WO2000036536A2 - Method and apparatus for the distribution of digitised information on demand - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for the distribution of digitised information on demand Download PDFInfo
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- WO2000036536A2 WO2000036536A2 PCT/GB1999/004318 GB9904318W WO0036536A2 WO 2000036536 A2 WO2000036536 A2 WO 2000036536A2 GB 9904318 W GB9904318 W GB 9904318W WO 0036536 A2 WO0036536 A2 WO 0036536A2
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 70
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 39
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 28
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 claims description 20
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000012384 transportation and delivery Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000010200 validation analysis Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000004590 computer program Methods 0.000 claims description 2
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- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 78
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 9
- 238000013475 authorization Methods 0.000 description 7
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q30/00—Commerce
- G06Q30/02—Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F21/00—Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
- G06F21/10—Protecting distributed programs or content, e.g. vending or licensing of copyrighted material ; Digital rights management [DRM]
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
- G06Q20/08—Payment architectures
- G06Q20/20—Point-of-sale [POS] network systems
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q30/00—Commerce
- G06Q30/06—Buying, selling or leasing transactions
Definitions
- This invention relates to the distribution of digitised information on demand.
- the invention relates to the distribution of software media.
- Conventional information distribution means involve the manufacture, licensing and packaging of a specific quantity of, for instance, software by or on behalf of a publisher.
- This software is usually then stored by a distributor before being transferred to a reseller.
- the software is displayed at the reseller's premises for selection and purchase by the customer.
- the reseller is typically responsible for stock management including returning unsold stock to the publisher via the distributor.
- Several disadvantages are associated with such a conventional distribution means.
- the specific quantity of, for example, the software cannot be directly related to assured purchases by the customer leading to potential under or over stocking at the resellers.
- the distribution o the software to the distributor, storage by the distributor, and distribution to the reseller can involve considerable expense, and the methods of distribution used can be damaging to the environment.
- Such a lack of physical end product is a problem associated with both conventional distribution means and more recently developed electronic methods. Particularly relevant to electronic methods is the additional problem of lack of security measures. Digital information travelling over, say, the Internet may be intercepted and used without paying any costs to the reseller or publisher.
- WO-A-98/02820 in the name of Bitsource Inc., discloses an alternative. but rather simplistic, method of remote information distribution.
- the aim of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for the electronic distribution of digitised information, such as software media, that at least alleviates some of the disadvantages identified with current, or prior art distribution means.
- a method of distributing digitized information comprising:
- the release code may comprise a licence number.
- apparatus for the distribution of digitized information comprising: (a) a local mass store for storing the digitized information;
- a point of sale unit arranged to receive a request from a customer for electronically-readable media containing customer-selected information:
- a local media generator arranged to store on the media the customer- selected information, along with the issued release code, for supply to the customer.
- the present invention may provide the possibility of personalising the software media with the optional inclusion of customer-given personalisation.
- the present invention may provide an additional security protection in which the digitised information relevant to a specific software media is partially stored in two locations; and/or the software media comprises of a media such as a CD of longer than standard format upon which digitised information is stored on at least the final segments.
- an apparatus for the electronic distribution of digitised information comprising a mass data store for storing the digitised information; a point of sale terminal arranged to receive a software media request; a software media generator arranged to generate the software media using the digitised information; a certification printing device arranged to produce a certificate of authenticity; and an identification, authorisation and licensing control centre (IALCC) arranged to allocate a release code to the software media.
- a mass data store for storing the digitised information
- a point of sale terminal arranged to receive a software media request
- a software media generator arranged to generate the software media using the digitised information
- a certification printing device arranged to produce a certificate of authenticity
- an identification, authorisation and licensing control centre arranged to allocate a release code to the software media.
- the present invention offers many advantages over prior art distribution means, including the fact that software media may be produced only in response to a request thereby eliminating lost sales, or unwanted stocks and returns.
- the present invention also reduces the need for distributor storage space, and shelf space at the reseller ' s premises. It is possible to keep a wider range of stock available without restraints on shelf space.
- the distribution means is less harmful to the environment than conventional distribution means.
- a packaging generator arranged to produce elements of packaging for the software media
- an instruction manual generator arranged to produce an instruction manual for the software media.
- the software media comprises a product related to the digitised information such as an item of software, a demonstration, or a periodical publication.
- Preferably information comprising the software media request is included in the software media, and/or the licence number, and/or on one or more of the software media, the certification of authenticity, the packaging and the instruction manual.
- the possibility of incorporating such information which may include specific customer information such as a customer name is a considerable advantage over the prior art and functions as an additional security feature.
- a method of distribution of digitized information comprising:
- apparatus for the distribution of digitized information comprising:
- a point of sale unit for receiving a request from a customer for electronically-readable media containing customer-selected information;
- an information release authoriser arranged to authorise release of the customer-selected information to the customer, and including means for transmitting the said portion of the information from the remote mass store; and
- a local media generator arranged to store on the media the customer- selected information including the said transmitted portion.
- the reseller may be permitted to offer the customer a trial or limited-validity version of the program, using information which is stored solely on the local mass storage device.
- the customer may therefore be able to take away, at nominal cost, a trial version of the software package without needing a separate authorisation from the publisher or distributor.
- the reseller has to obtain authorisation electronically from the remote site, and to download the missing portions of the software from that site.
- the remote site may issue a unique release code and transmit that to the local site, for incorporation into and/or onto the media.
- the present invention also extends to an apparatus for the electronic distribution of digitised information comprising a local mass data store arranged to store a first digital information; a remote data store arranged to store a second digital information: a point of sale terminal arranged to receive a software media request; a software media generator arranged to generate the software media: a certification printing device arranged to produce a certificate of authenticity: and an IALCC arranged to allocate a release code and/or a licence number.
- a packaging generator and an instruction manual generator Preferably.
- a software media generator using the first digital information will, when executed, indicate that the second digital information has not been used.
- the second digital information preferably comprises an executable or data file that it is necessary to use in conjunction with the first digital information for generating a true copy of the software media.
- the present invention also extends to an apparatus for the electronic distribution of digitised information
- a mass data store arranged to store digitised information: a customer advice point arranged to receive a software media request; a point of sale terminal arranged to receive a software media request; a software media generator arranged to generate the software media using the digitised information; a certification printing device arranged to produce a certificate of authenticity: and an IALCC arranged to allocate a release code.
- a packaging generator and an instruction manual generator is also included.
- the customer advice point includes a library of available software media and/or related information such as product promotions, product bundles, marketing information and related products; all of which may be browsed or searched.
- the customer can enter at the customer advice point a list of products such as a gift list, or a list compiled by an educational establishment such as a school: which lists are then distributed to all or a selection of fulfilment units, at which the lists may be available for access by customers. Similar lists, supplied to all or some fulfilment units, may be provided by the central licensing/authorisation body, via the remote unit.
- the software media request includes a customer personalisation.
- the customer personalisation is included in the software media and/or the licence number and/or on any or all of the software media, the packaging, the certificate of authenticity and the instruction manual.
- a software media request includes information identifying whether the request is for a student sale or an upgrade sale.
- the IALCC is preferably able to assess whether the student request is valid. Additionally, the IALCC will preferably assess the validation of a request for software media with an associated age limit.
- the software media request may also include information relating to a customer club card. This offers the advantage of being able to monitor sales related to club card owners.
- the software media request preferably also includes customer credit card details. These details can be used to possibly further reduce the time between software media request and generation of the software media request.
- the customer advice point will generate printed information related to the software media request.
- an apparatus for the electronic distribution of digitised information comprising a mass data store for storing the digitised information; a point of sale terminal arranged to receive a software media request; a software media generator arranged to generate the software media using the digitised information, in which the software media comprises a longer than standard CD format; a certification printing device arranged to produce a certificate of authenticity; and a IALCC arranged to allocate a release code.
- a packaging generator and an instruction manual generator are also included.
- a method for the electronic distribution of digitised information comprising storing digitised information on a mass data store: receiving a software media request: generating the software media using the digitised information; printing a certificate of authenticity for the software media; and allocating a release code to the software media.
- the method also includes printing packaging for the software media, and printing an instruction manual for the software media.
- the method also includes incorporating information comprising the software media request in the software media and/or in the licence number and/or on any or all of the software media, the packaging and the instruction manual.
- the method further includes receiving a software media request from a customer advice point. 10
- a method for the electronic distribution of digitised information comprising storing a first digitised information on a local mass data store; storing a second digital information on a remote mass data store: receiving a software media request; generating the software media; printing a certificate of authenticity; and allocating a release code.
- a method for the electronic distribution of digitised information comprising storing digitised information on a mass data store; receiving a software media request; generating the software media using the digitised information, in which the software media comprises a CD of longer than standard format upon which digitised media is stored at least on the final segments; printing a certificate of authenticity; and allocating a release code.
- a method of distribution of digitized information comprising:
- Figure 1 illustrates the components comprising the preferred electronic distribution apparatus.
- the apparatus shown in Figure 1 comprises a media generation or fulfilment unit 14, typically located at a reseller ' s premises, and a remote central unit 16.
- the fulfilment unit 14 and the remote unit 16 are coupled by any convenient communications medium, such as ISDN, a standard telephone line, a private network etc.
- the connection may either be permanent or, more conveniently, may be achieved by way of a "dial-up" connection across the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network).
- PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network
- a customer at the reseller's premises places an order for a specific product, for example for a computer program such as a game supplied on CD ROM.
- the fulfilment unit 14 generates the product and at least some elements of the packaging, there and then, under the general overall control of the remote unit 16.
- the fulfilment unit includes an administration and production control unit (APCU) 2 which preferably consists of one or more networked computers in a secure location, and is responsible for the local control of the availability' of products. Access to the APCU 2 is preferably additionally secured by a password or other security protection so that only a specified responsible person, such as a system administrator, can access the administrator functions either locally and/or remotely.
- the system administrator may be able to block or enable the production of individual products, assign users and administer their levels of access to certain fulfilment unit components and configure the operating environment of the local fulfilment unit 14. Alternatively, or in addition, this may be performed at an identification, administration and licensing control centre (IALCC) 10.
- IALCC identification, administration and licensing control centre
- the IALCC 10 is usually situated within the remote unit 16, but may optionally be located either within the local fulfilment unit 14, or at the local fulfilment unit 14 in addition to the remote unit 16.
- the APCU 2 is coupled to a point of sale terminal 1, for taking orders, and to a customer advice point 3, at which a customer may be provided with information and/or demonstrations of individual software products.
- the APCU 2 is also coupled to a software media generator 5, for creating the physical media such as the CD, to a packaging generator 6. to an instruction manual generator 7, and to a certification printing device 8.
- a local mass data store 4 having a data input 9. The operation of these individual devices will be described in more detail below.
- the IALCC 10 at the remote site, consists of one or more computer systems and switchboards with an array of networking devices linked to a communications medium that is capable of simultaneously handling multiple sessions with the individual local fulfilment units 14.
- the IALCC 10 can block or enable production of specific product demands, products, users or groups of users (such as resellers or customers) on a fulfilment unit basis, or globally.
- the IALCC 10 can cooperate with the individual fulfilment units so that pre-release titles can be loaded before official product launch, with a preset release date so that they come on-line when the release date is reached.
- the customer advice point may take orders for pre-release titles, and the fulfilment unit will generate these products automatically on or after the release date for supply to the customer.
- the APCU 2 preferably communicates with the IALCC 10 via the communication medium 18.
- the APCU 2 will arrange to call the IALCC 10, the source of the call being verified by the IALCC using Caller Line Number Identification, or any other appropriate form of party matching.
- the IALCC 10 verifies the location of the APCU 2 by reference to a database of fulfilment unit details, and registers the start or end of production.
- the IALCC 10 also receives a file from the APCU 2.
- the file from the APCU 2 details all user activity and every product request and generation.
- the file is compared and verified against a database held on the IALCC 10. Where the system rims on a 24 hour basis, the start-up and shut-down verifications need not necessarily coincide with a physical start-up and shut-down.
- a user accesses the customer advice point 3 which preferably consists of one or more remote or locally networked computer terminals, kiosks, or electronic displays that give customers access to an interactive library of available products.
- the library preferably also has links to information on product requirements such as age limitation, necessary hardware platforms. operating systems, required RAM, required disc storage space, and video display type.
- optional devices may be displayed such as a sound card, joystick, printer or modem. Rolling demonstrations and marketing information or other such digitised information can also preferably be viewed by a customer at a customer advice point.
- Further information about related products such as user guides, cheat books, tee shirts and peripheral enhancements such as joysticks and control pads may also be accessible from the customer advice point. Further, it may be possible to access information relating to flexible product promotions in which a product is linked to a range of products on promotion. When such products are selected the system notifies the customer of relevant promotions which may be taken up at purchase or within a specified number of days of purchase. Customer-selected compilations can also be provided. The library can be searched on the basis of a number of parameters such as product name, publisher, key words, age limits, price, system requirements or combinations thereof. Examples of key words might be genre of products such as word processor, flight simulator, or the name of a main character in an adventure game.
- the customer can browse on the basis of, for example, hardware platform, operating system or application category. All searches, category browsing, products reviews and requests for purchases can optionally be recorded to an audit log. This audit log or relevant sections thereof can be passed on to the publisher, either electronically or otherwise.
- the customer can optionally make a selection for purchase at the customer advice point 3.
- the customer advice point will print out a customer order label, for example incorporating a bar code. The customer then takes this to a nearby point of sale terminal 1 , in order to purchase the product.
- the system may be programmed to retain the customer ' s intended order, for a predefined number of days, thereby allowing the customer to take the printed receipt away and return with it later.
- the point of sale terminal 1 may include a bar code reader capable of reading the bar code on the printed receipt.
- Access to the point of sale terminal 1 is optionally secured by a passcard or other such security protection so that access to the point of sales terminal 1 may only be gained by a specified responsible person.
- the customer can, in a preferred embodiment, enter a personalised message to appear on the produced media itself, the packaging, the instruction manual and/or in a non-overwriteable form on the media itself.
- products can be personalised with customer specific files including sound and multimedia files such as start-up files with customer dedications, or files containing related products or promotions.
- the customer advice point 3 may be fitted with cameras or microphones so that customers can record visual and/or audio customised dedications for addition onto the surface of. or into the contents of the software media.
- the customer can preferably place an order including this information at the customer advice point.
- a printed receipt will automatically be produced, and the customer's order will be released for processing on presentation of that receipt at the point of sale terminal 1.
- the customer does not need to wait for the credit card or club card to be validated/charged again.
- the customer may place an order directly at the customer advice point, pay by credit card or enter a clubcard. and have the product automatically generated without the need for further validation or release at a point of sale terminal.
- the customer in order to obtain release of a pre-ordered product (either ordered at the customer advice point, or via the remote ordering facility ), the customer proceeds to the point of sale terminal 1.
- the ordering and release of the product may be handled simultaneously at the point of sale unit with the assistance of an appropriately trained operator.
- the customer can, in addition to products, preferably order demonstration products to take away and sample.
- Each of these demonstration products can be registered so that the product promotions can be monitored and participating customers recorded for follow-up communications.
- demonstrations can in one embodiment be recorded onto the end of media containing an ordered product.
- Student sales can preferably be authorised by the entry of a student number as part of the information required from the customer. The number may optionally be validated against valid student numbers or an algorithm thereof.
- upgrade sales may also be authorised by the entry of a previous valid product licence number as part of the information required at the customer advice point. Again, this number may optionally be validated against valid licence numbers or an algorithm thereof.
- a customer attempts to order a product that has an age limit endorsement such as EL SPA.
- the authorisation and generation of the product will preferably only take place after the age of the customer is checked by the operator at the point of sale terminal 1 (for example by checking against a birth certificate produced for inspection by the customer). The operator is required to confirm the age to the program before the sale may proceed.
- the customer advice point is optionally attached to a local and/or networked printer to generate cards containing product information and a barcode; or alternatively a printed brochure. If a club card or credit card information was entered at the customer advice point, a printed receipt will be produced.
- a customer may order a product by sending a fax, or by phoning the reseller.
- the customer may use a remote ordering facility 1 1.
- the remote ordering facility preferably comprises an Internet web and/or remote-based access site where customers can place orders to be delivered by mail order, electronically or collected from a desired local fulfilment unit.
- the point of sale terminal preferably consists of one or more networked computer terminals which have access to the same library of information and the same search and browse facilities as the customer advice point.
- the operator of the point of sale terminal preferably logs on to the terminal by supplying a password card or by another security method. If a point of sale terminal is left unattended for a specified period of time, the terminal will time out to a login screen requiring a new login before production can be continued. Furthermore, after a specified number of sequential login attempts the point of sale terminal will preferably lock out subsequent logon attempts until cleared by a system administrator or by a communication from the IALCC 10. Repeated system administration failure will lead to denial of further access until cleared from the IALCC 10. User rights can be set by the reseller or the system administrator either locally or remotely. Alternatively, access to the point of sale terminal can be unrestricted with access to generation and administration functions restricted by a security method.
- a request to generate or "release " a product is made from the point of sale terminal 1. This can be initiated by the operator by reading in a bar code or information from a card or receipt produced by the customer advice point 3. Alternatively, the operator can initiate product generation by selecting through a search, by entering a title name, entering a reference number, or using an alternative key.
- the individual fulfilment unit 14 and the operator are identified and validated by an automated, encrypted or unencrypted telephone call to the IALCC 10 optionally with call line number identification or another party matching system enabled. If the customer has a specific request for a product not immediately available either locally or remotely, the product can be downloaded from the publisher or other electronic library to the IALCC 10. preferably encrypted, and uploaded with associated packaging instructions for generation at the fulfilment unit 14.
- the reseller can, in one embodiment, also initiate a request for batch processing of a title or titles. This may be particularly advantageous when, for example, the reseller anticipates high levels of demand for particular products on a particular day.
- Products to be processed by batch can be submitted to a batch queued during the day either remotely or locally, but products in the batch queue are not processed until after normal job production time or during off peak times. Operation hours and batch production times are preferably defined for each fulfilment unit.
- Products produced by batch in this way which cannot be registered to a customer on product generation, are preferably registered to a customer on sale.
- a valid release code for the product is generated at the IALCC 10 and returned to the APCU 2. If the IALCC 10 is located within the local fulfilment unit, the IALCC 10 is preferably arranged to generate release codes, or a limited selection of release codes.
- the release code optionally includes or is related to a unique licence number which is preferably generated by means approved by the publisher and may, for example, be generated by the publisher's own algorithm, read from a list file of publisher-supplied licence numbers, or incremented serially.
- the licence number may sanction product release with or without additional security tags.
- the licence number may be accompanied by customer information, such as a customer name.
- the licence number generated is verified by the IALCC lOand entered onto the APCU 2.
- the transaction is automatically recorded at the fulfilment unit's APCU 2 and also at the IALCC 10.
- the publisher may be notified of the transaction by a method and with a frequency of his choice, such as by email or fax as the orders are made.
- the product licence can be automatically registered with the publisher in conjunction with information relating to the customer.
- the individual components of the products including inlay graphics, software, and instructions may be stored encrypted or unencrypted remotely in a remote mass data store 12 and/or locally in a local mass data store 4 preferably located at a secure location within the reseller's premises.
- the local and remote mass data stores preferably consist of one or more expandable, external SCSI hard disc arrays that can be accessed from the APCU 2 or preferably from a networked server with one or a mixture of storage devices such as high capacity IDE discs or a RAID system.
- the remote mass data store preferably stores, in particular, products not available locally which on request can be transferred to, for instance, a caching area of the local mass data store.
- the remote mass data store is preferably stored next to the IALCC 10 at the remote site.
- data is uploaded to the local mass data store by the data input 9.
- the data input consists of one or more arrays of input devices comprising a media input such as a CD reader, DDS tape or fast communications link.
- the APCU 2 reads data from one or more of the local and/or remote data stores.
- the raw materials including library cases (preferably with transparent external sleeves), blank CD-Rs. DVDs or other such media; paper or card to produce box graphic inlay sheets and instruction manuals; and special paper for certificates of authenticity are kept at the fulfilment unit.
- Supplies of raw materials are preferably monitored and warnings issued to operators when supplies are running low. Production is paused or halted when supplies of raw materials are exhausted. If supplies are insufficient to complete a specific job. that job will continue to be held until supplies have been restored. The status of supplies at each fulfilment unit is monitored remotely at the IALCC 10 which automatically records and arranges deliveries of new stock.
- the digital information is written to blank or partially blank media by the software media generator 5.
- the media may be pre-coded with a code stored at either or both of the local fulfilment 14 and the remote unit 16
- the code may be changed on each delivery of the media.
- the code may be unique to each fulfilment unit 14, with the fulfilment unit 14 arranged to only accept specific coded media.
- the media is labelled and a graphic inlay sheet for packaging is printed by the packaging generator 6.
- the packaging generator preferably consists of one or more printing devices capable of printing on standard and non-standard paper sizes and may consist of a high quality laser printer.
- the instruction manual generator. 7 preferably consisting of one or more printing devices such as a high quality laser printer that is capable of printing double-sided on standard or non-standard paper, may be used to print an instruction manual or brochure. Preferably, a list of available related products and current promotions may also be printed.
- the certification printing device 8 may print out a certificate of authenticity.
- the certification printing device preferably consists of one or more printing devices capable of printing on standard or non-standard paper.
- the certificate of authenticity ma> also include information specific to the customer. It is the APCU 2 that controls the software media generator, the packaging generator, the instruction manual generator and the certification printing device. These devices are preferably located locally, but may be located remotely in some embodiments..
- the licence number of the product is optionally recorded within the media itself: and/or on one or more of the media, the packaging, the instruction manual, and the certificate of authenticity.
- a product code may be printed on all components for easy product compilation.
- returns from customers can be checked by the IALCC 10 against a database of products sold by the licence number.
- the licence number is validated against all products sold at the relevant fulfilment unit and. if necessary, against all other fulfilment units through the IALCC 10.
- a customer can obtain a fresh media or any other component of the packaging on presentation of the original copy.
- the original component IS kept for destruction or return. It may also be possible to order updated compilations, such as back catalogues and periodicals, which are updated regularly. Customers can also choose a media containing the latest version of the product.
- an additional security feature for CD or DVD based products may be included.
- media of longer than standard format are used, for instance 80 minute CDs. The information copied onto the media make use of the final segments of storage space (ie the outermost tracks of the CD or DVD even if the remaining storage space is not fully utilised.
- the majority of digitised information and instructions is stored locally, while another part is stored remotely. Without these remotely stored components, the digitised information cannot be correctly generated.
- the components stored locally without the remotely stored part give rise to a message describing that the product is not authorised with, for instance, the graphic on the media displaying a "not valid " message.
- the message may be recorded to the media so that the message is displayed when the media is accessed.
- the remote component is delivered to the software media generation unit from the IALCC 10 or elsewhere during the authorisation procedure. Receipt of the component that was missing will overwrite the messages.
- Another possibility is that all the information is stored locally except a small executable so that the product will not function before the executable is added to the local mass data store during the authorisation procedure.
- the local fulfilment unit 14 may read the electronic licence number embedded within the CD (or other medium) being produced. It verifies this against the licence numbers of products sold both locally and optionally in other stores, through the remote unit 16. Along with other product information, the local fulfilment unit 14 then sends to the remote unit 16 details of the association between a different licence number and the corresponding electronic licence number which is embedded on the physical medium. Once the product has been validated, the local fulfilment unit 14 may then provide a "return " option for the product. If a customer returns the CD or other media to the local store, it may then be placed back within the media generator 5. and the appropriate "return " option selected. On selection of this option, the media generator then electronically invalidates the product by writing invalid information to it, preventing it from subsequently being used.
- the local fulfilment unit 14 then reports a successful return to the remote unit 16 and, in appropriate circumstances, the purchase price of the product may be refunded to the customer. This process obviates the needs for physically transporting returns back to the publisher, or indeed to any central location.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (7)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP99962368A EP1145173A3 (en) | 1998-12-17 | 1999-12-17 | Method and apparatus for the distribution of digitised information on demand |
IL14369699A IL143696A0 (en) | 1998-12-17 | 1999-12-17 | Method and apparatus for the distribution of digitised information on demand |
CA002355176A CA2355176A1 (en) | 1998-12-17 | 1999-12-17 | Method and apparatus for the distribution of digitised information on demand |
AU18739/00A AU1873900A (en) | 1998-12-17 | 1999-12-17 | Method and apparatus for the distribution of digitised information on demand |
US11/232,261 US7487129B2 (en) | 1998-12-17 | 2005-09-22 | Method and apparatus for the distribution of digitised information on demand |
US11/232,298 US20060015462A1 (en) | 1998-12-17 | 2005-09-22 | Method and apparatus for the distribution of digitised information on demand |
US13/173,493 US20110264542A1 (en) | 1998-12-17 | 2011-06-30 | Method and apparatus for the distribution of digitized information on demand |
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Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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GBGB9827831.0A GB9827831D0 (en) | 1998-12-17 | 1998-12-17 | Method and apparatus for the distribution of digitised information on demand |
GB9827831.0 | 1998-12-17 |
Related Child Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/232,298 Division US20060015462A1 (en) | 1998-12-17 | 2005-09-22 | Method and apparatus for the distribution of digitised information on demand |
US11/232,261 Division US7487129B2 (en) | 1998-12-17 | 2005-09-22 | Method and apparatus for the distribution of digitised information on demand |
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WO2000036536A2 true WO2000036536A2 (en) | 2000-06-22 |
WO2000036536A3 WO2000036536A3 (en) | 2001-10-04 |
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PCT/GB1999/004318 WO2000036536A2 (en) | 1998-12-17 | 1999-12-17 | Method and apparatus for the distribution of digitised information on demand |
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US (3) | US20060015462A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1145173A3 (en) |
AU (1) | AU1873900A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2355176A1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB9827831D0 (en) |
IL (1) | IL143696A0 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2000036536A2 (en) |
ZA (1) | ZA200104831B (en) |
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1999
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- 1999-12-17 EP EP99962368A patent/EP1145173A3/en not_active Ceased
- 1999-12-17 WO PCT/GB1999/004318 patent/WO2000036536A2/en active Application Filing
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2001
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2005
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US7231639B1 (en) | 2002-02-28 | 2007-06-12 | Convergys Cmg Utah | System and method for managing data output |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU1873900A (en) | 2000-07-03 |
EP1145173A2 (en) | 2001-10-17 |
WO2000036536A3 (en) | 2001-10-04 |
IL143696A0 (en) | 2002-04-21 |
GB9827831D0 (en) | 1999-02-10 |
US20060064389A1 (en) | 2006-03-23 |
ZA200104831B (en) | 2003-09-15 |
CA2355176A1 (en) | 2000-06-22 |
US20060015462A1 (en) | 2006-01-19 |
US20110264542A1 (en) | 2011-10-27 |
EP1145173A3 (en) | 2001-11-28 |
US7487129B2 (en) | 2009-02-03 |
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