US20040211833A1 - System for processing financial transactions in a self-service library terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

A library terminal permits a user to execute a loan transaction without assistance. The library terminal (i) provides a visible scan line from a bar code reader indicating the correct positioning of the bar code on a circulating item, (ii) leads a user through a loan transaction, (iii) provides an explicit feedback to a user when an article has an improper position on the article receiving area, (iv) both checks out and checks in circulating items, (v) stores fonts in bit maps of screen displays instead of in a separate font memory, (vi) integrates a security marker reader, a printer, and a controller in the same housing, (vii) processes financial transactions related to the borrowing of circulating items, and/or (viii) displays actions for helping the user to correct errors in use of the terminal.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates to a library terminal which may be used, for example, by borrowers to check circulating items out of, and/or to return circulating items to, a library.[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Many businesses and other enterprises are increasingly automating their systems in order to reduce operating cost and improve service. When such systems are used by the customers of these businesses and other enterprises, automation typically involves self-service facilities which allow customers to satisfy their own requirements. For example, financial institutions and library systems are beginning to use self-service terminals in order to reduce costs and to improve service. In the case of libraries, the libraries' patrons may use these self-service library terminals to conduct at least some of their business with the libraries.[0002]
• Known self-service library terminals typically include a cradle on which circulating items to be checked out from, or returned to, a library can be placed. A scanner reads a code, such as a bar code, which has been placed on the circulating item by library staff and which identifies the circulating item. Typically the scanner projects a visible scan line in order to read the code. The visible scan line used by current scanners do little more than read codes, and are not arranged to provide information back to library patrons. Accordingly, known self-service library terminals are under-utilized.[0003]
• Known self-service library terminals also do not lead a user through a loan transaction and do not provide feedback to the user regarding the proper use of the self-service library terminal. For example, known self-service library terminals do not indicate to the user when a circulating item has been placed in an improper position on the cradle.[0004]
• Moreover, when known self-service library terminals are configured according to the specifications of a particular library, the configuration data is not conveniently generated and distributed to each of the self-service library terminals provided by a library. Accordingly, unnecessary expense and time consuming labor are required to configure the self-service library terminals of a library.[0005]
• In addition, known self-service library terminals typically rely on only one circulating item receiving area, such as a cradle, in order to receive circulating items whose codes are to be scanned by the scanner during check out and/or check in. This limitation means that either current self-service library terminals are limited in the types of circulating items which can be checked out and/or checked in by the patron without the help of a member of the library staff, or library staff must be careful about the placement of codes on the circulating items and patrons must be careful about the placement of the different kinds of circulating items on the cradle so that their codes may be properly scanned.[0006]
• Furthermore, known library self-service terminals have many other limitations. For example, (i) known self-service library terminals do not process financial credit transactions, (ii) they do not store loan transaction information during periods when the communication link between the terminal and the main circulation system of the library is down so that this loan transaction information can be later transferred to the main circulation system when the communication link is back up, (iii) they do not determine incorrect placement of a patrons library card on the cradle so that the identification of the patron processing a check out or check in transaction can be determined, and (iv) they do not permit a library patron to continue a transaction at the option of the patron if the self-service library terminal is in an error state.[0007]
• The present invention is directed to a library terminal that solves one or more of the above noted problems.[0008]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a library terminal comprises an article receiving area arranged to receive an article, a code reader arranged to read a code on the article when placed on the article receiving area, and a controller coupled to the code reader. The controller is arranged to control the code reader so as to project a visible indicator onto the article receiving area and so as to change the visible indicator between first and second visible states, and the controller is arranged to process a signal from the code reader corresponding to the code read by the code.[0009]
• In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a library terminal comprises a display, a transducer, a code reader arranged to read a code on an article involved in a loan transaction, and a controller coupled to the display, the transducer, and the code reader. The controller is arranged to control the code reader so to as read the code on the article, the controller is arranged to control the display so as to lead a user through the loan transaction, and the controller is arranged to control the transducer so as to provide an audible feedback having first and second on-states depending upon operation of the library terminal by the user.[0010]
• In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, a self-service library terminal comprises an article receiving area arranged to receive an article, a code reader arranged to read a code on the article when the article is placed on the article receiving area, and a controller coupled to the code reader. The controller is arranged to process signals from the code reader and to provide an explicit feedback to a borrower when an article has an improper position on the article receiving area.[0011]
• In accordance with an additional aspect of the present invention, a method of the present invention is provided for the preparation of configuration data for multiple self-service library terminals. According to the method, the configuration data is stored in data storage memories of the multiple self-service library terminals. The multiple self-service library terminals are configured by the configuration data to interact with users during loan transactions. The method comprises the following steps: a) preparing the configuration data on an administration terminal; and b) transferring the configuration data from the administration terminal to the data storage memories of the multiple self-service library terminals.[0012]
• In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a library terminal comprises a monitor, a data storage memory storing screen displays, and a controller. The screen displays include fonts. The controller is arranged to control the display of the screen displays, including the fonts, on the monitor without performing font rendering from fonts stored separately from the screen displays.[0013]
• In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a library terminal comprises a housing, an item receiving area incorporated in the housing, a video receiving area incorporated in the housing, a reader supported- by the housing and arranged to read the circulating item and the video when the circulating item is placed in the item receiving area and when the video is placed in the video receiving area, and a controller. The item receiving area is arranged to receive a circulating item. The video receiver area is arranged to receive a video. The controller is contained with the housing, and the controller is coupled to the reader.[0014]
• In accordance with still a further aspect of the present invention, a self-service library terminal comprises a reader and a controller. The reader is arranged to read identifications on articles involved in library loan transactions. The controller is arranged to process signals from the reader corresponding to the identifications read by the reader, and the controller is arranged to process financial credit transactions related to the library loan transactions and to remind a borrower of the borrower's account status.[0015]
• In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present invention, an arrangement comprises a self-service library terminal, a circulation system, and a communication link. The communication link couples the self-service library terminal to the circulation system. The self-service library terminal has a controller arranged to process a loan transaction of a borrower of a circulating item. The controller stores the loan transaction during a period when the communication link between the self-service library terminal and the circulation system is down, and the controller transfers the stored loan transaction from the self-service library terminal to the circulation system during a period when the communication link between the self-service library terminal and the circulation system is not down.[0016]
• In accordance with an additional aspect of the present invention, a library terminal comprises a card receiving area arranged to receive a library card, a card reader arranged to read the library card when the library card is placed on the card receiving area, and a controller coupled to the card reader. The controller is responsive to the card reader in order to determine incorrect library card placement on the card receiving area.[0017]
• In accordance with a further additional aspect of the present invention, a library terminal comprises a circulating item receiving area arranged to receive a circulating item, a scanner arranged to scan the circulating item when the circulating item is placed on the circulating item receiving area, and a controller coupled to the scanner. The controller is responsive to the scanner in order to determine when the circulating- item is in the circulating item receiving area but is not in a reference position.[0018]
• In accordance with still a further additional aspect of the present invention, a library terminal comprises a first circulating item receiving area arranged to receive a first circulating item of a first type, a first scanner arranged to read the first circulating item when the first circulating item is placed in the first circulating item receiving area, a second circulating item receiving area arranged to receive a second circulating item of a second type, a second scanner arranged to read the second circulating item when the second circulating item is placed in the second circulating item receiving area, and a controller coupled to the first and second scanners. The first and second types are different. The controller is responsive to the first scanner in order to determine when the second circulating item is placed on the first circulating item receiving area.[0019]
• In accordance with yet a further additional aspect of the present invention, a self-service library terminal comprises a controller and a display. The controller is arranged to detect an error state of the self-service library terminal and, while the self-service library terminal is in the error state, to notify a user through use of the display that the user may continue a transaction at the option of the user.[0020]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from a detailed consideration of the invention when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:[0021]
• FIG. 1 illustrates a self-service library terminal according to the present invention;[0022]
• FIG. 2 illustrates a library system in which a plurality of library terminals are interconnected;[0023]
• FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary set of internal components for the self-service library terminal illustrated in FIG. 1;[0024]
• FIG. 4 illustrates a start up routine performed by the self-service library terminal illustrated in FIG. 1 where the self-service library terminal is arranged to process only checkouts;[0025]
• FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative start up routine which may be performed by the self-service library terminal illustrated in FIG. 1 when the terminal has multiple language capability and when the terminal is used for both checkout and checkin;[0026]
• FIGS. 6-14 illustrate a patron identification routine performed by the self-service library terminal illustrated in FIG. 1;[0027]
• FIGS. 15-20 illustrate a circulating item checkout routine performed by the self-service library terminal illustrated in FIG. 1;[0028]
• FIG. 21 illustrates a session termination routine performed by the self-service library terminal illustrated in FIG. 1;[0029]
• FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrates a patron walk-away routine performed by the self-service library terminal illustrated in FIG. 1;[0030]
• FIG. 24 illustrates a start up routine performed by the self-service library terminal illustrated in FIG. 1 where the self-service library terminal is arranged to process only checkins;[0031]
• FIGS. 25-27 illustrate a circulating item check in routine performed by the self-service library terminal illustrated in FIG. 1;[0032]
• FIG. 28 illustrates an out-of-service routine performed by the self-service library terminal illustrated in FIG. 1;[0033]
• FIG. 29 illustrates a post identification processing routine performed by the self-service library terminal illustrated in FIG. 1; and,[0034]
• FIG. 30 illustrates an arrangement for configurating the self-service library terminal illustrated in FIG. 1.[0035]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• A self-[0036]service library terminal10 is illustrated in FIG. 1. The self-service library terminal10 has ahousing12 forming acradle14, which also may be referred to as a first circulating item receiving area. Thecradle14 is arranged to receive a circulating item such as a book, a magazine, a CD, and/or the like, and has anidle indicator16. Theidle indicator16, for example, may be a bar code, may be referred to herein as a default bar code, and may be provided in a card holder of thecradle14. This card holder may be used by the library patron to hold the patron's library card when the patron is entering the patron's ID at the beginning of a loan transaction. Areader18 is supported on thehousing12 and is arranged to read item identifiers or codes, such as bar codes, on the circulating items and library cards placed on thecradle14. For example, thereader18 may be a scanner such as a bar code scanner. Thereader18 also reads theidle indicator16 in order to determine, for example, when a library card or a circulating item is or is not on thecradle14. Thereader18 may additionally be arranged to read other features, such as dimensions, of a library card and/or a circulating item.
• [0037]Photoelectric sensors20 and22 are suitably affixed to thecradle14 and are used to sense circulating items on thecradle14. For example, when thereader18 reads theidle indicator16 on thecradle14, and neither of thephotoelectric sensors20 and22 is covered, the self-service library terminal10 determines that a circulating item is not placed on thecradle14. On the other hand, if thereader18 reads theidle indicator16 and one of thephotoelectric sensors20 and22 is covered, or if thereader18 does not read theidle indicator16 and one or both of thephotoelectric sensors20 and22 are covered, the self-service library terminal10 determines that a circulating item is placed on thecradle14 but is not in the proper position. Thus, a circulating item is in the proper position when its identifier on the circulating item is read by thereader18 and both of thephotoelectric sensors22 and are covered.
• As is also known, a security marker may be provided in or on a circulating item. This security marker typically is a magnetic strip which is placed in the spine and/or along an edge of a circulating item. The security marker can be desensitized when a circulating item is properly checked out by a library patron so that exit scanners will not provide an alarm as the patron passes out of an exit of the library. On the other hand, if the security marker is not desensitized before the circulating item passes through the exit scanners, an alarm will be given to alert the library staff. During check in, the security marker of a circulating item is re-sensitized so that, if the circulating item is not properly checked out before an attempt is made to remove the circulating item from the library, an alarm will be given. Accordingly, the self-[0038]service library terminal10 can include a sensitizer/desensitizer24 which is provided in aback wall26 of thehousing12 and which interacts with the security marker. For example, the security marker may be a magnetic security marker, and the sensitizer/desensitizer24 may be arranged to magnetize or de-magnetize the magnetic security marker. The sensitizer/desensitizer24 also may be arranged to read the magnetic state of the security marker during multiple book detection and/or to determine the appropriate sensitizing/desensitizing range of the sensitizer/desensitizer24.
• In order for the sensitizer/[0039]desensitizer24 to operate properly, the portion of the circulating item having the security marker must be against theback wall26 of thecradle14. The item identifier which uniquely identifies a circulating item is placed by the library staff on the circulating item so that, when thereader18 reads the item identifier on the circulating item, and when thephotoelectric sensors20 and22 are covered, the portion of the circulating item having the security marker must be against the sensitizer/desensitizer24. Thus, when thereader18 fails to read either the item identifier of a circulating item or theidle indicator16, and when thephotoelectric sensors20 and22 are covered, then either the circulating item has been placed on thecradle14 so that the portion of the circulating item having the security marker is not against the sensitizer/desensitizer24, or the circulating item must be slid sufficiently along theback wall26 to enable thereader18 to read the item identifier on the circulating item.
• In the case where the[0040]reader18 is a scanner such as a bar code scanner, the visible scan line projected by thereader18 may be used to indicate proper placement of the circulating item on thecradle14 so that the identifier on the circulating item may be read. Thus, this scan line helps guide the patron in properly positioning the circulating item on thecradle14. Also, the self-service library terminal10 has adisplay28 which is used to provide instructions to the patron regarding proper placement of a circulating item on thecradle14 in response to feedback from thereader18 and thephotoelectric sensors20 and22. Also, thedisplay28 may be used to provide other information to the patron.
• The self-[0041]service library terminal10 may also be provided with avideo slot30, which may also be referred to as a second circulating item receiving area. Thevideo slot30 may be used to receive such circulating items as videos and the like. The self-service library terminal10 further has akeypad32, amagnetic stripe reader34, a printer (not shown in FIG. 1), aprinter slot36, aproximity sensor38, and anaudible transducer40. Thekeypad32 may be used by a patron to enter appropriate data. Themagnetic stripe reader34 may be used, for example, to read a magnetic stripe on a patron's library card, debit card, credit card, or the like. The patron may present the magnetic stripe of a library card to themagnetic stripe reader34 so that the patron processing a transaction at the self-service library terminal10 may be identified. Themagnetic stripe reader34 may also be used to read a magnetic stripe on a patron's debit card or credit card in order to process a financial transaction involving the patron. The printer may be used to issue printed matter through theprinter slot36. For example, the printer may be used to print various items such as system diagnostics, receipts based on financial transactions conducted by library patrons, or receipts for circulating items being checked out indicating the date by which the circulating items should be checked in. Theproximity sensor38 may be used to detect when a library patron has approached the self-service library terminal10, and theaudible transducer40 may be used to provide audible feedback to the patron. Thehousing12 may also be provided with acash slot42 that may be used to receive and dispense cash involved in financial transactions. As shown in FIG. 1, thecash slot42 is a separate box which is in communication with the self-service library10 terminal by way of a connection in the rear of thehousing12. Alternatively, thecash slot42 may be formed integrally with the self-service library10.
• As shown in FIG. 2, a[0042]circulation system48 of a library typically has multiple terminals some or all of which may be self-service library terminals such as the self-service library terminal10 shown in FIG. 1. Accordingly, thecirculation system48 includes adata server50 and a plurality oflibrary terminals52,54,56,58, . . . n which, as shown in FIG. 2, are interconnected in a star configuration. However, it should be understood that thedata server50 and thelibrary terminals52,54,56,58, . . . n may be instead interconnected in any network configuration. Thedata server50 is at the hub of the star and, for example, may include the functions of a main circulation terminal and/or an administration terminal which are used by library staff in order to administer the circulatingsystem48 in which thelibrary terminals52,54,56,58, . . . n are used. Indeed, for the discussion below, it is assumed that thedata server50 performs the function of an administration terminal. However, it should be understood that a separate administration terminal may be used.
• Alternatively, the[0043]data server50 may be a gateway permitting the other library terminals shown in FIG. 2 to communicate with one another. Theother library terminals52,54,56,58, . . . n may be self-service library terminals such as the self-service library terminal10 shown in FIG. 1.
• Configuration data may be generated by use of one of the library terminals shown in FIG. 2. If the[0044]data server50 performs the functions of an administration terminal, the configuration data can be generated there. On the other hand, if thedata server50 is also a gateway, one of thelibrary terminals52,54,56,58, . . . n shown in FIG. 2 functioning as an administration terminal may be used in order to generate the configuration data. Alternatively, any of thelibrary terminals52,54,56,58, . . . n may be used to generate the configuration data. As a still further alternative, all of thelibrary terminals52,54,56,58, . . . n shown in FIG. 2 may be self-service library terminals.
• The configuration data includes, for example, screen display formats. These screen display formats are used to generate screen displays in one or more languages which are then presented to the user on the[0045]display28 shown in FIG. 1 depending upon the nature of the information to be conveyed to the user or depending upon the information which is to be elicited from the patron. The configuration data may also include receipt formats and message responses. Accordingly, the configuration data is generated using the designated library terminal and is then downloaded to the other library terminals of thecirculation system48.
• The components housed by the[0046]housing12 of the self-service library terminal10 are illustrated in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the self-service library terminal includes amicroprocessor60 and amemory62 associated therewith. Thememory62 may include, for example, aRAM64 and aROM66. Themicroprocessor60 also has I/O ports68 in order to receive information from, and to provide information to, various devices. For example, themicroprocessor60 receives information from thereader18, thephotoelectric sensors20 and22, thekeypad32, themagnetic stripe reader34, and theproximity sensor38. The information from these devices is read by themicroprocessor60 through the I/O ports68.
• The[0047]microprocessor60 also provides information to thedisplay28, theaudible transducer40, and theprinter70 through the I/O ports68. Accordingly, themicroprocessor60, for example, provides screen displays and other information for display by thedisplay28, feedback and other information for transmission by theaudible transducer40, and information to be printed by theprinter70. Acommunication link72 is provided so that themicroprocessor60 can transmit and receive information to and from other self-service library terminals and/or thedata server50. For example, themicroprocessor60 may be arranged to determine whether thecommunication link72 is down at any time that it needs to communicate with thedata server50 over thecommunication link72. During periods when thecommunication link72 is down, themicroprocessor60 stores in thememory62 any loan transaction information that it is required to communicate to thedata server50 so that this loan transaction information can be later transferred to thedata server50 when thecommunication link72 is back up. Areader74, which may be similar to thereader18 and which is housed in thehousing12, is provided for reading item identifiers on videos that are inserted by the library patron into thevideo slot30.
• The[0048]microprocessor60 executes a program represented by the flow charts shown in FIGS. 4-29. The flow chart shown in FIG. 4 governs start-up of the self-service library terminal10 when the self-service library terminal10 is used only for checkout of circulating items. At start-up, if the staff of the library in which the self-service library terminal10 is used determines that the self-service library terminal10 is not to be used during a particular time period, then themicroprocessor60 at ablock102 retrieves an out-of-service screen display SCR-28 from thememory62 and displays that out-of-service screen display on thedisplay28. On the other hand, if themicroprocessor60 detects an error at start up, then themicroprocessor60 as indicated by ablock104 retrieves an error condition out-of-service screen display SCR-82 from thememory62 and displays this error condition out-of-service screen display on thedisplay28. As indicated in FIG. 4, the self-service library terminal10 may be arranged to allow the patron to continue under certain error conditions. The self-servelibrary terminal10 may be arranged so that whether the patron is allowed to continue under certain error conditions is an option that the library staff can enable.
• However, assuming that the staff of the library has not determined that the self-[0049]service library terminal10 is not to be used during a particular time period, and assuming that themicroprocessor60 does not detect an error at start up, or if the patron is allowed to continue even though there is an error, themicroprocessor60 at ablock106 retrieves a welcome screen SCR-1 from thememory62 and supplies the welcome screen to thedisplay28.
• The screen displays described herein may be stored as bit maps in the[0050]memory62 and may be accessed from thememory62 when needed.
• This welcome screen SCR-[0051]1 may provide certain library specific information as designated by the staff of the library in which the self-service library terminal10 is used. For example, the welcome screen may direct the patron to first enter the patron's identification by placing the patron's library card in thecradle14 or by swiping the magnetic stripe on the patron's library card through themagnetic stripe reader34 or by using thekeypad32. Alternatively, a screen saver initial screen may be presented on thedisplay28 to the patron directing the patron to press any key, upon which the welcome screen SCR-1 is presented to the patron. As a still further alternative, the welcome screen SCR-1 is not presented on thedisplay28 until a sensor, such as theproximity sensor38, detects the presence of a patron at the self-service library terminal10. As a yet further alternative, or in addition to any of the alternatives described above, the scan line projected by thereader18 is changed from a first state to a second state when a sensor, such as theproximity sensor38, detects the presence of a patron at the self-service library terminal10. For example, the first state may be off and the second state may be on, or the first state may be steady and the second state may be blinking, or the first state may be blinking and the second state may be steady, or the first state may be long and the second state may be short, or the first state may be short and the second state may be long, or the like.
• The[0052]microprocessor60 remains in theblock106 state until it detects that the patron (i) has placed the patron's library card in thecradle14, or has presented the magnetic stripe on the patron's library card to themagnetic stripe reader34, or has entered the patron's identification through use of thekeypad32, or (ii) has pressed an identification entry key of thekeypad32 indicating that the patron wishes to enter the patron's identification through use of thereader18, themagnetic stripe reader34, or thekeypad32, or (iii) has tripped a media sensor such as covering one or more of thephotoelectric sensors20 and22 or covering theidle indicator16. If the patron has placed the patron's library card in thecradle14, program flow proceeds to point B of FIG. 6. If the patron has entered the patron's identification through use of thekeypad32, program flow proceeds to point B of FIG. 10. If the patron has presented the magnetic stripe on the patron's library card to themagnetic stripe reader34, program flow proceeds to point B of FIG. 8.
• On the other hand, if the patron has pressed an identification entry key on the[0053]keypad32, program flow proceeds to apoint108 in FIG. 4. Thus, if the patron has pressed a bar code identification entry key of thekeypad32 indicating that the patron wishes to enter the patron's identification through use of thereader18, program flow proceeds to point A of FIG. 6. If the patron has pressed a keypad identification entry key of thekeypad32 indicating that the patron wishes to enter the patron's identification through use of thekeypad32, program flow proceeds to point A of FIG. 10. If the patron has pressed a magnetic stripe identification entry key of thekeypad32 indicating that the patron wishes to enter the patron's identification through use of themagnetic stripe reader34, program flow proceeds to point A of FIG. 8.
• If the patron has tripped a media sensor (such as by placing a circulating item on the[0054]cradle14 to cover at least one of thephotoelectric sensors20 and22), then themicroprocessor60 at ablock110 provides a sad tone (indicated by the sad face) through theaudible transducer40 and causes a screen display SCR-2 to be displayed to the library patron in which the library patron is requested to press one of the identification entry keys on thekeypad32 in order to begin a transaction or to clear the media sensor. If the patron presses one of the identification entry keys, program flow proceeds to point108 of FIG. 4. If the library patron clears the sensor without pressing a key or taking some other action indicating the beginning of a transaction, program flow returns to theblock106. If the library patron takes no action at theblock110 for a predetermined amount of time as determined by a maximum event timer T1, program flow returns to theblock106.
• In the case where a library patron is allowed to choose a language in order to execute a check in and/or check out transaction using the self-[0055]service library terminal10, the flow chart shown in FIG. 5 instead of the flow chart shown in FIG. 4 governs start-up of the self-service library terminal10. As shown in FIG. 5, at start-up, if the staff of the library in which the self-service library terminal10 is used determines that the self-service library terminal10 is not to be used during a particular time period, then themicroprocessor60 at ablock120 retrieves the out-of-service screen display SCR-28 from thememory62 and displays that out-of-service screen display on thedisplay28. On the other hand, if themicroprocessor60 detects an error at start up, then themicroprocessor60 as indicated by ablock122 retrieves the error condition out-of-service screen display SCR-82 from thememory62 and displays this error condition out-of-service screen display on thedisplay28. (The screen displays SCR-28 and SCR-82 may provide the same out-of-service information in multiple languages.) As indicated in FIG. 4, the self-service library terminal10 may be arranged to allow the patron to continue under certain error conditions.
• However, assuming that the staff of the library has not determined that the self-[0056]service library terminal10 is not to be used during a particular time period, and assuming that themicroprocessor60 does not detect an error at start up, or if the patron is allowed to continue even though there is an error, themicroprocessor60 at ablock124 retrieves a welcome screen from thememory62 and supplies the welcome screen SCR-3 to thedisplay28.
• This welcome screen SCR-[0057]3 may be in multiple languages, may instruct the patron to choose one of the multiple languages such that all subsequent screen displays will be in the chosen language, and may provide certain library specific information as designated by the staff of the library in which the self-service library terminal10 is used. For example, the welcome screen SCR-3 may direct the patron to press an identification entry key. Alternatively, a screen saver initial screen may be presented on thedisplay28 directing the patron to press any key, upon which the welcome screen SCR-3 is presented to the patron. As a still further alternative, the welcome screen SCR-3 is not presented on thedisplay28 until a sensor, such as theproximity sensor38, detects the presence of a patron at the self-service library terminal10.
• The[0058]microprocessor60 remains in theblock124 state until it detects that the patron has pressed an identification entry key or a checkin indicating key of the keypad32 (indicated in FIG. 5 as “correct key”), or has tripped a media sensor such as covering one or more of thephotoelectric sensors20 and22 or covering theidle indicator16. Pressing an identification entry key indicates that the patron wishes to enter the patron's identification through use of thereader18, themagnetic stripe reader34, or thekeypad32. If the patron has pressed an identification entry key or a checkin indicating key on thekeypad32, program flow proceeds to apoint126 in FIG. 5.
• Thus, if the patron has pressed a bar code identification entry key of the[0059]keypad32 indicating that the patron wishes to enter the patron's identification through use of thereader18, program flow proceeds to point A of FIG. 6. If the patron has pressed a keypad identification entry key of thekeypad32 indicating that the patron wishes to enter the patron's identification through use of thekeypad32, program flow proceeds to point A of FIG. 10. If the patron has pressed a magnetic stripe identification entry key of thekeypad32 indicating that the patron wishes to enter the patron's identification through use of themagnetic stripe reader34, program flow proceeds to point A of FIG. 8. If the patron has pressed the checkin indicating key, a screen display SCR-80 directing the patron to place a circulating item on the cradle or in thevideo slot30 is provided on thedisplay28, and program flow proceeds to point A of FIG. 25.
• If the patron has tripped a media sensor or has pressed the wrong key on the[0060]keypad32, then themicroprocessor60 at ablock128 provides a sad tone through theaudible transducer40 and causes a screen display SCR-4 to be displayed to the library patron. The screen display SCR-4 again instructs the patron to choose one of the multiple languages such that all subsequent screen displays will be in the chosen language. The screen display SCR-4 also requests the library patron to press a correct key on thekeypad32 in order to begin a transaction or to clear the media sensor. If the patron presses a correct key, program flow proceeds to thepoint126 of FIG. 5. If the library patron clears the sensor without pressing a key or taking some other action indicating the beginning of a transaction, program flow returns to theblock124. If the library patron takes no action at theblock128 for a predetermined amount of time as determined by a maximum event timer T2, program flow returns to theblock124.
• As described above, when a user begins a transaction at the self-[0061]service library terminal10, the library patron must first be identified. FIGS. 6-14 illustrate the patron identification routine performed by the self-service library terminal10. When the flow chart of FIG. 6 is entered through point A, themicroprocessor60 at ablock199 initializes all counters and at ablock200 causes a screen display SCR-5 to be displayed to the patron. This screen display indicates that the self-service library terminal10 is ready for the library patron to place the patron's library card in the proper position on thecradle14. On the other hand, when the flow chart of FIG. 6 is entered through point B, processing at theblock200 is bypassed because the patron's library card is already in the proper position on thecradle14.
• After the screen display SCR-[0062]5 is presented to the patron at theblock5, or if the flow chart of FIG. 6 is entered through point B, themicroprocessor60 at apoint201 determines which action is appropriate. If a circulating item instead of a library card has been first placed on thecradle14 as determined by the particular identifier read by thereader18 and/or thephotoelectric sensors20 and22, and if an item-on-cradle counter R9 has a count not exceeding a predetermined threshold (hereinafter referred to as a predetermined R9 threshold), a screen display SCR-10 at ablock202 is presented to the library patron instructing the library patron to remove the circulating item from thecradle14 and to instead place the patron's library card on thecradle14. Also, themicroprocessor60 provides a sad tone through theaudible transducer40. The item-on-cradle counter R-9 is then incremented at ablock204, and program flow returns to thepoint201 in order to determine the next appropriate action. If the count of the item-on-cradle counter R9 has exceeded the predetermined R9 threshold, however, then themicroprocessor60 at ablock206 provides a screen display SCR-9 to the library patron instructing the library patron to remove the item from thecradle14 and indicating to the library patron that the library patron has exceeded the number of allowable attempts to put a library card on thecradle14. Also, themicroprocessor60 provides a sad tone through theaudible transducer40 indicating improper operation. If the patron removes the item, program flow then returns through point C of FIG. 6 to the welcome screen. If the patron does not remove the item before a walkaway-item-removed timer T6 times out, program flow proceeds to the walkaway routine of FIG. 22.
• If the action determined by the[0063]microprocessor60 at thepoint201 is that a bar code other than-theidle indicator16 is read by thereader18, the scan line projected by thereader18 is provided as a short solid (SS) scan line and, as indicated at ablock212, the bar code read by thereader18 is converted into a format processable by themicroprocessor60. Thereafter, themicroprocessor60 determines whether the library patron identified by the bar code on the library card read by thereader18 has previously been determined to be a blocked patron (i.e., a library patron who is not permitted to use library services through the self-service library terminal10), and themicroprocessor60 also determines whether the time accumulated by a blocked patron timer T7 has exceeded a predetermined T7 threshold. If the current library patron is a blocked patron and the time accumulated by the blocked patron timer T7 has not reached the predetermined T7 threshold, themicroprocessor60 at ablock214 provides the patron with a screen display SCR-12 indicating that the patron has a bad library card and instructing the patron to remove the library card. Also, a sad tone is provided to the library patron. If the patron removes the library card is before the walkaway-item-removed timer T6 times out, program flow returns to the welcome screen. However, if the walkaway-item-removed timer T6 times out before the patron removes the library card, program flow proceeds to the walkaway routine of FIG. 22.
• If either the current library patron is not a blocked library patron, or the time accumulated by the blocked patron timer T[0064]7 has exceeded the predetermined T7 threshold, themicroprocessor60 determines whether the library patron identified by the library card has a personnel identification number (PIN). If the patron does not have a PIN, program flow proceeds to point A of FIG. 7. If the patron has a PIN, themicroprocessor60 executes the program represented by the program flow shown in FIG. 12 which returns PIN ENTERED, NO PIN ENTERED, or CARD REMOVED. If PIN ENTERED is returned, program flow proceeds to point A of FIG. 7. If CARD REMOVED is returned, then themicroprocessor60 at ablock218 provides a screen display SCR-11 informing the patron that the patron's library card has been removed. Also, a sad tone is provided to the library patron. Program flow then returns to point201. If NO PIN ENTERED is returned, then themicroprocessor60 at ablock220 provides a screen display SCR-81 informing the patron that the patron did not enter a PIN and directing the library patron to remove the patron's library card. Also, a sad tone is provided to the library patron. If the patron removes the library card before the walkaway-item-removed timer T6 times out, program flow returns to the welcome screen. However, if the walkaway-item-removed timer T6 times out before the patron removes the library card, program flow proceeds to the walkaway routine of FIG. 22.
• If the[0065]microprocessor60 determines that the action is that theidle indicator16 in not read by the reader18 (indicating, for example, that there is an object on thecradle14 but that a bar code is not being read from the object) and a maximum event timer T4 has accumulated a predetermined amount of time, themicroprocessor60 determines whether a bad-read counter R2 has a count greater than a predetermined R2 threshold. The maximum event time T4 times out if the patron places something on thecradle14 so as to cover theidle indicator16 but thereafter takes no action for the time allowed by the maximum event timer T4. If the bad-read counter R2 does not have a count greater than the predetermined R2 threshold, themicroprocessor60 at ablock222 causes a screen display SCR-7 to be displayed to the library patron requesting the patron to place the patron's library card on thecradle14. Also, a sad tone is provided to the library patron. The bad-read counter R2 is incremented at ablock224, and program flow returns to thepoint201.
• On the other hand, if the bad read counter R[0066]2 has a count greater than the predetermined R2 threshold, themicroprocessor60 at ablock226 causes a screen display SCR-8 to be displayed to the library patron indicating that the patron's library card is unreadable and to remove the item. Thereafter, program flow returns to the welcome screen if the walkaway-item-removed timer T6 does not time out before the item is removed from thecradle14. However, if the walkaway-item-removed timer T6 times out before the item is removed from thecradle14, program flow proceeds to the walkaway routine of FIG. 22.
• If the[0067]microprocessor60 is at thepoint201, and if a maximum event timer T3 has timed out before (i) an item is placed on thecradle14 or an item identifier is read from a video in thevideo slot30, (ii) an identifier on a library card is read by thereader18 when a library card is in the card holder described above, and (iii) theidle indicator16 is not read by thereader18 and the maximum timer T4 times out, themicroprocessor60 determines whether a please counter R1 has a count that exceeds a predetermined R1 threshold. If the count of the please counter R1 has exceeded the predetermined R1 threshold, program flow returns to the welcome screen. However, if the count of the please counter R1 has not exceeded the predetermined R1 threshold, themicroprocessor60 at ablock228 provides a screen display SCR-6 requesting the patron to please place the library patron's library card on thecradle14 in the correct position. The please counter R1 is incremented at ablock230, and program flow returns to thepoint201.
• When the flow chart of FIG. 7 is entered through point A, the[0068]microprocessor60 at ablock300 provides a screen display SCR-18 indicating that the library patron's identification is being checked. At ablock302, the self-service library terminal10 transmits a patron status request over thecommunication link72 to thedata server50. If the status returned by thedata server50 to the self-service library terminal10 indicates that the status of the library patron is acceptable, themicroprocessor60 determines at apoint304 whether the library card is still on thecradle14 by sampling the output of thereader18. If the library card is not still on thelibrary cradle14, the scan line provided by thereader18 is changed by themicroprocessor62 to a short flashing scan line SF, themicroprocessor60 at ablock306 provides a screen display SCR-11 indicating to the library patron that the patron's library card has been improperly moved, and program flow proceeds to point B of FIG. 6. However, if themicroprocessor60 determines that the library card of the library patron is still on thecradle14 in the proper position, themicroprocessor60 determines whether the library card carries a magnetic stripe. For example, themicroprocessor60 may access thememory62 for this information. If the patron's library card has a magnetic stripe, program flow proceeds to point A of FIG. 14 in order to ensure that the library card is removed before any security markers in circulating items are sensitized or de-sensitized. If the patron's library card has no magnetic stripe, program flow proceeds to point A of FIG. 29.
• If the status returned by the[0069]data server50 to the self-service library terminal10 indicates that the status of the library patron is not acceptable, themicroprocessor60 determines if the library patron has a PIN. If the patron has a PIN, themicroprocessor60 at apoint307 determines whether a bad-PIN counter R3 has accumulated a count exceeding a predetermined R3 threshold. If not, themicroprocessor60 at ablock308 provides a screen display SCR-14 indicating that the PIN entered by the patron is not recognized by the library system, the bad-PIN counter R3 is incremented at ablock310, and program flow returns to the point D of FIG. 6.
• However, if the count accumulated by the bad-PIN counter R[0070]3 has exceeded the predetermined R3 threshold, then themicroprocessor60 at ablock312 provides a screen display SCR-13 indicating that the library patron has made too many attempts at entering a PIN number, and instructing the library patron to remove the card. Themicroprocessor60 at ablock314 also determines that the library patron is suspicious and, accordingly, blocks the patron's library card. Thereafter, program flow returns to point C of FIG. 6.
• If the status returned to the self-[0071]service library terminal10 indicates that the status of library patron is not acceptable, and if the patron had no PIN, themicroprocessor60 at ablock316 provides the screen display SCR-12 indicating that the patron's ID is bad, and instructs the patron to remove the patron's library card. Thereafter, program flow returns to point C of FIG. 6.
• When the flow chart of FIG. 8 is entered through point A, the[0072]microprocessor60 at ablock400 initializes all counters and, at ablock402, provides a screen display SCR-23 indicating that the self-service library terminal10 is ready for the library patron to present the magnetic stripe of the patron's library card to themagnetic stripe reader34. Thereafter, or if the flow chart of FIG. 8 is entered through point B, themicroprocessor60 at apoint403 determines an appropriate action. For example, if a walkaway timer T9 times out (indicating no activity at the self-service library terminal10 for a predetermined amount of time), program flow proceeds to point A of FIG. 23 because the library patron may have walked away from the self-service library terminal10 without further processing of the current loan transaction.
• On the other hand, the[0073]microprocessor60 may determine that an item has been placed on thecradle14 because one or both of thephotoelectric sensors20 and22 is covered or a code is read by thereader18. If so, themicroprocessor60 determines whether the count of the item-on-cradle counter R9 has exceeded the predetermined R9 threshold. If not, themicroprocessor60 at ablock404 provides the screen display SCR-10 indicating that a circulating item or a library card has been placed on thecradle14 and that it should be removed. Themicroprocessor60 also increments the item-on-cradle counter R9 at ablock406, and program flow returns to thepoint403.
• If the[0074]microprocessor60 determines that the count of the item-on-cradle counter R9 has exceeded the predetermined R9 threshold, themicroprocessor60 at ablock407 provides the screen display SCR-9 indicating that an item has been placed on thecradle14, that it should be removed, and that the patron has exceeded the allowable number of attempts to properly process the patron's library card through themagnetic stripe reader34. If the patron removes the item before a walkaway-item-removed timer T16 times out, program flow proceeds through point C of FIG. 8. However, if the patron does not remove the item before the walkaway-item-removed timer T16 times out, program flow proceeds to the walkaway routine of FIG. 23.
• If the action determined at the[0075]point403 is that the magnetic stripe on a patron's library card is read by themagnetic stripe reader34, then themicroprocessor60 at ablock408 converts the magnetic stripe ID to a machine processable code and determines from the code whether the library patron is a previously blocked patron (i.e., a library patron whose card has been previously blocked) and whether a blocked patron timer T12 has not expired. If the library patron is a previously blocked patron and the blocked patron timer T12 has not expired, themicroprocessor60 at ablock410 provides the screen display SCR-12 indicating that the library patron is refused service at the self-service library terminal10, and directs the library patron to go to the circulation desk of the library. Thereafter, program flow returns to the welcome screen. If the library patron is a previously blocked patron, or if the blocked patron timer T12 has expired, themicroprocessor60 determines whether the patron has a PIN. If not, program flow proceeds to point A of FIG. 9. The blocked patron timer T12 gives the patron the time to go to the circulation desk in order to resolve any problems with the patron's library card. Once the patron's problem has been resolved, the blocked patron timer T12 will have expired, and the patron will no longer be blocked.
• On the other hand, if the[0076]microprocessor60 determines that the patron has a PIN, themicroprocessor60 executes the program represented by the flow chart shown in FIG. 13 which returns PIN ENTERED or NO PIN ENTERED, as appropriate. If PIN ENTERED is returned, program flow proceeds to point A of FIG. 9. If NO PIN ENTERED is returned, then themicroprocessor60 at ablock412 provides a screen display SCR-17 informing the patron that the patron did not enter a PIN. Thereafter, program flow returns to the welcome screen.
• If the[0077]microprocessor60 is at thepoint403, and if a maximum event timer T10 times out before (i) an item is placed on thecradle14 or a video is placed in thevideo slot30, (ii) a magnetic card is read by themagnetic stripe reader34, and (iii) the patron begins a termination sequence, then themicroprocessor60 determines whether the count accumulated by the please counter R1 has exceeded the predetermined R1 threshold. If so, program flow returns to the welcome screen. If not, themicroprocessor60 at ablock414 provides a screen display SCR-24 instructing the patron to present the patron's library card to themagnetic stripe reader34. Also, themicroprocessor60 at ablock416 increments the count of the please counter R1, and program returns to point403 of FIG. 8.
• If the library patron chooses to terminate the transaction, the microprocessor executes the program represented by the flow chart of FIG. 21, and program flow returns to the welcome screen.[0078]
• When the flow chart of FIG. 9 is entered through point A, the[0079]microprocessor60 at ablock500 provides a screen display SCR-18 to the library patron indicating that the self-service library terminal10 is processing the patron's ID contained on the patron's library card. Themicroprocessor60 at ablock502 also sends a request to thedata server50 for the patron's status, and thedata server50 returns the patron's status to the self-service library terminal10. An unacceptable status may be returned if the magnetic stripe on the library card was not properly read, or if the patron entered a bad PIN. If themicroprocessor60 determines on the basis of the returned status that the status of the library patron is acceptable, program flow proceeds to point A of FIG. 29. On the other hand, if the status is not acceptable, themicroprocessor60 determines whether the count accumulated by a bad-ID counter R4 has exceeded a predetermined R4 threshold. If themicroprocessor60 determines that the count accumulated by the bad-ID counter R4 has exceeded the predetermined R4 threshold, themicroprocessor60 at ablock504 provides the screen display SCR-16 indicating that the library patron has a bad identification and has made too many attempts to enter the correct identification. Program flow then returns to point C of FIG. 8, and thereafter to the welcome screen.
• However, if the[0080]microprocessor60 determines that the count accumulated by the bad-ID counter R4 has not exceeded the predetermined R4 threshold, themicroprocessor60 at ablock506 provides a screen display SCR-15 indicating that the self-service library terminal10 cannot recognize the identification provided by the library patron and requests the library patron to present the magnetic stripe on the patron's library card to themagnetic stripe reader34 again. Also, themicroprocessor60 increments the count of the bad-ID counter R4 at ablock508, and program returns to point B of FIG. 8.
• When the flow chart of FIG. 10 is entered through point A, the[0081]microprocessor60 at ablock600 initializes counters and at ablock602 provides a screen display SCR-22 indicating to the library patron that the self-service library terminal10 is ready for the library patron to enter the patron's identification through use of thekeypad32. (Themicroprocessor60 may cause an asterisk or other symbol to appear on thedisplay28 as the patron enters each character of the patron's identification.) Thereafter, or if the flow chart of FIG. 10 is entered through point B, themicroprocessor60 determines an appropriate action at apoint603. For example, if a walkaway timer T14 has timed out before the patron takes action at this point, program flow proceeds to FIG. 23 because themicroprocessor60 assumes that the library patron has walked away from the self-service library terminal10 without completing a transaction.
• On the other hand, if a circulating item is placed on the[0082]cradle14 or a video is placed in thevideo slot30, themicroprocessor60 determines whether the item-on-cradle counter R9 has accumulated a count greater than the predetermined R9 threshold. If not, themicroprocessor60 at ablock604 provides the screen display SCR-10 indicating that the patron has incorrectly placed an item on thecradle14 or in thevideo slot30 and instructs the patron to remove the item. Also, themicroprocessor60 increments the item-on-cradle counter R9 at ablock606. If the item-on-cradle counter R9 has accumulated a count greater than the predetermined R9 threshold, themicroprocessor60 at ablock608 provides the screen display SCR-9 indicating that a circulating item is placed on the cradle and instructing the patron to remove the circulating item. If the patron removes the item before a walkaway-item-removed timer T16 times out, program flow proceeds through point C of FIG. 10. However, if the patron does not remove the item before the walkaway-item-removed timer T16 times out, program flow proceeds to the walkaway routine of FIG. 23.
• If the[0083]microprocessor60 determines that the library patron has entered an identification number through the use of thekeypad32 followed by the # or * sign, themicroprocessor60 converts the identification number to the patron's ID and determines whether the patron is a previously blocked patron. Themicroprocessor60 also determines if a blocked patron timer T17 has timed out. If the patron is a previously blocked patron and if the blocked patron timer T17 has not timed out, themicroprocessor60 at ablock609 provides the screen display SCR-12 indicating that the patron's loan transaction is being refused and instructing the patron to go to the circulation desk for further processing. Thereafter, flow returns to the welcome screen.
• If the patron is not a previously blocked patron, or if the blocked patron timer T[0084]17 has timed out, themicroprocessor60 determines whether the library patron has a PIN number in thememory62. If not, flow proceeds to point A of FIG. 11. If so, themicroprocessor60 executes the program represented by the flow chart of FIG. 13 which returns either PIN ENTERED or NO PIN ENTERED. If PIN ENTERED is returned, program flow proceeds to point A of FIG. 11. If NO PIN ENTERED is returned, then themicroprocessor60 at ablock610 provides the screen display SCR-17 indicating that the patron has not entered a PIN number, and program flow then returns to the welcome screen.
• If a maximum event timer TIS times out before (i) an item is placed on the[0085]cradle14 or in thevideo slot30, (ii) the patron presses the # or * key, and (iii) the patron initiates a termination sequence, themicroprocessor60 at apoint611 determines whether the count of the please counter R1 has exceeded the predetermined R1 threshold. If the count of the please counter R1 has exceeded the predetermined R1 threshold, program flow returns to the welcome screen. On the other hand, if the count of the please counter R1 has not exceeded the predetermined R1 threshold, themicroprocessor60 at ablock612 provides a screen display SCR-19 instructing the library patron to enter the patron's ID. Also, themicroprocessor60 at ablock614 increments the please counter R1. Thereafter, flow returns to point603 of FIG. 10.
• Finally, if the patron presses the # or * key without pressing any other key, program flow proceeds to[0086]point611, and if the library patron elects to terminate the current transaction, the microprocessor executes the program represented by the flow chart of FIG. 21, and program flow returns to the welcome screen.
• When the flow chart of FIG. 11 is entered through point A, the[0087]microprocessor60 at ablock700 provides the screen display SCR-18 to the library patron informing the library patron that the self-service library terminal10 is checking the patron's identification. Themicroprocessor60 at ablock702 sends a request to thedata server50 for the patron's status which is returned to the self-service library terminal10. (The status of a patron may be unacceptable if, for example, the patron entered an incorrect PIN.) If themicroprocessor60 determines from this returned status that the library patron's status is acceptable, program flow proceeds to point A of FIG. 29. On the other hand, if the status of the library patron returned to the self-service library terminal10 is not acceptable, themicroprocessor60 determines if the count accumulated by the bad-ID counter R4 has exceeded the predetermined R4 threshold. If the count accumulated by the bad-ID counter R4 has exceeded the predetermined R4 threshold, themicroprocessor60 at ablock704 provides a screen display SCR-20 informing the library patron that the patron's ID is bad and that the library patron has exceeded the allowable number of attempts to enter the correct ID. Thereafter, flow returns to point C of FIG. 10. On the other hand, if the count accumulated by the bad-ID counter R4 has not exceeded the predetermined R4 threshold, themicroprocessor60 at ablock706 provides a screen display SCR-21 informing the library patron that the patron's ID is not recognized and instructing the patron to retry entering the patron's ID. Thereafter, themicroprocessor60 at ablock708 increments the bad-ID counter R4, and program flow returns to point B of FIG. 10.
• When the flow chart of FIG. 12 is entered from FIG. 6, the[0088]microprocessor60 at ablock800 provides a screen display SCR-27 instructing the library patron to enter the library patron's PIN number. Themicroprocessor60 skips theblock800 if the count accumulated by the bad-PIN counter R3 is greater than zero. Thereafter, themicroprocessor60 determines whether the library patron has removed the patron's library card from thecradle14. If the patron's library card has been removed, CARD REMOVED is returned to FIG. 6. If the patron's library card has not been removed, themicroprocessor60 performs a loop as shown in FIG. 12 as each character of the patron's PIN is entered until the patron presses the # or * key on thekeypad32. When the # or * key is pressed, PIN ENTERED is returned to FIG. 6. If the # or * key is pressed before the first character of the patron's PIN is entered, themicroprocessor60 at ablock802 provides a screen display SCR-25 instructing the user to enter the PIN number. Also, themicroprocessor60 increments the count of the please counter R5 at ablock804 and another pass is made through the loop. Similarly, if the maximum event timer T18 times out before the patron presses the # or * key, and if the count accumulated by the please counter R5 has not exceeded a predetermined R5 threshold, themicroprocessor60 provides the screen display SCR-25 and increments the count of the please counter R5, and another pass is made through the loop. If the maximum event timer T18 times out before the patron presses the # or * key, and if the count accumulated by the please counter R5 exceeds the predetermined R5 threshold, NO PIN ENTERED is returned to FIG. 6.
• When the flow chart of FIG. 13 is entered from FIG. 8 or FIG. 10, the[0089]microprocessor60 at ablock900 provides the screen display SCR-27 instructing the library patron to enter the library patron's PIN number. Themicroprocessor60 skips theblock900 if the count accumulated by the bad-PIN counter R3 is greater than zero. Themicroprocessor60 performs a loop as shown in FIG. 13 as each character of the patron's PIN is entered, until the patron presses the # or * key on thekeypad32. When the # or * key is pressed, PIN ENTERED is returned to FIG. 8 or FIG. 10. If the # or * key is pressed before the first character of the patron's PIN is entered, themicroprocessor60 at ablock902 provides the screen display SCR-25 instructing the user to enter the PIN number. Also, themicroprocessor60 increments the count of the please counter R5 at ablock904 and another pass is made through the loop. Similarly, if a maximum event timer T19 times out before the patron presses the # or * key, and if the count accumulated by the please counter R5 has not exceeded the predetermined R5 threshold, themicroprocessor60 provides the screen display SCR-25 and increments the count of the please counter R5, and another pass is made through the loop. If the maximum event timer T19 times out before the patron presses the # or * key times out, and if the count accumulated by the please counter R5 exceeds the predetermined R5 threshold, NO PIN ENTERED is returned to FIG. 8 or FIG. 10.
• When the flow chart of FIG. 14 is entered through point A from the routine shown in FIG. 7, the[0090]microprocessor60 at ablock1000 provides a screen display SCR-30 to the patron instructing the patron to remove the patron's library card. Accordingly, the magnetic stripe on the patron's library card will not be demagnetized when the security marker in the circulating item being checked out is desensitized or when the security marker in the circulating item being checked in is sensitized. Thereafter, themicroprocessor60 determines an appropriate action at apoint1001. For example, if a sensor, such as theidle indicator16, thephotoelectric sensor20, thephotoelectric sensor22, and/or the like, determines that the patron has taken an action other than removing the patron's library card, themicroprocessor60 at ablock1002 provides a screen display SCR-58 instructing the library patron to remove the library card in order to continue with the transaction. Thereafter, the program flow returns to thepoint1001. If themicroprocessor60 determines that the card has been removed, program flow proceeds to point A of FIG. 29. If a walkaway timer T20 times out before the card is removed and themicroprocessor60 determines no change of state of any of the sensors, program flow proceeds to the walkaway routine of FIG. 22.
• The flow chart of FIG. 15 is entered through point A, point B, point C, point D, or point E. When the flow chart of FIG. 15 is entered through point A from FIG. 29, the[0091]microprocessor60 controls the scan line projected on to thecradle14 by thereader18 as a long flashing (LF) scan line, and themicroprocessor60 at ablock1102 provides a screen display SCR-31 instructing the library patron to place a circulating item in an appropriate item receiving area. Thereafter, themicroprocessor60 at apoint1103 determines an appropriate action. For example, if the patron's library card is removed from thecradle14 before a circulating item is placed on thecradle14, themicroprocessor60 determines whether a first circulating item has already been processed during the current loan transaction. If a first circulating item is yet to be processed during the current loan transaction, themicroprocessor60 at ablock1104 provides a screen display SCR-11 indicating that the card has been removed. (If the patron entered the patron's ID through use of thereader18, the patron's library card must remain on thecradle14 throughout the loan transaction.) Thereafter, program flow returns to point B of FIG. 6 in order to lead the patron back through the identification process. If patron's library card is removed but a first circulating item has already been processed, program flow proceeds to FIG. 21.
• If a walkaway timer T[0092]21 has timed out before the patron takes any action at thepoint1103, program flow proceeds to FIG. 22 or FIG. 23, as appropriate. If the action determined by themicroprocessor60 is that the library patron desires to terminate the current transaction, themicroprocessor60 executes the program represented by the flow chart of FIG. 21.
• If the action determined by the[0093]microprocessor60 is that a video cassette has been inserted into thevideo slot30 of the self-service library terminal10, program flow proceeds to point A of FIG. 19.
• If the action determined by the[0094]microprocessor60 is that both of thephotoelectric sensors20 and22 are covered, themicroprocessor60 determines whether an item identifier is being read by thereader18 from a circulating item, and whether the item identifier being read is not a patron ID. If an item identifier is being read by thereader18 from a circulating article, and if the item identifier being read is not a patron ID, themicroprocessor60 determines whether a code-type check (inspection) is enabled and, if so, whether the item identifier being read by thereader18 is of an incorrect type (i.e., a type which is different from the item identifier used on circulating items meant to be processed on the cradle14). For example, the patron may have placed a correct circulating item on thecradle14 but in such a position that thereader18 is reading a code other than the item identifier. If the code-type check is not enabled, or if thereader18 is reading an item identifier used on circulating items meant to be processed on thecradle14, themicroprocessor60 determines whether the item identifier read by thereader18 has been previously processed during the patron's current transaction. If the item identifier read by thereader18 has not been previously processed during the patron's current transaction, the scan line projected by thereader18 is controlled so that it is long and steady (LS), and program flow proceeds to point A of FIG. 16 in order to proceed with the checkout of the circulating item that is currently on thecradle14.
• On the other hand, if the item identifier read by the[0095]reader18 has been previously processed during the patron's current transaction, themicroprocessor60 determines whether the item identifier currently being processed is on a failed or canceled list. If the item identifier currently being processed is not on a failed or canceled list, themicroprocessor60 provides a screen display SCR-38 at ablock1106 indicating that the item has already been processed. Also, a happy tone (indicated by the smiley face) is provided to the library patron. Thereafter, themicroprocessor60 changes the scan line projected by thereader18 to a long and flashing (LF) scan line. If the patron does not acknowledge that the item has already been processed before a walkaway-item-removed timer T24 times out, the walkaway routine of FIG. 22 is entered. If the patron does acknowledge that the item has already been processed before the walkaway-item-removed timer T24 times out, program flow proceeds to ablock1108 where a screen display SCR-75 is provided indicating that the self-service library terminal10 is ready for the next circulating item to be checked out by the library patron, and a reposition counter R6 is reset at ablock1110. Themicroprocessor60 is then ready to determine another appropriate action.
• If the item identifier currently being processed is on a failed or canceled list, the[0096]microprocessor60 provides a screen display SCR-64 at ablock1112 instructing the library patron to take the circulating item to the circulation desk. Thereafter, themicroprocessor60 sets the scan line projected by thereader18 to long and flashing and, if the walkaway-item-removed timer T24 has not timed out, provides the screen display SCR-75, and resets the reposition counter R6. Themicroprocessor60 is then ready to determine another appropriate action.
• If the code-type check is enabled, and if the[0097]reader18 is reading an item identifier used on circulating items meant to be processed on thecradle14, themicroprocessor60 determines whether a wrong-identification counter R10 has accumulated a count that exceeds a predetermined R10 threshold. If the wrong-identification counter R10 has not accumulated a count that exceeds the predetermined R10 threshold, themicroprocessor60 provides a screen display SCR-37 at ablock1114 indicating that the library patron is using the wrong bar code, themicroprocessor60 at ablock1116 increments the wrong-identification counter R10, and program flow returns to point1103 of the routine shown in FIG. 15. If the wrong-identification counter R10 has accumulated a count which exceeds the predetermined R10 threshold, themicroprocessor60 provides the screen display SCR-37 at ablock1118 indicating that the library patron is using the wrong identification under thereader18. Thereafter, themicroprocessor60 sets the scan line projected by thereader18 to long and flashing and, if the walkaway-item-removed timer T24 has not timed out, provides the screen display SCR-75, and resets the reposition counter R6.
• If both of the[0098]photoelectric sensors20 and22 are covered, and if a maximum event timer T23 times out before thereader18 reads an item identifier on a circulating item, themicroprocessor60 at apoint1119 determines whether the reposition counter R6 has accumulated a count greater than a predetermined R6 threshold. If the reposition counter R6 has not accumulated a count greater than the predetermined R6 threshold, themicroprocessor60 at ablock1120 provides a screen display SCR-36 indicating that thereader18 cannot read the item identifier and directing the patron to reposition the circulating item on thecradle14. Also, themicroprocessor60 at ablock1122 increments the reposition counter R6, and program flow proceeds to thepoint1103.
• If the count accumulated by the reposition counter R[0099]6 exceeds the predetermined R6 threshold, themicroprocessor60 at ablock1124 provides a screen display SCR-35 indicating that thereader18 cannot read the bar code on the circulating item and to take the circulating item to the circulation desk for processing by a member of the library staff. Thereafter, themicroprocessor60 sets the scan line projected by thereader18 to long and flashing. Assuming that the walkaway-item-removed timer T24 does not time out, program flow proceeds to theblock1108.
• If the action determined by the[0100]microprocessor60 at thepoint1103 is that theidle indicator16 is not read indicating that a circulating item may be on thecradle14 and covering the idle indicator16), and that neither of thephotoelectric sensors20 and22 is covered, themicroprocessor60 proceeds to thepoint1119 and follows the flow through theblocks1120 and1122, or theblock1124, as described above.
• If the action determined by the[0101]microprocessor60 at thepoint1103 is that an item identifier is read by thereader18, that the identification read by thereader18 is not a patron's ID, that both of thephotoelectric sensors20 and22 are not covered, and a maximum event timer T22 has accumulated a predetermined amount of time, themicroprocessor60 at apoint1125 determines whether the reposition counter R6 has accumulated a count greater than the predetermined R6 threshold. If the reposition counter RG has not accumulated a count greater than the predetermined R6 threshold, themicroprocessor60 at ablock1126 provides a screen display SCR-32 indicating that the patron should push the circulating item against theback wall26. Also, themicroprocessor60 at ablock1128 increments the reposition counter R6, and program flow proceeds to thepoint1103.
• If the count accumulated by the reposition counter R[0102]6 exceeds the predetermined R6 threshold, themicroprocessor60 at ablock1129 provides a screen display SCR-34 indicating that the position of the circulating item on thecradle14 is incorrect and directing the patron to ask for help. Thereafter, themicroprocessor60 sets the scan line projected by thereader18 to long and flashing. Assuming that the walkaway-item-removed timer T24 does not time out, program flow proceeds to theblock1108.
• If the[0103]microprocessor60 is at thepoint1103, and if a maximum event timer T11 times out before (i) the patron's library card is removed from thecradle14, (ii) the patron initiates a termination sequence, (iii) a video cassette has been inserted into thevideo slot30 of the self-service library terminal10, (iv) both of thephotoelectric sensors20 and22 are covered, (v) the idle indication is not read and neither of thephotoelectric sensors20 and22 is covered, and (vi) an item identifier is read by thereader18, the identification read by thereader18 is not a patron's ID, both of thephotoelectric sensors20 and22 are not covered, and the maximum event timer T22 has timed out, themicroprocessor60 at ablock1130 provides a screen display SCR-33 directing the patron to place a book, a CD, or a video in the appropriate circulating item receiving area, and program flow proceeds to thepoint1103.
• The routine shown in FIG. 16 is entered from FIG. 15. When the routine shown in FIG. 16 is entered, the[0104]microprocessor60 at ablock1200 provides a screen display SCR-43 indicating that a book/CD is being checked out by the self-service library terminal10, or a screen display SCR-44 indicating that a video is being checked out by the self-service library terminal10. Thereafter, themicroprocessor60 at ablock1202 enables multiple book detection (so that this function begins running) and, at ablock1204, enters the multiple book detection routine shown in FIG. 17. Assuming that the routine shown in FIG. 17 returns to the routine shown in FIG. 16, themicroprocessor60 at ablock1206 sends a checkout request to thedata server50 of the library. If thedata server50 determines that checkout is successful, themicroprocessor60 at apoint1207 determines whether a video is on thecradle14. If a video is not on thecradle14, program flow proceeds to point A of FIG. 18 in order to execute final checkout processing.
• However, if a video is on the[0105]cradle14, then themicroprocessor60 determines whether a Magnetic Media on Cradle option is enabled. (A library may decide to allow a patron to check out videos from thecradle14.) If so, program flow proceeds to point A of FIG. 18. If the library decides not to allow a patron to check out videos from thecradle14, themicroprocessor60 determines whether a VCU (video check out unit) is available. For example, themicroprocessor60 determines whether the self-service library terminal10 is equipped with thevideo slot30 and a video identification reader in order to process video checkouts. If a VCU is not available, program flow proceeds to point A of FIG. 20 in order to undo all of the checkout processing executed thus far, and a take-video-to-desk flag is set. If a VCU is available, then program flow proceeds to point A of FIG. 20, and a video-on-cradle flag is set.
• If the checkout is not successful, the[0106]microprocessor60 determines whether the patron must pay a charge in order to check out the particular circulating item being processed. If a charge for this circulating item is not required, themicroprocessor60 at ablock1208 provides a screen display SCR-46 indicating that the checkout has failed and provides the specific reason why the checkout failed. Thereafter, program flow proceeds to point C of FIG. 15.
• If a charge for this circulating item is required, the[0107]microprocessor60 determines whether the self-service library terminal10 is enabled to process chargeable loans. If the self-service library terminal10 is not enabled to process chargeable loans, themicroprocessor60 at ablock1210 provides a screen display SCR-49 indicating that the checkout has failed and further indicates that the particular item being checked out is a chargeable item. Thereafter, flow proceeds to point C of FIG. 15.
• If the self-[0108]service library terminal10 is enabled to process chargeable loan, themicroprocessor60 at ablock1212 provides a screen display SCR-45 indicating that the circulating item is a chargeable item and asking the patron if the patron agrees to the charge. Themicroprocessor60 also initializes a please-answer counter R7 at ablock1214. Thereafter, themicroprocessor60 at a point1215 determines whether the patron agrees to the charge. If the patron agrees to the charge (by pressing the # key on the keypad32), program flow proceeds to thepoint1207. If the patron does not agrees to the charge (by pressing the * key on the keypad32), themicroprocessor60 at a block1216 provides either a screen display SCR-47 instructing the patron to remove the book or CD from thecradle14, or a screen display SCR-48 instructing the patron to remove the video from thevideo slot30, as appropriate. Thereafter, program flow returns to point C of FIG. 15.
• If the patron at the point[0109]1215 presses a key other than the # or * key on thekeypad32, themicroprocessor60 at a block1218 increments the please-answer counter R7, and themicroprocessor60 at ablock1220 provides a screen display SCR-59 reminding the patron that the loan is a chargeable loan. Thereafter, program flow returns to the point1215. If the patron at the point1215 does not press any key before a maximum event time T25 times out, themicroprocessor60 determines whether the count accumulated by the please-answer counter R7 has exceeded a predetermined R7 threshold. If the count accumulated by the please-answer counter R7 has exceeded the predetermined R7 threshold, program flow proceeds to the block1216. If the count accumulated by the please-answer counter R7 has not exceeded the predetermined R7 threshold, program flow proceeds to the block1218.
• The multiple book detection processing indicated at the[0110]block1204 in FIG. 16 is shown in FIG. 17. When the routine of FIG. 17 is entered, themicroprocessor60 first determines whether the circulating item being checked out is a video. If the circulating item is a video, then execution of the processing shown in FIG. 17 is inappropriate and flow returns to the block from which the routine shown in FIG. 17 was entered.
• If the circulating item is not a video, the[0111]microprocessor60 determines whether the multiple book detection (MBD) option has been enabled, such as by the library staff. If the multiple book detection option has not been enabled (so that theblock1202 has no practical effect), the micro)processor60 at apoint1300 determines whether thephotoelectric sensors20 and22 are uncovered. If thephotoelectric sensors20 and22 are covered, program flow returns to the block from which the routine shown in FIG. 17 was entered. On the other hand, if thephotoelectric sensors20 and22 are uncovered (for example, the patron using the self-service library terminal10 may have started the checkout process with a book that can be checked out and thereafter substituted a book that cannot be checked out), themicroprocessor60 at ablock1301 increments a suspicious-patron counter R8. Themicroprocessor60 then determines whether the count accumulated by the suspicious-patron counter R8 is in excess of a predetermined R8 threshold. If the count accumulated by the suspicious-patron counter R8 is not in excess of the predetermined R8 threshold, program flow proceeds to point A of FIG. 20 and an item-moved flag is set. If the count accumulated by the suspicious-patron counter R8 is in excess of the predetermined R8 threshold, program flow proceeds through apoint1302 where themicroprocessor60 at ablock1303 disables the patron's ID if the library has elected the blocked card option. After the patron's library card has been blocked at theblock1303, or if the blocked card option is not elected, program flow proceeds to point A of FIG. 20 and a suspicious-patron flag is set.
• If multiple book detection has been enabled, the[0112]microprocessor60 determines whether multiple books and/or CD's are detected on thecradle14. If multiple books and/or CD's are not detected on thecradle14, program flow proceeds to thepoint1300. On the other hand, if multiple books and/or CD's are detected on thecradle14, themicroprocessor60 at ablock1304 increments the suspicious-patron counter R8 and then determines whether the count accumulated by the suspicious-patron counter R8 is in excess of the predetermined R8 threshold. If the count accumulated by the suspicious-patron counter R8 is in excess of the predetermined R8 threshold, program flow proceeds topoint1302. If the count accumulated by the suspicious-patron counter R8 is not in excess of the predetermined R8 threshold, program flow proceeds to point A of FIG. 20 and a one-at-a-time flag is set.
• The routine shown in FIG. 18 is entered from the routine shown in FIG. 16. When the routine shown in FIG. 18 is entered, the[0113]microprocessor60 determines whether the circulating item being processed is a chargeable item. If the item is a chargeable item, themicroprocessor60 at ablock1400 then executes the routine shown in FIG. 17 and, assuming a return from FIG. 17 to FIG. 18, themicroprocessor60 at ablock1402 sends a patron check-out request to thedata server50 of the library. If the check-out is not authorized by the data server50 (for example, the library patron has overdue fines and/or other monies owing and past due), themicroprocessor60 at ablock1404 provides a screen display SCR-50 indicating that checkout has failed and provides the specific reason for checkout failure, and then program flow proceeds to point C of FIG. 15.
• If the loan is not a chargeable loan, or if the checkout authorization is given, the[0114]microprocessor60 at ablock1406 executes the multiple book detection routine shown in FIG. 17. Assuming that the multiple book detection routine of FIG. 17 returns to FIG. 18, themicroprocessor60 at ablock1407 energizes the sensitizer/desensitizer24 in order to desense the security marker in the circulating item currently being checked out. On the other hand, theblock1407 is bypassed if the desensitization function is disabled or if the loan transaction is a renewal. Thereafter, themicroprocessor60 disables multiple book detection at ablock1408, saves the item identifier of the circulating item being checked out at ablock1410, and at ablock1412 provides a screen display SCR-51 indicating that the loan of a book or CD has been confirmed or a screen display SCR-52 indicating that the loan of a video has been confirmed. Each of these screens displays also instructs the library patron to remove the book or CD from thecradle14, or thevideo slot30, as appropriate. Alternatively, themicroprocessor60 at theblock1412 provides a screen display SCR-60 indicating that a renewal of a book or CD has been confirmed, or a screen display SCR-61 indicating that a renewal of a video has been confirmed, as appropriate. Each of these screens displays also instructs the library patron to remove the book or CD from thecradle14, or thevideo slot30, and also instructs the library patron to place the next item on thecradle14 or in thevideo slot30, as appropriate.
• Thereafter, the[0115]microprocessor60 at ablock1413 controls theprinter70 to print a receipt at this time, unless print buffering is enabled in which case the loan transaction is buffered in thememory62. Thereafter, themicroprocessor60 at a point1414 determines an appropriate action. For example, if a maximum event timer T27 times out before the current book or CD is removed from thecradle14 or the current video is removed from thevideo slot30, themicroprocessor60 at ablock1415 provides either a screen display SCR-90 directing the patron to remove the book or CD from thecradle14 or a screen display SCR-91 directing the patron to remove the video from thevideo slot30, as appropriate. Thereafter, once the item is removed, program flow proceeds to point E of FIG. 15 unless a walkaway-item-removed timer T26 first times out before the circulating item is removed, in which case program flow proceeds to either FIG. 22 or FIG. 23, as appropriate. If themicroprocessor60 determines that the book or CD has been removed from thecradle14 or that the video has been removed from thevideo slot30, as appropriate, program flow proceeds to point B of FIG. 15. If themicroprocessor60 determines that a new book has been placed on thecradle14 or a new video has been placed in thevideo slot30 before the current book or CD is removed from thecradle14 or before the current video is removed from thevideo slot30, themicroprocessor60 at ablock1416 provides either a screen display SCR-77 requesting the library patron to first remove the current book or CD from thecradle14 or a screen display SCR-78 requesting the library patron to first remove the current video from thevideo slot30, as appropriate. Thereafter, program flow returns to the point1414 unless all items are removed before a walkaway-item-removed timer T29 times out, in which case program flow proceeds to either FIG. 22 or FIG. 23, as appropriate.
• The routine shown in FIG. 19 is entered from the routine shown in FIG. 15. When the routine shown in FIG. 19 is entered, the[0116]microprocessor60 determines an appropriate action. For example, if a video is pulled out of thevideo slot30, program flow proceeds to point E of FIG. 15 where the library patron is informed that the self-service library terminal10 is ready to process the next item.
• If the[0117]microprocessor60 determines that a video has been fully inserted into thevideo slot30, themicroprocessor60 at apoint1500 determines whether an item identifier is read from the video in thevideo slot30. If an item identifier is read from the video in thevideo slot30, themicroprocessor60 determines whether the item identifier has already been processed. If the item identifier has not already been processed, program flow proceeds to point A of FIG. 16. If the item identifier has already been processed, themicroprocessor60 determines whether the item identifier is on a list of canceled or failed item identifiers. If the item identifier is on this list, themicroprocessor60 at ablock1501 provides a screen display SCR-63 directing the patron to take the video to the circulation desk. Thereafter, program flow proceeds to point C of FIG. 15. If the item identifier is not on the canceled or failed list, themicroprocessor60 at ablock1502 provides a screen display SCR-40 indicating that the video has already been checked out. Thereafter, program flow proceeds to point C of FIG. 15.
• If a maximum event timer T[0118]31 times out before an item identifier is read from the video fully inserted into thevideo slot30, themicroprocessor60 determines whether the count of the reposition counter R6 has exceeded the predetermined R6 threshold. If the count accumulated by the reposition counter R6 is greater than the predetermined R6 threshold, themicroprocessor60 at ablock1504 provides a screen display SCR-39 informing the patron that the self-service library terminal10 cannot read the item identifier from the video and to take the video to the circulation desk. Thereafter, program flow proceeds to point C of FIG. 12. On the other hand, if the count accumulated by the reposition counter R6 is less than the predetermined R6 threshold, themicroprocessor60 at ablock1506 provides a screen display SCR-85 directing the patron to reposition the video in thevideo slot30. Themicroprocessor60 also is increments the count of the reposition counter R6 at ablock1508, and program flow then proceeds to point D of FIG. 15.
• If a maximum event timer T[0119]30 times out before the video is pulled out of thevideo slot30 or before the video is fully inserted into thevideo slot30, themicroprocessor60 at ablock1510 provides a screen display SCR-42 instructing the patron to fully insert the video into thevideo slot30. Thereafter, themicroprocessor60 functions in one of three ways. First, if the video is fully inserted into thevideo slot30, program flow proceeds to thepoint1500. Second, if a maximum event timer T32 times out before the video is pulled out of thevideo slot30 or before the video is fully inserted into thevideo slot30, themicroprocessor60 at ablock1512 provides a screen display SCR-41 indicating that the patron should take the video out of thevideo slot30 and to try reinserting the video into thevideo slot30. Thereafter, program flow proceeds to point C of FIG. 15. Third, if themicroprocessor60 determines that the video has been pulled out of thevideo slot30 before its item identifier has been read, program flow proceeds to point E of FIG. 15.
• The routine shown in FIG. 20 is entered from the routine shown in FIG. 16 or the routine shown in FIG. 17, as appropriate. When the routine shown in FIG. 20 is entered, the[0120]microprocessor60 at ablock1600 sends a check-in request to thedata server50. If check-in is authorized by thedata server50, themicroprocessor60 determines the reason for the checkin. These reasons depend upon which flags were set as a result of processing by the routines of FIGS. 16 and 17.
• For example, if the take-item-to-desk flag is set, the[0121]microprocessor60 at ablock1602 provides the screen display SCR-46 directing the patron to take the circulating item (the book or CD) to the circulation desk. Thereafter, program flow proceeds to point C of FIG. 15.
• On the other hand, if the take-video-to-desk flag is set, the[0122]microprocessor60 at ablock1604 provides a screen display SCR-62 directing the patron to take the video to the circulation desk, and program flow thereafter proceeds to point C of FIG. 15.
• If the video-on-cradle flag is set, the[0123]microprocessor60 at ablock1606 provides a screen display SCR-54 directing the patron to put the video in thevideo slot30. Thereafter, program flow proceeds to point C of FIG. 15.
• If the one-at-a-time flag is set, the[0124]microprocessor60 at ablock1608 provides the screen display SCR-89 directing the library patron to try again checking out items one at a time and, if the library patron had been trying to check out items one at a time, to take the item to the circulation desk for further processing. Thereafter, program flow proceeds to point C of FIG. 15.
• If the item-moved flag is set, the[0125]microprocessor60 at ablock1610 provides a screen display SCR-79 informing the library patron that the item has been moved. Thereafter, processing proceeds to point B of FIG. 15.
• If the suspicious-patron flag is set, the[0126]microprocessor60 at ablock1612 provides a screen display SCR-56 directing the library patron to take all circulating items to the circulation desk and to pick up the patron's library card. Thereafter, if a walkaway-item-removed timer T34 times out before the patron picks up the patron's library card from the self-service library terminal10, program flow proceeds to a walkaway routine similar to the routines shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. On the other hand, if the patron picks up the patron's library card from the self-service library terminal10 before the walkaway-item-removed timer T34 times out, the.microprocessor60 at ablock1614 causes theprinter70 to print a receipt, unless theprinter70 has a problem, and themicroprocessor60 at ablock1616 provides a screen display SCR-29 directing the library patron to take the receipt from theprinter slot36. However, if the printing of receipts is disabled, program flow bypasses theblocks1614 and1616. Thereafter, program flow returns to the welcome screen.
• If checkin is not authorized by the[0127]data server50, themicroprocessor60 at ablock1618 adds the circulating item to the canceled or failed list, and program flow proceeds to theblock1602.
• The terminate session routine is entered from FIGS. 8, 10, and[0128]15 and is shown in FIG. 21. This routine is entered when a library card is removed or the terminate session key sequence has been pressed. Upon those occurrences, themicroprocessor60 at ablock1700 causes theprinter70 to print a receipt (unless theprinter70 has a problem, in which case the routine of FIG. 28 is executed), and at ablock1702 provides the screen display SCR-29 directing the patron to take the receipt from theprinter slot36. If the printing of receipts is disabled, theblocks1700 and1702 are bypassed. Thereafter, program flow returns to the welcome screen.
• When the routine shown in FIG. 22 is entered, the[0129]microprocessor60 has determined that an appropriate walkaway timer has expired. Themicroprocessor60 determines whether the current transaction is a check-in transaction. If the current transaction is a check-in transaction, themicroprocessor60 at ablock1800 instructs theprinter70 to print a receipt indicating the end of the session, and then determines whether items are on thecradle14 or in thevideo slot30. If items are not on thecradle14 or in thevideo slot30, program flow returns to the welcome screen. On the other hand, if items are on thecradle14 or in thevideo slot30, themicroprocessor60 at ablock1802 provides a screen display SCR-26 instructing any patron at or approaching the self-service library terminal10 that the self-service library terminal10 is in a walk-away condition and requesting that the self-service library terminal10 be cleared. Themicroprocessor60 flashes the screen display SCR-26 every thirty seconds and repeats a walk-away tone three times, as indicated by the light bulb symbol. (Accordingly, this walk-away tone indicates that the self-service library terminal10 requires attention or servicing.) Thereafter, themicroprocessor60 determines whether a patron's library card is on the self-service library terminal10 or whether there is a circulating item on thecradle14 or in thevideo slot30. If a patron's library card is on the self-service library terminal10, or if there is a circulating item on thecradle14 or in thevideo slot30, the self-service library terminal10 waits in this state. If a patron's library card is not on the self-service library terminal10, or if there is no circulating item on thecradle14 or in thevideo slot30, program flow returns to the welcome screen.
• If the current transaction-is not a checkin transaction, the[0130]microprocessor60 at ablock1804 disables the patron's library card (if the library has chosen this option and if themicroprocessor60 determines that a library card was read) so that it is blocked and cannot be used again. Themicroprocessor60 at ablock1806 then provides the screen display SCR-26 indicating that the self-service library terminal10 is in a walk-away condition and requesting that the self-service library terminal10 be cleared. Themicroprocessor60 flashes the screen display SCR-26 every thirty seconds and repeats a walk-away tone three times, as indicated by the light bulb symbol. (Accordingly, this walk-away tone indicates that the self-service library terminal10 requires attention or servicing.) Thereafter, themicroprocessor60 determines whether a patron's library card is on the self-service library terminal10 or whether there is a circulating item on thecradle14 or in thevideo slot30. If a patron's library card is on the self-service library terminal10, or if there is a circulating item on thecradle14 or in thevideo slot30, the self-service library terminal10 waits in this state If a patron's library card is not on the self-service library terminal10, or if there is a circulating item on thecradle14 or in thevideo slot30, program flow returns to the welcome screen.
• When the routine shown in FIG. 23 is entered, the[0131]microprocessor60 has determined that a walkaway timer expired and, at ablock1900, turns off thereader18 so that no scan line is projected into thecradle14. Themicroprocessor60 then determines whether there are circulating items on thecradle14 or in thevideo slot30. If circulating items are not on thecradle14 or in thevideo slot30, program flow returns to the welcome screen. On the other hand, if there are circulating items on thecradle14 or in thevideo slot30, themicroprocessor60 at ablock1902 provides the screen display SCR-26 indicating that the self-service library terminal10 is in a walk-away condition and requesting that the self-service library terminal10 be cleared. Thereafter, themicroprocessor60 determines whether there are still circulating items on thecradle14 or in thevideo slot30. If circulating items are still on thecradle14 or in thevideo slot30, themicroprocessor60 remains in this state until the circulating items are removed. Also, themicroprocessor60 repeats the walk-away tone three times and flashes the walk-away screen display SCR-26 every thirty seconds. If circulating items are not on thecradle14 or in thevideo slot30, program flow returns to the welcome screen.
• The routine shown in FIG. 24 is entered when the self-[0132]service library terminal10 is configured only for checkin. At start-up, if the staff of the library in which the self-service library terminal10 is used determines that the self-service library terminal10 is not to be used during a particular time period, then themicroprocessor60 at ablock2000 retrieves the out-of-service screen display SCR-28 from thememory62 and displays that out-of-service screen display on thedisplay28. On the other hand, if themicroprocessor60 detects an error at start up, then themicroprocessor60 as indicated by ablock2002 retrieves the out-of-service screen display SCR-82 from thememory62 and displays this out-of-service screen display on thedisplay28. As indicated in FIG. 4, the self-service library terminal10 may be arranged to allow the patron to continue under certain error conditions.
• However, assuming that the staff of the library has not determined that the self-[0133]service library terminal10 is not to be used during a particular time period, and assuming that themicroprocessor60 does not detect an error at start up, or if the patron is allowed to continue even though there is an error, themicroprocessor60 at ablock2004 retrieves a screen display SCR-80 directing the patron to place a circulating item on thecradle14 or in thevideo slot30, as appropriate. Thereafter, themicroprocessor60 changes the scan line projected by thereader18 to a long and flashing (LF) scan line, and program flow proceeds to the point B of FIG. 25.
• The flow chart of FIG. 25 is entered from FIG. 5 or[0134]24. When the flow chart of FIG. 25 is entered, themicroprocessor60 at apoint2100 determines an appropriate action. For example, if themicroprocessor60 determines that a circulating item has already been checked in during the patron's current session at the self-service library terminal10, but that the maximum event timer T11 has timed out before the patron takes a further action, themicroprocessor60 at ablock2102 provides the screen display SCR-81 directing the patron to place a book or CD on the cradle or a video in thevideo slot30, and program flow returns to thepoint2100. On the other hand, if themicroprocessor60 determines that a circulating item has already been checked in during the patron's current session at the self-service library terminal10, and if the walkaway timer T21 times out before the patron takes any action, themicroprocessor60 executes a walkaway routine similar to those shown in FIG. 22 and23.
• If the action determined by the[0135]microprocessor60 is that the library patron has initiated a termination sequence desiring to terminate the current transaction, themicroprocessor60 enters the program represented by the flow chart of FIG. 21.
• If the action determined by the[0136]microprocessor60 is that a video cassette has been inserted into thevideo slot30 of the self-service library terminal10, program flow proceeds to point A of FIG. 27.
• If the action determined by the[0137]microprocessor60 is that both of thephotoelectric sensors20 and22 are covered, themicroprocessor60 determines whether an item identifier is being read by thereader18 from a circulating article, and whether the item identifier being read is not a patron ID. If an item identifier is being read by thereader18 from a circulating item, and if the item identifier being read is not a patron ID, themicroprocessor60 determines whether a code-type check (inspection) is enabled and, if so, whether the item identifier being read by thereader18 is of an incorrect type (i.e., a type which is different from the item identifier used on circulating items meant to be processed on the cradle14). If the code-type check is not enabled, or if thereader18 is reading an item identifier used on circulating items meant to be processed on thecradle14, themicroprocessor60 determines whether the item identifier read by thereader18 has been previously processed during the patron's current transaction. If the item identifier read by thereader18 has not been previously processed during the patron's current transaction, the scan line projected by thereader18 is controlled so that it is long and steady (LS), and program flow proceeds to point A of FIG. 26 in order to proceed with the checkout of the circulating item that is currently on thecradle14. On the other hand, if the item identifier read by thereader18 has been previously processed, program flow proceeds to point B of FIG. 26.
• If the code-type check is enabled, and if the[0138]reader18 is not reading an item identifier used on circulating items meant to be processed on thecradle14, themicroprocessor60 provides the screen display SCR-37 at ablock2104 indicating that the library patron is using the wrong item identifier, and program flow returns to point2100 of the routine shown in FIG. 25.
• If both of the[0139]photoelectric sensors20 and22 are covered, but if the maximum event timer T23 times out before thereader18 reads an item identifier on a circulating item, themicroprocessor60 at apoint2106 determines whether the reposition counter R6 has accumulated a count greater than the predetermined R6 threshold. If the reposition counter R6 has not accumulated a count greater than the predetermined R6 threshold, themicroprocessor60 at ablock2108 provides the screen display SCR-36 indicating that thereader18 cannot read the item identifier and directing the patron to reposition the circulating item on thecradle14. Also, themicroprocessor60 at ablock2110 increments the reposition counter R6, and program flow proceeds to thepoint2100.
• If the count accumulated by the reposition counter R[0140]6 exceeds the predetermined R6 threshold, themicroprocessor60 at ablock2112 provides the screen display SCR-35 indicating that thereader18 cannot read the bar code on the circulating item and directing the patron to take the circulating item to the circulation desk for processing by a member of the library staff. Thereafter, themicroprocessor60 sets the scan line projected by thereader18 to long and flashing (LF). If the patron does not remove the circulating item from thecradle14 before the walkaway-item-removed timer T24 times out, the walkaway routine of FIG. 22 is entered. If the patron does remove the circulating item from thecradle14 before the walkaway-item-removed timer T24 times out, program flow proceeds to ablock2114 where themicroprocessor60 provides the screen display SCR-81 indicating that the self-service library terminal10 is ready for the next circulating item, and resets the reposition counter R6 at ablock2116.
• If the action determined by the[0141]microprocessor60 is that theidle indicator16 is not read (indicating that a circulating item may be on thecradle14 and covering the idle indicator16), and that both of thephotoelectric sensors20 and22 are not covered, themicroprocessor60 proceeds to thepoint2106 and follows the flow through theblocks2108 and2110, or theblock2112, as described above.
• If the action determined by the[0142]microprocessor60 is that an item identifier is read by thereader18, that both of thephotoelectric sensors20 and22 are not covered, and that the maximum event timer T22 has timed out, themicroprocessor60 determines whether the reposition counter R6 has accumulated a count greater than the predetermined R6 threshold. If the reposition,counter R6 has not accumulated a count greater than the predetermined R6 threshold, themicroprocessor60 at a block2118 provides the screen display SCR-32 directing the patron to push the circulating item against theback wall26. Also, themicroprocessor60 at ablock2120 increments the reposition counter R6, and program flow proceeds to thepoint2100.
• If the count accumulated by the reposition counter R[0143]6 exceeds the predetermined R6 threshold, themicroprocessor60 at ablock2122 provides the screen display SCR-34 indicating that the position of the circulating item on thecradle14 is incorrect and directing the patron to ask for help. Thereafter, themicroprocessor60 sets the scan line projected by thereader18 to long and flashing. If the patron does not ask for help before the walkaway-item-removed timer T24 times out, program flows proceeds to the walkaway routine shown in FIG. 22. If the patron does not ask for help before the walkaway-item-removed timer T24 times out, program flows proceeds to theblock2114.
• The routine shown in FIG. 26 is entered from the routine shown in FIG. 25. When the routine shown in FIG. 26 is entered through point A, the[0144]microprocessor60 at ablock2200 provides either a screen display SCR-69 indicating that the self-service library terminal10 is being used to check in a book or CD or a screen display SCR-70 indicating that the self-service library terminal10 is being used to check in a video, as appropriate. Thereafter, themicroprocessor60 at ablock2202 sends a check-in request to thedata server50 of the circulation system. Themicroprocessor60 then determines if checkin is successful. If checkin is not successful, themicroprocessor60 at ablock2204 provides a screen display SCR-65 indicating that checkin has failed, providing the particular reason for the failed checkin, and directing the library patron to take the circulating item to the circulation desk. Thereafter, program flow proceeds to point C of FIG. 25.
• If checkin is successful (or if the item has already been checked-in), the[0145]microprocessor60 determines whether a video is on thecradle14. If a video is not on thecradle14, themicroprocessor60 at ablock2206 resensitizes the magnetic security marker in the circulating item, saves the item identifier, and designates a storage bin or other location into which the library patron will be directed to place the circulating item. These storage bins may be arranged as sort bins so that, when themicroprocessor60 directs the library patron to place the circulating item into a storage bin, the library patron is in effect sorting the circulating item. Thereafter, themicroprocessor60 at ablock2207 provides either a screen display SCR-67 in the case where a book or a CD is being checked in or a screen display SCR-68 in the case where a video is being checked in. Both of these screen displays confirm the checkin, direct the patron to remove the circulating item, and directs the library patron to place the circulating item into the designated storage bin.
• The[0146]microprocessor60 at ablock2208 then directs theprinter70 to print a receipt, unless the information to be printed is being buffered, in which case theblock2208 is bypassed. Themicroprocessor60 at apoint2210 then determines which appropriate action to take. For example, if the maximum event timer T27 times out before the current circulating item is removed, themicroprocessor60 at ablock2211 provides either a screen display SCR-73 directing the patron to remove the book or CD from thecradle14 or a screen display SCR-74 directing the patron to remove the video from thevideo slot30. Thereafter, program flow proceeds to point C of FIG. 25.
• If the[0147]microprocessor60 determines that the book or CD on thecradle14 or the video in thevideo slot30 has been removed, program flow proceeds to point B of FIG. 25.
• If the[0148]microprocessor60 determines that a new book or CD has been placed on thecradle14 before the current book or CD is removed, or that a new video has been inserted into thevideo slot30 before the current video is removed, themicroprocessor60 at ablock2212 provides either a screen display SCR-71 directing the library patron to first remove the current book or CD from thecradle14, or a screen display SCR-72 directing the library patron to first remove the current video from thevideo slot30. If the patron does not remove the circulating item before the walkaway-item-removed timer T29 times out, program flow proceeds to a walkaway routine similar to the walkaway routines shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. If the patron removes the circulating item before walkaway-item-removed timer T29 times out, program flow returns to point2210.
• If a video is on the[0149]cradle14, themicroprocessor60 determines whether the library has selected the Magnetic Media on Cradle option. If the Magnetic Media on Cradle option has been selected, themicroprocessor60 at ablock2214 essentially executes the same processing as indicated by theblock2206, except that the sensitizer/desensitizer24 is not energized because, otherwise, information would be lost from the video. Program flow then proceeds to theblock2207. However, if the Magnetic Media on Cradle option has not been selected, themicroprocessor60 determines whether the self-service library terminal10 has avideo slot30 and a video reader74 (i.e., a VCU). If the self-service library terminal10 has a VCU, themicroprocessor60 at ablock2216 provides the screen display SCR-54 directing the patron to put the video in thevideo slot30. Thereafter, program flow proceeds to point C of FIG. 25. If the self-service library terminal10 does not have a VCU, themicroprocessor60 at ablock2218 provides the screen display SCR-62 directing the patron to take the video to the circulation desk. Thereafter, program flow proceeds to point C of FIG. 25.
• The routine shown in FIG. 27 is entered from the routine shown in FIG. 25. When the routine shown in FIG. 27 is entered, the[0150]microprocessor60 determines an appropriate action. For example, if a video is pulled out of thevideo slot30, program flow proceeds to point B of FIG. 25, where the library patron is informed that the self-service library terminal10 is ready to process the next item.
• If the[0151]microprocessor60 determines that a video has been fully inserted into thevideo slot30, themicroprocessor60 at apoint2300 determines whether an item identifier in the proper format is read from the video in thevideo slot30. If an item identifier in the proper format is read from the video in thevideo slot30, themicroprocessor60 determines whether the item identifier has already been processed. If the item identifier has not already been processed, program flow proceeds to point A of FIG. 26. If the item identifier in the proper format has already been processed, themicroprocessor60 at ablock2302 causes the video to be resensitized, program flow proceeds to point B of FIG. 26. In order to avoid erasing the data on the video, a lower intensity desensitizer should be used.
• If an item identifier in the proper format is not read from the video in the[0152]video slot30 before the maximum event timer T31 times out, themicroprocessor60 determines whether the count of the reposition counter R6 has exceeded the predetermined R6 threshold. If the count accumulated by the reposition counter R6 is greater than the predetermined R6 threshold, themicroprocessor60 at ablock2304 provides the screen display SCR-39 informing the patron that the self-service library terminal10 cannot read the item identifier from the video and directing the patron to take the video to the circulation desk. Thereafter, program flow proceeds to point C of FIG. 25. On the other hand, if the count accumulated by the reposition counter R6 is less than the predetermined R6 threshold, themicroprocessor60 at ablock2306 provides the screen display SCR-85 directing the patron to reposition the video in thevideo slot30. Themicroprocessor60 also increments the count of the reposition counter R6 at ablock2308, and program flow then proceeds to point D of FIG. 25.
• If the maximum event timer T[0153]30 times out before the video is pulled out of thevideo slot30 or the video is fully inserted into thevideo slot30, themicroprocessor60 at ablock2310 provides the screen display SCR-42 instructing the patron to fully insert the video into thevideo slot30. Thereafter, themicroprocessor60 functions in one of three ways. First, if the video is fully inserted into thevideo slot30, program flow proceeds to thepoint2300. Second, if the maximum event timer T32 times out before the video is pulled out of thevideo slot30 or the video is fully inserted into thevideo slot30, themicroprocessor60 at ablock2312 provides the screen display SCR-41 directing the patron to take the video out of thevideo slot30 and to try reinserting the video into thevideo slot30. Thereafter, program flow proceeds to point C of FIG. 25. Third, if themicroprocessor60 determines that the video has been pulled out of thevideo slot30 before its item identifier has been read, program flow proceeds to point B of FIG. 25.
• The routine shown in FIG. 28 is entered from FIGS. 20 and 21 if there is a printer error state. This error state may be entered when the[0154]printer70 is out of paper or when theprinter70 otherwise needs servicing. If theprinter70 is in an error state, themicroprocessor60 at ablock2500 provides either a screen display SCR-76 informing the patron that theprinter70 is out of paper or a screen display SCR-53 informing the patron that there is a general printer error, as appropriate. Alternatively, the self-service library terminal10 may give the patron the option of proceeding with a checkout or checkin if, for example, the printer problem is merely that theprinter70 is out of paper. Thereafter, program flow returns to the particular block from which the routine shown in FIG. 28 was invoked.
• The routine shown in FIG. 29 is entered from the routines shown in FIG. 7, 9,[0155]11, and14. When this routine is entered, themicroprocessor60 determines whether to display patron information (as may be determined by a software switch). If not, program flow proceeds to point A of FIG. 15. If patron information is to be displayed, the microprocessor at ablock2550 provides the screen display SCR-57 informing the patron of the appropriate patron status. Thereafter, themicroprocessor60 determines an appropriate action. For example, if a maximum event timer T36 times out before the patron presses a key on thekeypad32, or if a library patron presses a key of thekeypad32 as indicated by ablock2552, program flow proceeds to point A of FIG. 15.
• FIG. 30 shows how configuration data is prepared using either the[0156]data server50 or the self-check library terminal10. This configuration data includes, inter alia, screen display layouts, text objects, receipt layouts, receipt text, machine setup data, language selection data, bar code filters, sends/selects, upgrades, diagnostics, host interfaces, fonts, timer durations, and the like. The screen display layouts, receipt layouts, and text objects are configured using a personal computer2600 (or, alternatively, the self-service library terminal10) running a configuration program (labeled SAS in FIG. 30). The screen display layouts may be prepared as bit maps by a screen display editor operating on the personal computer2600 (or, alternatively, the self-service library terminal10). These screen display bit maps may include the fonts used in the screen displays. Also, the screen display editor may present configuration screens to the user in order to aid the user in preparing the screen display layouts.
• The screen display layouts and text are stored in a[0157]file2602, and the receipt layouts and text are stored in afile2604. The screen display layouts may be stored as bit maps in thefile2602. Message response text is typically configured for or by a library using a personal computer2608 (or the personal computer2600) running a configuration program (labeled LAV in FIG. 30). The message response text may be stored along with the configuration data. The configuration data stored in thefiles2602 and2604, together with the message response text are then downloaded into the self-service library terminal10 in order to configure this terminal.
• Certain modifications of the present invention have been discussed above. Other modifications will occur to those practicing in the art of the present invention. For example, the[0158]data server50 is described above as an apparatus on which configuration data can be generated, or a self-service library terminal on which configuration data can be generated, or a gateway such that configuration data is generated on one of theother library terminals52,54,56,58, . . . n shown in FIG. 2. Alternatively, the terminal50 can be arranged to function as both a self-service library terminal and a gateway.
• Also, as described above, the scan line projected by the[0159]reader18 may be long and steady, long and flashing, short and steady, and short and flashing. However, the scan line projected by thereader18 may be controlled so that it has different blink rates.
• In addition, as described above, the[0160]microprocessor60 provides a sad tone, a happy tone, and a walk-away tone through use of theaudible transducer40. Themicroprocessor60 may also be arranged to control theaudible transducer40 so as to provide a tone indicating that the self-service library terminal10 requires non-walk-away servicing, such as servicing because theprinter70 is out of paper.
• Moreover, various maximum event timers have been described above such that, when they time out, program flow proceeds to a predetermined point in the program. As an interim step, however, the library patron may first be asked whether the patron needs additional time. If the patron does not respond within a fixed amount of time, program flow proceeds to the predetermined point in the program. On the other hand, if the patron does respond within the fixed amount of time, the patron is given additional time before program flow proceeds to the predetermined point in the program. Also, the self-[0161]service library terminal10 may be arranged to block the patron's library card if the patron does not respond within the patron's allotted time.
• Furthermore, as described above, the[0162]microprocessor60 is arranged to detect a printer error state. Likewise, themicroprocessor60 may be arranged to detect error states other than printer error states. For example, an error state may occur when thecommunication link72 is down, or when thereader18 or thereader74 is out of service. In any of these error states, the library patron may be given the option of continuing or not continuing with a loan transaction, or themicroprocessor60 may be arranged to simply block the current loan transaction. If any part of the self-service library terminal10 is out of service, the self-service library terminal10 may be arranged to notify the patron which part is out of service.
• Also, as described above, the[0163]cradle14 is arranged to receive both a book and a CD. Instead, a separate receiving area may be provided in thehousing12 for receiving CD's.
• In addition, if the self-[0164]service library terminal10 is enabled to process a chargeable loan, and if the patron agrees to the charge, the patron is allowed to proceed. However, if the patron does not agree to the charge, the patron is instructed to remove the circulating item and the patron is not permitted to continue with that circulating item. Instead, the self-service library terminal10 may be arranged to allow the patron to continue checking out a circulating item even if the patron does not agree to pay a loan fee or fine. Similarly, the self-service library terminal10 may be arranged to remind the patron of previous exacted fines and of other circulating items that the patron has on hold and that the patron has not yet checked out.
• Moreover, as described above, the[0165]photoelectric sensors20 and22 are used to sense circulating items on thecradle14. Instead, other types of proximity sensors may be used to sense circulating items on thecradle14.
• Furthermore, as described above, a library patron may choose one of three ways (the[0166]keypad32, thereader18, or the magnetic stripe reader34) to enter the patron's identification. Instead, the library in which the self-service library terminal10 is used may restrict the patron to only one mode or may provide the patron with any number of identification modes greater than or less than three.
• Also, more photoelectric sensors than the[0167]photoelectric sensors20 and22 may be used on thecradle14.
• Accordingly, the description of the present invention is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode of carrying out the invention. The details may be varied substantially without departing from the spirit of the invention, and the exclusive use of all modifications which are within the scope of the appended claims is reserved.[0168]

Claims (31)

1-131. (canceled)

132. A self-service library terminal comprising:

a reader arranged to read identifications on books involved in library loan transactions;

a payment apparatus arranged to receive payment from a borrower; and,

a controller, wherein the controller is arranged to process signals from the reader corresponding to the identifications read by the reader, wherein the controller is arranged to interact with the payment apparatus in order to process financial transactions related to the library loan transactions, and wherein the controller is arranged to remind the borrower of the borrower's account status.

133-137. (canceled)

138. The self-service library terminal ofclaim 132 further comprising a display, wherein the controller is arranged to control the display in order to remind the borrower of an overdue book chargeable to the borrower.

139. The self-service library terminal ofclaim 138 wherein the controller is arranged to control the display in order to remind the borrower to pay immediately for the overdue book.

140-142. (canceled)

143. The self-service library terminal ofclaim 132 further comprising a display, wherein the controller is arranged to control the display in order to remind the borrower of a fine owed by the borrower.

144. (canceled)

145. The self-service library terminal ofclaim 132 wherein the payment apparatus comprises a credit card reader.

146. The self-service library terminal ofclaim 132 wherein the payment apparatus comprises a debit card reader.

147. The self-service library terminal ofclaim 132 wherein the payment apparatus comprises a smart card reader.

148. The self-service library terminal ofclaim 132 wherein the payment apparatus comprises a cash receiver.

149. (canceled)

150. The self-service library terminal ofclaim 132 further comprising a display, wherein the controller is arranged to control the display in order to remind the borrower of a new charge.

151-182. (canceled)

183. A self-service library terminal comprising:

a reader that reads identifications on books involved in library loan transactions;

a payment receiver that receives payments associated with the loan transactions; and,

a controller that processes the identifications read by the reader and the payments received by the payment receiver.

184. The self-service library terminal ofclaim 183 wherein the payment receiver comprises a cash receiver.

185. The self-service library terminal ofclaim 183 wherein the payment receiver comprises a credit card receiver.

186. The self-service library terminal ofclaim 183 wherein the payment receiver comprises a debit card receiver.

187. The self-service library terminal ofclaim 183 wherein the payment receiver comprises a smart card receiver.

188. The self-service library terminal ofclaim 183 further comprising a display, wherein the controller controls the display to remind the borrower of an overdue book chargeable to the borrower.

189. The self-service library terminal ofclaim 188 wherein the controller controls the display to remind the borrower to pay immediately for the overdue book.

190. The self-service library terminal ofclaim 183 further comprising a display, wherein the controller controls the display to remind the borrower of a fine owed by the borrower.

191. A method implemented by a self-service library terminal comprising:

reading an identification on a book involved in a library loan transaction;

reading a payment from a payment card;

processing the identification to determine an identification of the book involved in the loan transaction; and,

processing the payment in relation to the loan transaction.

192. The method ofclaim 191 wherein the reading of a payment from a payment card comprises reading a payment from a credit card.

193. The method ofclaim 191 wherein the reading of a payment from a payment card comprises reading a payment from a debit card.

194. The method ofclaim 191 wherein the reading of a payment from a payment card comprises reading a payment from a smart card.

195. The method ofclaim 191 displaying a reminder to a patron that an overdue fine is associated with the loan transaction.

196. The method ofclaim 191 further comprising:

storing loan transactions during periods when a link between the self-service library terminal and a circulation system is down; and,

communicating the stored loan transactions to the circulation system when the link is back up.

197. A self-service library terminal comprising:

a reader arranged to read identifications on articles involved in library loan transactions;

a payment apparatus arranged to receive payment from a borrower for fines related to overdue articles; and,

a controller, wherein the controller is arranged to process signals from the reader corresponding to the identifications read by the reader, and wherein the controller is arranged to interact with the payment apparatus in order to process the fines related to the library loan transactions.

198. The self-service library terminal ofclaim 197 wherein the articles comprise books, and wherein the fines relate to overdue books.

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