초록 ▼

A newspaper vending machine is equipped with a computerized control and an infrared (IR) communications transceiver. A user equipped with an IR transceiver may download an electronic copy of an article, an electronic copy of the newspaper itself or a network address where these may be obtained. The

A newspaper vending machine is equipped with a computerized control and an infrared (IR) communications transceiver. A user equipped with an IR transceiver may download an electronic copy of an article, an electronic copy of the newspaper itself or a network address where these may be obtained. The IR link is also used to transfer digital cash or payment authorizations to the vending machine in exchange for the information.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. Apparatus for dispensing electronic versions of part or all of a newspaper, comprising:a. a vending machine for dispensing copies of a printed newspaper;b. a transceiver; andc. a computer, connected to said vending machine and said transceiver, configured to respond to

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. Apparatus for dispensing electronic versions of part or all of a newspaper, comprising:a. a vending machine for dispensing copies of a printed newspaper;b. a transceiver; andc. a computer, connected to said vending machine and said transceiver, configured to respond to a query from a user received over said transceiver, for providing information related to said newspaper over said transceiver to said user.