| 摘要 |
A library checking system for use with books provided with RFID tags comprises a terminal 1 incorporating a housing 15 within which a book is contained during checking, and an identification antenna 17 for detecting the RFID tag of the book while within the housing 15 and for supplying a signal identifying the book to a central processor. A book slot 2 through which the book is insertable for checking opens into the housing 15, and an output from the housing 15 is provided through which the book is discharged to a pick-up area in the event of the book being passed by the central processor as available for borrowing. A pivotable bookdrop flap 14 is provided within the housing 15 on which the book is supported during detection by the identification antenna 17, the flap 14 being pivotable to cause the book to drop into a bookdrop bin 12 in the event of the book not being passed by the central processor as available for borrowing. Such a system enables a book or other borrowable item to be automatically issued to a user when the item is passed by the central processor as being available for borrowing. In this case the user may collect the book from the pick-up area and can take the book out of the library without any manual checking system being required. In the event that the book is found not to be available for borrowing, for example because the book has been reserved by another user or a payment is outstanding, the book is automatically passed to a secure receptacle, thus preventing the user from borrowing the book and enabling the book to be manually returned to the required library location in due course. |
