`Exhibit  6  
`
`Exhibit 6
`
`

`

`John Philip Howard
`The Owls, 109 Grove Road, ILKLEY, West Yorkshire,
`United Kingdom
`
`(72)
`
`lnventorls)
`Ian Mark Ackroyd
`John Philip Howard
`
`(74) Agent and/or Address for Service
`Appleyard Lees
`15 Clare Road, HALIFAX, West Yorkshire. HX1 2HY.
`United Kingdom
`
`(56) Documents Cited
`EP 0691787 A1 WO 95/07592 A2 WO 95/05050 A1
`US 5400402 A
`
`(58)
`
`Field of Search
`UK CL (Edition 0) 64A AAP , H4R ncc 868 R680
`ROSS ncsr RCT ncx
`INT CL‘5 6113 , H0411 , H04N
`Online: WPI, JAPIO, INSPEC
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`MUK Patent Application 091GB .1112 305 339 MA
`
`(43) Date ofA Publication 02.04.1997
`
`
`(21) Application No 95187911)
`(51)
`INT CL6
`
`6113 20/00 , HMN 7/10
`
`(22) Date of Filing 14.09.1995
`
`
`
`
`(52) UK CL (Edition 0)
`HM RCX R17A R17V
`U18 $2202
`
`
`
`(71) Applicantls)
`Ian Mark Ackroyd
`New Brighton House, New Brighton, Gargrave,
`SKIPTON, North Yorkshire. United Kingdom
`
`
`
`
`
`(54) Providing temporary access to data
`
`22
`
`(57) An apparatus for accessing data which may be
`audio, video,
`text or computer software comprises a
`storage element 13 for storing temporarily data from a
`database 10 for subsequent access by a playback device
`12 and a limiting circuit included in the storage device 13
`or the playback device 12 for limiting access to the data.
`The limiting of access may be carried out by erasing the
`data on the temporary storage device 13 or by inhibiting
`decompression or de—encrypting of the data after one or
`more playing on the playback device 12 or after a
`predetermined length of time. Data may be temporarily
`hired by plugging device 13 into a point of sale apparatus
`21, 23 and making a selection. The point of sale apparatus
`21, 23 communicates with a remote host server 10
`including a large selection of data via data links. Some
`
`popular data may be stored locally at 23.
`At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy. V688908289
`
`The claims were filed later than the filing date within the period prescribed by Rule 25(1) of the Patents Rules 1995
`
`

`

`
`
`

`

`2305339
`
`-1-
`
`APPARATU§ AND A METHOD FOR
`
`ACCESSING DATA
`
`The present invention relates to apparatus and a method for accessing
`
`5
`
`data and is concerned particularly, although not exclusively, with apparatus
`
`and a method for accessing data for temporary usage by a user.
`
`According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided
`
`data access apparatus comprising temporary storage means arranged, in use,
`
`10
`
`to store temporarily data from a data base for subsequent access by playback
`
`means, the apparatus comprising limiting means arranged,
`
`in use,
`
`to limit
`
`access to the data on the temporary storage means to a predetermined extent.
`
`The limiting means may be arranged, in use, to limit access to the data
`
`15
`
`on the temporary storage means by erasing data on the temporary storage
`
`means after predetermined access has been made by the playback means.
`
`Preferably, the limiting means is arranged, in use, to erase the data on
`
`the temporary storage means after a predetermined length of time.
`
`20
`
`Alternatively or additionally, the limiting means may be arranged, in
`
`use, to erase the data on the temporary storage means after the data has been
`
`accessed by the playback means for a predetermined number of times.
`
`25
`
`As an alternative. or in addition. the limiting means may be arranged,
`
`in use,
`
`to limit access to the data on the temporary storage means by
`
`inhibiting decompression or de-encryption of the data on the temporary
`
`

`

`- 2 _
`
`storage means after predetermined access has been made by the playback
`
`means .
`
`The limiting means may be arranged, in use, to inhibit decompression
`
`or de-encryption of the data on the temporary storage means after a
`
`predetermined length of time or after the data has been accessed by the
`
`playback means for a predetermined number of times.
`
`The limiting means may comprise part of the playback means.
`
`10
`
`Alternatively or additionally, the limiting means may comprise part of
`
`the temporary storage means.
`
`The temporary storage means preferably comprises a recording
`
`15
`
`medium. The recording medium may comprise a magnetic, optical or solid
`
`state recording medium.
`
`The temporary storage means may be detachable from the playback
`
`means.
`
`20
`
`Preferably,
`
`the temporary storage means is arranged,
`
`in use,
`
`to
`
`releasably engage a data recording means, which data recording means is
`
`arranged, in use, to record data on the temporary storage means.
`
`The data recording means may comprise a database.
`
`Alternatively or additionally,
`
`the data recording means may be
`
`arranged, in use, to communicate electronically with a database.
`
`

`

`- 3 -
`
`Preferably the data recording means comprises selection means
`
`arranged,
`
`in use,
`
`to permit a user to select data from a database to be
`
`recorded on the temporary storage means.
`
`Preferably, the apparatus is arranged, in use, to access or transfer data
`
`which data comprises audio data.
`
`Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may be arranged, in use,
`
`to access or transfer data which data comprises video data.
`
`Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may be arranged, in use,
`
`to access or transfer data which data corresponds to text or computer
`
`software.
`
`According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided
`
`a temporary data access system for the temporary accessing of data on a
`
`database by a playback means, the system comprising a database, a temporary
`
`storage means and playback means, wherein the temporary storage means is
`
`arranged, in use. to store data from the data base and the playback means is
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`arranged,
`
`in use,
`
`to access the data on the temporary storage means, the
`
`system further comprising limiting means arranged, in use, to limit the access
`
`to the data on the temporary storage means.
`
`The limiting means may be according to any statement herein.
`
`The temporary storage means may be according to any statement
`
`25
`
`herein.
`
`

`

`-4-
`
`The playback means may be according to any statement herein.
`
`Preferably, the system comprises data recording means arranged, in
`
`use, to record data from the database on to the temporary storage means.
`
`The data recording means may be located remote from the database.
`
`Alternatively or additionally, the data recording means may be integral with
`
`the database.
`
`10
`
`Where the data recording means is located remote from the database,
`
`the data recording means may be arranged,
`
`in use,
`
`to communicate
`
`electronically with the database.
`
`Preferably, the data recording means comprises data selection means
`
`15
`
`arranged,
`
`in use,
`
`to permit a user to select data from the database to be
`
`recorded on the temporary storage means.
`
`The system may comprise a system for the temporary access or transfer
`
`of data, which data comprises audio data.
`
`20
`
`Alternatively or additionally, the system may comprise a system for the
`
`temporary access or transfer of data which data comprises video data.
`
`Alternatively or additionally, the system may comprise a system for the
`
`temporary access or transfer of data which data comprises text.
`
`According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided
`
`a method of temporarily accessing data on a database by a playback means,
`
`

`

`_ 5 _
`
`the method comprising recording data from a database on a temporary storage
`
`means and playing back the data on playback means,
`
`the method further
`
`comprising automatically limiting access to the data by the playback means.
`
`The method may include erasing data on the temporary storage means
`
`after predetermined access has been made to the data by the playback means.
`
`The method may include automatically erasing data on the temporary
`
`storage means after a predetermined time interval.
`
`Alternatively or additionally,
`
`the method may include automatically
`
`erasing data on the temporary storage means after the playback means has
`
`accessed the data a predetermined number of times.
`
`Preferably, the method includes limiting the access to the data on the
`
`temporary storage means. using limiting means.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`Alternatively or additionally,
`
`the method may include inhibiting
`
`decompression or de-encryption of data on the temporary storage means, after
`
`20
`
`pre-determined access has been made to the data by the playback means.
`
`The method may include automatically inhibiting decompression or de-
`
`encryption of data on the temporary storage means after a predetermined time
`
`interval or after
`
`25
`
`the playback means has accessed the data a predetermined number of times.
`
`The method may include recording the data on the temporary storage
`
`means using recording means.
`
`

`

`- 6 -
`
`The method may include downloading data from a remote database to
`
`the recording means. The method preferably includes downloading the data
`
`from the database to the recording means using a data link and/or at least one
`
`modem.
`
`Preferably,
`
`the method comprises mounting the temporary storage
`
`means in engagement with the recording means to record data on the
`
`temporary storage means, and mounting the temporary storage means in
`
`engagement with the playback means to enable data on the temporary storage
`
`10
`
`means to be played by the playback means.
`
`The method may comprise a method of accessing data on a database by
`
`a playback means, which data comprises audio data.
`
`15
`
`Alternatively or additionally, the method may comprise a method of
`
`accessing data on a database by a playback means which data comprises video
`
`data.
`
`Alternatively or additionally, the method may comprise a method of
`
`20
`
`accessing data on a database by a playback means which data comprises text.
`
`The invention may also include any combination of the features or
`
`limitations referred to herein.
`
`25
`
`Data links may include a LAN and/or a WAN.
`
`

`

`_ 7 _
`
`The invention may be carried into practice in various ways, but an
`
`embodiment will now be described by way of example only, with reference
`
`to the accompanying diagrammatic drawing in which:
`
`Figure 1 shows, schematically, apparatus for accessing data, according
`
`to an embodiment of the present invention.
`
`Referring to Figure 1, this shows data access apparatus comprising a
`
`central database system 10, a "point of sale" recording device 11 and a
`
`10
`
`playback device 12. The example shown in Figure 1 comprises a system for
`
`the temporary recording of data consisting of music or other data. The
`
`playback device 12 comprises a portable device which may, for example, be
`
`located in a vehicle. A plug-in data storage device 13 temporarily stores
`
`recorded music which, when the storage device 13 is plugged into the
`
`15
`
`playback device 12, may be accessed by the playback device 12 to play the
`
`music in the vehicle. The playback device 12 may utilise existing audio
`
`equipment (not shown) in the vehicle to play the music.
`
`The music is recorded on the storage device 13 by removing the
`
`20
`
`storage device 13 from the playback device 12 and plugging it in to the
`
`recording device 11. A user is then able to select music tracks to be recorded
`
`on the storage device 13 from a selection of available music, information
`
`about which may be displayed on display monitors 14. The selection may be
`
`made using key pads 15.
`
`25
`
`The music tracks themselves are stored in the central data base 10
`
`which may be located remote from the recording device 11, and accessed by
`
`the recording device using a data link 16 and/or via modems l7.
`
`

`

`_ 3 -
`
`The storage device 13 comprises a limiting device (not shown) which
`
`limits access to the recorded music by the play back means. This is achieved
`
`using electronic circuitry (not shown) in the storage device 13 which erases
`
`the recorded data after a predetermined time interval has elapsed, or else after
`
`the playback device 12 has accessed the data a predetermined number of
`
`times.
`
`Alternatively or additionally, where the data on the temporary storage
`
`means is stored in compressed form or encrypted form, the limiting device
`
`10
`
`may be arranged to inhibit decompression or de-encryption of the data after
`
`a predetermined time interval has elapsed, or else after the playback device
`
`12 has accessed the data a predetermined number of times.
`
`In an alternative arrangement, the limiting device may be located within
`
`15
`
`the playback device 12.
`
`The apparatus thus enables a user to temporarily obtain recorded music
`
`for playback in the vehicle, selecting from a wide range of available
`
`recordings stored on the central database 10. The recording device 11 may
`
`20
`
`be located, for example, by the roadside, and preferably is located in a fuel
`
`station or similar.
`
`It is envisaged that a plurality of recording devices 11 will
`
`be provided at outlets in different geographical locations.
`
`After predetermined access to the recorded music by the playback
`
`25
`
`device 12, the music is erased and the user must obtain a new recording by
`
`visiting one of the outlets at which there is a recording device 11.
`
`

`

`_ 9 _
`
`No music recordings need be kept at the recording device 11, since the
`
`device 11 may access the central database 10 on which may be stored a large
`
`number of music recordings. The choice available for the user at the point
`
`of sale, i.e. the recording device 11 may therefore be extensive without the
`
`need to stock large number of expensive music recordings at the point of sale.
`
`However, more popular recordings may be held at the recording device 11 to
`
`reduce the time taken to download recordings onto the storage device when
`
`certain popular recordings are selected.
`
`10
`
`A more detailed description of the apparatus of Figure 1 will now be
`
`provided.
`
`The central database 10 comprises a main host computer 18, which
`
`maintains a master library of data, stored in compressed form in a memory
`
`15
`
`19. The memory 19 is capable of storing large quantities of data including
`
`such information as the titles and serial numbers of recordings as well as the
`
`recordings themselves. The memory may comprise a number of conventional
`
`hard disks or optical disks. The host computer 18 indexes the library of data
`
`using a master catalogue which is also maintained in the memory 19. Each
`
`20
`
`product, i.e. recording or collection of recordings in the memory has data
`
`relating to it which is stored in the library in memory 19. Fields of data
`
`relating to each product. which are stored in the memory 19, may include the
`
`following.
`
`25
`
`1.
`
`A title field - to contain the name or label of the product.
`
`

`

`_ 10 _
`
`2.
`
`A classification field - to contain the primary classification of data e. g.
`
`music, and secondary classifications to enable more specific selection
`
`of material by the user.
`
`3.
`
`Data address field - containing the beginning address in the bulk
`
`storage unit in which the data is stored.
`
`4.
`
`Product size field - containing the number of bytes in length of the
`
`data.
`
`10
`
`5.
`
`Play count field - containing a counter which indicates the number of
`
`times a specific product has been accessed.
`
`6.
`
`Cost field - containing the pricing structure information for the specific
`
`15
`
`product.
`
`7.
`
`Restrictions field - available for copyright holders to limit access or use
`
`of the product as they see fit.
`
`20
`
`8.
`
`Special promotion field - available to contributors to allow reduced cost
`
`or free use of the data for special promotions.
`
`The central database 10 communicates with the point of sale recording
`
`terminals 11 using either a plurality of conventional data links 16 and/or via
`
`modems 17 or, for example, may utilise a satellite communications link.
`
`In
`
`addition to data being downloaded from the central database 10 to the
`
`terminals ll, the terminals 11 also download data to the central data base 10,
`
`such that the central data base 10 may contain up to date information, for
`
`

`

`_ 11 _
`
`example, about the performance of the terminal 11 and the number of times
`
`each product is requested. Apart from enabling the maintenance of a good
`
`selection of popular products on the data base 10, and the deletion of
`
`unpopular products if required, the regular two-way communication between
`
`the central data base 10 and the point of sale recording terminal 11 facilitate
`
`the accurate payment of royalties to royalty collection agencies in respect of
`
`the recordings which are chosen by the users.
`
`The data base 10 may be updated easily and regularly with new
`
`10
`
`products using input devices 20 which may comprise any or all of the
`
`following.
`
`CD—ROM reader: DAT tape player;
`
`video tape player;
`
`record
`
`player;
`
`cassette player;
`
`scanner and OCR system and data super-
`
`15
`
`highway connection.
`
`The recording terminal 11 displays on display monitors 14 details about
`
`products available which may include special promotions and compilations and
`
`the prices of the product. The storage unit 13 is then plugged in to the
`
`20
`
`recording terminal 11 and is mechanically or otherwise locked in place.
`
`Using menu displays on the monitors 14, the user may then make a choice as
`
`to which recordings are to be made on the storage device 13, and the choice
`
`of recordings is entered via key pads 15 in to a point of sale computer 21
`
`located within the recording terminal 11. At this point,
`
`the user may also
`
`25
`
`indicate the length of the required hire period, c. g. eight hours or else two
`
`plays on the playback device 12.
`
`

`

`_ 12 -
`
`Data concerning the choices made by the user is then stored in a
`
`memory 23 of the recording terminal 11 for subsequent downloading to the
`
`central database 10,
`
`in order that the central database 10 may update its
`
`records.
`
`A communication link is then established by the recording terminal to
`
`the central database 10.
`
`The communications link may comprise a
`
`conventional data link, a modem link, a satellite link, or any combination of
`
`these.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`The computer in the recording terminal may then perform various tasks
`
`such as logging on identification numbers of the storage device and checking
`
`whether the storage device has been reported as stolen.
`
`The host computer then requests and assembles the required selections
`
`of data from the catalogue and library. The data may be passed to a data
`
`compression circuit 22 to compress the data.
`
`The recording data is then sent to the recording terminal 11 after the
`
`20
`
`host computer 18 has checked that
`
`it has received all of the necessary
`
`transaction data from the recording terminal 11.
`
`Once the recording data has been accessed by the recording device, the
`
`recording device indicates this to the user on one of the display monitors 14.
`
`25
`
`The user may then be invited to pay for the recordings at a pay kiosk. When
`
`payment has been made an operative may release the storage device from the
`
`recording terminal, which storage device now contains the selected
`
`recordings.
`
`

`

`-13-
`
`The recording terminal 11 contains a memory storage unit (not shown)
`
`which contains a sub-set of the data found in the master library of the central
`
`database, which sub-set is maintained by the central database.
`
`In particular,
`
`the storage unit at the point of sale recording terminal stores a data library
`
`which is a corresponding sub-set of the master library. The data library
`
`contains all of the currently available data selections. The storage unit also
`
`stores a catalogue which is an index into the local data library. This catalogue
`
`is similar to the master catalogue. Both the data library and its associated
`
`10
`
`catalogue are monitored and updated by the central database system 10 as
`
`required through the communications link. The point of sale recording
`
`terminal permits this monitoring activity as and when is necessary, but it may
`
`conveniently take place after the close of business and, for example, through
`
`the night.
`
`15
`
`The point of sale recording terminal also includes a processing circuit
`
`(not shown) which contains a microprocessor ROM and RAM as in a
`
`conventional computer. The microprocessor operates in accordance with a
`
`software program contained in the ROM and makes use of the RAM for
`
`20
`
`scratch pad memory.
`
`The processing circuit may also contain a
`
`decompression circuit (not shown) or make use of a software algorithm to
`
`decompress the data received from the central database 10 in order that the
`
`data received from the central database 10 may be downloaded to the
`
`temporary storage device. Alternatively,
`
`for improved security against
`
`25
`
`unauthorised access, and for a greater speed of data transfer and lower storage
`
`space,
`
`the data may be downloaded onto the temporary storage device in
`
`compressed form.
`
`

`

`_ 14 _
`
`The processing circuit controls the manipulation and flow of data in and
`
`out of the point of sale recording terminal 11 through the modem via a bus.
`
`Handling the bus, the processing circuit also controls the display monitors 14,
`
`the key pads 15 and also relates information regarding hire charges etc to the
`
`operative at the pay kiosk who is responsible for the point of sale recording
`
`terminal.
`
`A magnetic card swipe system may, as an alternative, be included in
`
`the point of sale recording terminal to allow for an alternative method of
`
`10
`
`payment for the hire of the product.
`
`The playback device 12 is arranged, in use, to receive the temporary
`
`storage device 13 which comprises a plug in non-volatile re-writable medium
`
`which may be up to approximately one gigabyte in capacity.
`
`It is envisaged
`
`15
`
`that several hours worth of recorded music may be stored temporarily on the
`
`temporary storage device 13.
`
`The playback device 12 comprises a RAM which may be read from or
`
`written in to by the microprocessor, a high quality sound card which permits
`
`20
`
`the playback device 12 to provide full digital quality sound output to the
`
`existing vehicle audio system, a central processing unit which controls the
`
`operation and regulation of all of the electronic systems within the playback
`
`device 12 and, where appropriate, a mains or low voltage (e. g. twelve volt)
`
`power supply which permits the system to be linked to the power supply of
`
`25
`
`the vehicle.
`
`The apparatus described above enables the hire of music temporarily,
`
`whilst maintaining accurate records as to which recordings are selected, how
`
`

`

`- 15 -
`
`many times each recording is selected and which therefore permits accurate
`
`calculation of royalties whilst providing useful market research information.
`
`Since the recording by the user may be accessed only for a limited period of
`
`time or for a limited number of times, it is envisaged that the conventional
`
`sale of music recordings will not be affected. On the contrary, the apparatus
`
`described above may stimulate the purchase of conventional music recordings
`
`since it permits the user to temporarily hire recordings for the purpose of
`
`evaluation.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`Whereas the apparatus has been described above in relation to the
`
`temporary recording of music it may equally be employed in the temporary
`
`recording of other data which may include video recordings, video games,
`
`video recordings of printed publications and recorded text.
`
`Whilst the playback device has been described above in relation to use
`
`in a vehicle, it may alternatively or additionally be employed in the home or
`
`work place.
`
`In addition. whereas the means by which the data is transferred
`
`from the point of sale recording terminal to the playback device has been
`
`described above in terms of a plug in temporary storage device,
`
`it may
`
`20
`
`alternatively or additionally comprise a communications link, such as a
`
`conventional data link.
`
`It will be apparent to the skilled person that various modifications may
`
`be made to the invention without departing from its scope.
`
`

`

`M
`
`-16—
`
`1.
`
`Data access apparatus comprising temporary storage
`
`means arranged,
`
`in use,
`
`to store temporarily data from a
`
`data base for subsequent access by playback means,
`
`the
`
`apparatus comprising limiting means arranged,
`
`in use,
`
`to
`
`limit access to the data on the temporary storage means to
`
`a predetermined extent.
`
`2.
`
`A 'temporary data access system for
`
`the temporary
`
`accessing of data on a database by a playback means,
`
`the
`
`system comprising a database, a temporary storage means
`
`and playback means, wherein the temporary storage means is
`
`arranged,
`
`in use, to store data from the data base and the
`
`playback means is arranged,
`
`in use, to access the data on
`
`the temporary storage means, the system further comprising
`
`limiting means arranged,
`
`in use,
`
`to limit the access to
`
`the data on the temporary storage means.
`
`3.
`
`Apparatus or system according to any preceding claim,
`
`wherein the limiting means is arranged,
`
`in use,
`
`to limit
`
`access to the data on the temporary storage means by
`
`erasing data on the temporary storage means after
`
`predetermined access has been made by the playback means.
`
`4.
`
`Apparatus or system according to any preceding claim,
`
`wherein the limiting means is arranged,
`
`in use,
`
`to erase
`
`the data on the temporary storage means after
`
`a
`
`predetermined length of time.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`5.
`
`Apparatus or system according to any preceding claim,
`
`wherein the limiting means is arranged,
`
`in use,
`
`to erase
`
`the data on the temporary storage means after the data has
`
`been accessed by the playback means for a predetermined
`
`35
`
`number of times.
`
`

`

`_17-
`
`6.
`
`Apparatus or system according to any preceding claim,
`
`wherein the limiting means is arranged,
`
`in use,
`
`to limit
`
`access to the data on the temporary' storage means by
`
`inhibiting decompression or de-encryption of the data on
`
`the temporary storage means after predetermined access has
`
`been made by the playback means.
`
`7.
`
`Apparatus or system according to any preceding claim,
`
`wherein the limiting means is arranged,
`
`in use, to inhibit
`
`decompression or de-encryption of
`
`the data
`
`on
`
`the
`
`temporary storage means after a predetermined length of
`
`time or after the data has been accessed by the playback
`
`means for a predetermined number of times.
`
`8.
`
`Apparatus or system according to any preceding claim,
`
`wherein the limiting means comprises part of the playback
`means.
`
`9.
`
`Apparatus or system according to any preceding claim,
`
`wherein the limiting means comprises part of the temporary
`storage means.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`10. Apparatus or system according to any preceding claim,
`
`25
`
`wherein the temporary storage means comprises a recording
`medium.
`
`11. Apparatus or system according to any preceding claim,
`wherein the temporary storage means is arranged,
`in use,
`to releasably engage a data recording means, which data
`
`recording means is arranged,
`
`in use, to record data on the
`
`temporary storage means.
`
`12. Apparatus or system according to claim 11, wherein
`
`the data recording means comprises a database.
`
`3O
`
`35
`
`

`

`_18_
`
`13. Apparatus or system according to claim 11 or claim
`
`12, wherein the data recording means is arranged,
`
`in use,
`
`to communicate electronically with a database.
`
`14. Apparatus or system according to claim 11 or any
`
`succeeding claim, wherein the data recording means
`
`comprises selection means arranged,
`
`in use,
`
`to permit a
`
`user to select data from a database to be recorded on the
`
`temporary storage means.
`
`15. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein
`
`the apparatus is arranged,
`
`in use,
`
`to access or transfer
`
`data which data comprises audio or video data or which
`
`data corresponds to text or computer software.
`
`16.
`
`A system according to any preceding claim comprising
`
`data recording means arranged,
`
`in use, to record data from
`
`the database on to the temporary storage means.
`
`17.
`
`A system according to claim 16, wherein the data
`
`recording means comprises data selection means arranged,
`
`in use, to permit a user to select data from the database
`
`to be recorded on the temporary storage means.
`
`18.
`
`A system according to any preceding claim comprising
`
`a system for the temporary access or transfer of data,
`
`which data comprises audio or video data or which data
`
`comprises text.
`
`19.
`
`A method of temporarily accessing data on a database
`
`by a playback means, the method comprising recording data
`
`from a database on a temporary storage means and playing
`
`back the data on playback means,
`
`the method further
`
`comprising automatically limiting access to the data by
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`the playback means.
`
`

`

`- 19 -
`
`20.
`
`A method according to claim 19, wherein the method
`
`includes erasing data on the temporary storage means after
`
`predetermined access has been made to the data by the
`
`playback means.
`
`21.
`
`A method according to any preceding claim, wherein
`
`the method includes automatically erasing data on the
`
`temporary storage means after
`interval.
`
`a predetermined time
`
`22.
`
`A method according to any preceding claim, wherein
`
`the method includes automatically erasing data on the
`temporary storage means after
`the playback means has
`
`accessed the data a predetermined number of times.
`
`23.
`
`A method according to any preceding claim, wherein
`
`the method includes limiting the access to the data on the
`
`temporary storage means, using limiting means.
`
`24.
`
`A method according to any preceding claim, wherein
`
`the method
`
`includes
`
`inhibiting decompression or de-
`
`encryption of data on the temporary storage means, after
`
`predetermined access has been made to the data by the
`playback means.
`
`25.
`
`A method according to any preceding claim, wherein
`
`the method includes automatically inhibiting decompression
`
`of de-encryption of data on the temporary storage means
`
`after a predetermined time interval or after the playback
`
`means has accessed the data a predetermined number of
`times.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`26.
`
`A method according to any preceding claim, wherein
`
`3S
`
`the method includes recording the data on the temporary
`storage means using recording means.
`
`

`

`-20-
`
`27.
`
`A method according to any preceding claim, wherein
`
`the method
`
`includes downloading data
`
`from a
`
`remote
`
`database to the recording means.
`
`28.
`
`A method according to claim 27, wherein the method
`
`includes downloading the data from the database to the
`
`recording means using a data link and/or at
`
`least one
`
`modem.
`
`29.
`
`A method according to any preceding claim comprising
`
`mounting the temporary storage means in engagement with
`
`the recording means
`to record data on the temporary
`storage means, and mounting the temporary storage means in
`
`engagement with the playback means to enable data on the
`
`temporary storage means
`means 0
`
`to be played by the playback
`
`30.
`
`A method according to any preceding claim, comprising
`
`a method of accessing data on a database by a playback
`
`means, which data comprises audio data or video data or
`
`text.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`31. An apparatus, a system or a method substantially as
`
`hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying
`
`25
`
`drawing.
`
`

`

`
`
`P Thet
`Office
`
`
`iii
`
`Application No:
`Claims searched:
`
`GB 9518791.0
`ALL
`
`Examiner: Mr.SAT SATKURUNATH
`Date of
`8 January 1997
`search:
`
`Patents Act 1977
`
`Search Report under Section 17
`
`Databases searched:
`
`UK Patent Office collections, including GB, EP, WO & US patent specifications, in:
`
`UK Cl (Ed.O): H4R: RCT, RCST, RCSS, RCS, RCC, RCX; G4A: AAP
`
`Online: WPI, JAPIO, INSPEC
`
`Int Cl (Ed.6): GllB, H04H, H04N
`
`Other:
`
`Documents considered to be relevant:
`
`Identity of document and relevant passage
`
`to claims
`
`NORTON - see especially lines 18-37 in column 2
`
`EP 0691787 A1
`
`SONY- see especially lines 18-28in column 6
`
`WO 95/07592 A2
`
`INTERNATIONAL - see especially lines 29-31 on
`page 6
`
`WO 95/05050 A1
`
`BV TECHNOLOGY - see especially figures 1 and
`8
`
`US 5400402
`
`Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive step
`Document indicating lack of inventive step if combined
`with one or more other documents of same category.
`
`
`A Document indicating technological background and/or state of the art.
`-<><
`P Document published on or after the declared priority date but before
`
`
`
`the filing date of this invention.
`Patent document published on or after, but with priority date earlier
`
`
`Member of the same patent family
`than, the filing date of this application.
`
`
`
`E
`
`An Executive Agency of the Department of Trade and Industry
`
`