Apparatus and method for publishing computer-readable media
First Claim
1. A publisher for recording electronic data onto a portable computer-readable medium to be given to an end user for allowing the end user to review the electronic data in a private setting, the publisher comprising:
- a recorder for recording the electronic data on the portable computer-readable medium;
an automated feeder for supplying the portable computer-readable medium to the recorder without intervention by an operator;
a user interface for visibly displaying options available to the operator for controlling operation of the publisher;
a printer for printing onto a surface of a label at least variable label content that is related to the electronic data that can be retrieved from the computer-readable medium and reviewed by the end user;
a control unit to control the recording of the electronic data onto the computer-readable medium by the recorder;
a communication interface operatively coupled to the control unit for communicating the electronic data to the publisher; and
a computer-accessible memory unit operatively coupled to the publisher and storing computer-executable instructions for performing a method comprising the steps;
determining a quantity of the variable label content to be printed on the label; and
selecting an appropriate label from a plurality of available labels each having different fixed label content as a function of at least the quantity of the variable label content to be printed on the label.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for recording electronic data onto a portable computer-readable medium to be given to an end user for allowing the end user to review the electronic data in a private setting with a personal computer. The publisher includes a recorder for recording the electronic data on the portable computer-readable medium, an automated feeder for supplying the portable computer-readable medium to the recorder without intervention by an operator, and a user interface presenting the operator with one or more options that the operator can select to enter a command for controlling operation of the publisher. A printer is provided for printing onto a surface of a label at least variable label content that is related to the electronic data that can be retrieved from the computer-readable medium and reviewed by the end user. A control unit controls the recording of the electronic data onto the portable computer-readable medium by the recorder, and a communication interface is operatively coupled to the control unit for communicating the electronic data to the publisher. A computer-accessible memory unit is operatively coupled to the publisher for storing computer-executable instructions to be executed for performing a method of publishing a computer-readable medium.
55 Citations
102 Claims
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1. A publisher for recording electronic data onto a portable computer-readable medium to be given to an end user for allowing the end user to review the electronic data in a private setting, the publisher comprising:
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a recorder for recording the electronic data on the portable computer-readable medium; an automated feeder for supplying the portable computer-readable medium to the recorder without intervention by an operator; a user interface for visibly displaying options available to the operator for controlling operation of the publisher; a printer for printing onto a surface of a label at least variable label content that is related to the electronic data that can be retrieved from the computer-readable medium and reviewed by the end user; a control unit to control the recording of the electronic data onto the computer-readable medium by the recorder; a communication interface operatively coupled to the control unit for communicating the electronic data to the publisher; and a computer-accessible memory unit operatively coupled to the publisher and storing computer-executable instructions for performing a method comprising the steps; determining a quantity of the variable label content to be printed on the label; and selecting an appropriate label from a plurality of available labels each having different fixed label content as a function of at least the quantity of the variable label content to be printed on the label. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A computer-readable medium comprising computer-executable instructions for performing a method of printing a label related to electronic data stored on a portable computer-readable medium, the method comprising the steps of:
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determining a quantity of variable label content specific to the end user to be printed on the label; and selecting an appropriate label from a plurality of available labels having different fixed label content as a function of at least the quantity of the variable label content to be printed on the label. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A publisher for recording electronic data onto a portable computer-readable medium to be given to an end user for allowing the end user to review the electronic data in a private setting, the publisher comprising:
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a communication interface operatively coupled to the control unit for communicating the electronic data to the publisher; a recorder for recording the electronic data on the portable computer-readable medium; an automated feeder for supplying the portable computer-readable medium to the recorder from a supply bin without intervention by an operator; a user interface for visibly displaying options that the operator can select to control operation of the publisher; a printer for printing onto a surface of the portable computer-readable medium at least variable label content related to the electronic data that can be retrieved from the computer-readable medium and reviewed by the end user; a control unit to control the recording of the electronic data onto the portable computer-readable medium by the recorder; and a computer-accessible memory unit operatively coupled to the publisher and storing computer-executable instructions for performing a method comprising the steps of; evaluating an orientation of the portable computer-readable medium introduced to the printer to identify a location of fixed label content preprinted on the surface of the portable computer-readable medium; determining a location of an available region on the surface of the portable computer-readable medium on which the variable label content is to be printed based at least in part on the location of the fixed label content; and initiating printing of the variable label content on the available region on the surface of the portable computer-readable medium. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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17. A computer-readable medium comprising computer-executable instructions for performing a method of printing on a surface of a portable computer-readable memory variable label content related to data stored on the portable computer-readable medium, the method comprising the steps of:
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evaluating an orientation of the portable computer-readable medium as introduced to a printer to identify a location of fixed label content preprinted on the surface of the portable computer-readable medium; determining a location of an available region on the surface of the computer-readable medium on which the variable label content is to be printed based at least in part on the location of the fixed label content; and initiating printing of the variable label content on the available region on the surface of the computer-readable medium. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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21. A publisher for recording electronic data onto a portable computer-readable medium to be given to an end user for allowing the end user to review the electronic data in a private setting, the publisher comprising:
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a recorder for recording the electronic data on the portable computer-readable medium; an automated feeder for supplying the portable computer-readable medium to the recorder without intervention by an operator; a user interface for visibly displaying options available to the operator for controlling operation of the publisher; a printer for printing onto a surface of a label at least variable label content that is related to the electronic data that can be retrieved from the computer-readable medium and reviewed by the end user; a control unit to control the recording of the electronic data onto the computer-readable medium by the recorder; a communication interface operatively coupled to the control unit for communicating the electronic data to the publisher; and a computer-accessible memory unit operatively coupled to the publisher and storing computer-executable instructions for performing a method comprising the steps; establishing a status of the end user; and selecting an appropriate fixed label content based at least in part on the status of the end user. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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29. A computer-readable medium comprising computer-executable instructions for performing a method of printing on a surface of a label variable label content related to electronic data stored on a portable computer-readable medium, the method comprising the steps of:
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establishing a status of an intended end user of the electronic data on the portable computer-readable medium; and selecting an appropriate fixed label content based at least in part on the status of the end user. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36)
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37. A publisher for recording electronic data onto a portable computer-readable medium to be given to an end user for allowing the end user to review the electronic data with a personal computer in a private setting, the publisher comprising:
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a recorder for recording the electronic data on the portable computer-readable medium; an automated feeder for supplying the portable computer-readable medium to the recorder without intervention by an operator; a user interface for visibly displaying options available to the operator for controlling operation of the publisher; a printer for printing onto a surface of a label at least variable label content that is related to the electronic data that can be retrieved from the computer-readable medium and reviewed by the end user; a control unit to control the recording of the electronic data onto the computer-readable medium by the recorder; a communication interface operatively coupled to the control unit for communicating the electronic data to the publisher; a memory interface for receiving a memory module storing third-party computer-executable instructions that facilitate the review of the electronic data by the end user with the personal computer; and a computer-accessible memory unit operatively coupled to the publisher and storing computer-executable instructions for performing a method comprising the steps of; searching a predetermined directory of the memory module for selected third-party computer-executable instructions stored by the memory module that facilitate the review of the electronic data with the personal computer; and recording the selected third-party computer-executable instructions on the portable computer-readable medium. - View Dependent Claims (38, 39, 40, 41)
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42. A method of recording electronic data onto a portable computer-readable medium to be reviewed by an end user in a private setting with a personal computer, the method comprising the steps of:
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retrieving the electronic data to be recorded onto the portable computer-readable medium and transmitting the electronic data to a publisher; searching a predetermined directory of a memory module that is removably coupled to the publisher for suitable third-party computer-executable instructions that facilitate the review of the electronic data with the personal computer; and recording the suitable third-party computer-executable instructions and the electronic data onto the portable computer-readable medium. - View Dependent Claims (43, 44, 45, 46, 47)
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48. A publisher for recording electronic data stored on a remotely located server onto a portable computer-readable medium to be given to an end user for allowing the end user to review the electronic data with a personal computer in a private setting, the publisher comprising:
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a recorder for recording the electronic data on the portable computer-readable medium; an automated feeder for supplying the portable computer-readable medium to the recorder without intervention by an operator; a user interface for visibly displaying options available to the operator for controlling operation of the publisher; a printer for printing onto a surface of a label at least variable label content that is related to the electronic data that can be retrieved from the computer-readable medium and reviewed by the end user; a control unit to control the recording of the electronic data onto the computer-readable medium by the recorder; a communication interface operatively coupled to the control unit for communicating the electronic data received from the remotely located server to the publisher; and a computer-accessible memory unit operatively coupled to the publisher and storing computer-executable instructions for performing a method comprising the steps of; determining when the transfer of the electronic data from the remotely located server is complete without waiting for a timeout period to expire; and commencing the recording of the electronic data upon completion of the transfer of the electronic data from the remotely located server. - View Dependent Claims (49, 50, 51)
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52. A computer-readable medium comprising computer-executable instructions for performing a method of recording electronic data stored on a remotely located server onto a portable computer-readable media, the method comprising the steps of:
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initiating communication of the electronic data from the remotely located server to a computer-readable media publisher; determining when the communication of the electronic data from the remotely located server to the publisher is complete without waiting for a timeout period to expire; and commencing the recording of the electronic data upon completion of the transfer of the electronic data from the remotely located server. - View Dependent Claims (53, 54, 55)
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56. A publisher for recording electronic data onto a portable computer-readable medium to be given to an end user for allowing the end user to review the electronic data in a private setting, the publisher comprising:
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a recorder for recording the electronic data on the portable computer-readable medium; an automated feeder for supplying the portable computer-readable medium to the recorder without intervention by an operator; a user interface presenting the operator with one or more options that the operator can select to enter a command for controlling operation of the publisher; a printer for printing onto a surface of a label at least variable label content that is related to the electronic data that can be retrieved from the computer-readable medium and reviewed by the end user; a control unit to control the recording of the electronic data onto the portable computer-readable medium by the recorder; a communication interface operatively coupled to the control unit for communicating the electronic data to the publisher; and a recording interface for establishing a communication path between the publisher and an external recording device for substantially-continuously recording the electronic data onto the external recording device as the electronic data is communicated to the publisher. - View Dependent Claims (57, 58)
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59. A method of recording electronic data onto a portable computer-readable medium to be given to an end user for allowing the end user to review the electronic data in a private setting, the method comprising the steps of:
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communicating the electronic data to be recorded onto the portable computer-readable medium to a computer-readable media publisher; supplying the portable computer-readable medium to a recorder of the publisher automatically without intervention by an operator; recording the electronic data onto the portable computer-readable medium upon receiving a record command from the operator; and substantially-continuously recording the electronic data onto an external recording device automatically as the electronic data is communicated to the publisher without intervention by the operator. - View Dependent Claims (60, 61, 62, 63, 64)
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65. A publisher for recording electronic data onto a portable computer-readable medium to be given to an end user for allowing the end user to review the electronic data in a private setting with a personal computer, the publisher comprising:
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a recorder for recording the electronic data on the portable computer-readable medium; an automated feeder for supplying the portable computer-readable medium to the recorder without intervention by an operator; a touch-screen interface visually displaying to the operator one or more options that the operator can select by contacting the touch-screen interface to enter a command for controlling operation of the publisher; a printer for printing onto a surface of a label at least variable label content that is related to the electronic data that can be retrieved from the computer-readable medium and reviewed by the end user; a control unit to control the recording of the electronic data onto the portable computer-readable medium by the recorder; and a communication interface operatively coupled to the control unit for communicating the electronic data to the publisher. - View Dependent Claims (66, 67, 68)
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69. A publisher for recording electronic data onto a portable computer-readable medium to be given to an end user for allowing the end user to review the electronic data in a private setting with a personal computer, the publisher comprising:
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a recorder for recording the electronic data on the portable computer-readable medium; an automated feeder for supplying the portable computer-readable medium to the recorder without intervention by an operator; a user interface presenting the operator with one or more options that the operator can select to enter a command for controlling operation of the publisher; a printer for printing onto a surface of a label at least variable label content that is related to the electronic data that can be retrieved from the computer-readable medium and reviewed by the end user; a control unit to control the recording of the electronic data onto the portable computer-readable medium by the recorder; and a communication interface operatively coupled to the control unit for communicating the electronic data to the publisher, wherein the recorder, automated feeder, user interface and control unit are vertically stacked and integrally formed as a single unit to minimize a surface area upon which the publisher rests. - View Dependent Claims (70, 71, 72)
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73. A publisher for recording electronic data onto a portable computer-readable medium to be given to an end user for allowing the end user to review the electronic data in a private setting with a personal computer, the publisher comprising:
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a recorder for recording the electronic data on the portable computer-readable medium; an automated feeder for supplying the portable computer-readable medium to the recorder without intervention by an operator; a user interface presenting the operator with one or more options that the operator can select to enter a command for controlling operation of the publisher; a printer for printing onto a surface of a label at least variable label content that is related to the electronic data that can be retrieved from the computer-readable medium and reviewed by the end user; a control unit to control the recording of the electronic data onto the portable computer-readable medium by the recorder; a communication interface operatively coupled to the control unit for communicating the electronic data to the publisher; and an image printer for printing a hardcopy of an image represented by the electronic data. - View Dependent Claims (74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81)
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82. A publisher for recording electronic data onto a portable computer-readable medium to be given to an end user for allowing the end user to review the electronic data in a private setting with a personal computer, the publisher comprising:
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a recorder for recording the electronic data on the portable computer-readable medium; an automated feeder for supplying the portable computer-readable medium to the recorder without intervention by an operator; a user interface presenting the operator with one or more options that the operator can select to enter a command for controlling operation of the publisher; a printer for printing onto a surface of a label at least variable label content that is related to the electronic data that can be retrieved from the computer-readable medium and reviewed by the end user; a control unit to control the recording of the electronic data onto the portable computer-readable medium by the recorder; a communication interface operatively coupled to the control unit for communicating the electronic data to the publisher; and a computer-accessible memory unit operatively coupled to the publisher and storing computer-executable instructions for performing a method comprising the steps of; affiliating a label format to be printed onto the label with a job profile selected by the operator; affiliating site-specific label content with a site profile referenced by the job profile selected by the operator that corresponds to a facility from which the electronic data is communicated to the publisher; and initiating printing of both the label format corresponding to the selected job profile and the site-specific label content and the fixed label content onto the label. - View Dependent Claims (83, 84, 85, 86)
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87. A publisher for recording electronic data onto a portable computer-readable medium to be given to an end user for allowing the end user to review the electronic data in a private setting with a personal computer, the publisher comprising:
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a recorder for recording the electronic data on the portable computer-readable medium; an automated feeder for supplying the portable computer-readable medium to the recorder without intervention by an operator; a user interface presenting the operator with one or more options that the operator can select to enter a command for controlling operation of the publisher, wherein the user interface presents the operator with a quick record option which, when selected, initiates publishing of the electronic data onto the portable computer-readable medium without further intervention by the operator; a printer for printing onto a surface of a label at least variable label content that is related to the electronic data that can be retrieved from the computer-readable medium and reviewed by the end user; a control unit to control the recording of the electronic data onto the portable computer-readable medium by the recorder; and a communication interface operatively coupled to the control unit for communicating the electronic data to the publisher. - View Dependent Claims (88)
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89. A publisher for recording electronic data onto a portable computer-readable medium to be given to an end user for allowing the end user to review the electronic data in a private setting with a personal computer, the publisher comprising:
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a recorder for recording the electronic data on the portable computer-readable medium; an automated feeder for supplying the portable computer-readable medium to the recorder without intervention by an operator; a user interface presenting the operator with one or more options that the operator can select to enter a command for controlling operation of the publisher; a printer for printing onto a surface of a label at least variable label content that is related to the electronic data that can be retrieved from the computer-readable medium and reviewed by the end user; a control unit to control the recording of the electronic data onto the portable computer-readable medium by the recorder; a communication interface operatively coupled to the control unit for communicating the electronic data to the publisher; and a computer-accessible memory unit operatively coupled to the publisher and storing computer-executable instructions for performing a method comprising the steps of; initiating printing of orientation-independent fixed label content onto the surface of the label; and initiating printing of the variable label content onto the surface of the label without regard to an orientation of the computer-readable medium during printing. - View Dependent Claims (90, 91, 92, 93)
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94. A publisher for recording electronic data onto a portable computer-readable medium to be given to an end user for allowing the end user to review the electronic data in a private setting with a personal computer, the publisher comprising:
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a recorder for recording the electronic data on the portable computer-readable medium; an automated feeder for supplying the portable computer-readable medium to the recorder without intervention by an operator; a user interface presenting the operator with one or more options that the operator can select to enter a command for controlling operation of the publisher; a printer for printing onto a surface of a label at least variable label content that is related to the electronic data that can be retrieved from the computer-readable medium and reviewed by the end user; a control unit to control the recording of the electronic data onto the portable computer-readable medium by the recorder; a communication interface operatively coupled to the control unit for communicating the electronic data to the publisher; and a computer-accessible memory unit operatively coupled to the publisher and storing computer-executable instructions for performing a method comprising the steps of; initiating recording of the electronic data onto the portable computer-readable medium; and initiating recording of computer-executable logic onto the portable computer-readable medium for causing the personal computer to display promotional material to the end user. - View Dependent Claims (95, 96, 97, 98)
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99. A publisher for recording electronic data onto a portable computer-readable medium to be given to an end user for allowing the end user to review the electronic data in a private setting with a personal computer, the publisher comprising:
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a recorder for recording the electronic data on the portable computer-readable medium; an automated feeder for supplying the portable computer-readable medium to the recorder without intervention by an operator; a user interface presenting the operator with one or more options that the operator can select to enter a command for controlling operation of the publisher; a printer for printing onto a surface of a label at least variable label content that is related to the electronic data that can be retrieved from the computer-readable medium and reviewed by the end user; a control unit to control the recording of the electronic data onto the portable computer-readable medium by the recorder; a communication interface operatively coupled to the control unit for communicating the electronic data to the publisher; and a computer-accessible memory unit operatively coupled to the publisher and storing computer-executable instructions for performing a method comprising the steps of; analyzing electronic data forming a portion of a study that has been communicated to the publisher from a remotely-located server to identify the study; and requesting the electronic data of the study from the remotely-located server. - View Dependent Claims (100, 101, 102)
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Specification