Portable digital assistant
First Claim
Patent Images
1. Vending machine apparatus for vending computer software and electronic data into a portable device of a user and operable by a user comprising:
- (a) dispensing means for dispensing said data or software to the portable device of the user;
(b) a plurality of connectors each adapted to receive a different type of portable device;
(c) display means;
(d) means for selectively promoting, by means of said display means, the sale of services to said user;
(e) means for collecting payment for said services from said user;
(f) a central control means responsive to a request from said user for directing the operation of said various means;
(g) a diagnostic interface means to diagnose said portable device by running a diagnostic program on the portable device to determine the type of device and resources available;
(h) means to display a menu on said display means to permit said user to navigate through a list of choices available for purchase and download for the connected portable device;
(i) printer means to provide, as desired, a hard copy of information required by the user, said information being stored on said portable device or stored in the vending machine apparatus for purchase by the user; and
(j) the vending machine apparatus being adapted to download data from said portable device into the vending machine apparatus and produce a hard copy;
(k) wherein the vending machine apparatus is also adapted to dispense pre-printed material.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A vending machine for vending computer software and electronic data into a user'"'"'s portable device and for providing in one embodiment, travel information, maps etc. either as data or as a printout. The machine has a display to show items available and a keyboard for entering the user'"'"'s requests. A central unit directs operation of various parts of the apparatus. Connectors for different devices, such as ebook, PDA, and smart cards are provided.
48 Citations
15 Claims
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1. Vending machine apparatus for vending computer software and electronic data into a portable device of a user and operable by a user comprising:
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(a) dispensing means for dispensing said data or software to the portable device of the user;
(b) a plurality of connectors each adapted to receive a different type of portable device;
(c) display means;
(d) means for selectively promoting, by means of said display means, the sale of services to said user;
(e) means for collecting payment for said services from said user;
(f) a central control means responsive to a request from said user for directing the operation of said various means;
(g) a diagnostic interface means to diagnose said portable device by running a diagnostic program on the portable device to determine the type of device and resources available;
(h) means to display a menu on said display means to permit said user to navigate through a list of choices available for purchase and download for the connected portable device;
(i) printer means to provide, as desired, a hard copy of information required by the user, said information being stored on said portable device or stored in the vending machine apparatus for purchase by the user; and
(j) the vending machine apparatus being adapted to download data from said portable device into the vending machine apparatus and produce a hard copy;
(k) wherein the vending machine apparatus is also adapted to dispense pre-printed material. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. Vending machine apparatus for vending computer software and electronic data into a portable device of a user and operable by a user which comprises:
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(a) storage means for storing data and a variety of software;
(b) dispensing means for dispensing said data and software to the portable device of the user;
(c) a plurality of connectors each adapted to receive a different type of portable device;
(d) a display means for displaying a menu to a user to permit the user to navigate through a list of choices available for purchase and download for the connected portable device;
(e) a keyboard operable by said user for entering requested choices;
(f) a central control means responsive to a request from said user for directing the operation of said various means;
a cabinet housing said various means and having on its front face;
(i) a viewing portion of said display means;
(ii) said plurality of connectors;
(iii) said keyboard;
(iv) a cash slot;
(v) an electronic debit slot;
(vi) a receipt outlet slot;
(vii) a printer output slot;
(viii) a slot for dispensing pre-printed material;
and a wireless antenna on top of said cabinet housing. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. Vending machine apparatus for vending computer software and electronic data into a portable device of a user and operable by a user which comprises:
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(a) store for storing data and a variety of software;
(b) a dispenser for dispensing said data and software to the portable device of the user;
(c) a plurality of connectors each adapted to receive a different type of portable device;
(d) a display for displaying a menu to a user to permit the user to navigate through a list of choices available for purchase and download for the connected portable device;
(e) a keyboard operable by said user for entering a requested choices;
(f) a central controller responsive to a request from said user for directing the operation of said store, dispenser, display, and central controller;
a cabinet housing said store, dispenser, display, and central controller and having on its front face;
(i) a viewing portion of said display;
(ii) said plurality of connectors;
(iii) said keyboard;
(iv) a cash slot;
(v) an electronic debit slot;
(vi) a receipt outlet slot;
(vii) a printer output slot;
(viii) a slot for dispensing pre-printed material;
and a wireless antenna on top of said cabinet housing.
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15. Vending machine apparatus for vending computer software and electronic data into a portable device of a user and operable by a user comprising:
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(a) a dispenser for dispensing said data or software to the portable device of the user;
(b) a plurality of connectors each adapted to receive a different type of portable device;
(c) a display for selectively promoting the sale of services to said user and for displaying a menu for permitting said user to navigate through a list of choices available for purchase and download for the connected portable device;
(d) a payment collector for said services from said user;
(e) a central controller adapted to be responsive to a request from said user for directing the operation of said various means;
(f) a diagnostic interface for diagnosing said portable device adapted to run a diagnostic program on the portable device to determine the type of device and resources available;
(g) a printer for providing, as desired, a hard copy of information required by the user, said information being stored on said portable device or stored in the vending machine apparatus for purchase by the user; and
(h) the vending machine apparatus being adapted to download data from said portable device into the vending machine apparatus and produce a hard copy;
(i) a slot for dispensing pre-printed material.
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Specification