CA2284452A1 - Method of distributing printed publications - Google Patents
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- CA2284452A1 CA2284452A1 CA002284452A CA2284452A CA2284452A1 CA 2284452 A1 CA2284452 A1 CA 2284452A1 CA 002284452 A CA002284452 A CA 002284452A CA 2284452 A CA2284452 A CA 2284452A CA 2284452 A1 CA2284452 A1 CA 2284452A1
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- central processor
- dispensing unit
- display menu
- selections
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 14
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 24
- 238000007639 printing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 230000000737 periodic effect Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 abstract description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000013500 data storage Methods 0.000 description 3
- 241000283086 Equidae Species 0.000 description 2
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002860 competitive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003111 delayed effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003442 weekly effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- 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
- G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
- G06Q10/06—Resources, workflows, human or project management; Enterprise or organisation planning; Enterprise or organisation modelling
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/26—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for printing, stamping, franking, typing or teleprinting apparatus
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- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
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- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
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- Entrepreneurship & Innovation (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Human Resources & Organizations (AREA)
- Educational Administration (AREA)
- Marketing (AREA)
- Operations Research (AREA)
- Quality & Reliability (AREA)
- Tourism & Hospitality (AREA)
- Game Theory and Decision Science (AREA)
- General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Development Economics (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)
Abstract
A method of distributing printed publications involves providing a central processor and a plurality of remote satellite processors having a communication device adapted to permit the satellite processor to communicate with the central processor. There is at least one and, preferably, several, dispensing units provided for each of the plurality of remote satellite processors. Each dispensing unit includes a display adapted to display menu selections, an input device adapted to receive consumer selections made from the display menu, a payment processing unit adapted to receive payment from the consumer based upon the selections made, and a printer adapted for printing out a printed publication. Problems of shortages and surpluses are eliminated as publications are printed in response to demand from a consumer. The publications are kept current through electronic data transfer.
Description
TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
Method Of Distributing Printed Publications NAME ( S ) OF INVENTOR ( S ) Gordon Gill Ken Heurter John Zinn FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method of distributing printed publications, such as newspapers, magazines, event programs and, in particular, horse racing programs used for simulcast betting.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Printed publications are currently distributed through a vast network of newsstands, retail stores, and coin operated dispensers. A fundamental problem with this distribution network is that it is impossible to predict what consumer demand there may be for a particular printed publication. This results in frequent shortages and surpluses. Every shortage represents a lost sale for the distribution network; additional printed publications could have been sold had they been available to meet the unexpected strong demand. Every surplus represents wastage within the distribution network; monies expended in having the surplus publications printed, and distributing them through the distribution network, which are not recoverable. There is frequently a further cost associated with disposal of the surplus publications.
With weekly and monthly publications there is a time "window" during which there is a demand for the publications.
After that time window has passed, consumers no longer want the publication. The information in the publication becomes stale dated and, consequently, they would prefer to have a more current issue of the publication. The problem is exacerbated for daily publications. The time "window" for printing, distribution and sale is much narrower. There are also publications that are published to coincide with an event. An example of such a publication is a racing program relating to horse racing, greyhound racing, and the like. With event programs, once the event has passed there is no longer any market for the publication. As a consequence, if a delay is experienced in distributing an event publication through the distribution network it becomes unsalable.
SiJMMP~RY OF THE INVENTION
What is required is a method of distributing printed publications that is better able to match distribution with demand.
According to the present invention there is provided a method of distributing printed publications. A central processor is provided along with a plurality of remote satellite processors having a communication device adapted to permit the satellite processor to communicate with the central processor. There is at least one and, preferably, several, dispensing units provided for each of the plurality of remote satellite processors. Each dispensing unit includes a display adapted to display menu selections, an input device adapted to receive consumer selections made from the display menu, a payment processing unit adapted to receive payment from the consumer based upon the selections made, and a printer adapted for printing out a printed publication in response to selections made by the consumer. Data is transmitted from the central processor to the plurality of satellite processors on periodic basis, preferably on a daily basis, via the communication device. The printer associated with one of the dispensing units prints out the printed publication on demand from a consumer who makes a selection from the display menu using the input device and makes the applicable payment using the payment processing unit.
With the method, as described above, the printing of the printed publications is governed solely by demand from the consumer. This eliminates the problems of shortages and surpluses. The publications are kept current through electronic data transfer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is block diagram illustrating a distribution network in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
FIGURE 2 is a block diagram illustrating the central processor for the distribution network illustrated in FIGURE
1.
FIGURE 3 is a block diagram illustrating the satellite dispensing units for the distribution network illustrated in FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 4 is a block diagram illustrating a display menu for the satellite dispensing units for the distribution network illustrated in FIGURE 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The preferred method of distributing printed publications will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 4.
The printed publications selected for purpose of illustration are horse racing programs required in any program of simulcast betting. These are event programs for which there is no demand after the event has occurred. In order to increase their revenues, horse racing tracks throughout North America have entered into simulcast agreements. A person visiting a race track, has the option of betting on horse races taking place at a dozen or more affiliated race tracks in major cities across North America. Of course, in order to bet the person must receive a horse racing program for the track involved informing him as to which horses are running in the races at that race track. It is traditional, for the racing program to provide performance histories for the horses and jockeys involved in order that the consumer will have some objective basis from which to determine a wager. Due to the number of race tracks involved, problems of shortages and surpluses have been exacerbated. When a surplus occurs, the loss of revenue is not a critical problem. However, when programs are delayed or when there is a shortage of programs the race track experiences a marked decrease in betting revenues, as most consumers will not place a wager without having first reviewed the information provided by the racing program.
The equipment required for the method of distributing racing program information will now be described. Referring to FIGURE 1, a distribution network 10 for distributing information includes a central processor 12 and a plurality of satellite processors 14. One or more dispensing units 16 are served by each satellite processor 14.
Referring to FIGURE 2, central processor 12 has a power distribution unit 18 that receives electrical power via an outside line 20 from a power source and distributes the electrical power required to operate components of central processor 12. Central processor 12 includes a data storage device 22, accessible memory 24 for storage of data, a cpu with bus link 26 and a data communication device 28. Central processor 12 has a keyboard 30 and a mouse 32 by which central processor 12 is operated, and a monitor 34 to display information. Data communication device 28 enables central processor 12 to be in communication with a plurality of electronic information sources 36 via first lines of communication 38, and with remote satellite processors 14 via a data communication device 40 and second lines of communication 42.
Referring to FIGURE 3, each of satellite processors 14 has a data communication device 44 by which data is communicated via second line of communication 42 between central processor 12 and satellite processor 14, a cpu with bus link 46, a data storage device 48, accessible memory 50, and an electrical 5 power receiving and distributing unit 52. In FIGURE 3 satellite processor 14 is shown serving one dispensing unit 16.
It will be recognized that several dispensing units can be served by each of satellite processors 14, as illustrated in FIGURE 1.
Referring again to FIGURE 3, each of dispensing units 16 has a touch screen monitor 52. Monitor 52 provides a display 62 adapted to display menu selections 64, as illustrated in FIGURE 4. Due to the nature of the technology, touch screen monitor 52 also serves as an input device adapted to receive consumer selections made from display menu 62. It will be recognized that a keyboard, a series of buttons or other alternative means could be used as an input device for receiving consumer selections may be substituted for touch screen monitor 52. The dispensing unit 16 has two alternative means for receiving payment. A first payment processing unit is in the form of reader 54 is provided for reading bar codes, "smart" cards, credit cards, debit cards, other means of identification of users and other means by which a consumer pays for the services provided through dispensing unit 16.
Alternatively, payment may be made for the racing program at the point entry into the facility with the consumer given a card evidencing his or her proof of purchase for use with reader 54. A second payment processing unit 56 is provided for receiving coins and bills in payment. Alternatively, payment may be made for the racing program at the point entry into the facility with the consumer given a coin-like token evidencing his or her proof of purchase for use in payment processing unit 56. Dispensing unit 16 also has a printer 58, and an electrical power receiving and distributing unit 60.
The method of distributing racing program information comprises the following steps. Referring to FIGURE 1, distribution network 10 comprising central processor 12, several satellite processors 14 and a plurality of dispensing units 16 is provided. Referring to FIGURE 2, current program data is input into central processor 12 from a plurality of race tracks and other sources 36 via first lines of communication 38. When new data is received by central processor 12, the current data is substituted for out-dated data in data storage device 22. Current data is distributed from data communication device 28 of central processor 12 to data communication device 44 of remote satellite processors 14 via data communication device 40 and second lines of communication 42, and is stored in memory 50 of satellite processor 14, illustrated in FIGURE 3. Referring to FIGURE 3, the consumer activates monitor 52 to display menu selections 64 from memory 44 of satellite processor 14 as display 62. The consumer uses the menu selections 64 shown as display 62 to make selections. The consumer pays for the selections made by using either reader 54 or payment processing unit 56, thereby activating dispensing unit 16 to provide the selection made by the consumer. Satellite processor 14 communicates the selections made to central processor 12, and central processor 12 updates the current data on selections made in memory 24.
When distribution network 10 is serving consumers interested in racing, the menu selections available include printing, as a printed publication, a selected racing program by printer 58 in accordance with selection 64 from menu display 62.
Although racing programs have been used as an example, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the same teachings are applicable to other publications. Menu display 62 could provide a consumer with selections of various magazines, such as: TIME, LIFE, VOGUE, PLAYBOY, TEEN, etc.
Menu display 62 could provide a consumer with selections of various daily newspapers, such as: NEW YORK TIMES, CHICAGO
TRIBUNE, etc. Menu display 62 could provide a consumer with selections of various portions of daily newspapers, such as:
classified advertisement, business section, entertainment section, city section, world news, etc. Menu display 62 could display trade lists and competitive information for business.
Regardless of what is displayed on menu display 62, the consumer receives the publication he or she wants upon demand.
A payment is levied for most printed publications in order to recover costs and make a sufficient to financially support the publication. Payment processing units have, therefore, been incorporated into dispensing unit 16 as illustrated and described. There are, however, some publications that are supported solely by advertising revenues and given without charge to consumers. It will be appreciated to one skilled in the art that in such applications, a payment processing unit becomes redundant. It will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that other modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter defined in the Claims.
Method Of Distributing Printed Publications NAME ( S ) OF INVENTOR ( S ) Gordon Gill Ken Heurter John Zinn FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method of distributing printed publications, such as newspapers, magazines, event programs and, in particular, horse racing programs used for simulcast betting.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Printed publications are currently distributed through a vast network of newsstands, retail stores, and coin operated dispensers. A fundamental problem with this distribution network is that it is impossible to predict what consumer demand there may be for a particular printed publication. This results in frequent shortages and surpluses. Every shortage represents a lost sale for the distribution network; additional printed publications could have been sold had they been available to meet the unexpected strong demand. Every surplus represents wastage within the distribution network; monies expended in having the surplus publications printed, and distributing them through the distribution network, which are not recoverable. There is frequently a further cost associated with disposal of the surplus publications.
With weekly and monthly publications there is a time "window" during which there is a demand for the publications.
After that time window has passed, consumers no longer want the publication. The information in the publication becomes stale dated and, consequently, they would prefer to have a more current issue of the publication. The problem is exacerbated for daily publications. The time "window" for printing, distribution and sale is much narrower. There are also publications that are published to coincide with an event. An example of such a publication is a racing program relating to horse racing, greyhound racing, and the like. With event programs, once the event has passed there is no longer any market for the publication. As a consequence, if a delay is experienced in distributing an event publication through the distribution network it becomes unsalable.
SiJMMP~RY OF THE INVENTION
What is required is a method of distributing printed publications that is better able to match distribution with demand.
According to the present invention there is provided a method of distributing printed publications. A central processor is provided along with a plurality of remote satellite processors having a communication device adapted to permit the satellite processor to communicate with the central processor. There is at least one and, preferably, several, dispensing units provided for each of the plurality of remote satellite processors. Each dispensing unit includes a display adapted to display menu selections, an input device adapted to receive consumer selections made from the display menu, a payment processing unit adapted to receive payment from the consumer based upon the selections made, and a printer adapted for printing out a printed publication in response to selections made by the consumer. Data is transmitted from the central processor to the plurality of satellite processors on periodic basis, preferably on a daily basis, via the communication device. The printer associated with one of the dispensing units prints out the printed publication on demand from a consumer who makes a selection from the display menu using the input device and makes the applicable payment using the payment processing unit.
With the method, as described above, the printing of the printed publications is governed solely by demand from the consumer. This eliminates the problems of shortages and surpluses. The publications are kept current through electronic data transfer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is block diagram illustrating a distribution network in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
FIGURE 2 is a block diagram illustrating the central processor for the distribution network illustrated in FIGURE
1.
FIGURE 3 is a block diagram illustrating the satellite dispensing units for the distribution network illustrated in FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 4 is a block diagram illustrating a display menu for the satellite dispensing units for the distribution network illustrated in FIGURE 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The preferred method of distributing printed publications will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 4.
The printed publications selected for purpose of illustration are horse racing programs required in any program of simulcast betting. These are event programs for which there is no demand after the event has occurred. In order to increase their revenues, horse racing tracks throughout North America have entered into simulcast agreements. A person visiting a race track, has the option of betting on horse races taking place at a dozen or more affiliated race tracks in major cities across North America. Of course, in order to bet the person must receive a horse racing program for the track involved informing him as to which horses are running in the races at that race track. It is traditional, for the racing program to provide performance histories for the horses and jockeys involved in order that the consumer will have some objective basis from which to determine a wager. Due to the number of race tracks involved, problems of shortages and surpluses have been exacerbated. When a surplus occurs, the loss of revenue is not a critical problem. However, when programs are delayed or when there is a shortage of programs the race track experiences a marked decrease in betting revenues, as most consumers will not place a wager without having first reviewed the information provided by the racing program.
The equipment required for the method of distributing racing program information will now be described. Referring to FIGURE 1, a distribution network 10 for distributing information includes a central processor 12 and a plurality of satellite processors 14. One or more dispensing units 16 are served by each satellite processor 14.
Referring to FIGURE 2, central processor 12 has a power distribution unit 18 that receives electrical power via an outside line 20 from a power source and distributes the electrical power required to operate components of central processor 12. Central processor 12 includes a data storage device 22, accessible memory 24 for storage of data, a cpu with bus link 26 and a data communication device 28. Central processor 12 has a keyboard 30 and a mouse 32 by which central processor 12 is operated, and a monitor 34 to display information. Data communication device 28 enables central processor 12 to be in communication with a plurality of electronic information sources 36 via first lines of communication 38, and with remote satellite processors 14 via a data communication device 40 and second lines of communication 42.
Referring to FIGURE 3, each of satellite processors 14 has a data communication device 44 by which data is communicated via second line of communication 42 between central processor 12 and satellite processor 14, a cpu with bus link 46, a data storage device 48, accessible memory 50, and an electrical 5 power receiving and distributing unit 52. In FIGURE 3 satellite processor 14 is shown serving one dispensing unit 16.
It will be recognized that several dispensing units can be served by each of satellite processors 14, as illustrated in FIGURE 1.
Referring again to FIGURE 3, each of dispensing units 16 has a touch screen monitor 52. Monitor 52 provides a display 62 adapted to display menu selections 64, as illustrated in FIGURE 4. Due to the nature of the technology, touch screen monitor 52 also serves as an input device adapted to receive consumer selections made from display menu 62. It will be recognized that a keyboard, a series of buttons or other alternative means could be used as an input device for receiving consumer selections may be substituted for touch screen monitor 52. The dispensing unit 16 has two alternative means for receiving payment. A first payment processing unit is in the form of reader 54 is provided for reading bar codes, "smart" cards, credit cards, debit cards, other means of identification of users and other means by which a consumer pays for the services provided through dispensing unit 16.
Alternatively, payment may be made for the racing program at the point entry into the facility with the consumer given a card evidencing his or her proof of purchase for use with reader 54. A second payment processing unit 56 is provided for receiving coins and bills in payment. Alternatively, payment may be made for the racing program at the point entry into the facility with the consumer given a coin-like token evidencing his or her proof of purchase for use in payment processing unit 56. Dispensing unit 16 also has a printer 58, and an electrical power receiving and distributing unit 60.
The method of distributing racing program information comprises the following steps. Referring to FIGURE 1, distribution network 10 comprising central processor 12, several satellite processors 14 and a plurality of dispensing units 16 is provided. Referring to FIGURE 2, current program data is input into central processor 12 from a plurality of race tracks and other sources 36 via first lines of communication 38. When new data is received by central processor 12, the current data is substituted for out-dated data in data storage device 22. Current data is distributed from data communication device 28 of central processor 12 to data communication device 44 of remote satellite processors 14 via data communication device 40 and second lines of communication 42, and is stored in memory 50 of satellite processor 14, illustrated in FIGURE 3. Referring to FIGURE 3, the consumer activates monitor 52 to display menu selections 64 from memory 44 of satellite processor 14 as display 62. The consumer uses the menu selections 64 shown as display 62 to make selections. The consumer pays for the selections made by using either reader 54 or payment processing unit 56, thereby activating dispensing unit 16 to provide the selection made by the consumer. Satellite processor 14 communicates the selections made to central processor 12, and central processor 12 updates the current data on selections made in memory 24.
When distribution network 10 is serving consumers interested in racing, the menu selections available include printing, as a printed publication, a selected racing program by printer 58 in accordance with selection 64 from menu display 62.
Although racing programs have been used as an example, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the same teachings are applicable to other publications. Menu display 62 could provide a consumer with selections of various magazines, such as: TIME, LIFE, VOGUE, PLAYBOY, TEEN, etc.
Menu display 62 could provide a consumer with selections of various daily newspapers, such as: NEW YORK TIMES, CHICAGO
TRIBUNE, etc. Menu display 62 could provide a consumer with selections of various portions of daily newspapers, such as:
classified advertisement, business section, entertainment section, city section, world news, etc. Menu display 62 could display trade lists and competitive information for business.
Regardless of what is displayed on menu display 62, the consumer receives the publication he or she wants upon demand.
A payment is levied for most printed publications in order to recover costs and make a sufficient to financially support the publication. Payment processing units have, therefore, been incorporated into dispensing unit 16 as illustrated and described. There are, however, some publications that are supported solely by advertising revenues and given without charge to consumers. It will be appreciated to one skilled in the art that in such applications, a payment processing unit becomes redundant. It will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that other modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter defined in the Claims.
Claims (4)
1. A method of distributing printed publications, comprising the steps of:
providing at least one central processor;
providing a plurality of remote satellite processors having a communication device adapted to permit the satellite processor to communicate with the central processor;
at least one dispensing unit for each of the plurality of remote satellite processors, each dispensing unit including:
a display adapted to display menu selections;
an input device adapted to receive consumer selections made from the display menu; and at least one printer adapted for printing out a printed publication in response to selections made by the consumer;
transmitting data from the central processor to the plurality of satellite processors on a periodic basis via the communication device;
printing out, via the printer of the at least one dispensing unit, printed publications on demand from a consumer who makes a selection from the display menu using the input device.
providing at least one central processor;
providing a plurality of remote satellite processors having a communication device adapted to permit the satellite processor to communicate with the central processor;
at least one dispensing unit for each of the plurality of remote satellite processors, each dispensing unit including:
a display adapted to display menu selections;
an input device adapted to receive consumer selections made from the display menu; and at least one printer adapted for printing out a printed publication in response to selections made by the consumer;
transmitting data from the central processor to the plurality of satellite processors on a periodic basis via the communication device;
printing out, via the printer of the at least one dispensing unit, printed publications on demand from a consumer who makes a selection from the display menu using the input device.
2. A method of distributing printed publications, comprising the steps of:
providing a central processor;
providing a plurality of remote satellite processors having a communication device adapted to permit the satellite processor to communicate with the central processor;
at least one dispensing unit for each of the plurality of remote satellite processors, each dispensing unit including:
a display adapted to display menu selections;
an input device adapted to receive consumer selections made from the display menu;
at least one payment processing unit adapted to receive payment from the consumer based upon the selections made; and a printer adapted for printing out a printed publication in response to selections made by the consumer;
transmitting data from the central processor to the plurality of satellite processors on a periodic basis via the communication device;
printing out, via the printer of the at least one dispensing unit, printed publications on demand from a consumer who makes a selection from the display menu using the input device and makes the applicable payment using the payment processing unit.
providing a central processor;
providing a plurality of remote satellite processors having a communication device adapted to permit the satellite processor to communicate with the central processor;
at least one dispensing unit for each of the plurality of remote satellite processors, each dispensing unit including:
a display adapted to display menu selections;
an input device adapted to receive consumer selections made from the display menu;
at least one payment processing unit adapted to receive payment from the consumer based upon the selections made; and a printer adapted for printing out a printed publication in response to selections made by the consumer;
transmitting data from the central processor to the plurality of satellite processors on a periodic basis via the communication device;
printing out, via the printer of the at least one dispensing unit, printed publications on demand from a consumer who makes a selection from the display menu using the input device and makes the applicable payment using the payment processing unit.
3. A method of distributing racing program information, comprising the steps of:
providing a central processor into which is input current program data from a plurality of race tracks;
providing a plurality of remote satellite processors having a communication device adapted to permit the satellite processor to communicate with the central processor;
at least one dispensing unit for each of the plurality of remote satellite processors, each dispensing unit including:
a display adapted to display menu selections;
an input device adapted to receive consumer selections made from the display menu;
a printer adapted for printing out a printed publication in response to selections made by the consumer;
transmitting current racing program data from the central processor to the plurality of satellite processors on a periodic basis via the communication device;
printing out, via the printer of the at least one dispensing unit a selected racing program on demand when a consumer selects the selected racing program from the display menu using the input device.
providing a central processor into which is input current program data from a plurality of race tracks;
providing a plurality of remote satellite processors having a communication device adapted to permit the satellite processor to communicate with the central processor;
at least one dispensing unit for each of the plurality of remote satellite processors, each dispensing unit including:
a display adapted to display menu selections;
an input device adapted to receive consumer selections made from the display menu;
a printer adapted for printing out a printed publication in response to selections made by the consumer;
transmitting current racing program data from the central processor to the plurality of satellite processors on a periodic basis via the communication device;
printing out, via the printer of the at least one dispensing unit a selected racing program on demand when a consumer selects the selected racing program from the display menu using the input device.
4. A method of distributing racing program information, comprising the steps of:
providing a central processor into which is input current program data from a plurality of race tracks;
providing a plurality of remote satellite processors having a communication device adapted to permit the satellite processor to communicate with the central processor;
at least one dispensing unit for each of the plurality of remote satellite processors, each dispensing unit including:
a display adapted to display menu selections;
an input device adapted to receive consumer selections made from the display menu;
a payment processing unit adapted to receive payment from the consumer based upon the selections made;
a printer adapted for printing out a printed publication in response to selections made by the consumer;
transmitting current racing program data from the central processor to the plurality of satellite processors on a periodic basis via the communication device;
printing out, via the printer of the at least one dispensing unit a selected racing program on demand when a consumer selects the selected racing program from the display menu using the input device and makes the applicable payment using the payment processing unit.
providing a central processor into which is input current program data from a plurality of race tracks;
providing a plurality of remote satellite processors having a communication device adapted to permit the satellite processor to communicate with the central processor;
at least one dispensing unit for each of the plurality of remote satellite processors, each dispensing unit including:
a display adapted to display menu selections;
an input device adapted to receive consumer selections made from the display menu;
a payment processing unit adapted to receive payment from the consumer based upon the selections made;
a printer adapted for printing out a printed publication in response to selections made by the consumer;
transmitting current racing program data from the central processor to the plurality of satellite processors on a periodic basis via the communication device;
printing out, via the printer of the at least one dispensing unit a selected racing program on demand when a consumer selects the selected racing program from the display menu using the input device and makes the applicable payment using the payment processing unit.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002284452A CA2284452A1 (en) | 1999-10-04 | 1999-10-04 | Method of distributing printed publications |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002284452A CA2284452A1 (en) | 1999-10-04 | 1999-10-04 | Method of distributing printed publications |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2284452A1 true CA2284452A1 (en) | 2001-04-04 |
Family
ID=4164287
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002284452A Abandoned CA2284452A1 (en) | 1999-10-04 | 1999-10-04 | Method of distributing printed publications |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2284452A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN111694525A (en) * | 2020-05-15 | 2020-09-22 | 贵州利富德印务有限公司 | Workflow of printing factory for network printing |
-
1999
- 1999-10-04 CA CA002284452A patent/CA2284452A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN111694525A (en) * | 2020-05-15 | 2020-09-22 | 贵州利富德印务有限公司 | Workflow of printing factory for network printing |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |