WO2011042025A1

WO2011042025A1 - Pre-pay system

Info

Publication number: WO2011042025A1
Application number: PCT/DK2010/050255
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Olsen
Original assignee: Cali - Holding Aps
Priority date: 2009-10-06
Filing date: 2010-10-06
Publication date: 2011-04-14

Abstract

A prepay system is provided, where the self contained software stored on the digital media (1) is automatically executed, when the digital media (1) is inserted into a port in a computer (2). The software can connect to a remote server (4) designated by an address stored on the digital media (1) using the internet connection (3) of the computer (2). Furthermore the prepay system also includes unique IDs associated with the service of the digital media (1), which may be stored on the digital media (1). Hereafter the digital media (1) can access files stored on the computer (2) and can upload them to the remote server (4). The digital media (1) can be embodied in a USB device. The prepay system can be used to back up files, online photo album with the ability to print the uploaded images, network storage, access to a web shop for purchasing e-books, lottery tickets, newspapers, movies, music etc. or grant direct access to a web site.

Description

Pre-pay system

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a pre-pay system comprising:

- a digital media, comprising memory, a connector and data transfer means, and - a computer comprising a port compatible with said connector, data transfer means, and an operating system,

- where the digital media contains a remote server address, and self contained automatically executable software,

- wherein said pre-pay system comprises unique IDs,

- where the digital media comprises means to connect, via said computers internet access, to a remote server, identified by the remote server address.

The present invention also relates to a method for executing the pre-pay system.

Background of the Invention

With the continuing spread of digital products, physical products, like CD's, newspapers, and rolls of film disappear from the shelves in supermarkets and other retailers. This leaves the costumers to navigate the vast supply of internet based web shops, a task many is not interested in or incapable of. Additionally some people do not feel comfortable giving away digital products as a present.

In JP 2004-220567 a USB based cash system is described. An USB-key is bought from a credit provider with a predetermined amount of cash on it. Upon use the USB key connects to a server owned by the credit provider that verifies the identity of the USB key, using the ID of the key. After verification the key can be used as a debit card in web-stores that accept transfers by the credit provider.

An issue with the above mentioned invention is that it relies on a third party (the credit provider) to perform security checks, and as such offers no benefit for the web-store. Additionally the user of the key is limited to use the money on stores that accept trans- fers from the credit provider. Also the pre-determined amount of money on the USB key cannot be increased, thus the key must be thrown out after use.

In WO 2008/124396 a system for subscription based computing is described. The sys- tern comprises a removable metered computing device (for instance an USB key). The USB key can when inserted into a pc unlock certain programs of the pc. The programs could include a word processor, an internet browser or could include the entire system OS or even unlock timed Internet access from a specific provider. The system contains timers that deduct time balance from the USB key when it is in use. When the time balance reaches zero the system will lock the programs, and optionally request additional payment before the programs can be unlocked again.

The system for subscription based computing enables the user of the USB key to unlock specific features or programs of a computer based on the type of subscription. The system however has the drawback that the computer needs to be provided with specific executable code matching the subscription type on the USB key.

In US 2002/0002454 a system for providing anonymous transaction over a communication network such as the Internet. The system comprises a digital media such as a smart card or similar, where the smartcard comprises account information regarding a debit account on a third party server. The user of the card can then buy products from a second party retailer using the third party account. Thus the user never gives out details to the second party retailer, and the users anonymity is preserved. The system has the drawback that it only provides a different way of paying for existing services. Thus the user only buys a way of paying for existing products when buying the media. This is a disadvantage because the third party having the account information needs to have a large quantity of capital reserve in order to cover the possible expenses of the digital media in the market. Also the user is less likely to pick up an unspecified product in a shop.

In FR 2830399 a pre-pay system is described. The pre-pay system comprised a CD- ROM or similar read-only physical media, where the CD-ROM comprised software that automatically launches when inserted into a PC. The software then allows the PC to connect to one or more servers specified by the software via a modem. The server then provides viewable content, such as internet access to the user of the CD-ROM. The amount of time spent connected to the server is limited by a pre-paid credit amount.

The system has the drawback that the user is limited to a one way interaction. The user can only view the information dictated by the remote server.

Also today most internet access is provided on a flat-line basis, thus eliminating the need for time restricted services one-way services.

Object of the Invention

It is the object of this invention to bring back a physical product for online purchasing of digital media or physical objects, especially products that require user supplied data, while ensuring maximum user-friendliness.

Description of the Invention

According to the present invention, this is achieved by a digital media of the type specified in the introduction and which is peculiar in that, that the digital media comprises means to access one or more storage devices of said computer, and means to upload files contained on said storage devices to the remote server.

It is herewith achieved that when the digital media is inserted into the compatible port on the computer the self contained software is executed automatically. Thus no software apart from the Operating System (OS) needs to be installed on the computer in order for the digital media to work. The OS can be Linux based, Windows based, or Macintosh based. It is understood that the OS comprises access to frameworks like Mono or .Net and comprises access to HTML and other script based rendering.

By self contained software is meant software that can run directly from the digital me- dia, with no further aid than that provided by the operating system. There is no need to install the self contained software, nor copy it to local storage of the computer. Thus it works without altering settings and storage on said computer. The self contained software can include, but is not limited to, an internet browser, a complete shopping system, newsreaders, image viewers, media players, and software assisting with electronic purchases.

A retailer can then customise the digital media to suit different market groups and market areas, without having to rely on compatibility with existing software on the host computer. The unique ID's associated with the pre-pay system can be in form of voucher codes. Upon sale of a digital media one or more voucher codes will be included. The unique ID's is therefore not associated with a single digital media, but can be used in correlation with different digital media. The remote server can provide additional information, e.g. text and pictures, to the software resident on the digital media. If software resident on the digital media relies on an internet connection to provide media, the user can optionally be warned if no connection is present. The remote server can also contain updates for the software resident on the digital media, and upon connection check whether an update is neces- sary. If newer software exists the older software is automatically updated. Alternatively the user can be prompted to accept the update.

The connection between the host computer and the remote server can be facilitated by http, https, ftp, ftps, TSL, SSH and other transport protocols. The remote server ad- dress can be in form of an IP, a hostname, an URL, or other type of address.

Additionally the remote server can provide the software resident on the digital media with advertising information. By comprising means to access storage devices on the host computer while facilitating upload access to the remote server it is achieved that the pre-pay system can be used to supply user generated content to the remote server. By storages is understood digital storage media that the computer can access. This can include but is not limited to, hard drives, cd/dvd-rom drives, card readers, network drives, card readers etc. In a web-shop user files can be used to customize items, this could be in the form of t- shirts with print, customized cell phone covers or credit cards and more.

Access to user files also enables the digital media to give access to backup services, online photo albums, file sharing services etc.

Access to user files also enables the digital media to contain anti virus software or other malware detectors that needs file access.

In an example of use the digital media is inserted into the host computer, thus launch- ing the self contained software. Then the digital media connects to the remote server via the computers internet access and the remote server address. Hereafter the digital media automatically accesses important files and document on the storage devices of the host computer, and uploads these to the remote server. In this scenario the unique ID will typically be typed in by the user, and the backed up files will be associated with the ID. The unique ID can be supplied, for instance on a piece of paper, with the digital media upon purchase. Afterwards the digital media can be used to access the stored files by supplying the remote server with the unique ID.

According to a further embodiment, the pre-pay system according to the invention is peculiar in, that the unique ID is contained in the digital media.

It is herewith achieved that the digital media is a physical representation of the unique ID.

Embedding of the unique ID into the digital media ensured that the unique ID is not forgotten or lost. It also enables the digital media to store information related to the unique ID, like the most recently used addresses or similar information.

The unique ID may be encrypted to ensure it is not tampered with. Embedding the unique ID further improves user friendliness by removing the need for the user to enter the unique ID. This is of particular interest in simple scenarios like the newspaper subscription, where embedding the unique ID will enable a fully automatic load of the newspaper without user interaction apart from inserting the digital media into the computer.

According to a further embodiment, the pre-pay system according to the invention is peculiar in, that the remote server contains unique IDs, and a credit balance associated with said unique IDs, and that the remote server comprises means to compare said unique IDs with a unique ID supplied by the digital media or a user of said digital media.

It is herewith achieved that the unique ID's can be used in order to grant access to the credit balance on the remote server.

The credit balance can contain a cash amount but is not limited thereto. The credit balance can simply be a number of items, a date range or another form of pre paid credit information.

For instance, with regards to the previous example of the digital media being used for automatic backup, the credit balance can be the number of times a backup is allowed, or the credit balance can dictate how much space the digital media grants access to on the remote server.

According to a further embodiment, the pre-pay system according to the invention is peculiar in, that the credit balance on the remote server grants rights to purchase items on said remote server.

It is herewith achieved that a user of the digital media can purchase items based on the used unique ID. The remote server can contain a web-shop, whereto the digital media grants access by a web-browser, or other software that can display said web-shops contents. Additionally the unique ID grants purchase rights on the web-shop according to the credit balance stored on the remote server.

If no internet connection is present at the time the digital media is inserted into the host computer, the self contained software can still be executed and used. Upon connection to the internet the digital media will then contact the remote server and place an order just as if a connection was established at the time of purchase.

The items for sale on the web-shop can be physical objects (electronics, clothes, consumables etc.) or digital objects (games, applications, newspapers, movies, music etc.).

If the items are physical objects the user of the digital media will be required to enter a shipping address. Optionally the remote server may store the address last used in association with the unique ID.

If the items for sale are of a digital nature the item can be downloaded on the digital media or on the host device. This is for instance very useful if the web-shop is a book- shop that sells e-books. Then the e-books can be transferred directly to the e-book reader. In this case the e-book reader can be the host device, or it can be connected to the host device.

Additionally the digital media can be used to buy lottery tickets. The lottery tickets can for instance be predefined on the digital media, they can be automatically generated, or they can be selected by the user. In this case the remote server can associate winnings with the unique ID. Thus if a lottery ticket is bought using the digital media, checking if the lottery ticket has any winnings associated with it can be performed simply by inserting the digital media into the computer.

Additionally the digital media can store gaming applications like popular casino games, for instance poker, black jack, slot machines etc in the memory. In this case the unique ID can be associated with a user account and the credit balance can be adjusted ac- cording to winnings and losses by playing the game. Alternatively the digital media can grant access to gaming applications on the internet.

This offers a secure environment for the gaming application, while enabling the user of the digital media to use the gaming applications without leaving traces on the host computer and without fear of the user account being compromised.

Additionally the digital media can grant access to online content, for instance the digital media can contain a subscription to an online service like a dating service, or other subscription based online services.

Bought digital objects can be downloaded to the host computer or displayed directly using the software resident on the digital media.

As an example the web-shop could be a movie rental site, and upon renting a movie the resident movie player will play back the movie.

According to a further embodiment, the pre-pay system according to the invention is peculiar in, that said items can be user selected, or that said items can be user selected within a range identified by the unique ID, or said items can be pre-selected and identified by the unique ID.

It is herewith achieved that the digital media can be tailored to fit different needs.

In a scenario where the digital media grants access to a music shop, the unique ID can restrict the user selection, and thereby only grant purchase rights to music that has been labelled not to contain explicit lyrics.

In the movie rental web-shop the restriction could include age restrictions, genre restrictions, or only grant access to movies by a certain movie studio.

The items available can also be pre-determined. For instance the digital media could grant access to the daily newspaper for a week, a month or a year. With such a restriction the digital media could upon insertion into the host pc connect to the remote server, download today's newspaper, and display said newspaper in a newsreader, or other display software resident on the digital media. In this scenario no user interaction is needed apart from entering the unique ID, the newspaper will simply load upon insertion of the digital media.

According to a further embodiment, the pre-pay system according to the invention is peculiar in, that the digital media comprises means to find digitally stored images on said storage devices and display said images to the user on the connected computer.

It is herewith achieved that the digital media can function as a photo album. The image search can be performed as a simple file extension search, or could be a more complex search like scanning file headers. Additionally the OS file searching services may be used if present, or a more advanced algorithm can be stored on the digital media. The search may be limited to certain user directories, and may sort the found images. The sorting could accord to picture name, resident folder name or picture size. Additionally images below a certain threshold may be ignored. The threshold can include but is not limited to: picture size, quality, file size. Files in predetermined directories, like browser cache, may also be ignored.

The sorting may also include user set preferences in addition to the pre-set sorting preferences.

The digital media may also contain photo editing software, such as red-eye removal, cropping, resizing etc.

According to a further embodiment, the pre-pay system according to the invention is peculiar in, that the digital media uploads a user determined selection of said images to the remote server, and that said selection will be printed and mailed to the user of the digital media.

It is herewith achieved that the digital media functions as a print ordering device. The user can select a number of the displayed images. The images will be sent to the remote server, where the images will be printed and mailed to the costumer. The print size can be determined by the unique ID or the user. The images can also be sent to multiple receivers. As an alternative to printed images, the images can be put in a photo book, on mugs, T-shirts, caps or framed posters, etc.

In an alternative embodiment the digital media can search not only for images but other file types. This could include but is not limited to document files, mail files, system settings, calendars etc. After finding the files the digital media can offer to backup the files in the memory of the digital media. The digital media also offers an option to restore already backed up files back to the host system. Alternatively the digital media can offer to backup the files to a remote server for a reduction in the credit balance.

It is herewith achieved that the digital media in addition to other functions can function as a backup device.

According to a further embodiment, the pre-pay system according to the invention is peculiar in, that the connector, port and data transfer means all comply with the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard.

It is herewith achieved that digital media operates on a widely used and acknowledged standard.

The USB standard is well-known, commonly used, and very widespread. Embodying the digital media in a USB device ensures a user friendly and practical product. The USB standard uses several different form factors, like mini, and micro USB connectors, and the digital media can comprise any of the form factors supported by the USB standard. While the USB standard is preferred, other connection standards like eSata or IEEE 1394(Firewire) can be used. Alternatively the digital media can be comprised by a CD- ROM or a memory card. Bluetooth can also be used as a connection standard as a standalone or in addition to another standard. Using Bluetooth in addition to USB enables the digital media to be accessed by other Bluetooth enabled devices (cell phones, digital cameras, PDA's, laptops without USB, etc.) while still retaining the possibility to use USB. Modern cell phones and PDA's are essential mini-computers comprising an Operating System, and an internet connection, but often lack connection means like USB host ports. Using a wireless connection standard like Bluetooth is therefore required. Bluetooth can also be used to wirelessly access digital cameras, cell phones and PDA's when the digital media is inserted into the computer.

Thus the digital media can search e.g. a digital camera or cell phone for images wirelessly and either backup the images or send them to be printed as described earlier.

According to a further embodiment, the pre-pay system according to the invention is peculiar in, that the remote server contains account information associated with the unique ID, and said account information is compared to account information on the digital media upon connection.

If the remote server contains information (in particular credit amount) associated with the unique ID, a check can be made to see if the information on the server is in accordance with the information on the digital media. A simple check like this can prevent fraud by tampering with the contents of the digital media.

Also the digital media can store past used shipping addresses, and other user information that is trivial for the user to type in multiple times.

According to a further embodiment, the pre-pay system according to the invention is peculiar in, that the credit amount can be increased by user purchase.

It is herewith achieved that the unique ID can be re-used.

Upon enabling credit replenishing on the remote server, the unique ID will not need to be thrown out after the pre-paid credit amount is used up. The replenishing can be in form of payment to the remote server via credit card, or payment at a retailer, or even specialised ATM machines.

Additionally unique IDs can be sold without an associated digital media. This enables giving vouchers to users already owning a digital media.

According to a further embodiment, the pre-pay system according to the invention is peculiar in, that the digital media may comprise multiple unique IDs, and each unique ID have an associated remote server address.

It is herewith achieved that the digital media can be used for multiple shops or services.

A digital media with access to multiple web-stores enables themed variants. For instance a digital media with one ID giving access to a distributor of sports shows could also contain an ID giving access to a web-store selling sports merchandise.

Furthermore it enables customised presents. For instance a digital media can have one ID giving access to an electronics store, restricted to show only five portable music players of which the credit balance allows purchase of one, while another ID gives ac- cess to a music shop with a credit balance for ten songs freely chosen. It should be noted that said ID's can be in form of voucher codes or embedded on the digital media. The invention also regards a method for executing the pre-pay system comprising the following steps;

- a user inserts a digital media into a port of a computer,

- the digital media automatically executes software contained on said digital media,

- the digital media connects to a remote server when an internet connection is present,

- that a unique ID is sent to the remote server from the digital media, where the unique ID is either resident on the digital media or typed in on the computer by the user,

- that the remote server compares the sent unique ID to remote unique IDs stored on the remote server, and that the remote server associates the sent unique ID with a credit balance and the corresponding remote unique ID on the remote server,

- that the digital media facilitates uploading of user files, resident on one or more storages of the computer, to the remote server, - that the remote server adjusts the credit balance associated with the sent unique ID.

In a previous example it was noted that the digital media could be used as an automatic backup device. In this case the self contained software contains routines for backing up and restoring data. After the software executes, the digital media connects to the remote server. The remote server can optionally check the validity of the unique ID and the credit amount. After the check the digital media can facilitate uploading of files from storage devices on the host computer. Optionally the remote server can make a deduction from the credit balance if appropriate.

According to a further embodiment the method for executing the pre-pay system comprise the following steps;

- the executed software searches one or more storage devices of the computer for digitally stored images,

- the executed software displays found images to the user on the computer display,

- the user selects a number of the displayed images, and

- the digital media uploads the selection to the remote server.

It is herewith achieved that the digital media functions as an image finder and uploader. The remote server can in this case be a photo sharing webpage, a backup service, or similar.

If a search has been performed previously, the search step can optionally be skipped, and the results from previous search can be used instead. The user can also opt to per- form the search again at any given time. This could be relevant for instance if the storage containing the images was not present at the time the digital media was inserted into the computer.

According to a further embodiment the method for executing the pre-pay system com- prise the following steps;

- either the remote server or the digital media calculates a credit amount on basis of the selected images, - the remote server compares the calculated amount to the credit balance associated with the unique ID,

- if the credit balance is less than the calculated amount no order is placed,

- if the balance is greater than or equal to the calculated amount, an order on the se- lected images is placed, and the calculated amount is deducted from the credit balance, and

- the order is printed and mailed to an order address, where the order address is either stored on the digital media or typed in on the computer by the user. It is herewith achieved that the digital media functions as an image ordering device.

In an alternative embodiment, the user can opt to pay by credit card if the credit balance is not enough to cover the calculated credit amount, the payment can be the whole amount or just the difference between the balance and the calculated amount.

When the user inserts the digital media into the port of the computer, the image finding software will automatically launch and display the images contained on the storage(s) of the computer to the user. The user can then select a number of images. Said images will then be uploaded to the remote server, where the credit balance will be checked. If the selected images and the credit balance match, the remote server will ensure the images is printed and delivered to the user. The order address can be obtained at any point in the process. It can for instance be obtained before starting the upload, during the upload or after the upload.

Description of the Drawing

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing, where:

Fig. 1. Shows the digital media in connection with the computer and the remote server.

Fig. 2. Shows the flow when the digital media is inserted into the pc.

Fig. 3. Shows an embodiment where the digital media comprises photo ordering software. Fig. 4. Shows an embodiment of the print ordering software, where the display process is expanded to include several elements

Fig. 5. Shows an embodiment of the print ordering software, where the selection process is expanded to include several elements.

Fig. 6. Shows an alternative embodiment of the embodiment described in figure 3.

Fig. 7. Shows a different embodiment of the digital media 1 comprising a newspaper subscription.

Fig. 8. Shows a different embodiment of the digital media 1 comprising more than one unique ID

Fig. 9. Shows an embodiment where the software can be updated.

In the explanation of the figures, identical or corresponding elements will be provided with the same designations in different figures. Therefore, no explanation of all details will be given in connection with each single figure/embodiment.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Figure 1 shows an overview of the pre-pay system. The digital media 1 is connected to a computer 2 by a connector and port interface. The connector and port interface is preferably USB. The computer 2 is connected to the internet 3. A remote server 4 is likewise connected to the internet 3. Thus the digital media 1 can establish digital communication with the remote server 4.

Figure 2 shows that when then digital media 1 is inserted into the computer 2 as illustrated in box 5, the self contained software is automatically executed as illustrated in box 6, after execution the digital media 1 connects to the remote server 4 as illustrated in box 7, and the remote server 4 checks the entered unique ID and the associated credit balance as illustrated in box 8. The user can be notified of the credit balance on the server associated with the entered ID. Figure 3 shows the flow diagram of an embodiment where the digital media 1 comprises photo ordering software. After the ID check as illustrated in box 8, the executed software searches the storage(s) of the computer for digital images as illustrated in box 9, the found images is then displayed to the user as illustrated in box 10. The user then selects a number of images to be printed as illustrated in box 11. The selected images are uploaded to the remote server as illustrated in box 12, where a credit amount is calculated based on the number of images, and the credit amount is deducted from the credit balance as illustrated in box 13. After uploading the images the user is prompted to enter order information in regards to where the images must be shipped to as illustrated in box 14, and then the remote server places an order on the images and ensures they are printed and mailed to the shipping address as illustrated in box 15. The process shown in figure 3 ensures a user friendly print ordering service, which requires no software installation, and requires no user knowledge of where the digital images are stored.

Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the print ordering software, where the display proc- ess as illustrated in box 10 is expanded to include several elements. In this particular embodiment of the digital media 1, the display process can ignore certain images after the search process as illustrated in box 9 has finished. First the display process can (optionally) ignore a set of standard directories as illustrated in box 10a, these directories can include but is not limited to, browser cache, system directories, default program and game directories. A set of user defined directories can also be ignored by the display process as illustrated in box 10b. The display process can also include a filter for small images, where images below a certain pixel or file size will be ignored as illustrated in box 10c. The threshold can be user defined of pre-determined. After ignoring unwanted images, the remaining images are displayed as illustrated in box lOd, and the user can proceed to selecting images as illustrated in box 11.

In an alternative embodiment, the user can select which directories, devices or storages need to be searched for images instead of specifying which ones not to search. Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the print ordering software, where the selection process as illustrated in box 11 is expanded to include several elements. First the user selects a number of images as illustrated in box 11a. After the selection a number of automatic or manual photo editing choices can be made as illustrated in box 1 lb. The photo editing can comprise (automatic) red-eye removal, (automatic) sharpening, cropping, resizing, and other simple photo editing tasks. Editing the images may require that the images is saved to a new location, for instance if the images are stored in a read only format like a CD-rom. If the user does not want to save the edited images but keep the originals, a temporary copy will be created for the purpose of uploading the images to the remote server. When the images are to the users' satisfaction, the user can select what print format is wanted as illustrated in box 11c. The print formats can include different image sizes, framed postcards, greeting cards, seasonal cards, photo books, posters, T-shirts etc. After selecting the printing format, the edited im- ages are uploaded to the remote server 4 as illustrated in box 12. Additionally the edited images can be saved in a location selected by the user.(not shown)

Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the embodiment described in figure 3. In this embodiment the search for digital images, the display and the selection as illus- trated in box 9, 10 and 11 is performed before the digital media connects to the remote server as illustrated in box 7. Additionally in this embodiment, the credit calculation and the order information step as illustrated in box 13 and 14 is performed before the images are uploaded to the remote server as illustrated in box. Even further alternative embodiments can be created by changing in which order the different steps are performed.

Figure 7 shows a different embodiment of the digital media 1 comprising a newspaper subscription. In this embodiment the unique ID is embedded in the digital media.

The digital media is inserted into the computer 2 as illustrated in box 5, the self contained software automatically executes as illustrated in box 6, and the digital media connects to the remote server as illustrated in box 7. After the connection is established the ID and credit balance is checked as illustrated in box 8. If the check passes credit is deducted from the balance if appropriate and today's newspaper is downloaded as illustrated in box 16. The executed software displays the newspaper to the user as illustrated in box 17. In this embodiment today's newspaper will be displayed simply by inserting the digital media into the computer as long as there is credit on the digital media. The credit balance in this embodiment can be a number of papers (multiple readings of the same newspaper only count as one credit), or the credit balance can be a start and an end date of a subscription. Other options like only Sunday papers can be employed as well.

Figure 8 shows a different embodiment of the digital media 1 comprising more than one unique ID and associated remote server addresses and credit balances. When the digital media 1 is inserted into the computer 2 as illustrated in box 5, the user selects one or several ID's to be launched as illustrated in box 18. The digital media then automatically launches the software associated with the ID(s), and connects to remote server(s) according to the corresponding address(es) as illustrated in box 7a. After connecting to the server(s) the digital media functions just as if several digital media were inserted into the computer at once.

A digital media of this embodiment enables access to multiple web-stores. For instance a digital media with one ID giving access to a distributor of sports shows could also contain an ID giving access to a web-store selling sports merchandise. Furthermore it enables customised presents. For instance a digital media can have one ID giving access to an electronics store, restricted to show only five portable music players of which the credit balance allows purchase of one, while another ID gives access to a music shop with a credit balance for ten songs freely chosen. Figure 9 shows an embodiment where the software can be updated. After the digital media 1 connects to the remote server illustrated in box 7, a check is performed to see if there is an updated version of the software resident on the digital media, if there is a new version it is downloaded and thus replaces the old version resident on the digital media illustrated in box 18. After the update the new software is executed as illustrated in box 6. If there is no new software nothing is downloaded and the process skips to the automatic software execution as illustrated in box 6.

Claims

1. A pre-pay system comprising:

- a digital media, comprising memory, a connector and data transfer means, and

- a computer comprising a port compatible with said connector, data transfer means, and an operating system,

- wherein said pre-pay system comprises unique IDs,

- where the digital media comprises means to connect, via said computers internet ac- cess, to a remote server, identified by the remote server address, characterized in, that the digital media comprises means to access one or more storage devices of said computer, and means to upload files contained on said storage devices to the remote server.

2. A pre-pay system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in, that the unique ID is contained in the digital media.

3. A pre-pay system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in, that the remote server contains unique IDs, and a credit balance associated with said unique IDs, and that the remote server comprises means to compare said unique IDs with a unique ID supplied by the digital media or a user of said digital media.

4. A pre-pay system according to claim 3, characterized in, that the credit balance on the remote server grants rights to purchase items on said remote server.

5. A pre-pay system according to claim 4, characterized in, that said items can be user selected, or that said items can be user selected within a range identified by the unique ID, or said items can be pre-selected and identified by a unique ID.

6. A pre-pay system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in, that the digital media comprises means to find digitally stored images on said storage de- vices of said connected computer, and display said images to the user on the connected computer.

7. A pre-pay system according to claim 6, characterized in, that the digital media up- loads a user determined selection of said images to the remote server, and that said selection will be printed and mailed to the user of the digital media.

8. A pre-pay system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in, that the connector, port and data transfer means all comply with the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard.

9. A pre-pay system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in, that the remote server contains account information associated with the unique ID, and said account information is compared to account information on the digital media upon connection.

10. A pre-pay system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in, that the credit amount can be increased by user purchase.

11. A pre-pay system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in, that the digital media may comprise multiple unique IDs, and each unique ID have an associated remote server address.

12. Method for executing a pre-pay system according to any of the claims 1 to 1 1, characterized in, that

- a user inserts a digital media into a port of a computer,

- that the remote server compares the sent unique ID to remote unique IDs stored on the remote server, and that the remote server associates the sent unique ID with a credit balance and the corresponding remote unique ID on the remote server, - that the digital media facilitates uploading of user files, resident on one or more storages of the computer, to the remote server,

- that the remote server adjusts the credit balance associated with the sent unique ID.

13. Method for executing a pre-pay system according to claim 12, characterized in, that

- the executed software displays found images to the user on the computer display, - the user selects a number of the displayed images, and

- the digital media uploads the selection to the remote server.

14. Method for pre-pay system according to claim 13, characterized in, that

- either the remote server or the digital media calculates a credit amount on basis of the selected images,

- the remote server compares the calculated amount to the credit balance associated with the unique ID,

- if the credit balance is less than the calculated amount no order is placed,

- the order is printed and mailed to an order address, where the order address is either stored on the digital media or typed in on the computer by the user.