System for distributing and vending data
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A system for distributing and vending data, comprising:
- a processing center adapted to collect data; and
a vending machine adapted to receive and store data from the processing center, wherein copies of the data collected by the processing center are distributed to the vending machine for vending by the machine.
8 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system for distributing and vending data. The system includes a processing center adapted to collect data and a plurality of vending machines adapted to receive data from the processing center. Copies of the data collected by the processing center are distributed to the vending machines and vended by the machines. In some embodiments the data may be collected by the processing center and distributed to the vending machines by a telecommunications link. The data may be secured to prevent interception and unauthorized use of the data. A method employs the system.
-
Citations
28 Claims
-
1. A system for distributing and vending data, comprising:
-
a processing center adapted to collect data; and
a vending machine adapted to receive and store data from the processing center, wherein copies of the data collected by the processing center are distributed to the vending machine for vending by the machine. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
-
-
8. A system for distributing and vending data, comprising:
-
a processing center adapted to collect data;
a plurality of regions adapted to receive data from the processing center;
a plurality of districts, wherein the districts are logically associated with the regions and adapted to receive data from the regions; and
a plurality of vending machines, wherein the vending machines are logically associated with the districts and adapted to receive data from the districts, wherein copies of the data collected by the processing center are distributed to the vending machines and vended by the machines. - View Dependent Claims (9)
-
-
10. A machine for vending data in a system for distributing and vending data, comprising:
-
a data input/output subsystem;
a user input subsystem for selecting data; and
a transaction subsystem, wherein the machine vends selected data in accordance with inputs to the machine via the user input subsystem and the transaction subsystem. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
-
-
18. A method for vending data, comprising the steps of:
-
initiating a transaction;
displaying a menu;
selecting data from the menu;
making payment for the selected data; and
vending a medium containing a copy of the selected data. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
-
-
24. A method for controlling the inventory of a machine for vending data, comprising the steps of:
-
building an initial inventory comprising copies of the data;
monitoring sales of the inventory; and
generating additional copies of the data when the inventory reaches a predetermined level. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28)
-
Specification