초록 ▼

A system which comprises a self-service newspaper vending machine (2) includes an electronic control means (34) with an on-line connection (36) to a news providing organization (38) from which a newspaper containing up to the minute news can be purchased. A customer is attracted by news stories show

A system which comprises a self-service newspaper vending machine (2) includes an electronic control means (34) with an on-line connection (36) to a news providing organization (38) from which a newspaper containing up to the minute news can be purchased. A customer is attracted by news stories shown on a display (6). The customer is then given the opportunity of purchasing a newspaper or part of a newspaper. Communication between the customer and the vending machine (2) is by the display (6) and a keyboard (8). The newspaper can be purchased by either inserting a banking or credit card in a card reader (52) or inserting coins into a coin slot (50). The vending machine (2) would then print out the up to the minute news requested.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A self-service newspaper vending machine comprising:data storage means for storing updated news items received from a source which provides on-line news information;payment accepting means for accepting payment from a customer to allow the customer to select a number of u

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A self-service newspaper vending machine comprising:data storage means for storing updated news items received from a source which provides on-line news information;payment accepting means for accepting payment from a customer to allow the customer to select a number of updated news items stored in the data storage means;selecting means for allowing a customer to select a number of updated news items stored in the data storage means to be printed;paper storage means for storing sheets of paper on which selected updated news items can be printed;printing means for printing selected updated news items onto sheets of paper from the paper storage means;first feeding means for transporting sheets of paper from the paper storage means to the printing means;second feeding means for transporting sheets of paper having selected updated news items printed thereon to a customer; andcontrol means for (i) controlling the printing means to print selected updated news items onto sheets of paper from the paper storage means, and (ii) controlling the first and second feeding means to deliver the printed sheets to a customer in response to the customer selecting the updated news articles and making payment therefor.