051]     Upon arriving at the checkout station  22 , the patron places the security box  8 A/ 8 B on the designated location for the digital media  2 , which is proximate the first RFID reader  36  (which is not visible to the patron). The RFID reader  36  energizes the RFID content tag  32  and retrieves all of the pertinent data about the digital media  2  being rented or purchased. This information is displayed on the display  40  to the patron who is then instructed to verify that this is the digital media that he/she has selected. Similarly, where the content tag  32  is an EAS tag, the reader  36  would comprise an EAS tag reader (e.g., Checkpoint&#39;s TR4024 pulse-listen reader).  
         [0052]     The patron can place his/her membership card adjacent the RFID reader  36  and the RFID reader  36  can determine the patron&#39;s pertinent information and membership account. This information can be displayed on the display  40  and prompt the user to verify the information (and/or make any corrections if necessary). Once all of this data is entered correctly into the database  26 , the computer  24  activates the second RFID reader  42  that energizes the RFID security tag  34  to obtain the identification information about the security box  8 A/ 8 B which should have common information with that obtained from the first RFID reader  36 , e.g., title, author, etc. of the digital media  2 . According to  FIG. 14 , the computer checks to verify if the digital media identification indicia correspond to the security box identification indicia; if not, the check-out process is terminated and the business or store manager is alerted; if the two tags&#39; data correspond, the computer  24  initiates the sale/rental transaction itself. In particular, the POS device  38  is activated and the display  40  prompts the user to tender the proper payment and allows the user to deposit coins and/or bills into the appropriate portions of the POS device  38 ; in addition, the POS device  38  permits the use of credit cards or debit cards which can be received into the POS device  38  (e.g., conventional credit card or debit card readers). In accordance with  FIG. 14 , if the payment is tendered, the computer  24  changes the default status identifier from “invalid” to “valid” and immediately enables the switch  46  which powers the unlocker device  48 . As discussed previously, the patron is prompted by the display  40  on how to position the security box  8 A/ 8 B to have it unlocked. Because the computer  24  has changed the status identifier to “valid” when the patron passes through the pedestals  28 , even though the detectors in the pedestals  28  detect the RFID security tag  34 , the alarm  33  is not activated because of the “valid” identifier in the database  26 . Conversely, if no payment is tendered, the status identifier remains “invalid” and when the detectors in the pedestals  28  (e.g., Checkpoint Strata™ PX pedestals, etc.) detect that particular RFID security tag  34  and inform the computer  24 , the computer  24  sets off the alarm  33 .  
         [0053]     It should be noted that the verification of the digital media  2  identification indicia correspond to the security box identification indicia is only necessary where the security box  8 A is used since the security box  8 A is typically opaque and contains printed material on its cover regarding the digital media  2  contained therein. On the other hand, where the alternate security box  8 B is used, and which is typically transparent, there is no need to associate any particular security box  8 B with a certain digital media  2 .  
         [0054]     Also, it should be understood that where the security tag  34  is an EAS tag, the second reader  42  would comprise an EAS tag reader (e.g., Checkpoint&#39;s TR4024 pulse-listen reader).  
         [0055]     As shown in  FIG. 15 , where there is only the RFID content tag  32  used, only the first RFID scanner  36  is required. In that scenario, once the digital media  2  identification data is read into the database  26 , the computer  24  initiates the sale or rental transaction and the process is similar to that discussed with regard to  FIG. 14 .  
         [0056]     As mentioned previously, one of the problems patrons who rent digital media may encounter is the accrual of late fees even though they are certain that they returned the digital media to the borrowed facility well before the return time deadline. The solution to this problem is an automated check-in procedure for patrons at the entrance.  FIG. 13  provides such a check-in station  122  that comprises a first RFID reader  136 , a display  140  and a second RFID reader  142 . The check-in station  122  also comprises a deposit bin  133 , as well the bins  9 H and  60 . The RFID readers  136 / 142  are both coupled to the computer  24 . In accordance with  FIG. 16 , when the patron returns the security box  8 A containing the corresponding digital media  2 , the patron is instructed by the display  140  to conduct a check-in procedure. The patron is precluded from trying to simply drop the returned security box  8 A into the deposit bin  133  because the opening to the deposit bin  133  is locked and can only be opened by the computer  124  when the check-in procedure is concluded. In particular, the patron is prompted to place the security box  8 A onto the designated location at the check-in station  122  which is proximate the first and second RFID readers  136 / 142 . The RFID reader  136  energizes the RFID content tag  32  and reads the pertinent data about the digital media  2 . Next, the computer  24  energizes the second RFID reader  142  to determine the security box  8 A identification data. If this data corresponds to what has previously been stored in the database  26  when this security box  8 A/digital media  2  was validly rented, the computer  24  enters the date/time returned into the database record ( FIG. 12 ). The computer  24  then determines if there is an overdue condition that will be charged to the patron for returning the rented digital media. The computer  24  then changes the status identifier to “invalid” and then commands the switch  146  (which provides power from a power supply  144 ) to energize an actuator (not shown) to open the door to the deposit bin  133 . If, on the other hand, the data of the digital media  2  and the security box  8 A do not correspond, the check-in procedure is terminated and the store manager is alerted. As can be appreciated, if the patron concludes a successful check-in process, the database  26  now reflects the actual return date/time of the rented digital media, thereby preventing any possible accrual of late fees if the returned digital media were to now be used by someone else. Once the digital media  2 /security box  8 A are in the deposit bin, store employees can then insert a locking bar  9 E from the bin  9 H into the locking mechanism  9  and restore the security box  8 A on the shelf.  
         [0057]     Where the patron is returning only the digital media  2  inside the corresponding jewel case  3 , there is only one tag, namely, the RFID content tag  32 .  FIG. 17  depicts the check-in process for that scenario. In particular, when the patron places the jewel case  3  at the designated location at the check-in station  122  and the first RFID reader  136  reads the digital media data, the computer  24  enters the date/time returned into the database record ( FIG. 12 ). The computer  24  then determines if there is an overdue condition that will be charged to the patron for returning the rented digital media. The computer  24  then changes the status identifier to “invalid” and then commands the switch  146  to open the door to the deposit bin. Once the jewel case  3  containing the digital media  2  is dropped into the deposit bin  133 , store employees can remove any of the unlocked security boxes  8 B from the bin  60  and insert the jewel case  3  therein and then lock the security box  8 B; the security box  8 B containing the jewel case  3 /digital media  2  can then be restored to the shelf.  
         [0058]     The advantage of using this system  20  is that the media  2  (e.g., CD/DVD) remains secure and the security box  8 A/ 8 B remains unopened until a valid purchase or rental occurs. This decreases the risk of theft, improves the speed of processing material and managing the collection, which saves the rental facility money in employee hours and inventory shrinkage. It should be understood that it is within the broadest scope of the present invention  20  to use the content tag  32  for both digital media information identification, as well as for detection by the pedestals  28 . In that situation, there would be security tag  34  used with the security box  8 A/ 8 B. While it is contemplated to use the RFID content tag  32  as the type of tag that the facility&#39;s antennas detect for security purposes also (e.g., unlawful removal from premises), structural limitations of these tags  32  may prevent the tag  32  from being used to emit a signal strong enough so that the security antennas in the pedestals  28  can receive a signal to sound an alarm in a reliable manner. Thus, RFID content tags  32  are commonly known as short-range tags when they are placed on material (e.g., CDs and DVDs) containing metal or ferrous content. To rectify this short range operation of the RFID content tag  32 , the use of the RFID content tag  32  is combined with the use of the separate EAS or RFID tag  34  in the security box  8 A/ 8 B, or standard packing of the material (not shown) contained in a security box  8 A/ 8 B. In particular, the separate EAS or RFID tag  34  supports long range operation for detection by EAS or RFID antennas either around the business and at the pedestals  28  at the business exits.  
         [0059]     Thus, the use of a two tag configuration, one RFID content tag  32  on the digital media  2  and one EAS/RFID tag  34  on the security box  8 A/ 8 B, can be used in the system  20  of the present invention, as discussed below.  
         [0060]     It should be understood that the term display  40 / 140  is meant to cover any type of input/output device that permits the patron to perceive instructions, prompts and information from the computer  24  and to input information when requested/required. As a result, the display  40 / 140  can include speakers, monitors (including touch screens), television screens, etc., and includes keypads, keyboards, mouses, etc., that allow the patron to enter information.  
         [0061]     It should also be understood that the checkout station  22  and the check-in station  122  are not limited to hard-wired configurations but can include wireless configurations such as (WIFI, Bluetooth, etc), optic protocols, or sonar protocols.  
         [0062]     While the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific examples thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6