Cartridge programming system and method using a central and local program library
First Claim
1. In a system for recording computer programs in reprogrammable memories, a multiplicity of recording terminals, each recording terminal comprising:
- 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, said host communication means including;
means for sending said transaction data from said second memory means to said host computer so that said host computer can compile data representing the number of times each said predefined computer program has been recorded;
means for receiving selected computer programs from said host computer and for storing said selected computer programs in said first memory means of said recording terminal.
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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 in response to the selection of a program not present in a particular terminal program library or in order to update the library of programs at each terminal 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.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. In a system for recording computer programs in reprogrammable memories, a multiplicity of recording terminals, each recording terminal comprising:
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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, said host communication means including; means for sending said transaction data from said second memory means to said host computer so that said host computer can compile data representing the number of times each said predefined computer program has been recorded; means for receiving selected computer programs from said host computer and for storing said selected computer programs in said first memory means of said recording terminal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. In a system for recording computer programs in reprogrammable memories, a multiplicity of recording terminals, each recording terminal comprising:
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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; display means for displaying messages; 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, for verifying that said selected computer program has been successfully recorded in said 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, said host communication means including; means for sending said transaction data from said second memory means to said host computer so that said host computer can compile data representing the number of times each said predefined computer program has been recorded; means for receiving selected computer programs from said host computer and for storing said selected computer programs in said first memory means of said recording terminal; wherein said preprogrammed data processing means is programmed to perform the tasks of displaying on said display means a list of the computer programs in said program library; and responding to signals from said command entry means indicating the selection of one of said computer programs by performing the steps of, checking for the presence of a reprogrammable memory in said memory receptacle means, and then recording said selected computer program in said reprogrammable memory. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10)
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Specification