Cartridge programming system
First Claim
1. A system for recording computer programs in reprogrammable memories comprising:
- a multiplicity of recording terminals, each including;
first memory means for storing a program library comprising a multiplicity of predefined computer programs;
second memory means for retaining transaction data representing the number of times each said predefined computer program has been recorded;
preprogrammed data processing means coupled to said first and second memory means, for controlling the process of selecting one of said predefined computer programs and recording it in a reprogrammable memory, and for storing transaction data in said second memory means representing the number of times each said predefined computer program has been recorded;
command entry means coupled to said preprogrammed data processing means for selecting one of said predefined computer programs, and for initiating the recording of said selected computer program in a reprogrammable memory;
memory receptacle means for coupling a reprogrammable memory to said preprogrammed data processing means so that said selected computer program can be recorded therein; and
host communication means for coupling said first and second memory means to a host computer; and
a host computer for retrieving said transaction data from said second memory means of a selected one of said recording terminals and for storing selected computer programs in said first memory means of a selected one of said recording terminals, including;
terminal communication means for coupling said host computer to a selected one of said recording terminals;
database memory means for storing one or more predefined computer programs; and
data processing means coupled to said terminal communications means and said database memory means, said data processing means being programmed to perform the tasks ofusing said terminal communication means to couple said host computer to a selected one of said recording terminals;
retrieving said transaction data from said second memory means of said selected recording terminal and compiling data representing the number of times each said predefined computer program has been recorded by all of said recording terminals; and
storing selected ones of the predefined computer programs in said database memory means into said first memory means of said selected recording terminal.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A cartridge programming system is provided for loading selected computer programs into a reprogrammable plug-in cartridge memory. A host computer controls a plurality of remote programming terminals. The terminals contain a library of programs. The consumer can select one and have it loaded into a blank cartridge. The terminal verifies the integrity of the copy and records the transaction. The host can send new programs to the terminals via dial-up telephone lines and can request data on copying-transactions. Various security measures help assure accurate accounting of copies made, thereby assuring authors and their assignees that proper royalties can be billed.
465 Citations
5 Claims
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1. A system for recording computer programs in reprogrammable memories comprising:
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a multiplicity of recording terminals, each including; first memory means for storing a program library comprising a multiplicity of predefined computer programs; second memory means for retaining transaction data representing the number of times each said predefined computer program has been recorded; preprogrammed data processing means coupled to said first and second memory means, for controlling the process of selecting one of said predefined computer programs and recording it in a reprogrammable memory, and for storing transaction data in said second memory means representing the number of times each said predefined computer program has been recorded; command entry means coupled to said preprogrammed data processing means for selecting one of said predefined computer programs, and for initiating the recording of said selected computer program in a reprogrammable memory; memory receptacle means for coupling a reprogrammable memory to said preprogrammed data processing means so that said selected computer program can be recorded therein; and host communication means for coupling said first and second memory means to a host computer; and a host computer for retrieving said transaction data from said second memory means of a selected one of said recording terminals and for storing selected computer programs in said first memory means of a selected one of said recording terminals, including; terminal communication means for coupling said host computer to a selected one of said recording terminals; database memory means for storing one or more predefined computer programs; and data processing means coupled to said terminal communications means and said database memory means, said data processing means being programmed to perform the tasks of using said terminal communication means to couple said host computer to a selected one of said recording terminals; retrieving said transaction data from said second memory means of said selected recording terminal and compiling data representing the number of times each said predefined computer program has been recorded by all of said recording terminals; and storing selected ones of the predefined computer programs in said database memory means into said first memory means of said selected recording terminal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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Specification