Method and a system for computer software distribution using networked software dispensing vending machines
First Claim
1. A method for distributing software programs comprising:
- transmitting a plurality of software programs from a networked server computer to a remote software-dispensing device;
storing said plurality of software programs on said software dispensing device;
in response to a user request, displaying a directory of said plurality of software programs on said software dispensing device;
in response to a software selection, emulating, on said software dispensing device, a portable computer system, executing said selected software program, wherein a user can manipulate said selected software program;
in response to a software selection by a user, accepting payment from said user for a selected software program; and
in response to said payment, communicating an instantiation of said selected software program from said software dispensing device to a portable. computer system of said user.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and a system for dispensing software programs from a networked software dispensing kiosk device or ATM. Software developers can place software for sale within the network thereby causing various remote software ATMs to offer the software. The user causes a display of a list of different categories of software titles available through a remotely located software ATM, e.g., located in a retail market place, or other public place. The user makes a selection from the list and may optionally execute the selected software using an on-screen emulation of the user'"'"'s device. If the user is satisfied with the execution of the selected software, the user can purchase or rent the selected software using automated vending equipment of the software ATM. Purchased or rented software titles are electronically communicated from the software ATM to the user'"'"'s portable computer system. The software ATM can also provide backup and archiving services for a portable computer user.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. A method for distributing software programs comprising:
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transmitting a plurality of software programs from a networked server computer to a remote software-dispensing device;
storing said plurality of software programs on said software dispensing device;
in response to a user request, displaying a directory of said plurality of software programs on said software dispensing device;
in response to a software selection, emulating, on said software dispensing device, a portable computer system, executing said selected software program, wherein a user can manipulate said selected software program;
in response to a software selection by a user, accepting payment from said user for a selected software program; and
in response to said payment, communicating an instantiation of said selected software program from said software dispensing device to a portable. computer system of said user. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for distributing software programs comprising:
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transmitting a plurality of software programs from a networked server computer to a remote software dispensing kiosk;
storing said plurality of software programs on said software dispensing kiosk;
in response to a user request, displaying a directory of said plurality of software programs on said software dispensing kiosk;
in response to a software selection, emulating, on said software dispensing kiosk, a portable computer system executing said selected software program, wherein a user can manipulate said selected software program;
in response to a software selection by a user, accepting payment from said user for a selected software program; and
in response to said payment, transferring an instantiation of said selected software program to a hand held computer system of said user. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A network system for distributing software programs comprising:
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a networked server for receiving and storing software programs from software developers;
a remotely located software dispensing kiosk networked with said server and for receiving and storing software programs from said networked server;
in response to a user request, said software dispensing kiosk displaying a directory of said software programs;
in response to a software selection, emulating, on said software dispensing kiosk a portable computer system executing said selected software program, wherein a user can manipulate said selected software program;
in response to a software selection by a user, said software dispensing kiosk accepting payment from said user for a selected software program; and
in response to said payment, said software dispensing kiosk communicating an instantiation of said selected software program to a portable computer system of said user. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification