초록 ▼

A method and system for retrieving a selected type of information from a remote computer via a computer network using a disk token purchased from a vendor that is associated with a certain type of information and a certain number of pre-paid access units. The information is provided by a central com

A method and system for retrieving a selected type of information from a remote computer via a computer network using a disk token purchased from a vendor that is associated with a certain type of information and a certain number of pre-paid access units. The information is provided by a central computer that is connected with the user's computer via a computer network such as the Internet. To receive information of the type for which the user has pre-paid, the user loads the disk token into a disk drive of the user's computer. Under control of software stored on the disk token, the user's computer establishes a telephone connection with the central computer and transmits a serial number associated with the disk token. The central computer verifies the authenticity of the serial number and also verifies that an account associated with that disk token has a sufficient access unit balance to cover the cost of the information. If the disk token is authentic and the account has a sufficient balance, the central computer initiates a transfer to the user's computer of information of the type for which the user has pre-paid. Alternatively, if such information is not stored in the central computer or otherwise readily accessible to it, the central computer may determine where such information may be found, retrieve it, and forward it to the user's computer via the telephone connection. The central computer then debits the account balance associated with the disk token.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for retrieving a selected type of information from a remote computer resource location via a computer network in response to a prepayment, comprising the steps of:providing a plurality of data storage media, each data storage medium having recorded thereon commun

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for retrieving a selected type of information from a remote computer resource location via a computer network in response to a prepayment, comprising the steps of:providing a plurality of data storage media, each data storage medium having recorded thereon communication software, each data storage medium having associated with it a token identifier corresponding to an information type of a plurality of predetermined information types;providing a central computer having a connection to a computer network and a memory for storing token records, each token record corresponding to one computer data storage medium and including said token identifier and a corresponding access unit balance;issuing each said data storage medium to a customer in exchange for a payment corresponding to said access unit balance;loading a selected one of said data storage media into a customer computer;establishing data communication between said central computer and said customer computer under control of said communication software recorded on said selected one of said data storage media;receiving said token identifier recorded on said selected one of said data storage media at said central computer;comparing said received token identifier to said token identifier of said token records;verifying said access unit balance corresponding to said received token identifier exceeds a predetermined number;selecting a resource location from among a plurality of resource locations in response to said received token identifier;transferring information of said information type from said central computer to said customer computer if said access unit balance exceeds a predetermined number; anddebiting said access unit balance in response to transfer of said information.