Ulllted States Patent
`
`[19]
`
`[11] Patent Number:
`
`5,940,805
`
`Kopp
`
`[45] Date of Patent:
`
`*Aug. 17, 1999
`
`US005940805A
`
`[54] METHOD OF SELLING DATA RECORDS AS
`WELL As VENDING APPARATUS, MEMORY
`DEVICE, CHIP CARD, AND SYSTEM FOR
`SiE)Il:,I,fHV;IfRrEELECOMMUNICATIONS
`.
`.
`l“Ve“‘°r3 D191” K°PP> Hemmlngm Germany
`.
`N
`N
`[73] Asslgneei Aleatel N-V-9 R1JSW1Jl<> Netherlands
`
`[75]
`
`[*] Notice:
`
`This patent issued on a continued pros-
`ecution application filed under 37 CFR
`1.53(d), and is subject to the twenty year
`patent
`term provisions of 35 U'S'C'
`154(a)(2)'
`
`[21] Appl. No.: 08/571,526
`.
`.
`Dec’ 13’ 1995
`Feed’
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`[22]
`[30]
`
`Germany ........................... .. 44 45 847
`D60. 22, 1994
`[51]
`Int. Cl.6 ............................. G06F 15/44; G06F 13/00
`U.S. C].
`............... ..
`364/47903; 364/47801; 331/176; 331/158;
`
`[58] Field of Search ................................... .. 364/900, 479,
`364/401; 380/23; 235/380; 379/40
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`
`3909323
`3928107
`
`9/1990 Germany ...................... .. G07F 17/00
`2/1991 Germany ...................... .. G06F 15/21
`germany
`~
`ermany
`.
`9/1994 Germany
`. G07F 17/00
`9401027
`9410717 10/1994 Germany
`G07F 11/00
`4314900
`11/1994 G
`G11B 33/02
`9401027
`11/1994
`G07F 17/00
`4339438 10/1995 Germany
`. G06F 13/38
`5—089360
`4/1993
`Japan ............................ .. G07F 17/00
`
`
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`S.L. Millin “Object Technologies on—line” Software Indus-
`try Report ’V26 H 15 p 5(2) Aug 8 19,94
`“Connect ideiveliops electronic marketplace system for
`OMG”, Electronic Marketplace Report, V. 8, n. 17, p. 7(2),
`Sep. 6, 1994.
`John Slitz, “USA: Objects get on—line with the information
`brokerage”, Businesswire. Jul. 25, 1994.
`Charlotte Dunlap, “Connect offers online link”, Computer
`Reseller NeWS, I1~ 597, PP3 58, SeP~ 26, 1994
`“How Much is That Object in the Window?” on p. 54 of the
`22,
`issue of «Business Week”.
`primary Examme,._A11en R. MacDonald
`Assistant Examiner:Pedr0
`Kangf
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Ware, Fressola, Van der Sluys &
`
`ABSTRACT
`l57l
`Avending apparatus (AUT) is used to sell data records. The
`vending apparatus comprises a payment device (PAY), a
`
`interface device (IISITERI) sends a release signal to the
`control device (CONTR), when a suitable memory device
`(MEM2) is Coupled to it in Such a Way, that a data transfer
`becomes possible. The device for limiting the extent of
`utilization (RESTR) only permits the storage of data records
`in the memory device (MEM) to a predetermined extent.
`The control device (CONTR) causes the ‘transmission of at
`1eaSt°“‘°’ft°.l1’.e Sold d::2ErSe}’1‘;rdlF.the dew f°r11“m““.e thei
`extent 0 ‘"1 1Za“°“(
`.
`)>1 1‘ “°""°'1"‘°*5.a re ease 51%?”
`from the payment device (PAY) and the interface device
`(INTER1)
`
`13 Claims, 2 Drawing Sheets
`
`3,679,842
`4,593,376
`4,597,058
`
`7/1972 Ahy ...................................... 179/100.2
`
`6/1986 V0ll<. - - - - ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ -
`- - - ~ ~~ 364/900
`6/1986 Izumi et al.
`.......................... .. 364/900
`(List Continued on next page.)
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`0122040 10/1984 European Pat. Off.
`ttttttN G07F 17/16
`0191162
`8/1986 European Pat. Off.
`........ G06F 12/14
`0409701
`1/1991
`European Pat. Off.
`.......... G07F 7/10
`0535630
`4/1993 European pat. Off.
`N
`G07F 17/06
`3412663
`10/1985 Germany ........... ..
`G11C 7/00
`3700504
`11/1989 Germany ..
`..... .. G06F 11/08
`3906349
`9/1990 Germany ................... .. G06K 19/073
`
`
`
`r—1—~%~w
`
`tKN
`1
`
`KUM
`
`MEM1
`
`CUNTR
`
`AUT7‘
`
`INDUT
`
`PAY
`
`RESTR
`
`INTER1
`
`Apple Exhibit 1204 Page 00001
`
`Apple Exhibit 1204 Page 00001
`
`

`
`5,940,805
`Page 2
`
`US. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4,949,257
`
`8/1990 Orbach .................................. .. 364/401
`
`9/1986 Pavlov etal. ......................... .. 235/380
`4,614,861
`4,631,357 12/1986 Grunig . . ... . .. . . .
`. . . ... 379/40
`4,650,978
`3/1987 Hudson elal
`-235/380
`4,674,055
`6/1987 Ogaki elal.
`364/497
`49740890
`4/1988 Wflliam
`364/234
`4,787,050
`11/1988 Suzuki
`364/479
`
`' ' '' ' '
`
`6/1991 MiY°5hi
`51027398
`11/1992
`5,162,989
`3/1993 Mosclcy . . .. . .
`5,193,114
`_
`—
`11/1993 Be-,1ge1o11 et al.
`5,265,075
`5,561,604 10/1996 Buckley el 3.1.
`
`' ' ' ' ' '" 38”/4
`.364/401
`. . . . .. 380/23
`
`....................... .. 369/25
`................... 364/479.05
`
`Page 00002
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 17, 1999
`
`2f01teehS
`
`5,940,805
`
`Page 00003
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 17, 1999
`
`Sheet 2 of2
`
`5,940,805
`
`Page 00004
`
`

`
`5,940,805
`
`1
`METHOD OF SELLING DATA RECORDS AS
`WELL AS VENDING APPARATUS, MEMORY
`DEVICE, CHIP CARD, AND SYSTEM FOR
`SELLING TELECOMMUNICATIONS
`SOFTWARE
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`The invention concerns a method for selling data records
`by means of a vending apparatus, a vending apparatus, a
`memory device, a chip card and a selling system for tele-
`communications software.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`The invention starts with several known software vending
`methods. As a rule, software programs are acquired by the
`user in a store, where he purchases a data carrier (e.g. floppy
`diskettes(s) and CDROM(s)) with the software program
`stored thereon.
`
`This method l1as the disadvantage that the buyer must ~
`purchase a data carrier in addition to the software program,
`and could possibly spend much time for the transaction.
`Furthermore, software selling systems are known,
`whereby software programs are electronically sent to the
`buyers. Such a selling system is described for example in the
`article “How Much is That Object In The Window?”, on
`page 54 of the Aug. 22, 1994 issue of “Business Week”. This
`selling system offers the buyers software programs from
`different manufacturers via an electronic communications
`system, which can be purchased by them through this
`system. One disadvantage of such a system is that the buyer
`must have a suitable terminal available for this electronic
`communications system.
`The invention further starts with a vending apparatus for
`software as described in the German Patent G 94 01 027.
`This vending apparatus is used to sell public domain or
`shareware software programs. It contains a hard disk or a
`CD—ROM drive, a disk drive, a simplified keyboard and a
`coin checking device. A software program is selected with
`the keyboard and copied by means of the hard disk or
`CD—ROM drive to a disk which the buyer has inserted into
`the disk drive, after the coin checker has verified the
`insertion of a specified amount of money.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The invention has the task of making data records avail-
`able for a fee. The task is fulfilled by a method of selling data
`records for consumer facilities by means of a vending
`apparatus, comprising the steps of checking whether a
`suitable memory device has been coupled to a11 interface
`device of the vending apparatus in such a way that a data
`transfer is possible; checking whether a pay device is
`providing a release signal; and, if these two conditions are
`fulfilled, storing at least one data record to be sold on the H
`memory device such that the stored data record is released
`for use only to a predetermined extent.
`It also has the task of vending apparatus for selling data
`records, comprising a pay device for receipt of a payment
`from a user and for generating a release signal if a payment
`is made; a control device in cooperative engagement with
`the pay device;
`a use-restricting device in cooperative
`engagement with the control device; and an interface device
`for coupling memory devices to the vending apparatus, the
`interface device in cooperative engagement with the use-
`restricting device, the control device and the pay device so
`as to send a release signal to the control device when a
`
`2
`suitable memory device has been coupled to the interface
`device in such a way that a data transfer is possible,
`the
`use-restricting device for causing data records to be stored
`on the memory device so that a stored data record will be
`released only to a predetermined extent, and the control
`device initiating the transfer of at least one data record to be
`sold to the use-restricting device when receiving a release
`signal from the pay device and the interface device.
`It further has the task of a memory device for buying data
`records, comprising an interface device for coupling the
`memory device to a vending apparatus; a memory within the
`memory device for storing data records received via the
`interface device; and a security device in cooperative
`engagement with the interface device and the memory and
`which releases the data records stored in the memory for use
`only to a predetermined extent.
`A further task of the device is a chip card for use in
`consumer facilities, said chip card having a memory device
`comprising an interface device for coupling the chip card to
`vending apparatuses and consumer facilities; a memory
`within the memory device for storing data records received
`via the interface device; and a security device in cooperative
`engagement with the interface device and the memory and
`which releases the data records stored in the memory for use
`only to a predetermined extent.
`A still further task of the invention is a system for selling
`telecommunications software, comprising a plurality of chip
`cards each provided with a memory device; a plurality of
`vending apparatuses for transferring programs onto the chip
`cards; and a plurality of telecommunication devices each
`provided with an interface device for coupling chip cards
`thereto and designed to be controlled in accordance with
`programs stored on a chip card coupled to the telecommu-
`nication device, each of the vending apparatuses oomprising
`a pay device for receipt of a payment from a user and for
`generating a release signal if a payment is made, a control
`device in cooperative engagement with the pay device, a
`use-restricting device in cooperative engagement with the
`control device, and an interface device for coupling chip
`cards to the vending apparatus,
`the interface device in
`cooperative engagement with the use-restricting device, the
`control device and the pay device so as to send a release
`signal to the control device when a suitable chip card has
`been coupled to the interface device in such a way that a data
`transfer is possible, the use-restricting device for causing
`data records to be stored on the chip card so that a stored data
`record is released only to a predetermined extent, and the
`control device initiating the transfer of at least one data
`record to be sold to the use-restricting device when receiving
`a release signal from the pay device and the interface device.
`The basic idea of the invention is to store in this manner
`a data record on a suitable memory device through a vending
`apparatus, so that
`the data record is only released for
`utilization to a predetermined extent. In this way the buyer
`no longer acquires a data carrier with a physical copy of the
`data record, but rather a data record with a specified, limited
`possibility of utilization.
`In this sense a data record comprises software programs
`or data for software programs, such as for example
`encyclopedias, b1It also video and audio recordings, etc.
`The invention l1as the advantage that the data records sold
`in this manner become a consumable commodity. This
`makes it possible for a buyer to specify the extent of
`utilization he wants, to pay only for that and to receive a data
`record which is only released to this extent of utilization.
`It is also an advantage here that by using a vending
`apparatus, the extent of utilization can be individually speci-
`
`Page 00005
`
`

`
`5,940,805
`
`3
`fied by the buyer, and manipulations by the buyer during the
`storing process can be prevented.
`Other advantages are that the buyer does not have to
`purchase a data carrier as well, and that he can acquire data
`records on a memory device in an arrangement outline
`chosen by him.
`Other advantages result from the use of central data
`banks, which are connected to vending apparatuses through
`broad—band communications paths. This makes a wide selec-
`tion of data records available, and the expensive broad—band
`communications paths are p11t to good use, because a large
`number of buyers have access to every vending apparatus.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`the invention is explained in greater
`In the following,
`detail by means of a configuration example and four appli-
`cation examples, with tl1e aid of the attached drawings.
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a vending apparatus accord-
`ing to the invention.
`FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a memory device according
`to the invention, for use with a vending apparatus according
`to the invention.
`
`BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE
`INVENTION
`
`The configuration example describes a vending system for
`telecommunications software according to the invention,
`with vending apparatuses according to the invention, and
`with chip cards according to the invention, which are
`equipped with memory devices according to the invention,
`in which the method of the invention is executed.
`
`The vending system comprises a number of vending
`apparatuses, a number of chip cards and a number of
`telecommunications devices.
`The telecommunications devices are telecommunications
`terminals and private branch exchanges. The software pro-
`grams required to operate them are fully or partially stored
`on a chip card, which in this way determines their service
`features.
`
`The vending apparatuses are installed in busy areas, for
`example in gas stations.
`It
`is possible to purchase the
`software programs for the telecommunications devices from
`these vending apparatuses.
`The desired program arrangement and the desired extent
`of utilization of the programs are entered into the vending
`apparatus. The vendin g apparatus then calculates the amount
`of money to be paid and stores the desired software program
`on a chip card after this payment is received. The chip card ‘
`is now inserted into the telecommunications device, which
`then has the desired service features available.
`Instead of telecommunications software, other software
`programs can also be sold by means of the invention. Other
`application devices, for example computers, can be used "
`instead of the telecommunications devices.
`
`the operation of such a vending
`In the following,
`apparatus, for a vending apparatus AUT for example, will
`now be explained.
`FIG. 1 illustrates the vending apparatus AUT with the
`communications device KOM, the memory device MEM1,
`the control device CONTR, the operating device INOUT,
`the payment device PAY, the interface device INTER1 and
`the device for limiting the extent of utilization RESTR.
`The communications device KOM exchanges data via a
`communications network KN. The device for limiting the
`
`4
`extent of utilization RESTR receives data from the commu-
`nications device KOM and from the memory device MEM1,
`and exchanges data with the interface device INTER1. The
`control device CONTR exchanges data with the device
`RESTR,
`the communications device KOM,
`the memory
`device MEM1, the operating device INOUT, the payment
`device PAY and the interface device INTER1.
`
`The memory device MEM1 comprises a mass memory,
`for example one or more hard disks or CD—ROM drives. A
`number of data records are stored in the memory device
`MEM1, where each data record is formed by a software
`program.
`The communications device KOM makes the required
`communication services and the appropriate network con-
`nection available for communication via the network KN.
`By means of the communications device KOM it is possible
`to request and receive data records from a distant memory
`device, for example from a central data bank. It is also
`possible to omit either the memory device MEM1 or the
`communications device KOM, and thus to keep the data
`records centrally or decentrally or locally.
`The operating device INOUT is used for the man/machine
`communication.
`It comprises a viewing screen and a
`keyboard, for example.
`The payment device PAY enables and verifies the pay-
`ment of a specified amount of money. It contains corre-
`sponding mechanical installations through which bills or
`coins are inserted, counted and checked for correctness.
`After an amount of money has been deposited as predeter-
`mined by the control device CONTR, the payment device
`PAY sends a corresponding release signal to the control
`device CONTR.
`It is also possible for the payment device PAY to have
`exclusive or additional devices for payment without cash.
`By means of these devices it is possible to directly transfer
`an amount of money predetermined by the control device
`CONTR from an account
`in a banking or credit card
`institution. In that case, the release signal would be given to
`the control device CONTR after the amount has been
`released or authorized in some other manner by the respec-
`tive institution.
`
`The interface device INTER1 serves to couple chip cards
`such as shown in phantom (dotted line) for chip card MEM2
`(see also FIG. 2). If a suitable chip card is inserted into the
`interface device INTER1,
`the latter makes the required
`galvanic connections with the chip card via respectively
`located contacts.
`It
`is also possible for the connection
`between the interface device INTER1 and the chip card not
`to be made through contacts, but in a non-contacting n1an-
`ner. The connection could be optical or
`inductive, for
`example. The control device CONTR receives a release
`signal
`if the coupling is successful,
`i.e. a data transfer
`between chip card and interface device is possible.
`It is also possible not to use chip cards, but to couple
`memory devices installed in other carriers, or even data
`carriers,
`to the interface device INTER1. Such memory
`devices could be memory cards of the PCMCIA (Personal
`Computer Memory Card International Association) stan-
`dard. Additionally, the interface device INTER1 could be
`directly coupled to a memory device installed iii the tele-
`communications device. In that case, the interface device
`INTER1 would be equipped with corresponding writing and
`reading devices, or a connection would be established
`through a connecting cable.
`The device for limiting the extent of utilization RESTR
`receives data records from the communications device KOM
`
`Page 00006
`
`

`
`5,940,805
`
`5
`or from the memory device MEM1, and stores them on the
`chip card after it has received a control signal from the
`control device CONTR via interface device INTER1. The
`storage process is configured in such a way, that the stored
`data record is only released to a predetermined extent for
`future use.
`In this case the limitation of the utilization
`includes preventing the copying of the data record from the
`chip card to another chip card, and if necessary limiting the
`extent of utilization of the data record.
`By means of an identification log, the device RESTR first
`checks whether a suitable chip card, which supports the
`method of limiting the extent of utilization established by
`the device RESTR,
`is coupled to the interface device
`INTER1.
`It
`is also possible to omit
`this check, or to
`configure the interface device INTER1 in a way that only
`permits such suitable chip cards to be coupled.
`Next, data regarding the extent of utilization are entered
`into the data record to be sent to the chip card. These data
`contain information about the number of possible utiliza-
`tions of the data record, the length of time during which the
`data record can be used, or the time limit up to which the ~
`data record may be used. Also, a group of telecommunica-
`tion devices in which the data record can be used, can be
`specified.
`The thus changed data record is then sent via the interface
`device INTER1 to the chip card, where it is stored in a
`memory device.
`It is also possible not to enter the data regarding the extent
`of utilization into the data record, but
`to send them as
`separate data to the chip card and store them separately
`there.
`
`is furthermore possible to enter data regarding the
`It
`identity of a buyer into a data record. Such data can be the
`name and address of the buyer or a personal number
`assigned to him, for example. These data would be acquired
`by the operating device INOUT, or n1ade available by the
`payment device PAY as well.
`It could also be possible to store the data record in a
`particularly coded form on the chip card, from where it can
`only be read by special reading devices.
`The control device CONTR controls the vending process
`and the coordination between the different devices of the
`vending apparatus AUT.
`Through the operating device INOUT, the control device
`CONTR provides the buyers with an overview of the data
`records stored in the memory device MEM1, which are
`available through the communications device KOM. The
`buyer can then choose any one from this selection, and
`establish any desired extent of utilization of the data record.
`Once the buyer has completed his selection,
`the control
`device CONTR calculates the corresponding fee which the
`operating device INOUT indicates to the buyer. In addition,
`the control device CONTR sends control data to the pay-
`ment device PAY, whereby it informs it of the amount to be
`paid and requests it to collect this amount of money.
`After the appropriate amount of money has been paid to
`the payment device PAY, the latter sends a release signal to
`the control device CONTR. If a release program from the
`interface device INTER1 is also present, the control device
`CONTR sends control signals to the communications device
`KOM or to the memory device MEM1, for transmitting the
`selected data records to the device RESTR. In addition, the
`control device CONTR transmits the data regarding the
`desired extent of utilization of the data records to the device
`RESTR, and causes it to start the storage process.
`FIG. 2 now explains an example of the construction and
`operation of a chip card. FIG. 2 illustrates a memory device
`
`_
`
`6
`MEM2, which is embedded in a chip card. The memory
`device contains a memory MEM, a security device SEC and
`an interface device INTER2. The security device SEC
`exchanges data and control signals with the memory MEM
`and with the interface device INTER2.
`
`The memory device MEM is a memory chip. A different
`storage medium could also be used.
`The interface device INTER2 makes it possible to couple
`the chip card to vending apparatuses and telecommunica-
`tions devices in a manner that is suitable for transmitting the
`data. To that end,
`the interface device IN TER2 contains
`corresponding contacts, whose arrangement matches that of
`the interface device INTER1 and the interface devices of the
`telecommunications devices.
`
`It is also possible to provide different contacts for the
`vending apparatuses and for
`the telecommunications
`devices.
`
`The security device SEC monitors the writing and reading
`of data into and out of memory MEM. In addition, through
`interface device INTER2, it exchanges control data with the
`device with which it is connected through interface device
`INTER2. Upon a corresponding request from this device, it
`identifies itself through the identification log. This makes it
`possible to ensure that the vending apparatus only stores
`data records that support the utilization limiting process, on
`chip cards. Identification through the telecommunications
`devices could also be possible, and would be advantageous
`as further protection.
`the security device SEC to
`It
`is also possible for
`determine, by means of the identification log, the identity of
`a device requesting the recording of data records, and to
`allow this only for the vending apparatuses.
`Before the security device SEC, after receiving a request,
`reads out a data record from the memory MEM and trans-
`mits it via the interface device INTER2,
`it verifies the
`identity of the requesting device by means of the identifi-
`cation log. This ensures that only suitable telecommLmica-
`tions devices can read data records. This identification could
`also be omitted.
`
`Before the security device SEC allows the reading of a
`data record,
`it checks the recorded data in the record
`regarding the extent of utilization of the data record. If the
`extent of utilization of a data record has been exceeded, it
`does not permit the data record to be read. If an excessive
`time of utilization has been determined, it is advantageous to
`delete the data record immediately from the memory MEM.
`It is also possible for the memory device MEM not to
`contain the security device SEC. In that case,
`the data
`regarding the extent of utilization would be copied with the
`data record to the application device, and checked by the
`latter for compliance. This is particularly possible if the data
`records can only be read by very specific telecommunica-
`tions devices.
`
`A first configuration example describes the use of the
`invention for the sale of data records containing text or
`picture information, for example electronic magazines,
`books or maps.
`The required vending apparatuses and memory devices
`are configured according to FIG. 1 or 2. Computers or
`playback devices are used for the application, which can
`read out and display the information stored in the memory
`devices.
`
`By means of the vending apparatuses it is then possible to
`acquire a selected set of electronic maps or magazines for a
`vacation trip, for example.
`
`Page 00007
`
`

`
`5,940,805
`
`7
`Asecond configuration example represents the sale or the
`time-limited paid availability of video tapes or audio record-
`ings. It
`is particularly advantageous in this case that the
`invention makes the return of a rented video tape unneces-
`sary.
`Athird configuration example represents a program pack-
`age that is individually configiired for the buyer. The buyer
`selects the programs he needs from the vending apparatus,
`for example a drive system and the office organization
`programs. The programs are then configured by the vending
`apparatus and recorded on a memory card. Inserting the
`memory card into a respectively configured computer makes
`this program package ready to function in the computer. The
`program package is stored on the memory card in such a
`way,
`that
`the performance of the program package is
`possible, but copying the programs is prevented. The pre-
`vention of the copying is achieved for example by a method
`according to FIGS. 1 and 2, or by a corresponding configu-
`ration of the programs.
`Afourth configuration example represents the sale or the -
`time-limited paid availability of game programs for com-
`puters or specially equipped game automats.
`What is claimed is:
`1. Amethod of selling data records for consumer facilities
`by means of a vending apparatus (AUT), comprising the
`steps of: checking whether a suitable memory device
`(MEM2), which is cooperatively engaged with a security
`device (SEC) so as to limit the use of data records and to
`prevent copying of data records from the memory device
`(MEM2), has been coupled to an interface device (INTER1)
`of the vending apparatus (AUT) in such a way that a data
`transfer is possible; checking the identity of the memory
`device (MEM2) to determine that a particular memory
`device (MEM2) has been coupled to the interface device
`(INTER1); checking whether a pay device (PAY) is provid-
`ing a release signal; and,
`if these three conditions are
`fulfilled, storing at least one data record to be sold on the
`memory device (MEM2) such that the stored data record is
`released for use only to a predetermined extent.
`2. A method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that
`prior to storing at least said one data record, data on the
`extent of the use is entered in the data record.
`3. A method as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that
`the desired extent of utilization is acquired by an input
`device (IN OUT), and that the pay device (PAY) calculates
`an amount of money to be paid in accordance with the
`desired extent of utilization.
`4. A method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that
`copying but not use of the data record from the memory
`device (MEM2) to a further memory device is impeded.
`5. A method as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that
`the data record is a program, and that the data record is
`stored in the memory device
`in such a way, that the
`memory device (MEM2) allows execution of the program in
`a consumer facility, but no other reading of the data record.
`6. A method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that
`data on the identity of the buyer of a data record is recorded
`by an input device (INOUT), that during the storage, said
`data is entered in the data record, and that during the
`processing of the data record, a consumer facility displays or
`checks said data.
`7. A method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that
`the memory device (MEM2) checks the identity of a con-
`sumer facility and allows only particular consumer facilities
`to read a data record.
`8. A method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that
`an input device (INOUT) is used to make a selection from
`
`.
`
`.
`
`8
`a number of data records, and the selected data records are
`stored in the same memory device (MEM2).
`9. A vending apparatus (AUT) for selling data records,
`comprising: a pay device (PAY) for receipt of a payment
`from a user and for generating a release signal if a payment
`is made; a control device (CONTR) in cooperative engage-
`ment with the pay device (PAY); a use-restricting device
`(RESTR) in cooperative engagement with the control device
`(CONTR), and an interface device (INTER1) for coupling
`memory devices (MEM2) to the vending apparatus (AUT),
`the interface device (INTER1) in cooperative engagement
`with the use-restricting device (RESTR), the control device
`(CONTR) and the pay device (PAY) so as to send a release
`signal
`to the control device (CONTR) when a suitable
`memory device (MEM2), which is cooperatively engaged
`with a security device (SEC) so as to limit the use of data
`records and to prevent copying of data records from the
`memory device (MEM2), has been coupled to the interface
`device (INTER1) in such a way that a data transfer is
`possible and the identity of the memory device (MEM2) has
`been checked to determine that a particular memory device
`(MEM2) has been coupled to the interface device (INTER1),
`the use-restricting device (RESTR) for causing data records
`to be stored on the memory device (MEM2) so that a stored
`data record will be released only to a predetermined extent,
`and the control device CONTR) initiating the transfer of at
`least one data record to be sold to the use-restricting device
`(RESTR) when receiving a release signal from the pay
`device (PAY) and the interface device (INTER1).
`10. A vending apparatus (AUT) as claimed in claim 9,
`characterized in that the vending apparatus (AUT) coin-
`prises a communication device (KOM), which is able to
`receive data records via a broad—band communications net-
`work
`for buying data records,
`11. A memory device
`comprising: an interface device (IN for coupling it to
`a vending apparatus (AUT); a memory (MEM) for storing
`data records received via the interface device (INTER2); and
`a security device (SEC) in cooperative engagement with the
`interface device (INTER2) and the memory (MEM) and
`which releases the data records stored in the memory
`(MEM) for use only to a predetermined extent, and which is
`cooperatively engaged with a security device (SEC) so as to
`limit the use of data records and to prevent copying of data
`records from the memory device (MEM), and which permits
`the vending apparatus (AUT) to check the identity of the
`memory
`to determine whether a particular memory
`(MEM) has been coupled to an interface device (INTER1)
`of the vending apparatus (AUT).
`12. A chip card for use in consumer facilities, said chip
`card having a memory device (MEM2) comprising: an
`interface device (INTER2) for coupling the chip card to
`vending apparatuses (AUT) and consumer facilities; a
`memory (MEM) for storing data records received via the
`interface device (INTER2); and a security device (SEC) in
`cooperative engagement with the interface device (INTER2)
`and the memory
`and which releases the data records
`stored in the memory
`for use only to a predeter-
`mined extent, and which is cooperatively engaged with a
`security device (SEC) so as to limit the use of data records
`and to prevent copying of data records from the memory
`(MEM), and which permits the vending apparatus (AUT) to
`check the identity of the memory (MEM) to determine
`whether a particular memory (MEM) has been coupled to an
`interface device (INTER1) of the vending apparatus (AUT).
`13. A system for selling telecommunications software,
`comprising: a plurality of chip cards each provided with a
`
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`5,940,805
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`9
`memory device (MEM2); a plurality of vending apparatuses
`(AUT) for transferring programs onto the chip cards; and a
`plurality of telecommunication devices each provided with
`a11 interface device for coupli11g chip cards thereto and
`designed to be controlled in accordance with programs
`stored on a chip card coupled to the telecommunication
`device, each of the vending apparatuses (AUT) comprising
`a pay device (PAY) for receipt