CA2262180A1 - Automated photo-finishing order taker - Google Patents

Automated photo-finishing order taker Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2262180A1
CA2262180A1 CA 2262180 CA2262180A CA2262180A1 CA 2262180 A1 CA2262180 A1 CA 2262180A1 CA 2262180 CA2262180 CA 2262180 CA 2262180 A CA2262180 A CA 2262180A CA 2262180 A1 CA2262180 A1 CA 2262180A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
individual
machine
processing
customer
data
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA 2262180
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Gord Strasdin
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to CA 2262180 priority Critical patent/CA2262180A1/en
Publication of CA2262180A1 publication Critical patent/CA2262180A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07FCOIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/0014Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for vending, access and use of specific services not covered anywhere else in G07F17/00
    • GPHYSICS
    • G03PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03DAPPARATUS FOR PROCESSING EXPOSED PHOTOGRAPHIC MATERIALS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
    • G03D15/00Apparatus for treating processed material
    • G03D15/001Counting; Classifying; Marking
    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07FCOIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/02Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for optical devices, e.g. telescopes

Abstract

A kiosk contains the necessary components for accepting and processing film orders.
A chute accepts film within an envelope and stores it in a bin that is accessible to a pickup courier. The envelope is printed by a printer after information is input by a keyboard or other input device. Operation is computerized so as to be interactive.
Payment is made via credit card reader. Customer identities are stored so that processing is very fast and the customer need not write anything.

Description

TITLE: AUTOMATED PHOTO-FINISHING ORDER TAl<ER
BACKGROUND OF THr INVFNT10N
s FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
This invention relates generally to vending machines, and more particularly to a highly automated vending machine for accepting photo-finishing orders and the associated exposed film rolls or the equivalent, i.e., digital camera cassettes.
1o DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART:
The following art defines the present state of this field:
15 Slater et al., U.S. 5,426,481 describes photographic apparatus is provided for combining film and prings with packaging material including an image of customer inscribed graphics, such as a return address, provided with the order. The graphics are captured and stored electronically as an image that is linked to the film and prints and reproduced on packaging or other material for returning the order. The packaging 2o is provided at the finishing station in a plurality of different formats corresponding to the size of the prints or the thickness of the completed order. The finishing station selects the appropriate format for the order and reproduces the image of the customer inscribed graphics on the selected format.
25 Schultes et al., U.S. 2,751,874 describes apparatus for introducing exposed and developed customer films and prints which are reproduced from such films into discrete customer containers employs two transporting devices which advance a web of interconnected films and a strip of prints along separate paths, a first severing device which severs the web to separate therefrom successive films or sections of
2 successive films, a second severing device which subdivides the strip into discrete prints, a container forming device which furnishes containers having first and second compartments to respectively receive films and corresponding prints, a computer which prepares customer invoices on the basis of information furnished by detectors positioned adjacent to the first and second paths and to the path for filled containers and applies shipping labels to filled containers, and a sealing device which covers the open sides of filled containers with foils of transparent synthetic plastic material.
Tall et al., U.S. 3,789,571 describes a processor's method and apparatus is disclosed to by which previously inspected and quality-marked prints of a customer's order are fed successively past a photoelectrically controlled sorting diverter which directs individual prints either into a reject chute or into selected storage compartments of a tilting loader for reprinting or customer delivery, respectively, such loader having an additional compartment to receive the associated cut films of an individual customer's order. Thereupon the loader, by a decelerating motion, dumps the contents of its respective compartments downwardly with the help of gravity and momentum into the open pockets formed between leaves of a carrier stock section positioned at the loading station and thereafter fed beyond the loading station for detachment from the body of carrier stock by tearing. A first stretch of feed chain advances the carrier 2o stock to the loading station and a second stretch advances the loaded section of carrier stock beyond the loading station where it is torn from the body of the carrier by effecting relatively longitudinal movement between the chain stretches preferably along a preformed score line. Positive engagement of pins on the feed chain with holes in the carrier stock permits feeding and tearing off the sections successively.
Separator mechanism coordinated with the tearing mechanism thereafter frees the severed section from the body of stock. Guides progressively spread apart the leaves of the carrier stock on approaching the loading station. Inspection grade marks of a color, contrasting with that of the control marks customarily applied to the print roll margins to time the cutting and the end-of order stopping of a print cutter, are applied
3 by an inspector and are sensed photoelectrically to control operation of the diverter and a pricing computer.
Schneider et al., U.S. 3,857,220 describes timing, arrangement and interconnection of film and reproduction cutting means, sorters and packaging for maximum utilization of operator time.
Wahli, U.S. 4,574,692 describes in a photofinishing operation, the correlation of order envelopes, films and the paper prints produced therefrom is carried out automatically. The t0 order envelopes, films and the strip of paper prints are provided with the same machine-readable control number per order. These control numbers are monitored during final processing by machine and, in case of a lack of agreement, the cutting of the film and the paper is prevented and an appropriate alarm is actuated.
Saito, et al., U.S. 5,729,777 describes a photographic camera system includes a photographic camera that can successively expose a photographic film in different frame sizes and an automatic printer for automatically printing the processed photographic film exposed with those different frame sizes. The camera varies the aspect of an exposure opening in the camera body and the film is fed for a length corresponding to the selected aspect by 2o detecting a hole located in a marginal area of the film. The photographic camera magnetically or optically records at a location away from the hole an aspect information signal indicative of the selected aspect of the exposed frame on the photographic film, and the automatic printer automatically prints the photographic film using the magnetically or optically recorded aspect information signal detected from the photographic film.
The prior art teaches apparatus for combining certain photographic materials with an image of customer inscribed graphics, apparatus for introducing photographic materials into containers, apparatus for feeding photographic products and selecting certain ones for packaging and others for rejection, apparatus for film reproduction,
4 cutting, sorting and packaging, apparatus for correlation of order envelopes, film and prints automatically, apparatus for automatically exposing a photographic film in different frame sizes. However, the prior art does not teach an automatic film drop or photo-finishing order receiving and processing station as a single computer managed and fully automated machine. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages as described in the following summary.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention teaches certain benefits in construction and use which give rise to the objectives described below.
The present invention provides a kiosk containing the necessary components for accepting and processing film orders. A chute accepts film within an envelope and I5 stores it in a bin that is accessible to a pickup courier. The envelope is printed by a printer after information is input by a keyboard or other input device.
Operation is computerized so as to be interactive. Payment is made via credit card reader.
Customer identities are stored so that processing is very fast and the customer need not write anything.
A primary objective of the present invention is to provide an automated photo-finishing order processing machine having advantages not taught by the prior art.
Another objective is to enable the invention so as to operate in automatic mode.
A further objective is to provide very fast and accurate processing of photo finishing orders without using a live order taker.
5 Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
I3RiEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The accompanying drawing illustrates the present invention. In such drawing figure 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
to DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The above described drawing figure illustrates the invention, an automated photo-finishing order taking machine "A" comprising operational components including but not limited to a data storage and processing means (DS&PM) 1 such as a microcomputer or other data processing machine, a touch sensitive data entry means (TSDEM) 2 such as a touch-screen display monitor that is well known in the art, a keyboard data entry means (KDEM) 4 such as a numerical keypad or a typewriter type keyboard, a collection receptacle means such as a simple chute 6 having an entry door 5 and storage bin 7, a printing means 8 such as a laser printer, and an envelope storage and dispensing means (ES&DM) 9 such as is frequently used with standard ATM machines. These operational components are assembled as shown in figure 1 and are interconnected by the appropriate cables and connectors as is well known, within an enclosure 11 as shown, and interfaced therewith, i.e., with the enclosure 11 itself, for accepting data, input by an individual (not shown) positioned adjacent to the enclosure, that is, in front of the front panels of the equipment shown in figure 1.
Referring to figure I we see that the invention preferably includes a strong and rigid case (the enclosure 11) SO aS to protect the expensive components mounted within it, G

to reduce exposure to theft, and to present a pleasing and attractive appearance to customers. The DS&PM I is preferably positioned near the top (upper part) of the machine. Immediately below the DS&PM 1 is positioned the TSDEM 2 which is positioned at a vertical level for casual and easy viewing and touching by one standing in front of the machine. Below the TSDEM 2 is preferably placed the KDEM 4 which is positioned and preferably tilted at an angle so as to be used by the person standing in front of the machine. To one side of the KDEM 4 is a chute door 5 and chute 6 positioned for dropping a photographic or other medium (not shown) thereinto. Above the chute 6 is preferably positioned a credit card reader 3, and below the KDEM 4 is the ES&DM 9. Behind the ES&DM 9 is a printer 8 for printing necessary information onto each envelope 9A. An access door 10 is provided for enabling access to the storage bin 7.
Operation of the invention provides several options. 1n its primary use, a customer approaches the machine with rolls of film to be developed and swipes his/her credit card at the card reader 3. If the identity of the customer is known the DS&PM

enables an options screen to be displayed on the TSDEM 2 and an interactive communication between customer and machine is initiated. This communication includes the presentation of options displays and selection of choices by touch sense 2o motions on the part of the customer to identify the type of film being processed, the results desired, such as type, size and number of photographic prints and the delivery date desired. When this communication is complete an envelope is printed and dispensed. The customer places rolls or cassettes of film into the envelope, seals it and drops it into the chute 5. When this action is completed, a receipt of the transaction is printed and dispensed to the customer and his credit card is debited for the amount of the transaction. Options include the use of a monetary currency reader for payment and a DX code reader so as to input the type of film being processed. If the customer is not knowm, i.e., stored in memory, a different set of initial screens are presented and information is asked for and input via the KDEM. This information is stored in the DS&PM 1 so that the next time the customer requires help, the customer's address and other necessary information is available automatically.
Processing a simple order for a known customer takes only approximately 1 S
seconds.
Clearly the data storage and processing means 1 is enabled for storing customer information and for retrieving a customer identification number when prompted by the entry of a selected data at the keyboard data entry means 4. Such data processing is well known in the art. Clearly, as well, the data storage and processing means 1 t o preferably responds to the touch sensitive data entry means 2 or keyboard data entry means 4 interactively in order to receive orders.
When the machine is not in use, the TSDEM 2 is used to display products for sale, commercial messages or other video related and beneficial screens.
Electrical power for operation of the invention may be provided by an electrical cord from an AC power outlet, or it may be provided by storage batteries carried within the enclosure 1 I.
2o While the invention has been described with reference to at least one preferred embodiment, it is to be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be interpreted only in conjunction with the appended claims.

Claims (4)

What is claimed is:
1. An automated photo-finishing order taking machine comprising:
operational components: a data storage and processing means, a touch sensitive data entry means, a keyboard data entry means, a film product collection receptacle means, a printing means, an envelope storage and dispensing means and a payment collection means;
the operational components assembled and interconnected within an enclosure and interfaced therewith for accepting data input from an individual positioned adjacent to the enclosure, for displaying products for sale to the individual, for dispensing an envelope to the individual, for reading and processing a credit card presented by the individual, and for accepting and storing a photographic recording medium from the individual for later batch pickup.
2. The machine of claim 1 wherein the data storage and processing means is enabled for storing customer information and for retrieving a customer identification number when prompted by the entry of a selected data at the keyboard data entry means.
3. The machine of claim 1 wherein the data storage and processing means responds to the touch sensitive data entry means interactively to receive orders.
4. The machine of claim 1 wherein the data storage and processing means responds to the keyboard data entry means interactively to receive orders.
CA 2262180 1999-02-17 1999-02-17 Automated photo-finishing order taker Abandoned CA2262180A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA 2262180 CA2262180A1 (en) 1999-02-17 1999-02-17 Automated photo-finishing order taker

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA 2262180 CA2262180A1 (en) 1999-02-17 1999-02-17 Automated photo-finishing order taker

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2262180A1 true CA2262180A1 (en) 2000-08-17

Family

ID=29555170

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA 2262180 Abandoned CA2262180A1 (en) 1999-02-17 1999-02-17 Automated photo-finishing order taker

Country Status (1)

Country Link
CA (1) CA2262180A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AU767666B2 (en) * 2000-09-12 2003-11-20 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha User configurable remote control
US6814294B2 (en) 2000-09-12 2004-11-09 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha User configurable remote control

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AU767666B2 (en) * 2000-09-12 2003-11-20 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha User configurable remote control
US6814294B2 (en) 2000-09-12 2004-11-09 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha User configurable remote control

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