Apparatus, system and method for electronic book distribution
First Claim
1. A self-service terminal for allowing customer download of electronic media comprising:
- a customer information interface for receiving customer information from a portable customer contact device and a central repository, said customer information including download history and usage patterns, said usage patterns including actual usage patterns of electronic media previously downloaded to the portable customer contact device;
a customer input interface including a display for communicating information to a customer describing available options and recommendations, the customer input interface allowing input from a customer, the customer input interface allowing a customer to select electronic media for purchase;
a data acquisition interface for acquiring customer selected electronic media for transfer to the portable customer contact device;
a data transfer interface for transferring customer selected electronic media to the portable customer contact device; and
a processor for receiving the customer information, including the actual usage patterns of electronic media previously downloaded to the portable customer contact device, analyzing the actual usage patterns to determine customer preferences, generating tailored customer information displays based on said determined customer preferences, generating tailored customer selectable electronic media recommendations based on the received actual usage of electronic media previously downloaded to the portable customer contact device, receiving customer selections and processing financial transactions and data transfers based on the customer selections.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system for electronic distribution of books and other media. The system includes a number of self-service stations from which a customer can select and order items and download the ordered item to a portable reader a or smart card. The system may include cryptoprocessing capabilities in order to prevent illicit duplication and distribution of items. The self-service stations are connected to a network of servers which provide access to information and capabilities, such as access to available titles which may be stored in a remote location, the ability to provide audio and video conferencing for customer assistance or as a special feature, such as a conference with an author, or access to customer account information. The system may collect and store customer information in order to provide the customer with an enhanced shopping experience, for example by collecting and analyzing purchase information in order to identify customer areas of interest and suggest purchases likely to interest the customer.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A self-service terminal for allowing customer download of electronic media comprising:
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a customer information interface for receiving customer information from a portable customer contact device and a central repository, said customer information including download history and usage patterns, said usage patterns including actual usage patterns of electronic media previously downloaded to the portable customer contact device;
a customer input interface including a display for communicating information to a customer describing available options and recommendations, the customer input interface allowing input from a customer, the customer input interface allowing a customer to select electronic media for purchase;
a data acquisition interface for acquiring customer selected electronic media for transfer to the portable customer contact device;
a data transfer interface for transferring customer selected electronic media to the portable customer contact device; and
a processor for receiving the customer information, including the actual usage patterns of electronic media previously downloaded to the portable customer contact device, analyzing the actual usage patterns to determine customer preferences, generating tailored customer information displays based on said determined customer preferences, generating tailored customer selectable electronic media recommendations based on the received actual usage of electronic media previously downloaded to the portable customer contact device, receiving customer selections and processing financial transactions and data transfers based on the customer selections. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A system for distribution of electronic media comprising:
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means for arousing a self service terminal from an idle state upon presentation of a portable customer contact device;
means for retrieving customer information from a central repository and the contact device, the retrieved customer information including download history and usage patterns, said usage patterns including actual usage patterns of electronic media previously downloaded to the portable customer contact device;
means for analyzing the actual usage patterns to determine customer preferences;
means for generating tailored customer information displays based on said determined customer preferences;
means for generating customer tailored selectable electronic media recommendations based on the received actual usage of electronic media previously downloaded to the portable contact device;
means for displaying customer tailored selectable electronic media recommendations on the self service terminal;
means for selecting electronic media for purchase;
means for receiving the customer selections; and
means for processing financial transactions and data transfers based on the customer selections. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of electronic media distribution, comprising the steps of:
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arousing a self service terminal from an idle state upon presentation of a portable customer contact device;
retrieving customer information from a central repository and the contact device, the retrieved customer information including download history and usage patterns, said usage patterns including actual usage patterns of electronic media previously downloaded to the portable customer contact device;
analyzing the actual usage patterns to determine customer preferences;
generating tailored customer information displays based on said determined customer preferences;
generating customer tailored selectable electronic media recommendations based on the received actual usage of electronic media previously downloaded to the portable contact device;
displaying customer tailored selectable electronic media recommendations on the self service terminal;
selecting electronic media for purchase;
receiving the customer selections; and
processing financial transactions and data transfers based on the customer selections. - View Dependent Claims (17)
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Specification