Abstract A compact disc ("CD") vending system that allows a purchaser to compile a series of desired tracks, and correctly write these to a compact disc. The invention also enables the customer to customize the jacket or surface of the compact disc with a desired slogan or graphic. Included are an ordering computer, a viewing computer, a keyboard, a payment slot that can take either cash, credit or debit cards, a data source, a CD recording unit, and a printing unit that can print words or graphics on the surface of CDs and their sleeves. The data source unit contains the information to be recorded onto the surface of a CD. The viewing computer will provide access to available titles, so that the user can watch and listen to them before making a selection. The ordering computer enables the user to place his or her order by entering its title or catalog number and any other information that may be required for the production of the CD. The ordering computer has a hard drive or other storage device containing information on available selections. In the first embodiment of the invention, the data source is an internal high capacity data storage system, containing files with all available selections. In the second embodiment of the invention, the data source is a CD jukebox. In the third embodiment of the invention, an outside host system contains the data source which is accessed using a high speed modem.
A digital media vending system, comprising: a source supply of target media blanks; a source supply of blank sleeves for said media blanks; a high capacity data storage device for digitally storing a plurality of data selections; previewing processor means for accessing said plurality of data selections and displaying said plurality of data selections in an audiovisual format prior to ordering chosen data selections; encoding means for replicating said chosen data selections from said high capacity storage device on a target media; printer means for printing selected indicia on a surface of said target media and a sleeve of said target media; and processing means for ordering said chosen data selections and transferring said chosen data selections from said high capacity storage device to said encoding means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
127 words
A digital media vending system, comprising: a source supply of target media blanks; a source supply of blank sleeves for said media blanks; a high capacity data storage device for digitally storing a plurality of data selections; previewing processor means for accessing said plurality of data selections and displaying said plurality of data selections in an audiovisual format prior to ordering chosen data selections; encoding means for replicating said chosen data selections from said high capacity storage device on a target media; printer means for printing selected indicia on a surface of said target media and a sleeve of said target media; and processing means for ordering said chosen data selections and transferring said chosen data selections from said high capacity storage device to said encoding means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
53 words
The digital media vending system according to claim 1, said previewing processor means including a touchscreen for selecting and displaying said chosen data selections; and said processing means including a touchscreen and a keyboard for selecting and transferring said chosen data selections from said high capacity data storage device to said target media.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The digital media vending system according to claim 1, including exchange means for executing financial payment transactions.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The digital media vending system according to claim 1, wherein said printer means includes a silk screen printer for printing graphics on labels said target media.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The digital media vending system according to claim 1, wherein said printer means includes a sleeve printer for printing selected graphics on said sleeve of the target media.