System and method for dispensing digital information from an automated transaction machine

• US 7,483,859 B2
• Filed: 02/02/2001
• Issued: 01/27/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 02/05/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Diebold Nixdorf, Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Diebold Incorporated (Diebold Nixdorf, Incorporated)
• Inventors: Ramachandran, Natarajan, Church, James R., Smith, Mark, Blackson, Dale
• Primary Examiner(s): PATEL, JAGDISH
• Application Number:
  US09/776,503
• Publication Number:
  US 20020013771A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,916 Days
• Field of Search: 709/200, 395/200, 705/43, 705/35, 705/26, 705/27
• US Class Current: 705/43
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/04 Payment circuits
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/10 specially adapted for electronic funds transfer [EFT] systems; specially adapted for home banking systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/1085 involving automatic teller machines [ATMs]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/123 Shopping for digital content
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/18 involving self-service terminals [SST], vending machines, kiosks or multimedia terminals
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/20 Point-of-sale [POS] network systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/327 Short range or proximity payments by means of M-devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/02 Banking, e.g. interest calculation or account maintenance credit or loans G06Q40/03
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/0014 for vending, access and use of specific services not covered anywhere else in G07F17/00 meter-controlled dispensing of liquid, gas or electricity G07F15/00
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/16 for devices exhibiting advertisements, announcements, pictures or the like
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 19/20 Automatic teller machines [ATMs]
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/216 Rewritable discs
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/218 Write-once discs
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/2545 CDs
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/2562 DVDs [digital versatile discs]; Digital video discs; MMCDs; HDCDs
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/2575 DVD-RAMs
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/41 Flat as opposed to hierarchical combination, e.g. library of tapes or discs, CD changer, or groups of record carriers that together store one title
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/61 wherein solid state memory is used for storing A/V content storing computer data in solid state memories G06F
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/913 Digital audio tape [DAT] format
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/031 Electronic editing of digitised analogue information signals, e.g. audio or video signals
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/032 : on tapes G11B27/036, G11B27/038 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/034 : on discs G11B27/036, G11B27/038 take precedence

Abstract

An automated teller machine (ATM) (10) includes an input device (16) a card reader (20), a cash dispenser (24), and an output device (18). The ATM is operative to read account information from a card with the card reader and validate a user PIN input through the input device. The ATM is also operative to dispense cash with the cash dispenser and dispense digital content with the output device responsive to user input selections. The ATM is further operative to charge a user fee to an account associated with the card for the dispense of cash and digital content. The digital content may be acquired by the ATM from a digital information source on the Internet or other network. Licensing fees associated with the dispense of the digital files may be transferred to a source or licensing entity associated with the digital content.

Claims

1. An automated transaction machine apparatus comprising:

at least one computer processor;

at least one data store in operative connection with the at least one computer processor, wherein the at least one computer processor is operative to cause a plurality of digital information files to be downloaded through a network from at least one remote digital information source and be saved in the at least one data store;

at least one user input device in operative connection with the at least one computer processor, wherein the at least one user input device is operative to receive account identifying input, wherein the at least one user input device is operative to receive at least one digital content delivery fee authorization input;

a cash dispenser device in operative connection with the at least one computer processor, wherein the at least one computer processor is operative to cause the cash dispenser device to dispense currency responsive to at least one user input through the at least one user input device corresponding to a cash withdrawal request linked to an account associated with received account identifying input; and

at least one output device in operative connection with the at least one computer processor, wherein the at least one computer processor is operative to cause dispense of at least one digital sound recording file of the digital information files through the at least one output device to a portable computing device of a user responsive to at least one digital content delivery fee authorization input to the at least one user input device that corresponds to the at least one digital sound recording file, and wherein the at least one computer processor is operative to cause dispense of the same digital sound recording file to plural users.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the at least one user input device comprises a card reader device in operative connection with the at least one computer processor, wherein the card reader device is operative to read account data from a card, and wherein the at least one computer processor is operative to cause an account corresponding to read account data to be charged one or more fees corresponding to a dispense of currency and a dispense of the at least one digital sound recording file.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one digital sound recording file includes an MP3 file.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one output device includes a sound system, and wherein the at least one computer processor is operative to cause output of sound through the sound system responsive to the at least one digital sound recording file.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1 and further comprising a currency acceptor, wherein the at least one computer processor is further operative to cause the dispense of the at least one digital sound recording file responsive to deposit of currency into the currency acceptor.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the at least one computer processor is operative to cause a charge of at least one fee associated with a dispense of at least one digital sound recording file.

7. An automated transaction machine apparatus comprising:

at least one computer processor,

at least one data store in operative connection with the at least one computer processor, wherein the at least one computer processor is operative to cause a plurality of digital information files to be retrieved from at least one remote digital information source and saved in the at least one data store,

at least one user input device in operative connection with the at least one computer processor, wherein the at least one user input device is operative to receive user input,

at least one output device in operative connection with the at least one computer processor, wherein the at least one output device is connectable to a portable computing device, wherein the at least one computer processor is operative to cause dispense of at least one digital sound recording file of the digital information files through the at least one output device responsive to at least one user input through the at least one user input device that corresponds to the at least one digital sound recording file, wherein the at least one computer processor is operative to cause a licensing fee associated with the at least one digital sound recording file to be transferred to a licensing entity, and wherein the at least one computer processor is operative to cause dispense of the same digital sound recording file to plural users.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7 and further comprising a cash dispenser device in operative connection with the at least one computer processor, wherein the at least one computer processor is operative to cause the cash dispenser device to dispense currency responsive to at least one user input through the at least one user input device.

9. Apparatus comprising:

an automated transaction machine including;

at least one user input device, wherein the at least one user input device is operative to receive account identifying input, digital content selection input, and digital content delivery fee authorization input;

a cash dispenser, wherein the cash dispenser is operative to deliver cash from the automated transaction machine responsive to at least one user input to the at least one user input device corresponding to a cash withdrawal request linked to an account associated with received account identifying input;

at least one output device, wherein the at least one output device is operative to cause delivery of network-downloaded digital content including at least one digital sound recording file to a portable computing device of a machine user responsive to at least one digital content delivery fee authorization input to the at least one user input device, and wherein the at least one output device is operative to cause delivery of the same digital content to different entities;

at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is in operative connection with the at least one user input device, the cash dispenser, and the at least one output device.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the at least one output device is releasibly operatively connectable to a portable computing device.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the at least one output device comprises a communications port releasibly operatively connectable to a portable computing device adjacent the automated transaction machine.

12. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the at least one digital sound recording file comprises a digital music recording file.

13. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the at least one digital sound recording file comprises at least one audiovisual file.

14. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the at least one user input device is adapted to receive at least one input corresponding to an account, and

the at least one processor is operative to cause the account to be charged for at least one of delivered cash and digital content.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14 and further comprising at least one content data store, wherein the digital content is delivered from the content data store.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the content data store comprises a local content data store located in the automated transaction machine.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16 and further comprising:

at least one network in operative connection with the at least one processor; and

at least one remote computer in operative connection with the at least one network,

wherein the at least one remote computer includes at least one remote content data store.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the automated transaction machine is operative to selectively deliver digital content from either the local content data store or the remote content data store responsive to at least one input to the at least one user input device.

19. The apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the at least one processor is operative to cause digital content in the remote content data store to be stored in the local content data store.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the at least one processor is operative on a periodic basis to cause selected digital content in the remote content data store to be stored in the local content data store.

21. The apparatus according to claim 20 wherein the selected digital content comprises at least one digital sound recording file corresponding to at least one currently top 100 song.

22. The apparatus according to claim 20 wherein the selected digital content comprises at least one digital sound recording file corresponding to at least one currently best-selling book.

23. The apparatus according to claim 20 wherein the selected digital content comprises at least one audiovisual file corresponding to at least one movie.

24. The apparatus according to claim 21 wherein the selected digital content includes at least one graphic image corresponding to the at least one song.

25. The apparatus according to claim 15 and further comprising:

at least one network in operative connection with the at least one processor; and

at least one remote computer in operative connection with the at least one network,

wherein the content data store is in the at least one remote computer.

26. The apparatus according to claim 25 and further comprising:

at least one financial transaction computer in operative connection with the at least one network, wherein the at least one processor is operative to cause the account to be charged through communication with the at least one financial transaction computer through the at least one network.

27. The apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the at least one user input device is operative to receive a network delivery address, and further comprising:

at least one network in operative connection with the automated transaction machine,

wherein the at least one processor is operative to cause the digital content to be delivered through the at least one network to the network delivery address, whereby a remote computer corresponding to the network delivery address is enabled to receive the digital content.

28. The apparatus according to claim 14 and further comprising:

at least one network in operative connection with the automated transaction machine,

at least one financial transaction computer in operative connection with the at least one network, wherein the at least one processor is operative to cause the account to be charged responsive to communication through the at least one network with the at least one financial transaction computer.

29. The apparatus according to claim 28 wherein the at least one financial transaction computer includes a source account associated with a source of the digital content, and wherein the source account is credited responsive to delivery of the digital content.

30. The apparatus according to claim 28 wherein the at least one financial transaction computer includes a licensing account associated with a licensing entity for the digital content, and wherein the licensing account is credited responsive to the delivery of the digital content.

31. The apparatus according to claim 28 wherein the account is associated with a user of the machine, and wherein the at least one financial transaction computer includes the account, and wherein the account is debited responsive to either delivery of cash or delivery of digital content.

32. The apparatus according to claim 28 wherein the at least one financial transaction computer holds a content prepay account for delivery of digital content, and wherein the at least one processor is operative responsive to at least one input to at least one user input device to cause funds to be transferred from the account to the content prepay account, and wherein the at least one processor is operative to cause the content prepay account to be debited responsive to delivery of the digital content.

33. The apparatus according to claim 28 wherein the at least one output device includes a sound system, and wherein the sound system is operative to output the digital content as audio output.

34. The apparatus according to claim 28 wherein the at least one output device includes an audiovisual output device, and wherein the audiovisual output device is operative to output the digital content as audiovisual output.

35. The apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the at least one user input device includes a card reader, and wherein data corresponding to an account is produced responsive to at least one card read by the card reader.

36. The apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the processor is operative to cause content indicia corresponding to a plurality of portions of the digital content to be output through the at least one output device, and wherein the processor is operative to cause a selected portion of the digital content to be delivered responsive to at least one selection input corresponding to the selected portion, through the at least one user input device.

37. The apparatus according to claim 36 wherein the automated transaction machine includes a display device and the content indicia is output through the display device.

38. The apparatus according to claim 37 wherein the content indicia includes a graphic image corresponding to at least one of the portions of the digital content.

39. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the at least one output device includes a reproduction device operative to reproduce the digital content.

40. The apparatus according to claim 39 wherein the reproduction device is operative to reproduce the digital content on a portable storage medium.

41. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the digital content is delivered by being reproduced in the portable computing device.

42. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the at least one output device includes a sound system, and wherein the sound system is operative to output the digital content as audio output.

43. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the at least one output device includes an audiovisual output device, and wherein the audiovisual output device is operative to output the digital content as audiovisual output.

44. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the automated transaction machine is operative to cause a charge of at least one fee associated with the delivery of digital content.

45. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the automated transaction machine further comprises:

a currency acceptor, wherein the automated transaction machine is further operative to deliver the digital content responsive to deposit of cash into the currency acceptor.

48. The apparatus according to claim 39 wherein the reproduction device is operative to cause the digital content to be reproduced in a portable computing device, wherein the digital content is reproduced in the portable computing device such that it cannot be further transferred in digital form from the portable computing device.

76. The method according to claim 45 wherein in step (a) the automated transaction machine further includes a cash dispenser operative to deliver cash from the automated transaction machine responsive to at least one input to the at least one input device corresponding to a cash withdraw request.

46. Apparatus comprising:

an automated transaction machine including;

at least one input device, wherein the at least one input device is operative to receive digital content delivery fee authorization input,

at least one output device, wherein the at least one output device is operative to cause delivery of digital content including at least one digital sound recording file to a portable computing device responsive to at least one digital content delivery fee authorization input to the at least one input device,

wherein the at least one output device includes a reproduction device operative to cause the digital content to be reproduced in the portable computing device such that play of the digital content is

restricted, and wherein the at least one output device is operative to cause delivery of the same digital content to different entities;

at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is in operative connection with the at least one input device and the at least one output device.

47. The apparatus according to claim 46 wherein the digital content is reproduced in the portable computing device such that it can only be played in the portable computing device.

49. The apparatus according to claim 46 wherein the digital content is reproduced in the portable computing device such that it can only be played a limited number of times.

50. The apparatus according to claim 46 wherein the digital content is reproduced in the portable computing device such that it can only be played during a limited time period.

51. The apparatus according to claim 46 and further comprising a cash dispenser, wherein the cash dispenser is operative to deliver cash from the automated transaction machine responsive to at least one input to the at least one input device.

52. Apparatus comprising:

an automated transaction machine including;

at least one input device, wherein the at least one input device is operative to receive digital content delivery fee authorization input,

at least one output device, wherein the at least one output device is operative to cause delivery of digital content including at least one digital sound recording file responsive to at least one digital content delivery fee authorization input to the at least one input device, wherein the at least one output device includes a reproduction device operative to cause the digital content to be reproduced in a portable computing device such that reproduction of the digital content is restricted, and wherein the at least one output device is operative to cause delivery of the same digital content to different entities,

at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is in operative connection with the at least one input device and the at least one output device.

53. The apparatus according to claim 52 and further comprising a cash dispenser, wherein the cash dispenser is operative to deliver cash from the machine responsive to at least one input to the at least one input device.

54. A method comprising:

(a) receiving at least one account identifying input at at least one user input device of an automated transaction machine including;

a cash dispenser, wherein the cash dispenser is operative to deliver cash from the automated transaction machine responsive to at least one input to the at least one user input device corresponding to a cash withdrawal request linked to an account associated with received at least one account identifying input;

at least one output device, wherein the at least one output device is operative to cause delivery from the automated transaction machine of network-downloaded digital content responsive to at least one digital content delivery fee authorization input to the at least one user input device, and wherein the at least one output device is operative to cause delivery of the same digital content to different entities;

(b) receiving at least one delivery request input at the at least one user input device; and

(c) delivering from the automated transaction machine either cash or digital content responsive to receiving the at least one delivery request input in step (b), wherein digital content delivery includes recording with a portable computing device of a machine user, network-downloaded digital content comprising at least one file from a group including a sound file, a music file, a document file, an image file, and an audiovisual file.

55. The method according to claim 54 and further comprising:

(d) charging an amount for the delivery of cash or digital content to an account associated with the at least one account identifying input.

56. The method according to claim 55 wherein step (a) comprises reading account identifying indicia from a card with a card reader of the automated transaction machine, and wherein step (d) comprises communicating with a financial transaction computer remotely located from the automated transaction machine.

57. The method according to claim 54 wherein step (c) includes placing a portable computing device in releasible operative connection with the at least one output device.

58. The method according to claim 57 wherein the digital content delivery includes recording a sound file with the portable computing device.

59. The method according to claim 57 wherein the digital content delivery includes recording a music file with the portable computing device.

60. The method according to claim 57 wherein the digital content delivery includes recording a document file with the portable computing device.

61. The method according to claim 57 wherein the digital content delivery includes recording an image file with the portable computing device.

62. The method according to claim 57 wherein the digital content delivery includes recording an audiovisual file with the portable computing device.

63. The method according to claim 54 and further comprising:

(d) crediting a source account associated with a source of the digital content responsive to delivery of digital content in step (c).

64. The method according to claim 54 and further comprising:

(d) crediting a licensing account associated with a licensing entity of the digital content responsive to delivery of digital content in step (c).

65. The method according to claim 54 and further comprising:

(d) debiting an amount from an account associated with the at least one account identifying input;

(e) crediting the amount to a prepay account; and

(f) debiting the prepay account responsive to delivery of digital content in step (c).

66. The method according to claim 54 wherein in step (c) the digital content delivery includes delivering sounds through a sound system.

67. The method according to claim 54 wherein in step (c) the digital content delivery includes delivering audiovisual material through an audiovisual system.

68. The method according to claim 54 wherein step (c) includes delivering digital content comprising digital sound.

69. The method according to claim 54 and further comprising:

(d) reproducing in a local content data store in the automated transaction machine, digital content from at least one remote content data store accessed through at least one network by the automated transaction machine.

70. The method according to claim 69 wherein in step (c) the digital content is delivered from the local content data store.

71. The method according to claim 54 wherein in step (a) the account identifying input comprises a biometric input from a user of the machine.

72. The method according to claim 54 wherein step (c) includes reproducing the digital content on a portable storage medium supplied by the machine.

73. The method according to claim 54 wherein step (c) includes reproducing the digital content on a portable storage medium supplied by a user of the machine.

74. The method according to claim 54 and further comprising:

(d) receiving currency with a currency acceptor of the automated transaction machine; and

wherein step (c) includes delivering the digital content responsive to receipt of currency in step (d).

75. A method comprising:

(a) receiving at least one account identifying input at at least one input device of an automated transaction machine including;

at least one output device, wherein the at least one output device is operative to cause the delivery of digital content responsive to at least one digital content delivery fee authorization input to the at least one input device, and wherein the at least one output device is operative to cause delivery of the same digital content to different entities;

(b) receiving at least one delivery input at the at least one input device; and

(c) delivering digital content responsive to receiving the at least one delivery input in step (b), wherein digital content delivery includes recording with a portable computing device digital content comprising at least one file from a group including a sound file, a music file, a document file, an image file, and an audiovisual file, wherein the recording is conducted such that reproduction from the portable computing device is restricted.

77. A method comprising:

(a) receiving at least one account identifying input at at least one input device of an automated transaction machine including;

at least one output device, wherein the at least one output device is operative to cause the delivery of digital content responsive to at least one digital content delivery fee authorization input to the at least one input device, and wherein the at least one output device is operative to cause delivery of the same digital content to different entities;

(b) receiving at least one delivery fee authorization input at the at least one input device; and

(c) delivering digital content responsive to receiving the at least one delivery fee authorization input in step (b), wherein the delivering includes sending the digital content comprising at least one file from a group including a sound file, a music file, a document file, an image file, and an audiovisual file through at least one network to a network delivery address.

78. The method according to claim 77 wherein in step (a) the automated transaction machine further includes a cash dispenser operative to deliver cash from the automated transaction machine responsive to at least one input to the at least one input device corresponding to a cash withdraw request.

79. A method comprising:

(a) receiving at least one user account identifying input at at least one input device of an automated transaction machine, wherein the automated transaction machine is located in an establishment, and wherein the automated transaction machine includes at least one output device, wherein the at least one output device is operative to cause delivery of digital content responsive to at least one digital content delivery fee authorization input to the at least one input device, and wherein the at least one output device is operative to cause delivery of the same digital content to different entities;

(b) receiving at least one delivery fee authorization input at the at least one input device;

(c) delivering digital content responsive to receiving the at least one delivery fee authorization input in step (b), wherein digital content delivery includes delivering sounds through a sound system; and

(d) charging an account associated with the establishment responsive to the digital content delivery.

80. The method according to claim 79 wherein in step (a) the automated transaction machine further includes a cash dispenser operative to deliver cash from the automated transaction machine responsive to at least one input to the at least one input device corresponding to a cash withdraw request, and further comprising

(e) receiving at least one cash withdraw request input with the at least one input device;

(f) operating the cash dispenser to deliver cash from the automated transaction machine responsive to the at least one cash withdraw request input received in step (e).

81. A method comprising:

(a) receiving at least one account identifying input at at least one input device of an automated transaction machine including;

at least one output device, wherein the at least one output device is operative to cause the delivery of digital content responsive to at least one digital content delivery fee authorization input to the at least one input device, and wherein the at least one output device is operative to cause delivery of the same digital content to different entities;

(b) receiving at least one delivery fee authorization input at the at least one input device;

(c) delivering digital content responsive to receiving the at least one delivery fee authorization input in step (b), wherein digital content delivery includes recording with a portable computing device digital content comprising at least one file from a group including a sound file, a music file, a document file, an image file, and an audiovisual file; and

(d) reproducing in a local content data store in the machine, digital content from at least one remote content data store accessed through at least one network by the machine, wherein in the digital content delivery the digital content is delivered from either the local content data store or the remote content data store.

82. The method according to claim 81 wherein in step (a) the automated transaction machine further includes a cash dispenser operative to deliver cash from the automated transaction machine responsive to at least one input to the at least one input device corresponding to a cash withdraw request.

83. Apparatus comprising:

an automated teller machine (ATM) including;

a cash dispenser operative to dispense cash,

a data store comprising digital files including digital sound,

at least one input device,

wherein the at least one input device is operative to receive customer input corresponding to a customer bank account,

wherein the at least one input device is operative to receive customer input corresponding to a cash withdrawal request linked to the customer bank account,

wherein the at least one input device is operative to receive customer input corresponding to a digital file request linked to the customer bank account,

wherein the digital file request includes customer selection of at least one data store digital file including digital sound,

at least one output device,

wherein the at least one output device includes a digital file reproduction device,

wherein the reproduction device is operative to reproduce a selected data store digital file to a customer-supplied portable device,

a controller in operative connection with the cash dispenser, the data store, the at least one input device, and the at least one output device,

wherein the controller is operative to cause cash to be dispensed responsive to a cash withdrawal request,

wherein the controller is operative to cause at least one selected data store digital file to be reproduced to a customer-supplied portable device responsive to a digital file request,

wherein the controller is operative to assess both a cash withdrawal request and a digital file request to a same customer bank account,

wherein the controller is operative to cause reproduction of at least one same data store digital file to different customers of the ATM.

84. The apparatus according to claim 83 wherein the controller is operative to cause the at least one output device to wirelessly communicate a selected digital file to a customer-supplied portable computing device.

85. A method comprising:

(a) receiving, via at least one user input device of an automated teller machine (ATM) having a currency dispenser, identifying data corresponding to a customer account, wherein the currency dispenser is operative to dispense currency responsive to receiving a cash withdrawal request linked to the customer account;

(b) receiving, via the at least one user input device, selection of at least one digital file including digital sound, wherein the at least one digital file is selectable to different users of the ATM;

(c) receiving via the at least one user input device, authorization to use the customer account in payment of the at least one digital file selected in step (b), wherein the customer account is usable in carrying out both a cash withdrawal request and a selected digital file dispense; and

(d) responsive to receiving authorization in step (c), dispensing the at least one digital file selected in step (b), wherein the dispensing includes reproducing to a customer-supplied portable device at least one selected digital file from a data store of the ATM.

86. The method according to claim 85 wherein step (d) includes wirelessly communicating at least one digital file from the ATM to a customer-supplied portable computing device.

87. The method according to claim 85 wherein the customer account comprises a customer bank account, wherein step (c) includes receiving authorization to use the customer bank account.

88. A method comprising:

(a) receiving at least one account identifying input through at least one input device of an automated transaction machine including;

at least one output device, wherein the at least one output device is operative to cause delivery of digital content comprising at least one movie video file responsive to at least one digital content delivery fee authorization input received through the at least one input device, and wherein the at least one output device is operative to cause delivery of the same digital content to different entities,

at least one processor in operative connection with the at least one input device and the at least one output device;

(b) receiving at least one digital content delivery fee authorization input through the at least one input device; and

(c) delivering digital content comprising at least one movie video file responsive to receiving the at least one digital content delivery fee authorization input in step (b), wherein the delivering includes recording the at least one movie video file in a portable computing device such that reproduction of the at least one movie video file from the portable computing device is restricted.

89. The method according to claim 88 wherein step (c) includes recording the at least one movie video file in a portable media player.

90. The method according to claim 89 wherein the at least one output device comprises a communications port, and further comprising

(d) prior to step (c), releasibly connecting the portable media player to the communications port.

91. Apparatus comprising:

an automated transaction machine including;

at least one input device, wherein the at least one input device is operative to receive at least one account identifying input, and wherein the at least one input device is operative to receive digital content delivery fee authorization input,

at least one output device, wherein the at least one output device is operative to cause delivery of digital content comprising at least one movie video file responsive to at least one digital content delivery fee authorization input received through the at least one input device, and wherein the at least one output device is operative to cause the digital content to be recorded in a portable computing device such that reproduction of the at least one movie video file from the portable computing device is restricted,

wherein the at least one output device is operative to cause delivery of the same digital content to different entities,

at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is in operative connection with the at least one input device and the at least one output device.