Patent ID: 7380711

Claim:
An automated self check-out system for digital media located in a facility where the digital media is sold to, or rented by, patrons, said system comprising: a content tag secured to the digital media for containing identification data of the digital media; and a security box into which said digital media is disposed, said security box comprising a releasable lock that precludes access to the digital media contained therein until said releasable lock is unlocked; a check-out station comprising: at least one tag reader for obtaining said identification data from said content tag; a computer coupled to a database, said database associating the digital media with patron identification; a point of sale device, coupled to said computer, that permits the patron to tender payment for purchasing or renting the digital media, said computer modifying a status identifier of said digital media stored on said database based on said payment; an unlocker coupled to said computer, said computer activating said unlocker whenever payment occurs; and pedestals, located at the exit of the facility, and coupled to the computer for detecting the presence of said content tag; and an alarm, coupled to said computer, that activates whenever said content tag is detected at said pedestals and said status identifier has not been modified.