SELF-CONTAINED CASSETTE VENDING MACHINE

摘要

A vending machine is disclosed for dispensing and accepting relatively small boxed articles such as video cassette tapes and the like. The machine is provided with a slot for credit cards and is equipped to authenticate credit cards. Advantageously a processor unit controls all the function of the machine including a display monitor on which operating instructions are given to the customer. A memory unit is connected to the processing unit is used to store inventory and cost information. Each article positioned within the machine is identified by a code secured to the article. This code is sensed by the machine when the article is returned through an appropriate slot. Therefore the customer can use a credit card to obtain a selected article from the machine. If he decides to rent the article for a preselected period of time he may return it through the return slot. A hard copy of all the transactions is provided by a printer.