WO1992004715A1

WO1992004715A1 - A system intended for theft-proof selling of cd records or the like and a computer controlled storage unit and a display unit usable in the system

Info

Publication number: WO1992004715A1
Application number: PCT/SE1991/000569
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stefan Gustafsson
Original assignee: Stefan Gustafsson
Priority date: 1990-09-03
Filing date: 1991-08-28
Publication date: 1992-03-19
Also published as: EP0547129A1; AU8526491A

Abstract

The present invention relates to: a) a system built up for the intention of a theft-proof selling of CD records by using; b) a computer controlled storage unit, in the form of a storage matrix comprising of rows and columns for storing a large number of Compact Discs or similar items and c) a display unit or units, where the information is a colour copy of the record sleeve, an enlarged copy.

Description

Title of the Invention: A System Intended for Theft-proof Selling of CD Records or the Like and a Computer Controlled Storage Unit and a Display Unit Usable in the System.

TECHNICAL FIELD.

The present Invention relates to; a). A System build up for the intension of a theft- proof selling of CD records or the like (products especially prone to theft); b). A computer controlled storage unit, especially but not exclusively usable in the system according to "a" above, and c). A display unit, especielly but not exclusively usable in the system according to "a" above.

More precisely the invention is based upon a computer controlled or computer-compatible storage or deposit unit, especially a storage unit provided with a storage matrix comprising of rows and columns, especially adopted or suited for storing a large number of identical or different compact discs or similar items.

It is to be noted that even though the term compact disc is used below to refer not only to normal CD records, double CD records and single CD records, or CD records of other types which are specially packed and are not of any standard format, but is also used in reference to other musical records and cassette tapes, e.g. audio cassettes, video cassettes and other such recordings. In more general terms, the invention's basic principles render themselves useful when products of suitable form and type, those especially prone to theft, are to be put on display for sales or other such purposes when there is a particular wish not to expose the product itself.

As to CD records, they are sold packed in a casing of transparent plastic material, openable along one of the sides containing a sleeve with printed pictures and text on top matching the CD record within the sleeve inside the container.

The pictures and text printed on the outside of the sleeve are clearly visible through the casing, but the text is normally small.

The principle of a storage matrix suited for use with computer equipment requires a number of storage facilities where each of the storage points can be displayed by means of computer equipment. Each storage point which is normally given a row position or a column position is suited for storing just one CD record or a number of CD records or similar items.

The invention is based on the assumption that in a shop or some other such place only the casing, or the sleeve plus

SUB the casing is to be exposed for the customers' examination in their search for a desired recording. Computer equipment is also assumed to be available at the sales facility.

The records themselves are to be distributed within a storage unit or storage matrix located within a thef -proof facility in close proximity of the sales facility. This refers to a facility accessible by authorized personnel only.

This invention relates to a display unit, especially a display unit suited for being used in a display stand.

The invention is especially suited for a number of display units used with a display stand to provide theft-proof sales display of a CD record or a number CD records or similar items.

The invention is based on a display unit suited for a display stand provided with special elements supporting and/or keeping in place a number of information media corresponding to the sleeve of the respective recording.

This means that a number of such information media will be located inside the display stand immediately next to each other, exposed by scanning the display units. Hence, it becomes possible to store CD records and their complete packings with the inside contents in a theft-proof facility in complete isolation from the of display stand.

SUMMARY OF PRIOR ART RELATED TO THE INVENTION.

Known systems for the purpose of theft-proof selling of CD records or the like products prone to theft will be obvious from the following description over prior art known in domputer controlled storage units and display units.

Such known systems have not been theft-proof in the sense linked to the present invention.

It is common knowledge from the past that it is possible to use computer equipment to point out one from among several storage points in a storage matrix where a pre-defined product or item is stored.

With such a system, the actual storage point is indicated on the computer's display unit by showing the marking which has been given to the position in question.

This storage position is then memorized or written down by authorized personnel, the storage position located and the product or item collected.

SUB It is also known from the past that it is possible with the aid of computer equipment to determine the number of items stored in a storage point, and, depending on the number of items sold, to reduce the number of items stored in the storage point indicated, thus rendering the computer sufficient capacity for stating the number of items stored in a certain storage point at any time.

It is also known from the past that a computer screen can be used for displaying the exact position data for a selected storage point, thus facilitating the personnel' s work in searching and collecting an item from the storage point shown.

As for storage units especially suited for the application of the invention in question, it can be said that it is known that it is possible to distribute CD record originals into a storage matrix by using a special packing.

It is, naturally, possible to point out a CD record or similar item stored in a storage unit with the aid of a prior art, aforementioned system. In that case, the storage matrix is normally designed in such a way that each of the positions will be suited to house a casing of particular format intended for a CD record, or the original packing of a CD record. - β -

Even though a selection of CD records normally consists of numerous titles, and in spite of the fact that the number of identical articles at a sales point is normally rather low, the trend has been to have identical articles and records sorted out to be next to one another.

It is also known how to select special sections within a storage matrix for the distribution of records of high frequency, leaving other sections reserved for low-frequency records.

It is common knowledge from the past that a number of display stands specially designed and customized can offer the possibility of theft-proof sales of an individual CD record or a number CD records.

Experience has shown that the most natural method of putting CD records on show is to display them in their original packings. However, the method has brought about too much wear and tear primarily to the packing casings and led, as is known from experience, to an excessive theft frequency in spite of all the active theft-prevention procedures taken.

In view of the above, efforts have been made to display the contents of CD records using inactive theft-prevention procedures. It can be pointed out here that it is known from the past how to place only the original casing plus the original sleeve in a display stand, leaving the CD record itself stored in a separate facility located within a special casing or storage system.

The method above necessitates the opening of the original packing at the sales point for removing the CD record and placing it in a separate, less complicated casing for

storage within a sophisticated storage system.

Unfortunately, the said method exposes the original casing to wear and tear, and, if the original casing with its printed sleeve are stolen at the same time, it becomes impossible to sell the CD record original.

There is a method which is based on the use of a special display packing, a so-called bubble packing which protects the original packing against wear and tear and theft.

The manufacturing of bubble packings is relatively expensive. - & -

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

TECHNICAL PROBLEM With regard to prior art technical solutions, as stated above, it should be technically feasible, using non- complicated equipment, to create such conditions where a shop's storage of CD records in their original packings could be located in complete isolation from the customers at the point of sales, using display units, thus leaving the storage accessible to authorized sales personnel only, making it possible for the personnel to quickly determine the position of an visually selected record within a storage system or system of shelves.

It must also be possible to regard it as a technical problem how to produce an appropriate and easy-to-manufacture display unit for the purpose, so that the said unit would partly comply with a CD record's original sleeve in form and colour, being on the whole identical with it, partly somewhat enlarged so as to enhance the legibility of text on the original sleeve.

It must be possible to regard it as a technical problem how to produce a storage matrix constructed to be compatible with a computer to work in such a manner that when a bar code pen is slid over a bar code enlarged and copied on a

SUBS display unit, then the storage system's electronic indication system will show, by means of an optical marking

usually based on Light Emitting Diodes (LED) , the storage point where the actual disc is stored.

It must also be possible to regard it as a technical problem how to create such non-complicated conditions that each of the storage points for an individual CD record will be selected at random, thus further reducing the risk of theft from the storage system, due to the fact that it is extremely difficult to spot the CD record in question just by visual searching.

Additionally, it must be possible to regard it as a technical problem how to produce within the technical sphere a storage system built of modules, where each module can comprise "x" times "y" points for normal CD records, one provided with a simple electronic unit based on computer equipment capable of activating the optical marking (LED) located next to each storage point indicated by the computer.

It must also be possible to regard it as a technical problem how to produce a storage system consisting of a number of similar identical modules, constructed in such a manner that -lO-

an optical indicator device, e.g. LED, is available next to each of the storage points.

Furthermore, it is a technical problem to understand the importance of arranging a number of pre-selected storage

points into a single unit, in which each member of the storage-point pairs can be located on its own side in a display consisting of a minimum of two optical indicator devices.

It must be possible to regard it as a technical problem to understand the possibility of easily constructing a storage system comprising practically any number of modules or units by making it possible to have the aforementioned computer equipment directly connected to one of the numerous units in use, while the rest of the interfaced selected units can be connected with each other in series.

In this context, it could be a problem to understand the advantage of using the computer's printer port for indicating the actual position within a storage system.

It is also a technical problem to customize the computer equipment so that it will indicate the one and the same storage point for an individual CD record regardless of

S whether the information entered through bar-code reading is meant to show the album title or the title of any piece of music on the record.

It must also be possible to regard it as a technical problem

_* how to provide the required serial interface for modules or units by just using a plug-in system to a so-called data bus.

In this context, it could be a problem to understand the inherent advantage of using shift registers in the units.

It is also a technical problem to realize the importance of the fact that for established optical indicator device malfunctions, it is necessary to enter a disable sequence to the computer to be executed for the storage point in question, thus leaving the point permanently empty.

It is also a technical problem to be able to create such conditions that when a pre-selected number of storage points within the one and the same unit become disabled, this automatically causes the computer to display a message for replacing the entire unit with a new one.

It is also a technical problem for computer equipment provided with a bar code pen to be used to read a selected record's article number and to decide upon a vacant storage point in the storage system, whether to sort out just one record, or one storage point corresponding to several vacant storage points, or whether to sort out several records, and to activate the one optical indicator device for a storage point or several devices corresponding to several storage points.

It is also a technical problem to be capable of creating such conditions as would allow computer equipment to decide upon a vacant storage point within a storage system with

regard to the status of the record (e.g. high-frequency records, records ordered by customers, etc.) and thereby having certain sections or space within the storage system primarily reserved for pre-selected status-dependent records.

Finally, it can be a technical problem to create such conditions where each storage point within the storage system can be allocated a number optical indicator devices, each of which, or a combination of devices, corresponding to an individual sales person, thereby making it possible for several sales persons to use the same storage system at the same time.

SUBSTIT With regard to prior art technical solutions, as stated above, it must be considered a technical problem how to produce a display unit simple to manufacture, absolutely theft-proof and one that causes minimum wear and tear to the original packing.

It is also a technical problem and necessitates advanced knowledge, to solve the above problem for small and medium- sized shops, especially when using existing vinyl record display stands or similar items of somewhat larger dimensions than those adapted for the original packings of CD records.

It is a technical problem to offer a display unit by taking the simplest possible measures so that the display unit produced becomes less complicated than the so-called bubble packings.

Starting from the assumption that it is possible to manufacture a separate display unit suited for an actual CD record, it must be regarded as a technical problem to be able to offer in a non-complicated fashion a dimension which exceeds those of the CD record casings and sleeves where the information media or the information shown must always be identical with that contained by the CD record, but enlarged for enhanced legibility, and where the enlarged illustration is vital for the recognition of the CD record in question.

Thus it falls within the scope of technical knowledge to create such conditions where the information media of the display unit can, based on a simple manufacturing method, show an enlarged identical colour copy of the said sleeve.

It must regarded as technical problem to be able to produce a display unit provided with an information medium which is considerably thinner than the original packing of a CD record.

It must also be regarded as a technical problem to be able to create such preconditions as would eliminate even the minimal wear and tear which the CD records' original packings are subjected to when the record is removed from within the casing and sleeve for storage in a special casing.

It is also a technical problem to be able to produce a display unit with identical information medium, which would be easy-to-manufacture without the need for having to break the seal on the original packing or breaking the seal of only one of the many original packings in order to colour- copy the sleeve within.

It is a technical problem to be able to eliminate the disadvantage caused by the fact that a record placed in the storage system does not exist or cannot be found in the expected slot when a casing with sleeve does exist.

It must also be a technical problem to produce in a simple manner a display unit for a display stand, specially adapted

for CD records and similar items thus making it possible to effectively use a computer to handle it and to point out the storage point of an original record within a nearby storage facility.

It is also a technical problem to understand how the information medium forming a part of a display unit could be manufactured in a simple manner, whether it could be made using a hard copy device, preferably a colour copier to contain an enlarged copy of a record sleeve.

It must also be regarded as a technical problem to understand the importance of selecting an enlarging factor compatible with the bar code. - l β -

It must also be regarded as a technical problem to create in a non-complicated manner a display unit solid enough for the purpose, accomplishing, however, the ambitious task of keeping the said unit as thin as possible.

It must also be regarded as a technical problem to offer, in a non-complicated manner, the possibility of displaying newly released CD records by using a display unit of the said type, e.g. with the aid of a provisional contents list, preferably prior to having stored the record itself for sales.

It is also a technical problem to produce a display unit for indicating a record whose sales frequency is so low that keeping the item in store is no longer profitable.

It is a technical problem to create, using a display stand (e.g. one adapted for vinyl records) of pre-selected dimensions, such conditions as would allow the displaying of a number of CD records or similar items with the aid of easy-to-manufacture display units, thus being able to display a greater number of records than is possible by the original casings and the sleeves therein, being thus able utilize the display stand's dimensions to the maximum. SOLUTIO . The present invention is able to solve one or more of the above mentioned technical problems and the claimed system has been proven fulfil the task of a theft-proof exhibition unit, as this unit has no value, and a storing unit where it has been found almost impossible to find a desired item as a CD record, in a combination and in a combined use by utilizing a computer controllad storage system and display units in a stand.

The invention in question is intended to provide a solution to the one or more technical questions stated above, with a computer compatible storage unit as a basis, characterized in that the storage unit is divided into rows and columns like a matrix or shelf system and is suited for storing a number of identical or different CD records or similar items.

The storage matrix or shelf system consists of a number of storage points indicated by means of computer equipment, each meant and especially adapted for storing one CD record.

In accordance with the invention, it is now suggested that an optical indicator device (e.g. LED) be used next to each storage point, activated by computer equipment when it decides upon and indicates, in accordance with the information entered to it, the storage point in question.

In accordance with the suggested forms of implementation, covered by the basic idea of the invention, it is suggested that a pre-selected number of storage points be allocated for each unit having storage point pairs located on two sides to be used by a display unit provided with the necessary optical indicator devices.

The invention presupposes that one of the units used by many is to be interfaced with the computer, while the rest of the selected units are inter-connected in series forming a group.

Each storage point can be evaluated by the computer regardless of whether the selected information is entered to it via bar code reading, or whether the information concerning the album title or the title of piece of music on a record is received via the keyboard.

The intended serial connection between units is executed by using a data bus and a plug-in-system with the respective unit composed of a shift register. Within the frame of this invention, it is also possible, in the event of an established optical device malfunction, to

generate or enter a disable sequence for the storage point in question, thus causing the point to remain permanently empty.

When a pre-selected number of storage points within an individual unit have thus become disabled, the computer is to be activated to display a message for the replacement of the unit indicated.

The interconnection of the computer equipment and storage matrix or shelf system, significant for the invention, makes it possible to replenish the storage system as a selected record's article number may be read by using the bar code pen connected to the computer; it is also possible to establish a vacant storage point for a record or locate the vacant points corresponding to a certain number of records, and to activate the optical indicator device or devices corresponding to the vacant storage points.

Computer evaluation of a vacant storage point depends on the status of the record, i.e. high-frequency records, low- frequency records, records ordered by customers, etc. This means that records bearing the same status can be given a certain storage point of their own within a selected storage section or in a number of selected units.

The examination of information entered to the computer, (legible by the said bar code pen) , can be done

advantageously via a special display device. This can consist of an enlarged colour copy of the CD record's original printed sleeve.

The computer equipment is advantageously equipped with a display unit showing the actual storage point and any other information necessary in legible form.

Each of the storage points can be advantageously allocated several optical indicator devices. This makes it possible activate one or more selected optical indicator devices with pre-determined optical durations each corresponding to a particular sales person.

Since the storing is done in a more or less random fashion, it becomes increasingly difficult for unauthorized people to visually find a desired record's storage point in a large

SUBSTI storage unit.

Furthermore, the storage units can be formed into serial- interfaced units provided with shift registers which can be connected into groups with the first unit connectable to a computer printer output port.

The invention in question is intended to provide a solution to the one or more technical questions stated above by introducing a display unit provided with such information contents or information media as are adapted for a display stand, the said display stand being advantageously designed to provide for the completely theft-free selling of one or more CD records or similar items with their original casings and sleeves.

The display units and display stand include elements designed to support and/or keep in place a number of

information media equivalent with the record casing in question. These information media match the original record casings and are placed immediately next to each other and are displayed by means of scanning.

This offers the possibility of leaving the CD records inside their intact packings storing them in a theft-proof facuity, in complete isolation from the display stand.

The invention now sets out an easy-to-manufacture display unit by allowing the respective information media (part of the display unit itself) to interact with the said elements. The information media are made by means a hard copy device, preferably a colour copier and contain an enlarged copy of the record casing.

Within the scope of the invention there is also the possibility of having the enlargement factor selected so that it always remains below the maximum permissible enlargement grade from the point of view of the record casing's bar code which must not lose its capacity of being read by means of a bar code pen.

The enlargement factor should stay below 70% and should preferably be between 20 and 40%.

The display unit mainly consists of the above mentioned enlarged copy which is used as the information medium. This can be applied onto a solid piece of board, preferably made of cardboard. Furthermore, it is especially advantageous to seal the copy/or record inside thin transparent material. The information medium and/or display unit can be formed into a relatively solid entity provided with a medium which makes it easy insert within the elements of the display stand.

Furthermore, it is suggested that a number of display units should advantageously be raised above the number of CD record originals currently in store, thus providing the possibility of having a fairly low number of display units reserved for newly released recordings which could be advantageously displayed using a provisional contents lists, prior to actually having them available in the storage.

The same applies to records which are not profitable enough to be kept in store.

The thickness of a display unit must be kept considerably smaller than that of the original CD record packing. In accordance with this invention it should be below 5 mm, preferably between 2 and 4 mm. ADVANTAGES

The system, using the storage unit and the display units, is more or less completely thef -proof.

The primary advantages of the storage unit in accordance with the invention can be made available by using it together with a computer, thus creating the preconditions for storing CD record original packings in a separate storage matrix or shelf system where a position or storage point located within a storage matrix can be displayed when a bar code is read on the display device, in which an optical indicator device invariably shows the storage matrix point containing the original stored packing.

The primary advantages made available by the display unit in accordance with the invention are the created non- complicated conditions for displaying a CD record sleeve contents and enlarged illustrations with any additional information without the risk of wear and tear to the original packing or the original packing seal being broken and/or the record being stolen.

SUBSTIT T The features typical of a system according to the present invention are stated in the characterizing part of claim 1, the features typical of a computer controlled storage unit according to the present invention are stated in the characterizing part of claim 2 and the features typical of display unit according to the present invention are stated in the characterizing part of claim 17.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.

A proposed embodiment having the features related to the present invention with some alternatives will now be described with reference to the attached drawings, in which;

-F'._Lcrτj.:_-<e 1 shows the construction principle of the invention's significant mutual dependency between computer equipment and a storage matrix composed of several units,

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the possibility of placing the storage matrix units in relation to each other, ■F^*d_g"u.αre 3 shows the inter-connection between the computer and a number of serially connected units forming a group for the construction of a storage matrix, a configuration which does not require an interface card,

Η^~ ±.

4 shows a connection similar to diagram

3 between a personal computer and a number of serially connected grouped units for the construction of a storage matrix with the aid of a so-called interface card,

5 shows the connection principle for an electronic unit which belongs to a storage matrix, and

6 shows in more detail the connection principle for an electronic unit set out in Figure 5

SUB

^"7 shows a perspective view of a prior art original CD record packing,

Figure S shows a prior art display stand where disp units have been placed one after the other as to be readily exposed for scanning, wit lefthand column illustrating the CD record casings together with their sleeves formin number of display units, while the rightha column illustrates a number of display uni accordance with this invention, and

-E^r'-i.^«3"u.;ϊr<e 9 shows a perspective view and a partial cro section of a display unit in accordance wi this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT SHOWN IN THE FIGURES OR DIAGRAMS.

Diagram 1 shows, in a much simplified form, the storage matrix 2 which is compatible with the computer equipment 1; the storage matrix shown is composed of five serially connected units marked 2a to 2e. The computer equipment 1 as such may be a personal computer of a common type provided with the necessary software and an output port for connecting a printer.

Because the said computers are well known for professional people in the field, they are not described, but it is pointed out that the conditions required by the invention depicted in the below description can be readily implemented in the computer equipment by professionals after having examined the functions set out below.

The storage matrix 2 with identical units 2a - 2e is suited for storing a number of identical or different CD records or similar items. Each of the units consists of a number storage points indicated by the computer. Each of the storage points is intended and suited for storing the original packing of one CD record only.

The advantage of this construction is that a shop's entire stock of CD record originals placed in storage matrix 2 can now be stored in complete isolation from the shop's sales point, thus making it possible to limit the access to the storage matrix to authorized personnel exclusively. When selecting CD records at the sales point, customers examine a number of so-called display units consisting enlarged colour copies of the printed sleeve included in the original packing of each CD record.

The display unit, especially suited for being used in the system described here, is shown and described with reference to Figures 7, β and 9.

Referring again to diagram 1, it can be stated that only one conductor, a so-called data bus, interacts with the computer equipment 1 and with the first module of the storage matrix 2, i.e. the unit 2a.

The total storage matrix or shelf system consists of a number of modules or units (in diagram 1 it is shown that each unit may comprise two times twenty slots for a normal CD record) with the appropriate electronic unit to which Light Emitting Diodes are connected.

Since the electronic unit is identical for each of the modules or units used, the description below shall cover only the module 2b which belongs to the electronic unit . It must also be noted that the computer equipment is linked via the cable 5 to the bar code pen 6 which is there to read the bar code applied on the CD record's original packing, or the bar code enlarged and copied to the display unit.

The construction of the respective storage module or unit 2a to 2e is such that the necessary link between the respective unit is made with an 8-pole data bus (3) , which means that the number of modules may be chosen according to current needs without having to pay attention to individual slot numbers or complicated cabling. In principle, this means that an unlimited number of modules 2a-2e, with forty slots, can be inter-connected.

Because it is necessary for the computer to check all the storage points for the indication of a storage point, the number of storage points will be limited by the time acceptable for indicating a selected storage point.

Each storage point within each module is provided with at least one LED. For the unit 2b,. the first storage point has been provided with the LED 11.

For the principle of this invention, it is vitally important that these diodes do function, since they optically indicate the selected storage point, thus facilitating the work of the personnel. However, the risk of the LEDs malfunctioning has been taken into account in this invention.

In case the LEDs develop a fault, then the point involved is disabled by the software in computer 1. The whole module will be replaced when a pre-programmed level of faults is reached.

This may happen as follows: when the LED in question fails to turn on for the first time when a storage point is selected, then the address of the actual storage point can be read on the display unit la. The record is fetched from the storage point and a disable code is entered to the computer at the same time. A selected storage point is disabled in the same manner when stocks inventories are made.

It is well known by professional people in the field that a computer 1 used for this purpose has a program which is sufficient and necessary for the system and that any additions to existing software required for customizing the computer equipment for this invention are tasks routinely executed by professionals in the field. The additions required here consist of data pertaining to CD article numbers, titles, artists, pricing, companies, etc. where the function of the addition is most easy to take into account in the description to follow.

It is possible to register an order to a computer and divide it as per the company making the delivery, including data about the number, article number, title and artist.

For this reason, the article data of the database located within the computer uses only article numbers and the amounts are indicated. Such order data is kept in the computer memory.

Having received a delivery from a record company involved, the records are packed and the article number of the first record is read with the aid of the bar code pen 6. The computer 1 responds by displaying the amount ordered, alternatively indicating that the record in question is not included in the order.

In the first case, the amount delivered is given as the answer, to check with the order.

SUB In the second alternative, the record/records is/are put aside for later handling outside this routine.

The computer then responds by activating an LED showing a selected point for storing the first CD record's original packing. Alternatively, several points can be indicated in case more than one record of the article is included in the order.

For any deviations in amount, the program is designed to take into account the actual amount delivered.

When putting the records' original packings to place, attention is paid to storage ergonomy, so that different storage sections are formed, i.e. for high-frequency recordings, recordings ordered by customers, etc.

The selecting of storage slots takes place after so that the first vacant slot within the respective storage section is selected. This means that the records are not located in any article number order but mainly at random.

With the necessary storing procedure completed, the computer requests the next article number and the above procedure is repeated until all the records contained in the delivery have been dealt with and stored.

The procedure is repeated for other deliveries and other suppliers.

Let's assume now that a customer comes with a display unit of the type shown and described in detail in the said ""^iα r-≥s 7 8 and S ^an<i requests to listen to the corresponding record, then the display unit's enlarged bar code is read with the bar code reader pen 6 and the storage point of the actual CD record is indicated by means of a blinking LED, provided that the record selected is in the storage. The computer equipment simultaneously registers the chosen record as disabled "for listening" to prevent it from being sold in the meantime, should only one copy of the record be available in store.

The record is picked out by authorized personnel from its storage slot in the storage unit and inserted in a CD record player for listening.

It should be noted that the system described here means that a customer is never allowed to handle the CD record original itself, nor the casing or the inside sleeve. This makes theft impossible and reduces unnecessary wear and tear caused by careless and non-professional treatment of original packings. With the listening finished, the DC record with original packing is put back into its former storage slot, provided that the customer does not choose to buy the record.

Should a desired record not exists in store, then a text will be displayed on the computer equipment's display unit 1 and the screen la with information on the company, the most recent order, outstanding order, etc. It now becomes possible for the customer to make an order instantly by completing the data with his/her name and possible customer number. The routine is identical with the rest of the orders, whether being ordered from a shop or by telephone or mail.

If the record in question has been selected through the display unit or requested of the computer and the answer is that the record is available in a certain storage slot within the storage matrix or storage system, the record can now be picked out and a check made simultaneously that it is the correct record by reading the record's bar code with the bar code pen 6, thereby switching off the LED as an acknowledgment of the correct record. Should the record be wrong, an error message is displayed.

A sales code is now entered to the computer equipment 1, which then asks for more records, if the answer is no, a receipt is printed containing the title of the record, number, amount and price, simultaneously displaying that the

storage slot previously occupied is now vacant.

It is obvious that a system in accordance with this description makes storage inventories possible by reading the bar code of each record. It is possible to use a special inventory program which handles the information about the storage in question and prints out the deviation reports.

It falls within the scope of this invention to use a special program capable of analyzing the consumption of records and reporting when the time is due for shifting the records from one storage section to another to make more space available in the most attractive section.

In reference to diagram 2, a possibility is shown for arranging the units of storage matrix 2 immediately next to each other where the unit 2a (not shown to have contact in the diagram) is directly linked with a corresponding contact to unit 2b where the serial connection shown in diagram 1 is made. Hence, it becomes necessary to connect units 2b and 2c in series using a separate interface cable, while no such cable is required between units 2a and 2b, respectively 2c and 2d.

In reference to diagram 3 it is shown how the computer equipment 1, with the aid of a data bus 3, is in contact with a number of units. The units 2a, 2b, respectively 2c,

are connected in series forming a row, while the units 12a, 12b and 12c are connected in series forming another row, etc.

The number of usable rows here is six.

It becomes apparent from diagram 1 that no interface card is required between the computer equipment 1 and the six rows of inter-connected units. However, the number of module rows is limited to six.

It is important to observe here that the first group of units 2a, 2b...2c are inter-connected in series and connected to a cable 2' from the computer equipment 1, another group of units 12a, 12b 12c are inter-connected in series and connected to a cable 12' (data communication cable) from the computer 1₇ etc. with the units 22a, 22b.... 22c to units 52a, 52b 52c. In reference to diagram 4, another form of implementation is shown where computer equipment 1 is used with the aid of an interface card thereby making eight module rows or groups available. The interface card offers simpler programming than the implementation form set out in diagram 3.

It should also be observed that the interface card is connected to one of the output ports of the computer equipment 1, viz. the one reserved for a printer.

In reference to diagram 5, a connection principle diagram is shown pertaining to unit 2b which is part of the electronic unit 4.

For indicating a storage point from among several storage points in unit 2b, certain coordination of clock pulses and data pulses is required.

It is assumed that the selected storage point is the situation 5 in unit 2b shown in diagram 5.

The clock pulses are formed as shown in figure 5A in accordance with time diagram 5B with no data pulse available for unit 2a. As for the unit 2b, it can be stated that a data pulse appears at the positive edge of the fifth clock pulse.

This time-based coordination sets the position "5" of shift register 20 to a state different from that of the other positions. This means that the position is selected.

When the voltage is then set by the computer equipment 1 based on time and issued through the cable 40, the diode 11' connected to position "5" is lit as shown in diagram 5C.

Finally, diagram 6 shows a more detailed connection scheme for the electronic unit 4 in accordance with diagram 5.

It is shown here that the unit or shift register 20 consists of a number of serially connected standardized shift registers 21, 22 and 23.

Special attention is to be paid to cable 41, used for clock pulse communication, cable 42 used for data pulse (5B) communication and cable 40.

There is no need to describe the necessary amplifiers and filters in further detail. In the construction described in the example, six shift registers are connected in series, instead of the three shown, to make it possible to select forty storage points.

Finally, it is pointed out that the different pieces of music contained in an album can be entered in the computer equipment 1 via its keyboard, or the computer can interact, in a well-known manner, with an external computer containing the stored information in question.

In addition, it is necessary for the computer to know the number of units or storage points available in each group.

Diagram "? shows a perspective view of an original packing lOI containing a CD record. In such a packing, the CD record is surrounded by an information medium consisting of printed paper or sleeve 10Id, This paper is normally provided with information printed on both sides with only one side being visible in a closed packing.

In most cases, one side of the paper contains an illustration and a list of record titles with the said side clearly visible through the casing. The same side bears a bar code contained in the section marked

The CD record plus the printed sleeve are contained within a casing which consists of parts 101a and 101b connected to each other along the edge which forms a hinge joint 101c.

Diagram £ shows how to place a number of the said original packings in a display stand consisting of a box 102. To reduce the risk of theft, it is a common practice have these original packings stored in box void of the actual CD records, which means that when somebody wishes to buy a CD record he/she then takes the casing to the cash register where the shop assistant leaves to visit the nearby facility where the actual CD records are stored in rows within the storage system in isolation from the sales point.

It may be stated here that the space required by such a packing is the width times the height times the depth, the latter being approx. 1 cm.

The righthand compartment is shown to contain a number of display units placed one after the other, each manufactured in accordance with this invention. The display stand is shown to have a lower surface or element which is designed to support/keep in place a number of information media in accordance with the respective records' printed sleeves. These information media are located immediately next to each other within the respective display unit and are exposed by a scanning procedure.

The intact original CD record packing can now be stored in a storage system (not shown) located within a separate facility apart from the display stand.

A display unit in accordance with the invention has been provided (as shown in diagram 8 as 1010) provided with a number of such items (as shown by 1010') which are located immediately next to each other.

In accordance with the invention it is pointed out that the respective information contents or information media (included in the display unit ) are intended not only to interact with the said elements, the bottom surface of the box, but they are also to include enlarged copies of the original printed record sleeves lOld, made by means of a hard copy device (not shown) , preferably a colour copier. It is suggested here that the entire section of a sleeve visible through the casing in an original packing should be copied and the copy then cut and joined together so that one part of the sleeve is on one side of the copy while the other side forms the other side of the copy.

The degree of enlargement should here be so selected as to have it remain below the highest permissible degree of enlargement used in enlarging the bar code section Id' on the original sleeve so as to retain the bar code reading capacity for prior art bar code pens.

However, the degree of enlargement should usually adapted to match the form and dimensions of the display stand. Therefore, it is suggested that the enlargement grade should remain below 70% and be preferably adjusted to be within the range of 20 and 40%.

Diagram 9 shows that the display unit 1010can be made up of a plastic casing with the rear section'lOlland front section 1012

The plastic material is transparent and has a thickness of approx. 0.2 mm. An enlarged copy 1013 of one of the sleeve sides can be place on one side of the piece of a cardboard piece 1014 and an enlarged copy 1013'of the casing^'s other side on the other side of the piece of cardboard 1014.

There is an alternative, namely to spread out the visible of the sleeve in its entirety and copy it. Here, the copy is cut off and/or bent and placed around a piece of cardboard so that the two sections 1013, 1013' each form the outsides and can be inserted as single unit in a plastic casing, even without a piece of cardboard.

It is now obvious that a number of information media and/or display units can momentarily exceed the number of corresponding originals stored in storage system at theft- proof facility located apart from the display stand. This means that it is necessary to have an order for such a non- stored original, if a customer chooses to buy such a CD record.

It is of particular importance to reserve a fairly low number of information media or display units for the storage of newly released records, prior to storing such items. This information can be provisional and does not necessitate the use of an enlarged copy of the casing.

The display units together with their copied casings may remain in the display stand long after the consumption of record has fallen below the level required for storage management procedures. This also necessitates an order of a said original if a customer wishes to buy such a record.

The thickness of the display unit is selected to remain below 5 mm and should preferably be between 2 and 4 mm.

It can be pointed out the diameter can be reduced by a factor of 4 to 10, while a selected enlargement may undergo an areal increase by a factor of 1.3.

All in all it is possible for the one and the same display stand volume to store a considerably higher amount of thin display units, each clearly legible and identified, than is the case with original packings sorted out in a display unit.

Naturally, the invention is not confined to the above example's form of implementation, but may be modified within the scope of the invention idea illustrated in the following patent claims.

Claims

1. A system intended for theft-proof selling of CD records or the like products prone to theft using a storage unit and at least one display unit, usually a number of display units one for each product, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that said storage unit has the features stated in one or more of the succeeding claims 2 - 16 and that each display unit has the features stated in one or more of the succeeding claims 17 - 25.

2. A computer controlled storage unit or storage matrix suita for the storage of a number CD records or similar items, the said unit consisting of a number of storage units indicated b computer equipment with each of the storage slots being inten and specially adapted for the storage of one CD record, characterized in that an optical indicator device such as a Light Emitting Diode (LED) is placed next to each storage sl the said indicator device being activated by the computer equipment when it checks and points out a storage slot based the information entered to it.

3. A storage matrix as claimed in patent claim 2, characteri in that a number of pre-determined storage slots are co-arranged forming one unit with the storage slots located opposite to each other on the two sides of the display unit based on optical indicator devices.

4. A storage matrix as claimed in patent claim 2 or 3, characterized in that one of the several units is connected to the computer equipment, while the other units are connected to each other in series.

5. A storage matrix as claimed patent claim 2, characterized in that the one and the same storage slot can be checked via the computer equipment regardless of whether the information entered

pertains to the record's or album's title or a piece of music on the record.

6. A storage matrix as claimed in patent claim 4, characterized in that the serial connection takes place via a so-called data bus.

7. A storage matrix as claimed in patent claim 2, characterized in that it is possible to enter, via the computer equipment, a disable sequence for the storage slot in question, if the corresponding optical indicator device is found to be malfunctioning.

8. A storage matrix as claimed in any of the patent claims 2,3 or 7, characterized in that when a pre-determined number of storage slots become disabled, the computer equipment issues a message for the unit to be replaced.

9. A storage matrix as claimed in patent claim 2, characterized in that a bar code pen connected to the computer equipment is used to read a selected record's or album's article number and to determine a vacant storage slot or a number of vacant storage slots depending on the amount in question, and to activate the optical indicator device or devices pre-selected for the storage slot or slots involved.

10,A storage matrix as claimed in patent claim 2, characterized in that the evaluation of a vacant storage slot done by the computer equipment depends on the status of the record, e.g. high-frequency records, records ordered by customers, etc.

11. A storage matrix as claimed in patent claim 2, characterized in that the records bearing the same status are given a storage section or a number of selected units of their own.

SUBS

12. A storage matrix as claimed in patent claim 2, characterized in that the information entered is made legible via a display unit.

13. A storage matrix as claimed in patent claim 2, characterized in that the display unit consists of an enlarged copy of the record sleeve.

14. A storage matrix as claimed in patent claim 2, characterized in that the computer equipment is provided with a display for indicating the actual storage slot and any additional information as legible text.

15. A storage matrix as claimed in patent claim 2, characterized in that each of the storage slots is allocated a number of optical indicator devices.

16. A storage matrix as claimed in patent claim 4, characterized in that the unit is interfaced via the computer equipment' s printer output port. - S O - ^'

17. A display unit adapted for a display stand, suitable for enabling theft-proof selling of CD records or similar items, containing elements intended to support and/keep in place a number of information media corresponding to the sleeves of the respective records, with the information media placed immediately to each other, exposed by a scanning procedure, thus providing theft-proof storage of the CD record original within a facility located apart from the display stand, characterized in that the respective information media which belong a display unit and interact with the said elements are made by a copy device, preferably a colour copier, con¬ taining an enlarged copy of the record sleeve.

18. A display unit as claimed in patent claim IV ,characterized in that the degree of enlargement is so selected that it remains below the maximum degree of enlargement for the bar code applied on the sleeve thereby retaining the bar code reading capacity for a bar code pen.

19. display unit as claimed in patent claim 17 or -18charac¬ terized in that the degree of enlargement remains below 70%, preferably adjusted to be between 20 and 40%.

SUBSTIT T

20.A display unit as claimed in patent claim 17,characterized in that the said enlarged copy is applied onto a solid piece of board, preferably cardboard.

21.A display unit as claimed in patent claim 17 or 20charac¬ terized in that the copy is surrounded by transparent plastic material.

22. A display unit as claimed in any of the patent claims 17 _f 20 or 21, characterized in that a relatively solid entity is provided with media readily applicable to the elements of the display stand.

23. A display unit as claimed in patent claim 17, characterized in that a number of information media are selected to exceed the number of the currently stored originals.

24. A display unit as claimed in patent claim 17characterized in that a fairly low number of information media is reserved for newly released items, or records of low consumption, preferably provided with provisional contents lists.

25. A display unit as claimed in patent claim 17characterized in that the diameter is adjusted to be below 5 mm, preferably between 2 and 4 mm.