WO1993021612A1

WO1993021612A1 - Data reproducing apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO1993021612A1
Application number: PCT/GB1993/000771
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roderick Kempson Hopkins
Original assignee: Entertainment Express Limited
Priority date: 1992-04-09
Filing date: 1993-04-13
Publication date: 1993-10-28
Also published as: GB9207840D0

Abstract

Data reproducing apparatus includes a machine readable store (13) to contain blocks of data, such as video games programmes, to be reproduced. The data is reproduced onto a portable data carrier such as a cassette containing 'Flash EPROM'. The reproducing apparatus has controls to initiate a copying transaction to copy a selected programme onto the cartridge, or an erase operation to erase a previously copied programme from the cartridge. A record of all copying transactions is recorded in RAM and this record includes data uniquely correlating the stored transaction record and the respective data carrier onto which date has been reproduced. When the data carrier is to be erased, the appropriate transaction record that correlates with the carrier is identified and the record is updated to show that the particular copy has been erased.

Description

DATA REPRODUCING APPARATUS

The present invention is concerned with data reproducing apparatus for producing data carriers containing selected blocks of data for supply to customers. The data to be reproduced may represent computer software, audio and/or visual works, printed matter, any graphical or artistic work, or any other work which may be represented by data in a reproducible form.

The present invention is particularly concerned with the supply of blocks of such data, usually representing a particular work, programme or the like, on a data carrier, so that the work or programme can be made available for use by a customer. In particular, the invention is concerned with the supply of such data carriers for rent or hire to a customer on the basis that the data carrier is returned to the supplier after use, for example after a predetermined rental period.

A problem with the business of renting reproducible works is that it is difficult for the originator or proprietor of the work to maintain adequate control of the work in order to ensure proper remuneration in return for its use by rental customers. Generally, once a particular work has been supplied on a data carrier by the originator or proprietor to, for example, a rental organisation, the originator may have little or no further control over its use, even if that use includes the further supply of the work on a rental basis. The result can be that a rental organisation can derive a far greater income from a particular work by successively renting out the work, than any income derived by the originator from the initial sale of the work. This perceived inequity has resulted in a great reluctance on the part of the originators of certain forms of work to supply such works to the rental market. In particular, this is true of the originators of video games programmes and other computer software, but a similar problem can exist in the field of recorded music or recorded cinematographic works e.g. video cassettes.

An object of the present invention is to facilitate the control of a rental market by the originator or proprietor of the works.

EP-B-0195098 discloses a method for reproducing information in material objects using information manufacturing machines located at point of sale locations together with an information control machine located remotely. The information manufacturing machines can communicate with the remotely located control machine. This can ensure proper authorisation when any particular selected information is reproduced at the point of sale machine onto a material object for supply to a customer. The disclosure in the above published specification is not concerned with a rental market.

The present invention provides data reproducing apparatus for producing data carriers containing selected blocks of data for supply to customers, the apparatus comprising a machine readable store for blocks of data to be reproduced, at least one receptacle to receive a portable data carrier, writing means for writing data onto a data carrier received in a said receptacle, reading means for reading data relating to the data carrier received in a said receptacle, erasing means for erasing previously written data from a data carrier received in a said receptacle, a digital memory, copy request means operable to generate a copy request signal, erase request means operable to generate an erase request signal, and control means arranged, in response to a copy request signal, to perform a copying transaction comprising reading a selected block of data from the store and controlling the writing means to write the selected block onto a data carrier, and to record data relating to the copying transaction in the digital memory, and further arranged, in response to an erase request signal, to control the erasing means to erase previously written data from a data carrier, wherein the control means is additionally arranged, in response to a copy request signal, to prepare a transaction record comprising data uniquely identifying the copying transaction and to record said record data in the digital memory, said transaction record enabling unique correlation between the transaction record and the data carrier onto which the selected block is written, the control means being additionally arranged, in response to an erase request signal, to control the reading means to read the data relating to the data carrier received in a said receptacle for erasing, to correlate said data with the transaction records in the digital memory to identify the record of the previous copying transaction for the data carrier to be erased, and to modify the identified transaction record so as to indicate that the copy has been erased.

The above data reproducing apparatus may be located at a rental outlet for the data carriers in question, e.g. video games cartridges, computer programme discs, video tape cassettes or the like. However, the machine readable store itself could be remotely located and connected with the rest of the apparatus at the rental outlet by a data link. Normally, however, the machine readable store itself will also be located at the rental outlet, an important feature of this arrangement being that only a single master copy of the blocks of data which are available for rent is retained at any time at the rental outlet. When supplying a data carrier loaded with a selected block to a rental customer, a previously blank data carrier is first "loaded" with the block of data required by the customer. A record of the transaction is automatically made and this record shows whether or not the previously loaded data carrier has been returned subsequently whereupon it is erased. In practice, the transaction record may be arranged so that a complete transaction requires the original data carrier to be subsequently erased, so that the only "copies" of the block of data are those which are out with rental customers.

Secure provisions may then be made in the data reproducing apparatus to maintain accounting information for the benefit of the originator of the blocks of data being reproduced. In this way the originator or proprietor of the data blocks can retain precise accounting control over the rental process and ensure an adequate remuneration for each rental transaction.

Generally, the data reproducing apparatus will include a data communications port to enable data communication over a data link between the apparatus and a remotely located host apparatus, the control means being arranged to transmit copying transaction record data to the remote host via the port. Importantly, also, the reproducing apparatus can preferably receive command and control data over the data link from the host apparatus and respond thereto by inhibiting and/or modifying selected copying transactions as requested by the host apparatus. This gives the host apparatus full control over every copying transaction and ensures a complete record of each transaction is maintained by the host.

In the above data reproducing apparatus, the control means may be arranged such that the transaction record of a copying transaction for a data carrier enables identification of a return time and/or date which is a predetermined rental period subsequent to the time and/or date of supply of the data carrier. Then, the control means may be further arranged, in response to an erase request signal, to compare the current time and/or date with the return time and/or date identified from the transaction record of the previous copying transaction for the data carrier to be erased, and to generate a late return signal if the current time and/or date is subsequent to the identified return time and/or date.

Conveniently, the data reproducing apparatus includes a machine readable clock to identify the current time and/or date, wherein the control means is still further arranged to read the clock when preparing the transaction record data and when comparing the current time and/or date with the return time and/or date.

In this way, the data reproducing apparatus can maintain a proper record of late returns of rented data carriers and ensure appropriate fines or other punitive action.

An important feature of the data reproducing apparatus described above is its ability to correlate the transaction record made and stored when a block of data is first written into a data carrier with the particular data carrier when it is subsequently presented to the apparatus for erasure. In one arrangement, said reading means is adapted to read a unique identification code from a data carrier received in a said receptacle, and the control means is arranged to control the reading means to read said code to prepare said transaction record data. In this way each transaction record incorporates a unique identification code for the data carrier onto which the data block is being written. Then, on subsequent presentation of the data carrier for erasure, the identification code of the data carrier is again read and can be correlated with the corresponding transaction record for the particular data carrier.

As an alternative, the control means may be arranged when preparing said transaction record data to generate a transaction record identifying code whereby the record can be uniquely identified in the memory, and to control the writing means to write said record identifying code onto the data carrier as well as the selected block of data, said control means being further arranged to control the reading means to read said record identifying code in response to an erase request signal to provide said data relating to the data carrier. In this way, the code identifying a particular transaction record is itself recorded in the data carrier during the reproduction process and can subsequently be read out again when the carrier is presented for erasing.

In practice, both the above described techniques may be used for additional security.

In one example, the or at least one of the receptacles of the reproducing apparatus may be adapated for receiving and connecting to a cartridge containing reprogrammable solid state electronic memory, and said writing means and said erasing means may then be adapted for reprogramming and erasing said memory in the cartridge. This example is particularly appropriate where the data block being reproduced is computer software, or particularly the essential programme and data for a video game. The cartridge may, for example, physically correspond to the dedicated cartridges of a predetermined video games console.

The present invention also contemplates the provision of a game cartridge for a predetermined type of video games console, the cartridge containing read only memory for providing programme and data for operation of a game on said type of console, and interface means adapted to enable the console type to access the programme and data in accordance with a predetermined standard accessing procedure, wherein the read only memory comprises electronically programmable read only memory and the interface means is adpated to permit reprogramming of the memory when the cartridge is connected to programming apparatus and to emulate said standard accessing procedure when the cartridge is connected to a console of the predetermined type. The form of electronically programmable read only memory preferred for the game cartridge is the so called "Flash EPROM".

Examples and further details of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing which is a block schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the invention. In the drawing, a data reproducing apparatus is illustrated comprising a number of electronic elements connected on a common data and address bus 10. Connected to the bus 10 are a controller 11 which may be constituted by a microprocessor, a memory 12, constituted by random access memory (RAM), a data block store 13 constituted by read only memory (ROM), read and write interfaces 14 and 15, request keys 16 and a modem 17.

The data block store or ROM 13 is arranged to contain the blocks of data to be reproduced by the apparatus and in a particular form of apparatus, these blocks may be the essential programme and data for a number of different video games. In order to provide sufficient storage, the ROM 13 may comprise a digital optical disc, known as CD-ROM. However other forms of storage medium may be provided depending on the required accessibility and nature of the blocks of data to be reproduced.

The request keys 16 may be constituted by the usual keyboard of a computer system, but may preferably comprise a specially designated keys for initiating a selected copying transaction, or alternatively to erase a previously copied block of data. In addition, the request keys enable the individual blocks contained in the ROM 13 to be selected for copying, e.g. from a separate menu. The write interface 15 enables the controller 11 to write selected blocks of data from the ROM 13 onto a data carrier (not shown) received in a receptacle 18. Receptacle 18 is shown schematically in the figure of the drawing but may in practice be a multi way connector for interconnecting with a standard video games cartridge for example. The read interface 14 enables the controller 11 to read selected data from any data carrier received in the receptacle 18. The controller 11 may additionally control the write interface to erase data previously copied into a data carrier. It will be understood that that read and write interfaces 14 and 15 may in practice be formed by a composite read/write interface.

In operation, the apparatus illustrated in the figure enables copies to be made on portable data carriers of selected blocks of information contained in the ROM 13. On insertion of a blank data carrier in the receptacle 18, the desired block to be copied onto the data carrier is first selected on the request keys 16 and then the copy request initiated. Where the controller 11 is a microprocessor, this microprocessor then operates in accordance with a predetermined programme to address the required data block in the ROM 13 and control the write interface 15 to receive the data and record it in the data carrier. The microprocessor 11 is also then arranged to make a transaction record of the copying transaction and store this in the memory 12.

In order to enable the transaction record recorded in the memory 12 to be subsequently identified and correlated with the particular data carrier or cartridge, the transaction record must enable a unique identification of the particular cartridge on which the copy is made.

One way of doing this is to ensure that each cartridge to be used with the apparatus has an individual unique identification code which can be read via the read interface 14 whenever the cartridge is inserted in the receptacle 18. Then the controller 11 is arranged when preparing the transaction record to read this code and incorporate it in the transaction record entered in the memory 12.

As has been explained previously, the purpose of the apparatus disclosed is to facilitate a rental market in for example video games cartridges. When the rental transaction is being completed, the rental period is also designated. This may be a standard period of say one day, or alternatively may be a variable period set by the request keys 16 when the transaction is being set up. The controller 11 is programmed to include in the transaction record stored in the memory 12 data enabling identification of the return date for the cartridge being loaded.

When a rental cartridge is returned by the customer, it is again inserted in the receptacle 18 and an erase request made via the request keys 16. Then, the controller 11 is arranged again to read the unique identifying code from the cartridge via the read interface

14 and compare this with the transaction records for the various cartridges recorded in the memory 12. The transaction record for the particular cartridge is thus identified. The controller 11 causes the write interface

15 to erase the previously recorded game programme and data from the cartridge and the associated transaction record in the memory 12 is amended to show the transaction closed with the cartridge returned and erased.

Alternatively, when loading a blank cartridge with a selected video game programme and data, a transaction record identifying code is generated by the controller 11 and written into the cartridge also. Then on subsequent erasure of the cartridge on return by the customer, the controller first reads the transaction identifying code from the cartridge via the read interface 14 and from this code identifies the relevant rental transaction in the memory 12.

It will be seen, that the important feature of the apparatus described is that the memory 12 contains a complete record of all rental transactions including whether or not a particular cartridge has yet been returned and erased. At anytime, the only copies of the data blocks contained in the ROM 13 are those on rent. On return to the rental organisation, the copy is erased.

The apparatus is especially advantageous when linked via modem 17 to a host apparatus at premises controlled by the originator or proprietor of the data blocks contained in the ROM 13. This may for example be the proprietor of the video games system with which the cartridges being copied by the apparatus are intended to be used.

By use of the modem 17, the host apparatus can then access the transaction records contained in the memory 12 and ensure that the copying and erasing procedure is being properly carried out and accounted for. Importantly, by accessing the transaction records, the host can maintain accounting records enabling appropriate remuneration to be claimed from the rental organisation for each rental transaction. This distinguishes the apparatus from the typical rental procedure where multiple copies of a video game, for example, must be made and provided at the premises of the rental organisation. Once these copies have been acquired from the proprietor or orginator, the proprietor has no further direct control over how they are used and how much income is derived from them by the rental organisation. Importantly also, the modem 17 may enable two-way data transmission between the host and the reproducing apparatus so that the host can alter the operation of the reproducing apparatus. One important alteration might be the delivery of additional or replacement data blocks to the store 13 for rental. The store 13 may then be formed as a programmable memory enabling fresh data blocks to be recorded in it. The control programme of the microprocessor 11 of the reproducing apparatus would then be arranged to permit access to the store 13 only via the modem 17 from the host apparatus. In effect, fresh video games could then be delivered to the rental organisation via the data link.

Importantly also, the host apparatus may via the modem 17 make selected data blocks or video games already contained in the store 13 unavailable for further copying. Most importantly of all, the host may via the modem 17 alter the control programme for the controller microprocessor 11 to prevent further copying transactions being made. This might be necessary for example, if the host monitors that excessive numbers of copies are surviving beyond their respective rental periods, implying that the rental organisation or the personnel therein are misusing the apparatus.

Although the apparatus shown in the drawing has been described particularly in connection with the supply of video games cartridges to the rental market, the concept is also applicable to other forms of data which may be recorded on a data carrier in an erasable manner. For example, the principles of the apparatus could be used for generating video cassette tapes for rent and return, although a high speed reproduction process would be required.

Apart from video games cartridges, modifications of the apparatus could be used for providing copies on ordinary floppy discs of other computer software or data. Although only a single receptacle 18 is illustrated in the drawing, the apparatus would normally have several receptacles. Different receptacles may be designed to receive different formats of cartridge or floppy disc or other computer programme carrier, for example. In order to facilitate the design and operation of the reproduction apparatus, adaptors may be provided at each receptacle converting the particular requirements of a proprietary cartridge to a standard format for the reproduction apparatus.

When contemplating reproduction apparatus for providing video games cartridges for rent, the external appearance of the video games cartridge may be the same as for such cartridges when offered for sale, so that to the rental customer the cartridge is substantially indistinguishable. For example a label for the particular video game may be applied to the cartridge casing when the game is being copied onto the cartridge.

However, the electronic memory within the cartridge must be capable of being electronically erased and reprogrammed by the reproducing apparatus. The preferred form of memory device for a reprogrammable video games cartridge is the so called "Flash EPROM", which can be repeatedly reprogrammed without deterioration. The video games cartridge for use with the reproducing apparatus should additionally have interface circuitry enabling them to be erased and reprogrammed by the apparatus, but also enabling them to emulate fully the standard form of video games cartridge supplied for sale by the proprietor of the respective video games console. In addition the cartridge may be required to include memory to receive transaction data recorded in the cartridge as part of the copying transaction as disclosed above. As a further feature, it is contemplated that some protection facility may be built or recorded into the cartridges to make them unattractive as a permanent source of the video games programme. For example, the programme loaded into the cartridge by the reproducing apparatus might be arranged to permit the programme to be run on the customer's video games console only a limited number of times. Alternatively, the cartridge may include a clock with its own rechargeable battery which would inhibit further running of the programme after a predetermined time.

Claims

1. Data reproducing apparatus for producing data carriers containing selected blocks of data for supply to customers, the apparatus comprising a machine readable store for blocks of data to be reproduced, at least one receptacle to receive a portable data carrier, writing means for writing data onto a data carrier received in a said receptacle, reading means for reading data relating to the data carrier received in a said receptacle, erasing means for erasing previously written data from a data carrier received in a said receptacle, a digital memory, copy request means operable to generate a copy request signal, erase request means operable to generate an erase request signal, and control means arranged, in response to a copy request signal, to perform a copying transaction comprising reading a selected block of data from the store and controlling the writing means to write the selected block onto a data carrier, and to record data relating to the copying transaction in the digital memory, and further arranged, in response to an erase request signal, to control the erasing means to erase previously written data from a data carrier, wherein the control means is additionally arranged, in response to a copy request signal, to prepare a transaction record comprising data uniquely identifying the copying transaction and to record said record data in the digital memory, said transaction record enabling unique correlation between the transaction record and the data carrier onto which the selected block is written, the control means being additionally arranged, in response to an erase request signal, to control the reading means to read the data relating to the data carrier received in a said receptacle for erasing, to correlate said data with.the transaction records in the digital memory to identify the record of the previous copying transaction for the data carrier to be erased, and to modify the identified transaction record so as to indicate that the copy has been erased.

2. Data reproducing apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the control means is arranged such that the transaction record of a copying transaction for a data carrier enables identification of a return time and/or date which is a predetermined rental period subsequent to the time and/or date of supply of the data carrier.

3. Data reproducing apparatus as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the control means is further arranged, in response to an erase request signal, to compare the current time and/or date with the return time and/or date identified from the transaction record of the previous copying transaction for the data carrier to be erased, and to generate a late return signal if the current time and/or date is subsequent to the identified return time and/or date.

4. Data reproducing apparatus as claimed in Claim 3 and including a machine readable clock to identify the current time and/or date, wherein the control means is still further arranged to read the clock when preparing the transaction record data and when comparing the current time and/or date with the return time and/or date.

5. Data reproducing apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said reading means is adapted to read a unique identification code from a data carrier received in a said receptacle, and said control means is arranged, to control the reading means to read said code to prepare said transaction record data.

6. Data reproducing apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the control means is arranged when preparing said transaction record data to generate a transaction record identifying code whereby the record can be uniquely identified in the memory, and to control the writing means to write said record identifying code onto the data carrier as well as the selected block of data, said control means being further arranged to control the reading means to read said record identifying code in response to an erase request signal to provide said data relating to the data carrier.

7. Data reproducing apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, and including a data communications port to enable data communication over a data link between the apparatus and a remotely located host apparatus, the control means being arranged to transmit copying transaction record data to the remote host via the port.

8. Data reproducing apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the or at least one of the receptacles is adapted for receiving and connecting to a cartridge containing reprogrammable solid state electronic memory, and said writing means and said erasing means are adapted for reprogramming and erasing said memory.

9. A game cartridge for a predetermined type of video games console, the cartridge containing read only memory for providing programme and data for operation of a game on said type of console, and interface means adapted to enable the console type to access the programme and data in accordance with a predetermined standard accessing procedure, wherein the read only memory comprises electronically programmable read only memory and the interface means is adapted to permit reprogramming of the memory when the cartridge is connected to programming apparatus and to emulate said standard accessing procedure when the cartridge is connected to a console of the predetermined type.