Automated, interactive vending system for products which must be processed

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An automated, human responsive apparatus for receiving, storing, retrieving and dispensing an item which must be processed comprising:

a. means for providing instructions concerning processing of the item;

b. means for entering into the apparatus information responsive to the instructions provided;

c. means for receiving the item to be processed;

d. means for storing the item received;

e. means for allowing collection of the item stored for processing;

f. means for retrieving the item processed; and

g. means for dispensing the item retrieved.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 in which the instruction providing means comprises a video display supplying instructions responsive to the information entered.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 in which the retrieving means comprises:

a. at least one track connected to the storage means;

b. guide means slidably attached to the track; and

c. a scoop assembly slidably attached to the guide means.

4. An apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising means for recording the information entered.

5. An apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising means for receiving payment for fees charged for processing the item.

6. An apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising means for dispensing a means for identifying the item to be processed bearing symbols derived from the information entered.

7. An apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising means for establishing voice and digital communication between a user and a representative located at a remote location and allowing the representative to operate the apparatus from the remote location.

8. An apparatus according to claim 5 further comprising means for comparing the payment received with the fee charged and refunding any excess payment.

9. An apparatus according to claim 8 further comprising means for printing a receipt for the fee charged, amount received and excess refunded.

10. An automated, human responsive apparatus for receiving, storing, retrieving and dispensing an item which must be processed comprising:

a. means for providing instructions concerning processing of the item;

b. means for entering into the apparatus both before and after processing of the item information responsive to the instructions provided;

c. means for recording the information entered;

d. means for receiving the item;

e. storage means for storing the item received;

f. means for allowing collection of the item stored for processing;

g. means for retrieving the item processed comprising:

1. compartmentalized storage means for storing in any empty compartment the item after processing;

2. means for scanning information relating to the processed item and to a user of the apparatus; and

3. means for matching the scanned information with the information entered by the user after processing of the item to be processed; and

h. means for dispensing the retrieved item.

11. An apparatus according to claim 10 in which the dispensing means comprises:

a. means responsive to the matching means for removing the processed item from the compartment; and

b. means for transporting the removed item to a position in which it may be extracted by a user.

12. An automated, human responsive apparatus for receiving, processing, storing, retrieving and dispensing an item which must be processed comprising:

a. means for providing instructions concerning processing of the item;

b. means for entering into the apparatus information responsive to the instructions provided;

c. means for receiving the item to be processed;

d. means for processing the item received;

e. means for storing the item processed;

f. means for retrieving the processed item stored; and

g. means for dispensing the processed item stored.

13. An apparatus according to claim 12 in which the item to be processed is a still video camera diskette.

14. An apparatus according to claim 13 in which the processing means comprises:

a. means for displaying an image derived from data obtained from the item; and

b. means for projecting the image onto light-sensitive paper.

15. An apparatus according to claim 12 further comprising means for recording the information entered.

16. A method for tracking an item which must be processed comprising:

a. recording information concerning an item to be processed on a mobile memory means located within an unmanned apparatus;

b. preparing an identifying means for the item bearing symbols derived from the information recorded;

transporting the mobile memory means, the identifying means, and the item to a processing facility;

d. processing the item; and

e. affixing symbols derived from the information recorded to the processed item.

17. A method for receiving, storing, processing, retrieving and dispensing an item which must be processed comprising:

a. prompting a patron to provide information relating to the patron's identity and the type of processing desired for the item to be processed;

b. recording the information provided on a me