Patent ID: 6799084
Filing Date: 2004-09-28
Classification: G07F,G11B

Abstract:
A data vending system including:a data depot for storing one or more data types selected from the group consisting of digitized music, analog music, video, games, information, and computer programs; a data dispensing device in communication with the data depot; a uniquely identifiable recordable data carrier configured for recording data from the data dispensing device; a database for keeping a record of the data recorded by a user onto said data carrier, at least a part of which database is stored remotely from said data carrier, wherein the database also maintains at least one of owner and possessor records for each said data carrier selected from the group consisting of ownership history of the data carrier, possession history of the data carrier, personal details of the past and present owner and possessor of the data carrier, demographic data about the user and owner of the data carrier, data recorded onto the data carrier at an authorized data dispensing device, data rented and the rental period, the user's normal requirements, the user's payment records, royalties paid to the copyright owner by the user, and favorite data of the user; wherein the data carrier is a multiple use recordable data carrier which includes key means for at least one function selected from activating the data carrier for receiving data, deactivating the data carrier for receiving data, activating the data carrier for releasing data, and deactivating the data carrier for releasing data, wherein the key means includes at least one of a hardware key and a software key linked to a microprocessor operatively associated with a data carrier; and wherein the data dispensing device is provided with a verification mechanism for verifying the authenticity of the key means.