CA2096807A1 - Software distribution apparatus - Google Patents
Software distribution apparatusInfo
- Publication number
- CA2096807A1 CA2096807A1 CA 2096807 CA2096807A CA2096807A1 CA 2096807 A1 CA2096807 A1 CA 2096807A1 CA 2096807 CA2096807 CA 2096807 CA 2096807 A CA2096807 A CA 2096807A CA 2096807 A1 CA2096807 A1 CA 2096807A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- program
- record medium
- programs
- central processing
- category
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Abstract
ABSTRACT
An apparatus is provided for copying computer software onto record media, for example user supplied floppy disks. The apparatus has a memory for recordingsoftware programs, a video display, a record medium receiver, for example one or more floppy ports, a central processor and a user input. The user input consists solely of a selector mechanism for selecting a program from menus displayed on the video display and a currency or credit receiver. The entire selection and recording process is menu driven.
A preview function allowing the viewing of text files from a program to be recorded is provided.
An apparatus is provided for copying computer software onto record media, for example user supplied floppy disks. The apparatus has a memory for recordingsoftware programs, a video display, a record medium receiver, for example one or more floppy ports, a central processor and a user input. The user input consists solely of a selector mechanism for selecting a program from menus displayed on the video display and a currency or credit receiver. The entire selection and recording process is menu driven.
A preview function allowing the viewing of text files from a program to be recorded is provided.
Description
2~9~7 SO~TWQRE DISTRIBUTIC)N APPARATUS
The present invention relates to an apparatus for distributing software.
Attempts have been made in the past to automate the vending software.
Examples of these are the following:
Volk United States Patent 4593376, issued June 3, 1986, discloses an apparatus that will record any one of five games into especially constructed game cartlidges.
Izumi United States Patent 4597058 issued June 24, 1986 cliscloses a host and terminal configuration for copying software onto cartridges. This system is intended to be used by a retailer vending the program cartridges to a customer.
Ogaki United States Patent 4672554, issued June ~, 1987, and Ogaki et al.
United States Patent 4674055, issued June 9, 1987, disclose a complex machine intended not only to copy stored software but to allow it to be run as well. The machine capacity is limited by the physical size of the display panel which has a fixed display for each program, up to sixty-eight in the disclosed embodiment. Several user controls are provided for multiple functions. This machine is highly complex and has a very limited capacity. In the '055 patent, the machine is used as a remote terminal unit connect to a host system.
The present invention is concemed with a much simpler apparatus of much greater capacity then any of the prior art systems. It is intended for distributing software at a minimal cost rather than actually selling the software as is the case with the prior art.
The software may be either free software or software distributed as "shareware".According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus for copying computer software cosnprising:
memory means having a plurality of software programs r~corded therein;
a video display;
data recording rneans ~or recording data on a record medium; ;~
user input means consisting solely of selector means for selecting a program, credit input means for inserting credit into the apparatus and re ord medium receiver means ~or receiving a record medium on which a program is to be recorded; and central processor means operable to generatP a menu display of software programs in the memory and responsive to a selection from the menu with the selector means, entry of the correct credit at the credit input means and presence of a record medium in the record medium receiver to execute a transaction comprising causing the recorder means to record the selected program on the record medium.
The system memory for recording the programs may be of any desired size.
It may include both random access memory (RAM) and read only memory (ROM). One particularly advantageous arrangement includes a CDROM that records all of tlle programs to be distributed. The menu of programs as disp]ayed by the video display may beseparated into segments representing different types of program application, for example business programs, home finance programs, games and so on. By uSislg a menu type video display, it is possible to provide an exceedingly simple mechanism for selecting the program to be duplicated. The system may use, for example, a touch screen display for all of the user selection functions. Where a key pad is used, three keys are sufficient to provide forward and backwards scanning and selection of a program. Four keys areactually preferred in order to provide a rapid scan function. The only other user operable elements are the record medium receiver, normally a floppy disk port, and the credit . , . . ..-. . . .
8~
receiver, usually a coin mechanism for receiving and verifying coinage.
The apparatus operates as a stand alone system. It may be linked by a modem to a central station for gathering transaction data for financial purposes and for determining user demand for the various programs.
Exemplaly embodiments of the invention including these and other characteristics are described in the following.
In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate the exemplary embodiments of the present invention:
Figure 1 is an isometric view of an apparatus according to the present invention;
:Figure 2 is a front view of the operating panel;
Figure 3 is a view like Figure 2 of an alternative embodiment of the operating panel;
Figure 4 illustrates a category menu selection screen; ~.
Figure 5 illuskates a program rnenu selection screen;
Figure 6 illustrates an option menu screen;
Pigure 7 illustrates a file viewer selection screen;
Figures 8, 9 and 10 illustrate instruction screens for the copying process;
Figure 11 is a schematic block diagram of the operating system;
Figure 12 is an alternative keypad input for the diagram of Figure 11; and Figure 13 is a schematic block flow chart of the apparatus.
Referring to the accompanying drawings and especially to Figure 1, there is illustrated a software distributing apparatus 10 that is enclosed within a fr~e standing housing 12. The housing includes an operating panel 14. The apparatus is operated by .
~9~8~7 mains power and to that end is equipped with a power cord 16. Apart from the operating panel 14, the housing is unfeatured.
As illustrated most particularly in Figure 2, the operating panel has a video display 18 and is equipped with a touch screen input 20 that is externally mounted on the operating panel. Also mounted on the operating panel is a port 22 for 5 1/4 inch floppy disks and a second port 24 for 3 1/2 inch floppy disks. A coin receiver 26 including a coin release button 28 is also mounted on the operating panel.
With this touch screen embodiment of the apparatus, no further control for user inputs is neçessary. All user interaction with the apparatus is through the touch screen, the floppy ports and the coin receiver.
An alternative embodiment of operating panel is illustrated in Figure 3. The alternative panel 30 uses a key pad 32 in place of the touch screen 20 on the panel 14. In this case, the key pad is a four-key keypad including "UP" and "DOWN" keys 34 and 36 for moving a cursor item by item up through a displayed menu. A "SEL~3CT" key 38selects for copying or previewing, as will be described in the following, a program highlighted by the cursor. The fourth key 40 is a "PREYIOUS SCREEN" key that returns the display to the immediately previous screen. This provides a quiclc return to a previous screen that appears in the operation of the apparatus.
The initial screen appearing on the d;splay 18 is illustrated in Figure 4. This screen lists a series of categories into which the various recorded programs ~11. On selection of a category from the screen 42, a program listing screen such as screen 44 in Figure S is displayed. This lists the various programs in the category selec~ed.In both screens, the selected category or program is highlighte,d with a cursor 46. Along the bottom of the screen is a menu bar 48 that includes a "SCROLL UP"
2 ~
icon 50 and a "SCROLL DOWN" icon 52 that are used for scanning through the list of categories or the list of programs, and a "SELECT" icon 56 that selects a category or program. In the program listing screen, the bar also includes a "PREVIOUS SCREEN"
icon 54 that may be used for returning from the "PROGRAM SEL~CTION" sereen to the "CATEGORY SELECTION" screen where desired.
Once the desired program has been highlighted with the cursor, it rnay be selected by touching the "SELECT" icon 56. Once that has been done, an "OPIION"
menu screen 58 illustrated in Figure 6 appears on the display. This includes three icons, the "PREVIOUS SCl~EEN" icon 54 for returning to the program selection screen 44, a "VIEW" icon 62 and a "COPY" icon 64. The "VI~W" icon 62 produces a further screen 65 (Figure 7) listing the various files in the program selected. Any of these that are text files are designated "YES" on the displayed menu and may be selected using the cursor 46 and the "VIEW" icon 62 to be viewed on the screen. This provides the user with information about the program that has been selected for copying.
The "COPY" icon 64 is selected when it has been decided that the program will be copied. TlliS then produces a series of instructions for copying on the screen as illustratecl in Figures 8 and 9J instt~cting the insertic)n of coins and the loading of a lloppy disk.
A schematic blc~k diagram of the operating system is illustratecl in Figure 11. The heart of the apparatus is a cenkal processing unit (CPU) 66. In the present embodiment, this is a 386 SX, 25 MHz processor. Associated with ~his CPU is a program memsry 68. This includes a hard disk 70 that provides an easily programmable random access memory (RAM). The memory also includes a compact disk-read only memory (CD-ROM) 72 for recording the bulk of the programs that are available ~or copying. The -6- ~ 7 user input section 74 is in this case the touch screen 20 for directing operations of the CPU. A credit detector 76 is associated with the coin receiver 26 for receiving, verifying and recording the receipt of credit entered by the user. l here are two floppy drives 78 and 80 corresponding to the two floppy ports 22 and 24 respectively. Within the housing 12 of the apparatus is a keyboard 84 that may be used to control the CPU to perform functions other than those performed by a user. For example, using the keybvard, new programs tnay be loaded onto the hard disk through the use of the floppy drives 78 and 80.
Accumulated data recording the identity of programs recorded and the amount of credit received may also be extracted ~rom the CPU.
The CPU is optionally connected to a modem 86 that communicates witb a remote computer through an external communication line 90. This link may be used for collecting accounting and servicing data and may also selve to load new programs into the processor from a remote location.
In the embodiment of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 3, the user input section 74 is replaced with the user keypad input 92 illustrated in Figure 12.
Figure 12 illustrates a schematic iblock flow chart for the apparatus, illustrating its basic operation. As shown, on initial start-up, the apparatus enters a category selection phase (Screen 42, Figure 4) in which the category of program that is to be copied is chosen. Subsequently, the programs within the selected category are listed on the display (Screen 44, Figure 5) ~nd a desired program selected. C)n sel~ction of a program, the option menu (Screen 58, Figure 6) appears on the screen. The exit icon allows the user to return to the prograrn selection process to select another program. The option menu also includes a previewing selection that bIings up a directory of the files in the selected program (Screen 65, Figure 7). Each of these files is designated as being :; ' ', , .
~7~ ~9~8~
viewable or not. Using the cursor and the selection icon, the viewable files can be selected and viewed to provide the user with additional information about the program.
The third option in the option menu is to copy the selected program. When that process is initiated, a set of instructions is displayed on the screen. This includes an instruction to insert a disk in one of the floppy ports (Figure 8). When that is done, the system verifies the disk to ensure that it is correctly formatted, that it has adequate space to receive the program to be reeorded and to ensure that it is virus free. If the disk fails the verification process, an error message is displayed (Figure 10) and the system returns to the option menu. If the disk is verified, the user is asked to enter the appropriate currency (Figure 9), which is verified and counted. On receipt of the proper credit, the program is copied onto the disk and the copy is checked for errors. If there are no errors, a thank you message is displayed on the screen and the system turns to the immediately previous screen. Where an error is detected, an error message is displayed and after a pre-set delay the program returns to the immediately previous screen.
Where the correct amount of currency is not entered into the apparatus, a timer counts down ~0 seconds and then returns to the option menu. The credit that has been entered is mainta~ned so that the next time currency is entered, the count will start from the amount already recorded~ A similar 90 second count down is used with all of the screens. If nothing happens within 90 seconds, then the system returns to the nex~
previous screen and another 90 second period starts.
With this apparatus, it is possible to record thousands of programs, appropriately categolized and associated with a very easily operated apparatus for reproducing programs on a conventional floppy disk. While particular embodiments of the invention have been described in the foregoing, it is to be understood that oth~
.. .. .. , ,:
:;,: :. , - g -2~9~7 embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention. One modification that may be made is the use of a bill reader or a credit card reader in place of or in addition to the coin receiving mechanism of the illustrated apparatus.
The present invention is to be considered limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.
. .
.. :
: .
,, . ,,,1, . , . ' , , ~, ' ,;~ " ,, ' .
The present invention relates to an apparatus for distributing software.
Attempts have been made in the past to automate the vending software.
Examples of these are the following:
Volk United States Patent 4593376, issued June 3, 1986, discloses an apparatus that will record any one of five games into especially constructed game cartlidges.
Izumi United States Patent 4597058 issued June 24, 1986 cliscloses a host and terminal configuration for copying software onto cartridges. This system is intended to be used by a retailer vending the program cartridges to a customer.
Ogaki United States Patent 4672554, issued June ~, 1987, and Ogaki et al.
United States Patent 4674055, issued June 9, 1987, disclose a complex machine intended not only to copy stored software but to allow it to be run as well. The machine capacity is limited by the physical size of the display panel which has a fixed display for each program, up to sixty-eight in the disclosed embodiment. Several user controls are provided for multiple functions. This machine is highly complex and has a very limited capacity. In the '055 patent, the machine is used as a remote terminal unit connect to a host system.
The present invention is concemed with a much simpler apparatus of much greater capacity then any of the prior art systems. It is intended for distributing software at a minimal cost rather than actually selling the software as is the case with the prior art.
The software may be either free software or software distributed as "shareware".According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus for copying computer software cosnprising:
memory means having a plurality of software programs r~corded therein;
a video display;
data recording rneans ~or recording data on a record medium; ;~
user input means consisting solely of selector means for selecting a program, credit input means for inserting credit into the apparatus and re ord medium receiver means ~or receiving a record medium on which a program is to be recorded; and central processor means operable to generatP a menu display of software programs in the memory and responsive to a selection from the menu with the selector means, entry of the correct credit at the credit input means and presence of a record medium in the record medium receiver to execute a transaction comprising causing the recorder means to record the selected program on the record medium.
The system memory for recording the programs may be of any desired size.
It may include both random access memory (RAM) and read only memory (ROM). One particularly advantageous arrangement includes a CDROM that records all of tlle programs to be distributed. The menu of programs as disp]ayed by the video display may beseparated into segments representing different types of program application, for example business programs, home finance programs, games and so on. By uSislg a menu type video display, it is possible to provide an exceedingly simple mechanism for selecting the program to be duplicated. The system may use, for example, a touch screen display for all of the user selection functions. Where a key pad is used, three keys are sufficient to provide forward and backwards scanning and selection of a program. Four keys areactually preferred in order to provide a rapid scan function. The only other user operable elements are the record medium receiver, normally a floppy disk port, and the credit . , . . ..-. . . .
8~
receiver, usually a coin mechanism for receiving and verifying coinage.
The apparatus operates as a stand alone system. It may be linked by a modem to a central station for gathering transaction data for financial purposes and for determining user demand for the various programs.
Exemplaly embodiments of the invention including these and other characteristics are described in the following.
In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate the exemplary embodiments of the present invention:
Figure 1 is an isometric view of an apparatus according to the present invention;
:Figure 2 is a front view of the operating panel;
Figure 3 is a view like Figure 2 of an alternative embodiment of the operating panel;
Figure 4 illustrates a category menu selection screen; ~.
Figure 5 illuskates a program rnenu selection screen;
Figure 6 illustrates an option menu screen;
Pigure 7 illustrates a file viewer selection screen;
Figures 8, 9 and 10 illustrate instruction screens for the copying process;
Figure 11 is a schematic block diagram of the operating system;
Figure 12 is an alternative keypad input for the diagram of Figure 11; and Figure 13 is a schematic block flow chart of the apparatus.
Referring to the accompanying drawings and especially to Figure 1, there is illustrated a software distributing apparatus 10 that is enclosed within a fr~e standing housing 12. The housing includes an operating panel 14. The apparatus is operated by .
~9~8~7 mains power and to that end is equipped with a power cord 16. Apart from the operating panel 14, the housing is unfeatured.
As illustrated most particularly in Figure 2, the operating panel has a video display 18 and is equipped with a touch screen input 20 that is externally mounted on the operating panel. Also mounted on the operating panel is a port 22 for 5 1/4 inch floppy disks and a second port 24 for 3 1/2 inch floppy disks. A coin receiver 26 including a coin release button 28 is also mounted on the operating panel.
With this touch screen embodiment of the apparatus, no further control for user inputs is neçessary. All user interaction with the apparatus is through the touch screen, the floppy ports and the coin receiver.
An alternative embodiment of operating panel is illustrated in Figure 3. The alternative panel 30 uses a key pad 32 in place of the touch screen 20 on the panel 14. In this case, the key pad is a four-key keypad including "UP" and "DOWN" keys 34 and 36 for moving a cursor item by item up through a displayed menu. A "SEL~3CT" key 38selects for copying or previewing, as will be described in the following, a program highlighted by the cursor. The fourth key 40 is a "PREYIOUS SCREEN" key that returns the display to the immediately previous screen. This provides a quiclc return to a previous screen that appears in the operation of the apparatus.
The initial screen appearing on the d;splay 18 is illustrated in Figure 4. This screen lists a series of categories into which the various recorded programs ~11. On selection of a category from the screen 42, a program listing screen such as screen 44 in Figure S is displayed. This lists the various programs in the category selec~ed.In both screens, the selected category or program is highlighte,d with a cursor 46. Along the bottom of the screen is a menu bar 48 that includes a "SCROLL UP"
2 ~
icon 50 and a "SCROLL DOWN" icon 52 that are used for scanning through the list of categories or the list of programs, and a "SELECT" icon 56 that selects a category or program. In the program listing screen, the bar also includes a "PREVIOUS SCREEN"
icon 54 that may be used for returning from the "PROGRAM SEL~CTION" sereen to the "CATEGORY SELECTION" screen where desired.
Once the desired program has been highlighted with the cursor, it rnay be selected by touching the "SELECT" icon 56. Once that has been done, an "OPIION"
menu screen 58 illustrated in Figure 6 appears on the display. This includes three icons, the "PREVIOUS SCl~EEN" icon 54 for returning to the program selection screen 44, a "VIEW" icon 62 and a "COPY" icon 64. The "VI~W" icon 62 produces a further screen 65 (Figure 7) listing the various files in the program selected. Any of these that are text files are designated "YES" on the displayed menu and may be selected using the cursor 46 and the "VIEW" icon 62 to be viewed on the screen. This provides the user with information about the program that has been selected for copying.
The "COPY" icon 64 is selected when it has been decided that the program will be copied. TlliS then produces a series of instructions for copying on the screen as illustratecl in Figures 8 and 9J instt~cting the insertic)n of coins and the loading of a lloppy disk.
A schematic blc~k diagram of the operating system is illustratecl in Figure 11. The heart of the apparatus is a cenkal processing unit (CPU) 66. In the present embodiment, this is a 386 SX, 25 MHz processor. Associated with ~his CPU is a program memsry 68. This includes a hard disk 70 that provides an easily programmable random access memory (RAM). The memory also includes a compact disk-read only memory (CD-ROM) 72 for recording the bulk of the programs that are available ~or copying. The -6- ~ 7 user input section 74 is in this case the touch screen 20 for directing operations of the CPU. A credit detector 76 is associated with the coin receiver 26 for receiving, verifying and recording the receipt of credit entered by the user. l here are two floppy drives 78 and 80 corresponding to the two floppy ports 22 and 24 respectively. Within the housing 12 of the apparatus is a keyboard 84 that may be used to control the CPU to perform functions other than those performed by a user. For example, using the keybvard, new programs tnay be loaded onto the hard disk through the use of the floppy drives 78 and 80.
Accumulated data recording the identity of programs recorded and the amount of credit received may also be extracted ~rom the CPU.
The CPU is optionally connected to a modem 86 that communicates witb a remote computer through an external communication line 90. This link may be used for collecting accounting and servicing data and may also selve to load new programs into the processor from a remote location.
In the embodiment of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 3, the user input section 74 is replaced with the user keypad input 92 illustrated in Figure 12.
Figure 12 illustrates a schematic iblock flow chart for the apparatus, illustrating its basic operation. As shown, on initial start-up, the apparatus enters a category selection phase (Screen 42, Figure 4) in which the category of program that is to be copied is chosen. Subsequently, the programs within the selected category are listed on the display (Screen 44, Figure 5) ~nd a desired program selected. C)n sel~ction of a program, the option menu (Screen 58, Figure 6) appears on the screen. The exit icon allows the user to return to the prograrn selection process to select another program. The option menu also includes a previewing selection that bIings up a directory of the files in the selected program (Screen 65, Figure 7). Each of these files is designated as being :; ' ', , .
~7~ ~9~8~
viewable or not. Using the cursor and the selection icon, the viewable files can be selected and viewed to provide the user with additional information about the program.
The third option in the option menu is to copy the selected program. When that process is initiated, a set of instructions is displayed on the screen. This includes an instruction to insert a disk in one of the floppy ports (Figure 8). When that is done, the system verifies the disk to ensure that it is correctly formatted, that it has adequate space to receive the program to be reeorded and to ensure that it is virus free. If the disk fails the verification process, an error message is displayed (Figure 10) and the system returns to the option menu. If the disk is verified, the user is asked to enter the appropriate currency (Figure 9), which is verified and counted. On receipt of the proper credit, the program is copied onto the disk and the copy is checked for errors. If there are no errors, a thank you message is displayed on the screen and the system turns to the immediately previous screen. Where an error is detected, an error message is displayed and after a pre-set delay the program returns to the immediately previous screen.
Where the correct amount of currency is not entered into the apparatus, a timer counts down ~0 seconds and then returns to the option menu. The credit that has been entered is mainta~ned so that the next time currency is entered, the count will start from the amount already recorded~ A similar 90 second count down is used with all of the screens. If nothing happens within 90 seconds, then the system returns to the nex~
previous screen and another 90 second period starts.
With this apparatus, it is possible to record thousands of programs, appropriately categolized and associated with a very easily operated apparatus for reproducing programs on a conventional floppy disk. While particular embodiments of the invention have been described in the foregoing, it is to be understood that oth~
.. .. .. , ,:
:;,: :. , - g -2~9~7 embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention. One modification that may be made is the use of a bill reader or a credit card reader in place of or in addition to the coin receiving mechanism of the illustrated apparatus.
The present invention is to be considered limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.
. .
.. :
: .
,, . ,,,1, . , . ' , , ~, ' ,;~ " ,, ' .
Claims (15)
1. An apparatus for copying computer software comprising:
memory means having a plurality of software programs recorded therein;
a video display;
recording means for recording programs on a record medium;
user input means consisting solely of selector means for selecting a program, credit input means for inserting credit into the apparatus and record medium receiver means for receiving a record medium on which a program is to be recorded;
central processor means operable to generate a menu display of software programs in the memory and responsive to a selection from the menu with the selector means, entry of the correct credit at the credit input means and presence of a record medium in the record medium receiver to execute a transaction comprising causing the recorder means to record the selected program on the record medium.
memory means having a plurality of software programs recorded therein;
a video display;
recording means for recording programs on a record medium;
user input means consisting solely of selector means for selecting a program, credit input means for inserting credit into the apparatus and record medium receiver means for receiving a record medium on which a program is to be recorded;
central processor means operable to generate a menu display of software programs in the memory and responsive to a selection from the menu with the selector means, entry of the correct credit at the credit input means and presence of a record medium in the record medium receiver to execute a transaction comprising causing the recorder means to record the selected program on the record medium.
2. An apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein the memory comprises random access memory.
3. Apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein the memory comprises read only memory.
4. Apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein the record medium is a floppy disk and the record medium receiver means and the recorder means comprise a disk drive.
5. Apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein the central processor means comprise means for recording each transaction.
6. Apparatus according to Claim 5 wherein the central processing means comprise means for recording, for each transaction, transaction data comprising the program selected in the amount of credit received.
7. Apparatus according to Claim 6 including communication means for transmitting transaction data to a remote location.
8. Apparatus according to Claim 7 wherein the communication means comprise a modem.
9. Apparatus according to Claim 7 wherein the communication means furthercomprise means for selectively transmitting additional programs to the central processor means and for causing the central processor means to record the additional programs in the memory.
10. Apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein the central processing means comprise means for displaying on the video display a category menu of program categories into which each program falls, and the selector means comprise means for selecting a category from said category list and the central processing means further comprising means responsive to selection of a category from the category list to display a menu of programs within the selected category.
11. Apparatus according to Claim 10 wherein the central processing means is responsive to selection of a file to provide a plurality of options, including a view option, the central processing means being responsive to selection of the view option to display a list of files in the selected program, the selector means being further operable to select a text file from the list of files, and the central processing means being responsive to the selection of text file from the list to display the text file.
12. Apparatus according to Claim 11 wherein the options include an exit option, the central processing means being responsive to selection of the exit option by the selector means to display the menu of programs within the selected category.
13. Apparatus according to Claim 1 or 4 including means for verifying the ability of the record medium to record the selected program.
14. Apparatus according to Claim 13 wherein the central processing means are responsive to the failure of verification of the record medium to display an error message.
15. Apparatus according to Claim 1, 4 or 14 including means for checking the recorded program on the record medium for errors.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2096807 CA2096807A1 (en) | 1993-05-21 | 1993-05-21 | Software distribution apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2096807 CA2096807A1 (en) | 1993-05-21 | 1993-05-21 | Software distribution apparatus |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2096807A1 true CA2096807A1 (en) | 1993-09-13 |
Family
ID=4151693
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2096807 Abandoned CA2096807A1 (en) | 1993-05-21 | 1993-05-21 | Software distribution apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2096807A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1995018427A1 (en) * | 1993-12-24 | 1995-07-06 | Rodney Walter Blank | Software vending apparatus |
-
1993
- 1993-05-21 CA CA 2096807 patent/CA2096807A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1995018427A1 (en) * | 1993-12-24 | 1995-07-06 | Rodney Walter Blank | Software vending apparatus |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |