KR20010036371A - Data vending system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: An automatic system for selling data and a method thereof are provided, which help in selling a music album to a purchaser automatically after recording the song selected by the purchaser to a recording media and printing the photograph and a letter message onto a sheet. CONSTITUTION: The automatic system comprises: a main computer(31); a plurality of local servers including the second data base; the third data base storing a part of the files stored in the second data base; a device for recording(32); a device for treating a charge(35); a device for photographing; a device for printing(36); and a device for renewing data base. The method for selling data comprises: a step for asking the local server to transfer the data file which is not stored in the same slot machine; a step for transferring the data from the main computer(31) to the slot machine with the message indicating the files has to be emitted from the slot machine; a step for storing the data files selected for purchasing by the purchaser temporarily; a step for treating the charge according to the number of the data selected; a step for transferring the selling information which is recorded and stored to a recording device(32) to the local server; a step for printing the image or letters selected by the purchaser while the data files are recorded to the same; and a step for drawing out the recorded media and the printed materials when the recording and the printing is finished.

Description

Data sales system and method thereof {DATA VENDING SYSTEM AND METHOD}

The present invention relates to a data vending system and a method thereof, and more particularly, records a song selected by a purchaser on a selected recording medium, prints a photo and a text message selected by the user on a printing paper, and provides the same to a user. The present invention relates to a data automatic sales system and a method for producing and selling an on-demand music album unattended.

Recently, a method of selling a music file or an MPEG file in a form of an audio file online through computer communication has been provided. In order to download and use such compressed music files, a special playback device such as a personal computer (PC) or MPEG player equipped with a sound card must be provided. On the other hand, a method of converting a compressed data file into a wave form or an analog form to be recorded on a recording medium for sale using a general CD player or a cassette player and then selling is also proposed. In other words, various technologies have been proposed to remotely sell only the data desired by a customer, regardless of whether it is in a compressed digital file format or converted to another format, and these include largely the following components. Conventional data vending systems have a database for storing digital information, an input means such as a keyboard or a touch screen as a selection means for selecting information desired by a buyer, an output such as a monitor for outputting various guide messages and user-selected information. Means, charge processing means for paying the cost of the purchase directly by the customer, recording means such as a CD recorder for recording the information selected by the user on the recording medium selected by the user, and the above-described means for controlling the customer-specific recording medium. Computing means is provided as a control means for providing a.

These conventional vending systems can be classified into three types. One is to sell only the information stored in the storage device of the remote vending machine, and the other is a remote vending machine that provides a high speed communication link with the host computer. Connected to each other, so that only the information stored in the host computer is downloaded and sold. Finally, in order to secure the two types of disadvantages, the remote vending machine can sell various information without using a high-speed communication link. In addition to music files stored on storage devices, music files stored on host computers can be sold. That is, a storage device is provided in a vending machine at a remote location, and the remote vending machine is connected to a host computer including a large database through a communication network.

As a representative example of the third of the above forms, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. Hei 5-307866, published on November 19, 1993. The Japanese Laid-Open Patent discloses a plurality of remote information vending machines connected to a host computer via a communication line. That is, in the Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication, a plurality of remote information vending machines are connected to the host computer through a communication network in order to solve the problem of selling only music files stored in the self storage unit of the vending machine, without being connected to the host computer. When the music file selected by the customer does not exist in the own vending machine, requesting the transfer of the music file requested by the customer to the host computer, storing it in the internal storage and recording it on the recording medium selected by the customer, We are going to sell this ordered product. Of course, such a remote information vending machine includes a fee processing means so that the customer can pay the cost of the direct purchase.

An example of the above forms in which a remote vending machine is connected to a host computer via a high-speed communication link is ″ digital information access, delivery and production system ″ filed and registered in Korea by IBM (Registration No. 143358). have.

Conventional information automatization systems as described above sell custom products through the following process. That is, conventional auto sales systems pay for the number of data files selected by the customer, and receive the data file selected by the customer from the host computer and record the data file on the recording medium, or in other forms, depending on the number of data files selected by the customer. For a fee, the remote vending machine receives a data file from the host computer that is not in its storage, among the data files selected by the customer, and records them on the recording medium.

Therefore, such conventional auto sales systems require a lot of time for a customer to purchase, since the data file is downloaded from the host computer while the customer starts to purchase and the recording process is completed while the download is completed. There was a problem.

Accordingly, the present invention is to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, the object of the present invention is to minimize the waiting time according to the customer's purchase, to manufacture the vending machine economically, to minimize the occurrence of the failure The present invention provides a data automating system and a method thereof.

1 is an overall block diagram of a data automatic sales system according to the present invention.

2 is an external view of a data vending machine according to the present invention;

Figure 3 is a block diagram of a data vending machine according to the present invention.

4A and 4B are flowcharts of a data auto-sale process according to the present invention.

* Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings

31: computer body 32: recorder

33: camera 34: speaker

35: charge handler 36: printing press

37: scanner 38: blank CD storage and carrying out

39: monitor 40: input device

A data vending system according to the present invention for achieving the above object comprises a central host computer including a first database for storing an entire sales data file; A plurality of local servers connected to the central host computer via a communication network, the second database storing a portion of data files stored in the first database, and reporting sales information of the data files to the central host computer; And a plurality of vending machines connected to the local server through a communication network, each of the local servers storing a management data including a list of data files stored in each of the vending machines, a sale date, and a sales frequency. ; Management data updating means for updating the management database according to the management data transmitted from the vending machine; Means for generating a message indicating a data file to be deleted among data files stored in the vending machine by referring to management data of the vending machine requesting the transmission of the data file; And transmission means for receiving a data file not stored in its database among the data files requested by the vending machine from the central host computer, and transmitting the requested data file together with the deletion instruction message to the vending machine. Each vending machine includes a third database for storing a portion of data files stored in the second database; Reading and selecting means for a customer to view and select a data file; Recording means for reading the selected data files from the third database and recording them on a recordable recording medium; Fee processing means for processing a fee according to a purchase; Photographing means for photographing by a customer directly; Printing means for printing an image and / or text selected by the customer; When the customer requests the purchase of a data file not stored in the third database, the transfer request is made to the local server, and when the customer receives the requested data file together with the deletion instruction message from the local server, the indicated data Database updating means for deleting a file from the third database and storing the received data file in the third database; And sales information transmission means for storing the sales information related to the purchase data files of the customer and transmitting the sales information to the local server.

In addition, the data vending method according to the present invention, data applied to a system comprising a central host computer, a plurality of local servers connected to the host computer via a communication network, and a plurality of vending machines connected through the communication network with the local server. 1. A vending method, comprising: a first step of requesting a transfer of a data file not stored in the vending machine to the local server; Receiving a data file from the central host computer, which is not stored in its database among the data files requested by the local server, and receiving the requested data file with a message indicating a data file to be deleted from the vending machine. A second step of transmitting to the vending machine; A third step of temporarily storing the selected data file when the customer selects the data files stored in the vending machine for purchase; A fourth step of processing a cost according to the number of selected data files when the selection of the data files for purchase is completed; When the cost processing is completed, the empty recording medium is taken out, and when the empty recording medium is inserted into the recorder by the customer, the data file selected by the customer is recorded on the empty recording medium and the sale of the recorded data files at the same time. A fifth step of storing information and transmitting the information to the local server; A sixth step of printing an image and / or text selected by a customer while the data files are recorded on the recording medium; And a seventh step in which recording is completed on the recording medium, and the printing medium and printed matter are respectively carried out when the printing is completed.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is an overall block diagram of a data vending system according to the present invention, where 1 is a central host computer, 2 is a communication network, 3 is a local server, and 4 is a vending machine.

The central host computer 1 stores all data files sold and information thereof, and stores information on the management functions and sold data of each regional server 3 and each vending machine 4, Accounting functions for royalty payments to the author. The local server 3 has an arbitrary natural number M, which communicates with the central host computer 1 via the communication network 2. Each local server 3 is connected with an arbitrary number N of automatic vending machines 4 through a dedicated line.

The central host computer 1 has a large database storing all salable music files and related information, and an accounting and information collecting device for paying royalties based on the music files selected by the customer and collecting data for market research. And, each local server is managed, and a network management device for operating the system and network management is provided. In addition, the central host computer 1 is provided with a function that allows the record company or the copyright holders to check the sales volume of the songs owned by them and the corresponding royalties, and the record company or the copyright holder through the terminal. , You can check the sales volume of the songs they own. In addition, the central host computer 1 includes a function for managing each local server 3.

Each local server 3 stores some data of the entire data stored in the central host computer 1, transfers the information transmitted from the vending machine 4 to the central host computer 1, and each vending machine 4 It manages). When the local server 3 receives a download request of the data file from the vending machine 4, the local server 3 transfers the data file directly to the vending machine 4 if the data file is stored in its database. It receives from the central host computer 1 and then forwards it to the requested vending machine 4. That is, each regional server 3 has a list of music files stored therein for each vending machine 4, a date of a point of time purchased by a customer of each stored music file, and each stored vending machine for effective management of the vending machines. The sales count of the music file is recorded. When the music file download request is received from the vending machine 4, a message indicating that the date of purchase by the customer is old and the number of purchases by the customer is small among the music files stored in the vending machine is instructed. Create and send along with the requested music file. Through this configuration, not only can the storage device of the vending machine 4 having a limited storage capacity be effectively managed, but also the data can be effectively recovered even if the storage device of the vending machine 4 has a failure and data loss occurs. can do. That is, when data stored in the vending machine 4 is lost, the music corresponding to the list is referred to by referring to the list of music files corresponding to the failing vending machine 4 managed by the local server 3. By sending only the file to the vending machine 4, the storage of the vending machine 4 can be restored to the data just before the failure. In addition, the regional server 3 is provided with a function for grasping the stocks of printing papers, blank CDs, and the like which are the consumables of each vending machine 4, and sends a test signal to each vending machine 4 periodically or aperiodically. To diagnose the condition of the system. Here, the information on the sales amount of the data and the consumable inventory information are reported to the central host computer 1.

Looking at the configuration of the regional server (3) acting as described above, the regional server (3) has a list of data files stored therein for each vending machine (4), the most recent sale date of each data file, and sales A management database for storing management data including retrieval, management data updating means for updating the management database according to the management data transmitted from the vending machine 4, and a transfer request of the data file from the vending machine 4 When received, the deletion instruction message generating means for generating a message indicating a data file to be deleted among the data files stored in the vending machine 4 by referring to the corresponding management data of the management database, and the deletion instruction message generating means. Before sending the requested data file from the vending machine 4 together with the message generated by And means.

2 is an external view of a vending machine according to the present invention.

The vending machine is installed at a remote location, so that the data can be sold unattended, the banknote 13, the coin 14, the return lever 15, and the change return 16 is installed. In addition, the front of the vending machine, the customer selects the desired song, the monitor 11 for displaying a variety of information, the blank CD outlet 12 is carried out, the camera 19 for taking a picture of the customer, A set of speakers 20 for voice guidance, CD insertion and ejection openings 17 provided for the customer to insert a blank CD into the recorder, a space 18 for scanning, a printed material conveying port 21, and both sides The lighting fixture 22 located in is installed.

3 is a block diagram of such a vending machine, in which 31 is a general computer main body, 32 is a recorder, 33 is a camera, 34 is a speaker, 35 is a charge processor, 36 is a printer, 37 is a scanner or a zoom camera, 38 The blank CD storage and export section, 39 a monitor and 40 an input device.

Overall control of the vending machine is performed by one computer body 31, and all peripheral devices are connected to the computer body 31 via an interface. The computer main body 31 may include a hard disk for a database storing sales data, and a hard disk in which a program for overall control is stored. The computer main body 31 is connected to the local server through a dedicated line. The recorder 32 is a device for recording the data file selected by the customer on a blank CD inserted by the customer under the control of the computer main body 31. The camera 33 is a digital camera and is a device for directly taking a picture of a customer under the control of the computer main body 31. The speaker 34 is a device for reproducing sample data and outputting various guide messages to a customer by voice. The charge processor 35 may include a card reader and a receipt printer and an ejector for paying a charge using a magnetic card such as a credit card or a prepaid card or a device that allows a customer to pay cash as described above. have. Here, the security function should be provided when paying by credit card. The printer 35 is a device for printing a photograph taken by a customer, a scanned image, and an input text message on a printing paper (jacket). The scanner 37 is a device for scanning an image or the like carried by a customer. Here, the scanner 37 may be replaced with a zoom camera. The blank CD storage and export unit 38 is a device for carrying out the blank CD when the customer wants to purchase the CD while keeping the blank CD inside the vending machine. The monitor 39 is a device for displaying various kinds of information on the screen. The input device 40 is a device for the customer to input information. Here, when the monitor 39 is configured as a touch screen, the separate input device 40 may be removed.

The operation of the data vending system configured as described above will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B. Here, only sales of music files as data files will be described.

In the initial screen (101) when the customer starts to purchase (102), the list of music files sold are displayed on the screen so that the customer can select a song, and at the same time, the customer already knows the unique number of the music file to be purchased. Shows a function for inputting a recognized unique number on the screen. In this state, when the customer selects a song to purchase (103), the selected song is temporarily stored (104). If the customer selects a song that they want to purchase continuously, the selected song is temporarily stored. When the customer completes the selection of the song to purchase (105), a cost is requested (106) according to the selected number of songs. At this time, the cost may be guided through voice.

On the other hand, in the present invention, the customer can only purchase music files currently stored on the hard disk of the vending machine, and in order to purchase music files not currently stored on the hard disk, the customer must go through a reservation process. That is, when a customer reserves a desired song, the central processing unit requests a local server to download a music file reserved by the customer at a specific time. The local server downloads the music files from the central host computer that are not stored in its database among the requested music files, stores them in its database, and then selects the music files requested from the vending machine and the music files to be deleted from the vending machine. Send the list to the requested vending machine. When the vending machine receives the requested data file normally and updates the data normally, it transmits the result to the local server. When the local server receives the confirmation signal from the vending machine, it updates the management information of the vending machine. . On the other hand, if a music file requested by the customer is not on the vending machine's hard disk, the local server may immediately request a download. In this case, the operation of the local server is the same.

On the other hand, it is checked whether the cost according to the selected grains has been deposited (107), and if the cost has not been deposited for a certain waiting time (108), the screen returns to the initial screen, and when the cost is deposited, the change is paid and the blank CD is taken out. (109). Then, when a blank CD is inserted into the recorder (110), when the blank CD is inserted into the recorder, recording of the selected song is started and the list of the selected music files, the date of sale and the number of sales are stored. It is reported later to the local server (111). On the other hand, the following processing is performed in parallel in order to allow the customer to create a jacket desired by the user while recording of the selected song is performed.

First, the user confirms whether to photograph or select one of the basic images stored in the vending machine (115). If the customer wants to select the base image stored in the vending machine, the customer can select the base image he / she wants (116), and the base image selected by the customer is temporarily stored. On the other hand, if the customer wants to take a picture, the user selects the background and the subject (117), and whether or not to shoot directly or indirectly photographed by scanning the picture held by the customer (118). The customer selects indirect shooting, guides the user to place the photograph in the scanning area, and controls the scanner to perform scanning (119). When the customer directly selects the photographing, the digital camera is controlled to repeat the photographing several times so that one photograph is selected (120). The image input through this process is temporarily stored. Then, the customer checks whether the user inputs a character or selects a basic character (121), and temporarily stores the input character or the selected character (122,123). When the image input and character input is completed as described above, the temporarily stored images and characters are printed on the printing paper and then discharged (124). Then, the process returns to the initial screen (125).

On the other hand, when the recording of the blank CD is completed (112), the CD having been recorded is ejected from the recorder (113), and the display returns to the initial screen (114).

As described above, according to the present invention, a customer can purchase a recording medium containing a desired song with a minimum waiting time, and effectively manage a database of a remote vending machine having a limited storage capacity, and when a database failure occurs, You can restore the database with the data. In addition, by configuring the vending machine with a minimum number of components, it can be manufactured at low cost, and the occurrence of failure can be minimized.

Claims (6)

A central host computer including a first database for storing an entire sales data file; A plurality of local servers connected to the central host computer via a communication network, the second database storing a portion of data files stored in the first database, and reporting sales information of the data files to the central host computer; And Including a plurality of vending machines connected to the local server through a communication network, Each of the local server, A management database for storing management data including a list of data files stored in each vending machine, a sale date, and a sale frequency; Management data updating means for updating the management database according to the management data transmitted from the vending machine; Means for generating a message indicating a data file to be deleted among data files stored in the vending machine by referring to management data of the vending machine requesting the transmission of the data file; And A transmission means for receiving a data file not stored in its database among the data files requested by the vending machine from the central host computer and transmitting the requested data file together with the deletion instruction message to the vending machine, Each of the vending machines, A third database for storing a portion of data files stored in the second database; Reading and selecting means for a customer to view and select a data file; Recording means for reading the selected data files from the third database and recording them on a recordable recording medium; Fee processing means for processing a fee according to a purchase; Photographing means for photographing by a customer directly; Printing means for printing an image and / or text selected by the customer; When the customer requests the purchase of a data file not stored in the third database, the transfer request is made to the local server, and when the customer receives the requested data file together with the deletion instruction message from the local server, the indicated data Database updating means for deleting a file from the third database and storing the received data file in the third database; And And sales information transmission means for storing the sales information associated with the purchase data files of the customer and transmitting the sales information to the local server. The method of claim 1, The vending machine, And an empty recording medium storage and discharging means for storing a recordable empty recording medium and discharging the empty recording medium in response to a purchase request. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The vending machine, Automatic data sales system, characterized in that for storing the stock of consumables, updating the stock of the stored consumables each time the consumables are consumed, and transmitting the inventory information to the local server periodically or aperiodically . The method of claim 3, wherein The vending machine, A data vending system further comprising means for scanning an image held by a customer. In the data auto-sale method applied to a system comprising a central host computer, a plurality of local servers connected to the host computer via a communication network, and a plurality of vending machines connected through the local server and the communication network, A first step of requesting the local server to transmit a data file not stored in the vending machine; Receiving a data file from the central host computer, which is not stored in its database among the data files requested by the local server, and receiving the requested data file with a message indicating a data file to be deleted from the vending machine. A second step of transmitting to the vending machine; A third step of temporarily storing the selected data file when the customer selects the data files stored in the vending machine for purchase; A fourth step of processing a cost according to the number of selected data files when the selection of the data files for purchase is completed; When the cost processing is completed, the empty recording medium is taken out, and when the empty recording medium is inserted into the recorder by the customer, the data file selected by the customer is recorded on the empty recording medium and the sale of the recorded data files at the same time. A fifth step of storing information and transmitting the information to the local server; A sixth step of printing an image and / or text selected by a customer while the data files are recorded on the recording medium; And And a seventh step of ejecting the recording medium and the printed matter, respectively, when the recording is completed on the recording medium and the printing is completed. The method of claim 5, The deletion instruction message, A method of auto-selling data, comprising information of a data file having the least number of sales among deletion candidate data files selected and sold by a customer.