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.

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 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 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: Distribution devices for creating and dispensing digital content to a user are described. The distribution devices (i.e., a kiosk) contain an apparatus for manufacturing and dispensing a desired medium (i.e., DVD) for any desired type of digital content or media (i.e., a movie or a song) on demand by a user. The distribution devices can be connected to any electronic communications network that allows that media to be downloaded to a specific distribution device, if needed. Thus, a user can select the media (i.e., a desired movie) that may not be currently available at that specific distribution device. That media can then be downloaded from the electronic communications network, the medium containing the media created, and then the medium dispensed to the customer. Thus, the customer's selection of any desired media can be increased and costs for operating the distribution devices can be reduced. 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 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: Systems and methods for using digital rights management (DRM) information to protect digital content. The DRM information does not refer to or use any characteristic(s) of the device on which it resides. Nor does the DRM information require a connection to a license server from the user device on which the content is used. Using the DRM allows the owner to make sure that her digital content is always protected despite the type or location of the device that contains the digital content, including whether the device containing the digital content can connect to a license server. The DRM can be therefore used to easily manage the use of the digital content, including access, transfer, distribution, and copying of the digital content.