`
`(19) World Intellectual Property
`Organization
`International Bureau
`
`(43) International Publication Date
`13 December 2012 (13.12.2012)
`
`9*
`
`WIPOI PCT
`
`(10) International Publication Number
`
`WO 2012/170321 A2
`
`(51)
`
`International Patent Classification:
`G07F 11/62 (2006.01)
`323C 3/35 (2006.01)
`
`(81)
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`(21)
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`International Application Number:
`
`l‘CT/US2012/04065 6
`
`(22)
`
`International Filing Date:
`
`Filing Language:
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`Publication Language:
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`4 June 2012 (04.06.2012)
`
`English
`
`English
`
`Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for everv
`kind of national protection available): AE, AG, AL, AM,
`AO, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BH, BR, BW, BY, BZ,
`CA, CH, CL, CN, CO, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM, DO,
`DZ, EC, EE, EG, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, GT, HN,
`HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG, KM, KN, KP, KR,
`KZ, LA, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LY, MA, MD, ME,
`MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, MY, MZ, NA, NG, NI, NO, NZ,
`OM, PE, PG, PH, PL, PT, QA, RO, RS, RU, RW, SC, SD,
`SE, SG, SK, SL, SM, ST, SV, SY, TH, TJ, TM, TN, TR,
`TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VC, VN, ZA, ZM, ZW.
`
`Priority Data:
`13/155,994
`
`8 June 2011 (08.06.2011)
`
`US
`
`Applicant (for all designated States except US): MINUTE
`KEY INC. [US/US]; 1615 Pearl Street, Ste. A, Boulder,
`Colorado 80302 (US).
`
`Inventor; and
`(for US only): FREEMAN, Daniel
`Inventor/Applicant
`[US/US]; 21250 Califa Street, #104, Woodland Hills, Cali-
`fornia 91367 (US).
`
`Agent: RUDISILL, Stephen, G.; Nixon Peabody LLP,
`300 S. Riverside Plaza, 16th floor, Chicago, Illinois 60606
`(US).
`
`(84)
`
`Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every
`kind of regional protection available): ARIPO (BW, GH,
`GM, RE, LR, LS, MW, MZ, NA, RW, SD, SL, sz, TZ,
`UG, ZM, ZW), Eurasian (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, RU, TJ,
`TM), European (AL, AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK,
`EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LT, LU, LV,
`MC, MK, MT, NL, No, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SI, SK, SM,
`TR), OAPI (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GQ, GW,
`ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG).
`Declarations under Rule 4.17:
`
`as to applicant’s entitlement to applyfor and be granted a
`patent (Rule 4.1 7(ii))
`
`[Continued on next page]
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`(71)
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`(75)
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`(74)
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`(54) Title: FULLY AUTOMATIC SELF-SERVICE KEY DUPLICATING KIOSK
`
`(57) Abstract: A self—service, fully-automatic kiosk for duplicating keys in-
`cludes a kiosk housing having a customer interface for receiving payment
`from a customer for the purchase of at least one duplicate of the customer's
`key. A key analysis system Within the housing analyzes the blade of a key
`inserted in the key-receiving entry to determine whether the inserted key
`matches one of a group of preselected key types and, if so, which preselected
`key type is matched. A key blank extraction system extracts from a magazine
`Within the kiosk a key blank for the preselected key type matched by the
`blade of the key inserted in the key-receiving entry. Then a key duplicating
`system Within the kiosk replicates the tooth pattern of the blade of the key
`inserted in the key—receiving entry, on the blade of the extracted key blank.
`The kiosk includes a processor coupled to sensors and controllable devices
`Within the kiosk and to a communications port for communicating with a re-
`mote central server. The processor displays multiple available manual com-
`mands in response to an input signal requesting such a display, and, in re-
`sponse to manual selection of the commands, produces signals that energize
`and de-energize selected devices within the kiosk, thereby permitting remote
`manual control of the devices and mechanisms associated with those
`devices. The processor also transmits signals from a video camera within the
`kiosk, and signals representing the status of multiple devices Within the
`kiosk.
`
`
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`WO2012/170321A2llllll1||||lllll|||l|l||||||||l||||||||||||||||ll|||l||||||||l|||ll|||||lllllllllllllllllllllll
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`— as to the applicant’s entitlement to claim the priority of Published:
`the earlier application (Rule 4. I 7(iii))
`— without international search report and to be republished
`upon receipt of that report (Rule 48.2(g))
`
`
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`WO 2012/170321
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`PCT/U82012/040656
`
`FULLY AUTOMATIC SELF-SERVICE KEY DUPLICATING KIOSK
`
`1
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0001]
`
`The invention is directed to the field, of key duplication. More specifically,
`
`the invention is directed to a kiosk for automatic key duplication involving no trained human
`
`operator, It only requires a customer.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002]
`
`Duplicate keys are typically cut from pre—existing master keys using a hand—
`
`operated table-top tool having two clamps, a cutting wheel, a follower and a cleaning wheel.
`
`There is a long-felt need for a fiilly automatic key identifying and/or duplicating machine that
`
`can provide a duplicate key for an ordinary consumer in a manner as easy as purchasing an
`
`item from a vending machine or receiving money from an automated teller machine.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0003]
`
`In accordance with one embodiment, a self-service, fully-automatic kiosk
`
`for duplicating keys includes a kiosk housing having a customer interface for receiving
`
`payment from a customer for the purchase of at least one duplicate of the customer’s key. A
`
`key—receiving entry in the housing receives at least a portion of the customer’s key to be
`
`duplicated, and a key analysis system within the housing analyzes the blade of a key inserted in
`
`the key-receiving entry to determine whether the inserted key matches one of a group of
`
`preselected key types and, if so, which preselected key type is matched. A key blank magazine
`
`within the housing stores key blanks for each of the preselected key types. A key blank
`
`extraction system extracts from the magazine a key blank for the preselected key type matched
`
`by the blade of the key inserted in the key-receiving entry. Then a key duplicating system
`
`within the kiosk replicates the tooth pattern of the blade of the key inserted in the key—receiving
`
`entry, on the blade of the extracted key blank. The kiosk includes a processor coupled to
`
`sensors and controllable devices within the kiosk and to a communications port
`
`for
`
`communicating with a remote central server. The processor is programmed to display multiple
`
`available manual commands in response to an input signal requesting such a display, and, in
`
`response to manual selection of the commands,
`
`to produce signals that energize and de—
`
`energize selected devices within the kiosk, thereby permitting remote manual control of the
`
`devices and mechanisms associated with those devices.
`
`The processor may also be
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`programmed to control a video camera within the kiosk,
`
`in response to command signals
`
`received from the remote central server via the communications port, so that a remote operator
`
`can view the interior of the kiosk while manually controlling devices within the kiosk. The
`
`status of multiple devices within the kiosk may also be displayed by the processor in response
`
`to a signal from the remote computer.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0004]
`
`The invention will be better understood from the following description of
`
`preferred embodiments together with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
`
`[0005]
`
`FIG. 1 is a front perspective of a key—duplicating kiosk.
`
`[0006]
`
`FIG. 2 is a front perspective of the same kiosk shown in FIG.
`
`1 with the
`
`front panel opened to reveal the internal structure.
`
`[0007]
`
`FIG. 3 is a fianctional block diagram ofthe electrical system in the kiosk of
`
`FIGs. l and 2.
`
`[0008]
`
`FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective of the key entry in the front wall of the
`
`kiosk ofFIGs. l and 2.
`
`[0009]
`
`FIG. 5 is a screen shot of a “Welcome” screen in the display in the front
`
`wall ofthe kiosk of FIGs. l and 2.
`
`[0010]
`
`FIG. 6 is a screen shot of a “Select A Key Design” screen in the display in
`
`the front wall of the kiosk of FIGs. l and 2.
`
`[0011]
`
`FIG. 7 is a screen shot of a “Select Key Quantity” screen in the display in
`
`the front wall of the kiosk of FIGS.
`
`1 and 2.
`
`[0012]
`
`FIG. 8 is a screen shot of a “Review Order and Pay” screen in the display in
`
`the front wall ofthe kiosk ofFIGs. l and 2.
`
`[0013]
`
`FIG. 9 is a screen shot of a “Insert Your Key Below” screen in the display
`
`in the front wall of the kiosk of FIGs. l and 2.
`
`[0014]
`
`FIG. 10 is a screen shot of an “Insert and Hold Your Key” screen in the
`
`display in the front wall of the kiosk of FIGS.
`
`1 and 2.
`
`[0015]
`
`FIG. ll is a screen shot of a “Please Wait .
`
`.
`
`. In Progress” screen in, the
`
`display in the front wall of the kiosk of Fle. l and 2.FIG. I2 is a screen shot of a “Thank
`
`You” screen in the display in the front wall of the kiosk of FIGs.
`
`l and 2.FIG. I3 is a screen
`
`shot of an “Email Receipt” screen in the display in the front wall ofthe kiosk of FIGS. 1 and 2.
`
`
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`
`[0016]
`
`FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the key entry door mechanism shown in
`
`FIGS. 1 and, 2, with the door in its closed and latched position.
`
`[0017]
`
`FIG. 15 is a fiont elevation of the key entry door mechanism shown in FIG.
`
`14, with the door in a partially open and unlatched position.
`
`[0018]
`
`FIG. 16 is front elevation of the key entry door mechanism shown in FIG.
`
`14, with the door in a fully open and unlatched position.
`
`[0019]
`
`FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the master key-alignment, clamping and
`
`analysis systems in the kiosk of FIGs. 1 and 2, with a master key fully inserted.
`
`[0020]
`
`FIG. 18 is a slightly rotated and enlarged perspective view of the master—key
`
`clamping and analysis systems shown in FIG. 17, with the master key not yet inserted.
`
`[0021]
`
`FIG. 19 is a further enlarged, perspective of the master—key length sensing
`
`system in the master—key analysis system shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, with the tip of the master
`
`key engaging the length—sensing system.
`
`[0022]
`
`FIG. 20 is an enlarged perspective view of the left-hand portion of the
`
`systems shown in FIG. 17, with the master key-alignment system in its fully advanced position
`
`and the profile-matching gauges in their key-engaging positions.
`
`[0023]
`
`FIG. 21 is an enlarged and exploded perspective of the left-hand portion of
`
`the master—key alignment system shown in FIGs. 17 and 20.
`
`[0024]
`
`FIG. 22 is an enlarged top plan view of the master-key alignment
`
`mechanism advanced to its intermediate or “low-force” position and with the master key not
`
`yet inserted.
`
`[0025]
`
`FIG. 23 is the same top plan view shown in FIG. 22 with the master key
`
`inserted but not fiilly aligned.
`
`[0026]
`
`FIG. 24 is the same top plan view shown in FIG. 23 with the alignment
`
`mechanism advanced to its most advanced or “high-force” position to fully align the master
`
`key.
`
`[0027]
`
`FIG. 25 is an enlarged perspective view of the right-hand end of the master-
`
`key alignment mechanism shown in FIG. 24.
`
`[0028]
`
`FIG. 26 is a fiarther enlarged side elevation of a master key and one of the
`
`pins in the alignment mechanism shown in FIG. 25.
`
`[0029]
`
`FIG. 27 is an enlarged, exploded perspective of the master key shoulder—
`
`sensing arrangement in the master-key alignment system shown in FIGs. 21—26.
`
`
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`[0030]
`
`FIG. 28 is an enlarged perspective View of the master key clamping
`
`assembly, with a master key fully inserted into the open clamping assembly.
`
`[003]]
`
`FIG. 29 is a perspective View of the master key-alignment mechanism in its
`
`retracted position and with the profile-matching gauges engaging a fully inserted master key.
`
`[0032]
`
`FIG. 30 is a further enlarged side elevation of the profile-matching gauges
`
`shown in FIG. 29 with the profile-matching gauges disengaged from the master key.
`
`[0033]
`
`FIG. 31 is a front perspective view of the key-blank magazine and the key-
`
`entry door mechanisms in the kiosk of FIGs. l and 2.
`
`[0034]
`
`FIG. 32 is an enlarged front perspective view of the top of the key-blank
`
`magazine.
`
`[0035]
`
`FIG. 33 is a perspective View of a stack of key blanks and a tool for loading
`
`the stack of key blanks into the key blank magazine.
`
`[0036]
`
`FIG. 34 is the same perspective View shown in FIG. 33, with the stack of
`
`key blanks engaged by the tool.
`
`[0037]
`
`FIG. 35 is a sectional view of a stack of key blanks contained in an opened
`
`box, with the tool shown in FIGs. 33 and 34 positioned adjacent the open end of the box.
`
`[0038]
`
`FIG. 36 is the same sectional view shown in FIG. 35, with the tool engaging
`
`the stack of key blanks in the box.
`
`[0039]
`
`FIG. 37 is the same sectional View shown in FIGs. 35 and 36, with the stack
`
`of key blanks removed from the box by the tool.
`
`[0040]
`
`FlG. 38 is the same sectional view of the tool and the stack of key blanks
`
`shown in FIG. 37, but positioned adjacent the upper end of the key blank magazine.
`
`[0041]
`
`FIG. 39 is an enlarged fi‘ont perspective View of the bottom portion of the
`
`key-blank magazine, along with the key-blank clamping assembly and carrier, in the kiosk of
`
`FIGS. 1 and 2, with a single key blank being extracted from the magazine.
`
`[0042]
`
`FIG. 40 is the same perspective view shown in FIG. 39 but with two stacks
`
`of key blanks in the magazine and showing the duplicate key discharge chute.
`
`[0043]
`
`FIG. 41 is a front perspective View of the key-blank magazine and its
`
`transport mechanism, the key-blank clamping mechanism and carrier, the master—key clamping
`
`assembly and the cutting wheel and associated vacuum housing.
`
`[0044]
`
`FIG. 42 is a top rear perspective view of the same mechanisms shown in
`
`FIG. 41.
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`[0045]
`
`FIG. 43 is an enlarged perspective view of the mechanism for extracting a
`
`key blank from the key—blank magazine, with an extracted key blank about to engage the
`
`alignment and clamping mechanisms.
`
`[0046]
`
`FIG. 44 is the same perspective view shown in FIG. 43 with the key-blank
`
`extraction mechanism engaging the extracted key blank and advancing that blank into the
`
`alignment and clamping mechanisms.
`
`[0047]
`
`FIG. 45 is an enlarged perspective view of the key-blank clamping assembly
`
`with the extracted key blank fully inserted and the clamping mechanism still open.
`
`[0048]
`
`FIG. 46 is the same perspective view shown in FIG. 45 with the clamping
`
`mechanism closed to clamp the extracted key blank.
`
`[0049]
`
`FIG. 47 is an enlarged perspective view of the key—blank clamping assembly
`
`clamping an extracted key blank, the base on which the clamping assembly is mounted, the
`
`carrier on which the base is mounted, and the cam mechanism for pivoting the base.
`
`[0050]
`
`FIGs. 48 through 55
`
`are perspective views of the key-duplicating
`
`mechanisms in successive stages of a. duplicating operation, with a reduced end elevation
`
`showing the angular position of the key-blank clamping assembly and its base in each stage.
`
`[0051]
`
`FIG. 56 is an enlarged top front perspective of a master key and a key blank
`
`in their respective clamping assemblies during a key-duplicating operation.
`
`[0052]
`
`FIG. 57 is an enlarged perspective view from the front of the left-hand side
`
`of the key-blank clamping assembly, base, carrier and transport mechanism.
`
`[0053]
`
`FIG. 58 is a diagrammatic plan View of a master key clamped for
`
`engagement by a follower and a key blank clamped to be cut to reproduce the tooth profile of
`
`the master key.
`
`[0054]
`
`FIG. 59 is the same diagrammatic plan view as FIG. 58 with the follower
`
`moved about halfway along the teeth of the master key, and with the teeth already passed by
`
`the follower cut in the key blank.
`
`[0055]
`
`FIG. 60 is a perspective View of a vacuum system associated with the
`
`cutting and de—burring wheels in the key duplicating system.
`
`[0056]
`
`FIG. 61 is a functional block diagram of a kiosk network that includes a
`
`plurality of the kiosks of FIG s. l and 2 and an associated communication system connecting all
`
`the kiosks via the internet with a central office, a payment processor and an email server.
`
`[0057]
`
`FIG. 62 is an first example of a Remote Management Tool display.
`
`[0058]
`
`FIG. 63 is a second example of a Remote Management Tool display.
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`
`[0059]
`
`FIG. 64 is an example of an image produced by the video camera inside the
`
`kiosk.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`[0060]
`
`Although the invention will be described in connection with certain
`
`preferred embodiments,
`
`it will be understood that
`
`the invention is not
`
`limited to those
`
`particular embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all alternatives,
`
`modifications, and equivalent arrangements as may be included within the spirit and scope of
`
`the invention as defined by the appended claims.
`
`[0061]
`
`Key duplication requires analysis of the master key to determine the model
`
`and tooth pattern of the master key, and then reproducing that tooth pattern on a key blank of
`
`the same model as the master key.
`
`It is generally necessary to have the master key stationary
`
`and to firmly hold the key blank while reproducing the tooth pattern.
`
`[0062]
`
`The exemplary key-duplicating kiosk shown in FIGS.
`
`1 and 2 has a housing
`
`10 that includes a touch-screen display 11, a payment device 12 such as a credit or debit card
`
`reader, a viewing window 13, a key—receiving entry 14 that includes a door 100 that opens to
`
`reveal a key insertion slot 104, a duplicate key discharge tray 15 and a keychain discharge tray
`
`16. This kiosk enables a consumer to insert a master key into the slot 104 and have the master
`
`key automatically duplicated while the head of the key is always projecting from the kiosk, just
`
`as when a key is used in a door. At the base of the viewing window 13, three indicators lights
`
`18a-l 8c are illuminated to inform the customer when to “Insert Key” (light 18a), "Key
`
`Accepted" (light 18b) or “Remove Key” (light 180). The kiosk also includes a pair of speakers
`
`19a and 19b and illuminated signs 20a and 20b to help attract customers to the kiosk. The
`
`interior of the kiosk is illuminated to facilitate viewing of the key duplicating operations
`
`through the viewing window 13.
`
`[0063]
`
`The depth and width of the kiosk housing 10 are 25” and 34", respectively,
`
`so that the kiosk footprint is less than about 6 square feet, to minimize the floor space occupied
`
`by the kiosk in a retail store. This kiosk has the capacity of storing more than 3000 key blanks
`
`of different types and styles. For security and safety reasons, the kiosk is entirely self—
`
`contained, except for an electrical power connection. Electronic communications with the
`
`processor inside the kiosk are preferably wireless. A locked door in the front of the housing 10
`
`permits access by only authorized personnel for replenishing the supply of key blanks inside
`
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`the kiosk, or for repair or maintenance purposes. Different access privileges may be provided
`
`for merchandisers (replenishment), maintenance, and removal of cash.
`
`[0064]
`
`The touch-screen display 11 contains soft touch keys denoted by graphics
`
`on the underlying display and used to operate the kiosk 10. The touch screen preferably
`
`extends over the entire display ll to allow customers to make displayed selections by touching
`
`the touch screen at appropriate touch keys. The display itself may take the form of a high
`
`resolution LCD, a plasma display, an LED or OLED display, a non—touch screen with selection
`
`buttons along the side, or any other type of display suitable for use in the kiosk 10.
`
`[0065]
`
`The payment device 12 may include a bill acceptor for receiving paper
`
`currency, a coin acceptor, a change dispenser, a card reader, and/or a reader or sensor for other
`
`tangible portable credit storage devices that may also authorize access to and debit a central
`
`account, such as a cellular payment system which operates Via text messages from customers”
`
`cell phones.
`
`[0066]
`
`Turning now to FIG. 3,
`
`the various components of the kiosk l0 are
`
`controlled by a general-purpose processor 24 (also referred to as a PC, central processing unit
`
`(CPU) or processor such as a microcontroller or microprocessor) contained within an electrical
`
`enclosure 10a inside the kiosk housing 10.
`
`It will be appreciated that the processor 24 may
`
`include one or more microprocessors, including but not limited to a master processor, a slave
`
`processor, and a secondary or parallel processor. The processor 24 communicates directly with
`
`a custom controller board 25 within the kiosk, as well as the payment device 12 and the touch
`
`screen display 11, and executes one or more programs stored in a computer readable storage
`
`medium or memory 24a to control the display l 1, various mechanisms within the kiosk, and a
`
`communications interface 24b for communicating with remote servers and other devices. The
`
`system memory 24a may comprise a volatile memory (e. g, a random—access memory (RAM))
`
`and a non—volatile memory (e.g., an EEPROM), and may include multiple RAM and multiple
`
`program memories. The payment device 12 signals the processor 24 when money and/or
`
`credits have been input via the payment device.
`
`[0067]
`
`The processor 24 may include any combination of hardware, software,
`
`and/or firmware that may control the transfer of data between the kiosk and a bus, another
`
`computer, processor, or device and/or a service and/or a network. The communications
`
`interface 24b preferably couples the kiosk wirelessly to an external network, which is
`
`described in more detail below. The controller 25 receives signals from various sensors 29
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`within the kiosk, as described in more detail below, and generates control signals for solenoids
`
`26, relays 27 and motors 28 within the kiosk, as also described below.
`
`[0068]
`
`The key-receiving entry 14 is located in a central recess l7a of a guard 17
`
`that protrudes from the front of the kiosk to protect the head of a key inserted in the kiosk from
`
`being bumped. The key entry area is the same height as a door lock, making the key insertion
`
`process easy and intuitive for a customer. When the customer inserts a key into the slot 104,
`
`only the blade portion of the key extends inside the kiosk, because the slot 104 is dimensioned
`
`to block the head portion of the key from entering the kiosk. This prevents the loss of a
`
`customer’s key inside the kiosk, and also makes the customer comfortable because the head of
`
`the key is always visible to the customer while it
`
`is being analyzed and duplicated.
`
`Additionally, blocking the entry of the key head, prevents the customer from inconveniently
`
`being forced to take the key offa keychain or remove identifiers from the key head to insert the
`
`key for analysis and, duplication. As shown in FIG. 4, the base of the recess l7a includes
`
`graphics to help ensure that the customer inserts the key in the proper orientation for the
`
`receiving sensors and mechanism inside the kiosk, e. g, with the teeth on the key blade facing
`
`to the left. These graphics can be illuminated continuously or intermittently to attract the
`
`customer’s attention, and may also be reinforced by audio instructions to the customer via the
`
`speakers 19a, 19b and video or graphic instructions via the display ll.
`
`[0069]
`
`The mechanisms
`
`inside the kiosk cabinet 10 include the following
`
`mechanisms:
`
`0
`
`a key blank magazine for storing key blanks of different types (e.g., Schlage,
`
`Kwikset, Weiser, etc.) and different styles (plain brass, colored flag pattern, colored
`
`flower pattern, etc),
`
`o
`
`a vandal—proof door opening, closing and latching mechanism for the key-entry
`
`door,
`
`0
`
`devices for aligning an inserted master key clamping mechanism that holds the
`
`master key in a fixed, predetermined position while that key is being analyzed and
`
`duplicated,
`
`o
`
`a key identification system that identifies the type of key blank needed to duplicate
`
`the master key on,
`
`o
`
`a follower base for holding the key blank,
`
`
`
`WO 2012/170321
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`PCTm52012/040656
`
`9
`
`a key blank extractor mechanism for loading and aligning the desired type and style
`
`of key blank from the key blank magazine into the blank clamp base,
`
`a key cutting mechanism for cutting the blade of the selected key blank to
`
`reproduce the tooth pattern of the master key,
`
`a de-burring mechanism for removing debris from the freshly cut duplicate key, and
`
`a vacuum system for managing the debris from the cutting and de-burring
`
`operations.
`
`[0070]
`
`The processor 24 and the custom controller board 25 are programmed to
`
`carry out the following functions:
`
`the processor controls audio outputs and the screens displayed to customers in
`
`response to actions taken by the customer and in response to signals produced by
`
`various sensors within the kiosk,
`
`the controller board controls the mechanisms within the kiosk in response to actions
`
`taken by the customer and in response to signals produced by various
`
`sensors
`
`within the kiosk,
`
`the processor collects and accumulates data regarding use of the kiosk, such as the
`
`number of duplicate keys made,
`
`the number of different
`
`types of key blanks
`
`remaining in the key-blank magazine in the kiosk, revenue generated by the kiosk
`
`by time and date, cumulative use time of parts that wear, etc, and errors that occur,
`
`and
`
`the processor communicates via the cell modem or other network connection
`
`method with one or more
`
`remote computers/servers
`
`to transmit
`
`reports,
`
`maintenance alarms, etc. to the remote computers/servers.
`
`[0071]
`
`When the kiosk is not in use by a customer, the display ll displays a
`
`promotion, such as “Buy 2, Get 1 Free”, and a message that invites a customer to “Touch Here
`
`to Begin.” The screen may also include advertising for a third party, which can be remotely
`
`managed and automatically adapted to the kiosk venue, time of clay, individual customers and
`
`other factors. When a customer stands in front of the kiosk, a proximity detector (not shown)
`
`located on the front panel of the kiosk triggers the initiation of a voiceover or video
`
`demonstration on how to use the machine. When the customer touches the touch screen ll, the
`
`display changes to a welcome screen, shown in FIG. 5, that gives the customer an option to
`
`“Start Your Order Now” or select a “Help” or “Espafiol” button. Selecting the “Help” button
`
`
`
`WO 2012/170321
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`PCTm52012/040656
`
`10
`
`at any time displays an FAQ screen from which the customer can select a topic to obtain more
`
`information. Selecting the “Espafiol” button displays the instructions in Spanish. The display
`
`may also give the customer multiple language options to choose from. Selection of the “Start
`
`Your Order Now” option changes the display to ask the customer to “Select a Key Design,” as
`
`shown in FIG. 6.
`
`If the customer has difficulty reaching the options on the touch screen ll,
`
`touching a blue handicap icon at the bottom right corner of the screen changes the display to a
`
`screen that adds a numerical panel at the bottom of the screen and numbers the design choices,
`
`which facilitates selecting a key design from a wheelchair, for example. The heights of the
`
`blue handicap icon and the top of the numerical panel are preferably no more than 54 inches
`
`above the floor in front of the kiosk, to meet the requirements of ADA regulations in the US.
`
`[0072]
`
`The screen in FIG. 6 also includes a “Key Chain Only” option which, when
`
`touched, changes the display to a screen where the customer can select a particular style of
`
`keychain. Upon selection of a key style on the touch-screen display of FIG. 6, the display
`
`changes to the screen shown in FIG. 7, which asks the customer to select the number of keys to
`
`be purchased. This display also offers an option to “Start Over” to make any necessary
`
`changes. Promotions on keys, such as “Buy 2, Get 1 Free” or “Add Another Key at a Special
`
`Price” can also be made available to the customer on this screen, and the customer can select
`
`“Yes” or “No” to accept or reject the promotion, enter a code provided for a promotion, or
`
`swipe a retail membership or value card.
`
`[0073]
`
`When the desired quantity of duplicated keys has been selected, the display
`
`changes to the “Review Order and Pay” screen shown in FIG. 8, which gives the customer the
`
`option of selecting “Back” to make changes to the order,
`
`to go to “Help,” to View the “Terms
`
`and Conditions” of the purchase, or to “Cancel Order.” This screen also directs the customer
`
`to swipe a credit card, through the card reader slot and illustrates how to insert the card and, the
`
`types of credit cards that can be used. When a credit card is swiped through the card reader 12,
`
`the data from the credit card is automatically sent
`
`to the cell modem or other network
`
`connection for transmission to a remote server of a credit card provider for authorization of the
`
`given credit card, along with the amount of the customer’s order plus a preselected additional
`
`amount to cover any additional options to be offered the customer, as discussed below, or a flat
`
`predetermined amount for any transaction by any customer. The remote credit card provider
`
`promptly returns a “yes” or “no” for the dollar amount of the customer’s order to be charged to
`
`the swiped credit card.
`
`
`
`WO 2012/170321
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`PCTm52012/040656
`
`11
`
`[0074]
`
`If the response from the credit provider is a “no” (the selected credit card is
`
`not authorized for payment), the display may change to inform the customer that credit has
`
`been denied, inviting the customer to insert a different credit card. If no action is taken by the
`
`customer within a preselected time interval, the display asks "do you, need more time," and if
`
`no action is taken, then the display is returned to the "Touch to Start" screen.
`
`[0075]
`
`If the response from the credit provider is a “yes” (the card is authorized for
`
`payment), or if the card is accepted because of a lack of connectivity with the credit provider,
`
`the system is ready to accept a key from the customer, and the door 100 is opened to permit
`
`insertion of the customer’s key into a slot 104. This authorizes the charge, but the payment
`
`will only be completed at the end, of the key duplication process. At the same time the door
`
`100 is opened, the display is changed to request the customer to insert the key to be duplicated,
`
`with instructions specifying which direction the key should be facing, as shown in the screen
`
`shot in FIG. 9. This screen also has an “I can’t insert my key” option, which, when touched,
`
`displays a screen that informs the customer that "Your key cannot be duplicated” FIG. 10 is a
`
`screen shot of a display that
`
`is generated if a problem is encountered during automatic
`
`alignment of the customer’s key after it is inserted, as described in detail below. FIG. 11 is a
`
`screen shot of a display generated while the customer’s key is being duplicated.
`
`[0076]
`
`At the end of the key duplication process the display is changed to show the
`
`customer an on-screen copy of his or her transaction receipt, as shown in FIG. 12. The
`
`interface has "Email Receipt" and, "Start Over" buttons. The "Start Over" button ends the
`
`customer order session and restarts a new order. The "Email Receipt" button links the
`
`customer to a screen with a QWERTY style virtual keyboard, as shown in FIG. 13, that allows
`
`the customer to enter an email address in a field within a preselected time-out interval. Once a
`
`customer completes entering an email address into this field and touches the "Continue"
`
`button, the display changes to a screen that informs the customer that a receipt has been sent to
`
`the email address that was entered. When the transaction is complete, the display gives the
`
`customer an option to send a text or email message with a coupon code inviting another person
`
`to use the machine. The display also allows the customer to send a message from the machine
`
`to a group of people on a social network.
`
`Furthermore,
`
`the display gives high volume
`
`customers the option of enrolling in a frequent buyer program which sends the customers
`
`special promotions or discounts for future purchases.
`
`[0077]
`
`FIGs. 14-16 illustrate an automated key—entry door mechanism that includes
`
`a latch to hold the door 100 in its closed position until the customer is instructed to insert a key
`
`
`
`WO 2012/170321
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`PCTm52012/040656
`
`12
`
`to be duplicated. The door 100 is formed by a horizontally elongated, plate that slides between
`
`outer and inner stationary plates 101 and 102 having registered key—entry apertures 103 and
`
`104. The aperture 104 in the inner stationary plate 104 is in the form of a horizontal key—entry
`
`slot, so that it permits the key blade to enter the kio