Abstract: Systems and methods for storing and distributing digital content using RFID tags are described. The systems contain a storage device for the digital content, a display device that provides an offer for the digital content, a capture device for accepting the offer, a distribution device for distributing the content to the user, and a receiving device for receiving the digital content. In some configurations, the display device can contain an RFID chip that places an RFID tag in the capture device. The RFID tag can be used to retrieve the digital content from the distribution device. In some configurations, the distribution device can be a kiosk and the capture device can be also be used as the receiving device to retrieve the digital content from the kiosk. This system allows the decision to obtain the digital content to be an impulse decision since the RFID tag can be quickly and easily be downloaded from the display device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering digital content to user who have pre-selected the digital content before they arrive at a device for distributing the digital content are described. The systems contain a storage device where the digital content is stored, a device for distributing the digital content to a user, a receiving device for receiving the digital content that has been distributed, and means for communicating with the user who is not located at the distribution device. The communication means allows the user to browse and/or purchase the digital content prior to arriving at the distribution device. As well, by purchasing the content before arrival, if the digital content is not located at the distribution device, it can be transferred from the storage device to the distribution device before the arrival of the user. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: Methods and systems of offering and distributing digital content to an attendee at an event are described. The system contains a server containing the digital content that can be offered to an attendee as well as recording equipment for creating digital content based on the event. The digital content can be then distributed directly to a portable electronic device accessible to an attendee or distributed indirectly using a kiosk located near the event. The server can communicate both with the portable electronic devices and with the kiosk. Once the attendee has been offered the digital content, the attendee can request that the digital content be distributed from the server to that portable electronic device or distributed to a kiosk where the digital content can be retrieved by the attendee. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: Apparatus for vending physical products and/or digital content and methods of using such apparatus are described. In some embodiments, a traditional vending machine, such as a beverage vending machine, can be equipped with an electronic transfer device and a user or customer interface to allow the customer to select the desired digital content such that a consumer can download the content onto a user's portable electronic device, such as a mobile phone, hand-held computer, or other media-playback device. In other embodiments, a vending machine can vend a portable electronic product after it has been loaded with the digital content selected by the user. In other embodiments, a vending machine could vend a customized CD or DVD containing the digital content selected by the consumer. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for protecting digital content using digital watermarks and for distributing that protected digital content are described. The digital watermark contains watermark information, fingerprint information, and any other information desired by the provider of the digital content. To insert the digital watermark in the digital content, a section of the digital content is selected, whether it is a random section or a desired section (such as the first or last section), and then that section is broken into a given number of individual slides. The digital watermark is created as an additional slide or frame and then placed between the slides of that section. These individual slides, which now contain the watermark, are re-combined and then re-attached to the remainder of the digital content when desired, such as on the fly or at the time of the user's purchase of the digital content.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering digital content from a central location to one or more remote locations while advertising at the remote locations are described. The systems contain a centrally-located device where the digital content is stored, a remotely-located device for delivering the digital content to an end user, and means for semi-dynamically transferring the digital content from the central location to the remote location. At the remote location(s), the digital content may be previewed, viewed, or purchased by the end user. Both electronic and physical advertisements may be displayed according to demographic data collected from users, browsing activities, and the like. Security information may be delivered along with the digital content to reduce or eliminate unauthorized duplication or distribution of the digital content.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring remotely located devices, systems, users, and user activities are described. The systems contain a central device where the digital content is stored, a remote device for delivering the digital content to a user, and means for transferring the digital content from the central location to the remote location. Data about the remote devices, users, and the user activities at the remote devices may be monitored. The data includes fault monitoring data, system performance data, system management data, user physical activity data, graphical interface data, demographic data, sales transaction data, survey data, and the like. The data can be monitored on a periodic basis or on a substantial real-time basis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for individualized distribution of digital content to purchasers via portable kiosks are described. The systems contain a storage device for storing the digital content and distribution devices for distributing the digital content to a user. The distribution devices can be configured to be portable so that users who are not mobile can access the distribution device. As well, the users can use a receiving device containing unique identification data to receive and access the digital content. Such a system is extremely useful for users who are not mobile and whose use of the distribution devices needs to be controlled, such as detainees in a corrections facility. Other embodiments are described.