Apparatus and method for the convenient transfer of data between a computer network and a non-connected computer
US6671726B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 23, 1999 |
| Grant date | Dec 30, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 23, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L51/222
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system for conveniently allowing a portable computer user to send and receive e-mail and other data across a computer network, like the Internet, without the need for the portable or laptop computer to have a modem or a conventional connection to the computer network. The e-mail is created on the laptop and stored on a storage medium, such as a floppy disk. The disk is then taken to a conveniently located kiosk terminal where it is read. Account data on the disk identifies the user as a valid user, and the terminal completes the transfer operation by sending e-mail across the Internet, receiving any new e-mail messages, and writing them onto the disk. The user's prepaid account is charged for the data transfer operation, and the disk is then removed from the terminal and read later at the portable computer to view any new e-mails. This process allows one to maintain e-mail correspondence with others without having a modem or having to find a telephone line and going through the process of normally connecting to the Internet through a special telephone number to the user's ISP.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.