Electronic bookstore vending machine
US6213703A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 27, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 10, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 27, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB42P2261/04
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides a method and system for producing books on-demand. An electronic bookstore in accordance with the subject invention can receive an electronic text file of a book and then print and bind a copy of the book. A user may browse an electronic catalog, for example over the Internet, and place an order for a book which can be picked up at a conveniently located electronic bookstore shortly after placing the order. The subject invention reduces costs and waste associated with conventional production and distribution of print matter. Advantageously, the subject invention allows books with smaller audiences to be published at a reasonable price. An electronic bookstore in accordance with the subject invention can have access to literally millions of books and can print and bind any selected book in a few minutes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.