초록 ▼

A system (128) for distributing at least one item from a set of media content items is disclosed. The system comprises the set of media content items, which can be warehoused in a vending machine (112) or in a remote server (524). The system further comprises a portable storage device (100) having a

A system (128) for distributing at least one item from a set of media content items is disclosed. The system comprises the set of media content items, which can be warehoused in a vending machine (112) or in a remote server (524). The system further comprises a portable storage device (100) having at least one user selectable icon (104) and an associated reference pointer to a corresponding media content item in the set. Also, the system comprises the vending machine (112), which is responsive to a signal from the portable storage device (100), the signal being dependent upon a user selection of the icon (104). The vending machine is capable of locating the corresponding media content item, and reproducing the item on an output medium (118).

대표청구항 ▼

1. A system for distributing a media content item from a set of media content items, the system comprising: the set of media content items; a programmable smartcard having a user selectable icon associated with a reference pointer to the media content item; and a machine adapted to (i) locate t

1. A system for distributing a media content item from a set of media content items, the system comprising: the set of media content items; a programmable smartcard having a user selectable icon associated with a reference pointer to the media content item; and a machine adapted to (i) locate the media content item based upon a user selection of the icon, and (ii) reproduce said media content item on an output medium. 2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the set of media content items are warehoused in the machine. 3. A system according to claim 1, wherein at least some of the set of media content items is warehoused remotely, said machine being capable of accessing said at least some of the set over a telecommunications network. 4. A system according to claim 1, wherein the reference pointer is a Universal Resource Locator. 5. A system according to claim 1, wherein a payment by the user for a reproduction is a zero payment. 6. A system according to claim 1, wherein; the smartcard is pre-paid; and a payment by the user for the reproduction is debited directly to the smartcard. 7. A system according to claim 1, wherein a payment by the user for the reproduction is at least one of a cash and a credit card payment. 8. A system according to claim 1, wherein said output medium is a machine-readable medium. 9. A machine adapted for use in a system for distributing a media content item from a set of media content items, the machine comprising: programmable smartcard input means for detecting a user selection of a user selectable icon on said programmable smartcard, wherein a reference pointer references the media content item; reference pointer processing means for locating the media content item according to the reference pointer; charging means for attributing a charge to the located media content item; authorisation means for authorising reproduction of the located media content item depending upon at least a payment by the user; and output medium processing means for reproducing the located media content item on an output medium dependent upon an authorisation from the authorisation means. 10. A machine according to claim 9, further comprising: warehousing means for the set of media content items. 11. A machine according to claim 9, further comprising: communication means for accessing the media content item over a telecommunications network. 12. A machine according to claim 9, further comprising: recording means for recording an itemised charge for said located media content item; and display means for displaying at least one of the itemised charge and a total charge for said located media content item. 13. A machine according to claim 9, further comprising: preview means for providing a preview of said media content item.