Dedicated Self-Service Return Terminal for Media
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Solution Overview
Problem
Customers face frustration when returning DVDs as they often have to wait in a queue with renters and returners at self-service media rental terminals, leading to inefficiency and potential misplacement of media.
Innovation Solution
A dedicated self-service return terminal with a media transporter, removable storage bin, and sliding mechanism allows for quick and secure return of DVDs without the need to interact with rental operations, using RFID verification and shutter mechanisms to manage DVD types and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a self-service media rental terminal is designed to handle both DVD rental and return operations, then the terminal can serve multiple functions, but customers who only want to return DVDs have to wait in a queue with renters, increasing waiting time and reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the media rental system into two separate terminals: a self-service media rental terminal for renting DVDs and a dedicated self-service return terminal for returning DVDs. This segmentation allows customers to return DVDs immediately without waiting in the rental queue, while the rental terminal maintains its multi-functional capability. The physical separation of return operations from rental operations eliminates the queue conflict while preserving the versatility of the rental system.
2Loss of time
If a dedicated self-service return terminal is provided for immediate DVD returns, then customer waiting time is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional components like sliding mechanism and removable storage bin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the DVD storage function from the main terminal structure by implementing a removable storage bin that can be easily detached and transferred to the rental terminal. This extraction simplifies the dedicated return terminal's structure, making it less complex while still providing immediate return capability. The storage bin is taken out as a separate, portable component rather than being permanently integrated into the terminal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a sliding mechanism that allows the storage bin to move between a top position (for receiving returns) and a bottom position (for removal and transfer). This dynamic design enables the terminal to adapt its configuration based on operational needs, providing immediate return functionality when needed while allowing easy maintenance and transfer operations. The dynamic positioning reduces structural complexity compared to fixed installations.
3Device complexity
If the storage bin is permanently fixed in the return terminal, then the terminal structure is simpler, but servicing and transferring the bin to the rental terminal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The storage bin is designed as a removable component that can be easily extracted from the dedicated return terminal and transferred to the rental terminal. This extraction design maintains structural simplicity while enabling easy servicing and transfer operations. The bin is not permanently fixed but rather designed for periodic removal and reinstallation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding mechanism provides dynamic positioning capability, allowing the storage bin to be easily moved to a removable position for servicing and transfer operations. This dynamic design maintains structural simplicity during normal operation while enabling easy access and transfer when needed, resolving the contradiction between fixed structure and ease of repair.
4Reliability
If the dedicated return terminal processes all DVD returns centrally, then media misplacement is reduced, but the terminal becomes a bottleneck during peak return times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the storage function from the dedicated return terminal by using a removable storage bin that can be transferred to the rental terminal. This extraction distributes the return processing capacity across both terminals, preventing the dedicated return terminal from becoming a bottleneck while maintaining reliable media tracking through the rental terminal's verification system.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of storage capacity by allowing the bin to be positioned for receiving returns or removed for transfer to the rental terminal. This dynamic capability allows the system to scale its return processing capacity based on demand, preventing bottlenecks during peak times while maintaining reliable tracking through the rental terminal's verification processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A dedicated self-service return terminal is provided for receiving returned media on which entertainment data is stored. The dedicated self-service return terminal comprises a media transporter having a media return slot through which returned media can be received from a customer returning the media, a removable media storage bin for storing returned media which has been received through the slot, a container having a chamber in which the media storage bin is installed when the media storage bin is in use, a sliding mechanism arranged to support the container for vertical sliding movement between a top position in which the media storage bin can receive returned media received through the slot and a bottom position in which the media storage bin can be removed from the container, and a controller arranged to control the sliding mechanism to effect movement of the container between the top and bottom positions during operation of the dedicated self-service return terminal.