Intelligent digital audiovisual playback system

Translation of description of equivalent WO 9612255 A1

REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM AUDIO-VISUAL INTELLIGENT DIGITAL.

The present invention relates to an audio-visual reproduction system triggered by payment of royalties.

Such audio-visual reproduction systems are generally found in cafes or pubs. This type of system is actually composed of a sound reproduction machine usually called jukebox linked to a monitor providing viewing of video images or video clips. For this, the jukebox is equipped with a video compact disc player and a compact disc disco vidéo.et includes preset buttons identifying securities music tracks proposed to choose. The payment of an adequate fee followed by one or more presets allows triggering of the system with automatic loading in the player, the disc bearing the selected song, the desired visual reproduction audio¬ can begin.

These systems, although allowing faithful reproduction of good quality, nevertheless have serious drawbacks. Thus, a first drawback relates to the space required for storage of the disco, which means, therefore, that the system is of large dimensions and therefore cumbersome. Also, these systems that use a mostly mechanical material using sophisticated techniques have significant rates of failure, which is another drawback. Finally, it is very rare that all the pieces of a disk to be regularly heard, some even almost never are but can not however necessarily being eliminated. Outraged this disadvantage, the disadvantage is presented that the managing and distributing these systems companies are in the circuit a limited number of identical disks and impose some rotation among their customers, which sometimes means for them an unpleasant waiting when a disk is not available.

The present invention aims to overcome the various disadvantages of the systems of the prior art and provides a system of intelligent digital audiovisual reproduction, practical to implement, compact, reliable, allowing storage under the level and the removal or the easy insertion of unheard or desired titles respectively and this while maintaining performance and high-level reproduction.

For this, the visual audio¬ reproduction system mentioned in the preamble is noteworthy in that it is developed around a microprocessor device, associated with a payment device, firstly mainly comprising storage means for among other store, in digital form, the visual and sound to operate, and other associated part, through interfaces, to means of visualization and sound reproduction means for creating a multimedia environment, the the assembly being managed by a multitasking operating system including a library of tools and services integrated into the storage means.

Thus, all the audio-visual information to operate are digitized and stored in memory and can then be played back with high fidelity for audio-visual reproduction system of the invention to provide high performance. A new title can be easily introduced into memory as well as a little as listening can be just as easily removed from memory. With musical selections, the corresponding album covers can also be stored in digital form, to then be displayed The storage means are provided for storing a minimum of 350 to 400 songs and can be expanded without any difficulty. The simplicity and the absence of mechanical elements in the system for the reproduction of audio-visual information is that the failure rate is greatly reduced which results in a low cost service with the assurance of minimal intervention. In addition, the multitasking operating system includes a library containing a set of tools and services, facilitates very significantly exploitation due to its integration in the storage means and the resulting high flexibility. In particular, it is thanks to this, can create a multimedia environment by managing simple and efficient manner simultaneously reproducing sound, displaying images or graphics and video animation. Furthermore, since the audio-visual information is digitized and stored in the storage means, it is used considerably less space than a traditional audio¬ visual reproduction system and therefore footprint of the system according to the invention is clearly less. Under these conditions, the frame of the dimensions in which is placed the system are greatly reduced and the cost of the whole is also significantly lowered. The appearance of the frame can, of course, be easily adapted to the character of the institution. Advantageously, the audio-visual reproduction system is further associated, through an interface, to a telecommunications modem, said system then being connected to a distribution network audio¬ visual information by means the telecommunications modem and communications links, the telecommunications function being also managed by the multitasking operating system included in the library of tools and services integrated into the storage means.

The network connection of distribution of audio-visual information, like owner, then allows the repatriation and almost immediate insertion of desired titles in the storage means of this system, telecommunications connections being preferably of high-speed type. Of course, multitasking operating system, while allowing the creation of a multimedia world, allows use simultaneously and without conflict telecommunications services included in the library of tools and services.

Remarkably, the system may be, without any difficulty, provided with a timer for automatic and periodic trigger after a predetermined period of inactivity, the timer function is included in the storage means and managed by the operating system multitasking. Such automatic and periodic triggers for partial or complete audio-visual reproductions can attract customers' attention and stimulate and consequently lead to increased revenue.

Typically, it is stored in the memory means a catalog of titles, relating to audio-visual information available with the corresponding fees, selection of a title automatically resulting internal processing realizing the accumulated charges for the selected title. There is thus provided a system for calculating and verifying royalties strictly accurate. Similarly, each selecting a title is recorded for making a displayable usage statistics, the display being triggered by calling a predetermined function. According to this feature, it is allowed the manager or owner of the system to display after a call to the predetermined function, the statistical report of the various uses, allowing to guide the choice of securities to keep or delete . Revenues related to paid and thus are accurately recorded royalties are collected by the manager or the owner of the system using a key. Preferably, however, but not limited to, audio-visual reproduction system uses the hardware elements listed and referenced below.

The microprocessor device to use is a high performance PC compatible system, the choice when implementing fell on a system of the type Intel 80486 DX / 2 system which has storage means and the following characteristics:

- Compatibility with the local Vesa bus - processor cache: 256 KB,

- RAM: 32 MB RAM

- Serial and parallel ports of high-performance, graphics adapter SVGA type microprocessor - bus controller SCSI / 2, - RAM self-powered static RAM.

The display means consist mainly:

- A 14-inch flat-screen video monitor (35.56 cm) without interleaving of the SVGA type with high resolution and low radiation, it is this monitor which is used for the reproduction of images (eg hedges of albums of the musical selections), graphics or video clips, - a touch screen "Intelli touch" 14-inch

(35.56 cm) from Elo Touch Systems Inc. which includes a glass coated board using

"Advanced surface wave technology" and an AT type bus controller. This touch screen displays various selection data used by customers, as well as control information and management control used by the manager or owner of the system. It is also used for maintenance purposes in combination with an external keyboard that can be connected to the system it has to a keyboard connector, controlled by a key lock.

Also part of the storage means, storage modules using SCSI hard drives high speed and high capacity type, are associated with the storage means already present in the microprocessor device. These modules allow storage of audio¬ visual information. A high-speed telecommunications modem adapter 28.8 k / bps is integrated to allow the connection to the distribution network of audio-visual information.

To reproduce the audio data of musical selections, the system includes speaker amplified speakers built and is equipped with electronic maps of the music synthesizer type of trade designed to support a large number of input sources while providing an output with a CD like quality (compact disc), in particular:

- Multimedia audio adapter microprocessor card type "Sound Blaster" SBP32A E from Creative Labs Inc. A thermally controlled 240 watt ventilated power supply provides power to the system. This power supply is protected against overload and overshoot.

The audio-visual reproduction system including the microprocessor device are configurable by remote control, that are used for:

- An infrared remote control from Mind Path Technologies Inc., an emitter which has 15 control keys for the microprocessor system and 8 control keys for the projection device.

- An infrared receiver with serial adapter from Mind Path Technologies Inc.

A fee payment device from National Rejectors Inc. is likewise integrated into the system. It is also possible to use any other device which allows receipt of any payment by coins, bills, tokens, magnetic chip cards or a combination of means of payment

To house the system is further provided a chassis or frame of steel with external customizable fittings.

Besides these components, a wireless microphone is incorporated in the system, thereby transforming this last in a powerful system of announcements and information to the public or possibly a karaoke machine. Similarly, a wireless speaker system can be used by the system. Finally, a remote control allows, for example from behind the bar, to access and contôler various commands such as:

- The on / off control of the microphone, the control muting the speakers,

- The control volume control, ordering cancel the musical selection being played.

The choice of software developed or used for operating the visual audio¬ reproductive system was deliberately oriented toward a major user friendliness. In this context, all the features of that system can be controlled through the touch screen graphic display of simple and immediate use in cooperation with a speech synthesis support system.

For that, remarkably, on the touch screen used for control and assistance can be selected at least four control panels, a first title selection table taking place to help customers search and selection for a desired title, a second array of management control to adjust the volume, bass, treble or panoramic control on the monitor, a third scan table of the basic tracks data usage private, to allow the manager or owner of exploring the database system contains titles available through the distribution network audio-visual information to control and repatriate these shares, a fourth table of statistics, for private use, for estimates and statistics relating to the shares calculations.

Selections by musical pieces Customers are greatly simplified due to the presence of this GUI with facilities such as scanning through the available titles according to various criteria, such as title, author, category, etc. Moreover, when a musical piece is selected, the cover of the album to which it belongs may be displayed along with some statistical data such as the author of the piece, the length of the piece, the brand of the album, etc.

For this purpose, the system operating software was developed around a library of tools and services largely oriented to the audiovisual domain in a multimedia environment. This library advantageously includes a powerful multitasking operating system which effectively allows the simultaneous execution of multiple code fragments. This operating software thus allows concurrent execution, in an orderly manner and avoiding any conflict of transactions on the display means, sound reproduction means as well as management of telecommunications lines via the distribution network . In addition, this software has high flexibility because it allows the business owner to use options not available before, options such as: automatic withdrawal to an auxiliary source, such as an FM tuner, during inactivity of the main function,

- The remote control volume, - the cancellation or jumping a music piece,

- The superposition of a microphone on the existing sound to make announcements or transform the system into a karaoke machine, the control of the amplifier on the output power, the balance of tracks left or right, the frequency setting bass or treble, the automatic start of an audio-visual reproduction with adjustable intervals when the system is idle. Advantageously, the network of distribution of audio-visual information is an integral part of the universe of the system according to the invention and allows the manager or owner of the system to take advantage of opportunities and powerful new amenities, such example:

- Remote technical help from us, either for minor dysfunctions problems by assisting the manager or owner of the system, for larger problems by helping technicians locate the fault and defective components,

- Security management: each system is connected with a local controller system according to a predetermined time pattern for acquisition of an approval signal in the form of a registration number, authorizing the function. In addition, if it is found fraud or if the system can not communicate over the network, said system automatically stops working,

1 acquisition of musical pieces with the album covers: the manager or owner of system can select and acquire musical pieces exploring the basic data selection. The transfer of a piece of music with his album cover and integration in the list of available titles are done in a period of very limited time,

- Development of the system: corrective maintenance of important problems or minor relative to the system operating software, upgrades or enhancements are made possible through the telecommunications lines via the distribution network. Only a few minutes to transfer these modifications to any network system, the collection of statistics All statistics and internal data to a system are rapidly available to be compiled through the distribution network, these statistics allow analysis effectively and efficiently any market situation, billing: the distribution system automatically calls the system that recorded the amounts collected by the system following the payment by the user, calculates copyright royalties manager or the system owner must pay the company's distribution network and produces the appropriate accounting statements, - marketing and promotions: the request of a securities provider, for promotional purposes, digital high fidelity reproduction of a title is available to the manager or the owner of the system within hours, through the distribution network. The digitization of music selections that are made available through the distribution network is performed using various software tools commercially available providing standard data formatted files.

The digitized audiovisual data is stored in a format using a standard compression. The system unpacks the music selections stored in the storage means when the latter are reproduced, thereby greatly reduces the memory space required to store them while optimizing time during transfers via links telecommunications. Each selection is available according to two digitized formats: with hi-fi quality or CD quality. This authorizes an advantageous balance between the necessary space memory and the required reproduction quality that depends on the actual noise level in the institution and the quality requirement.

The following description, the accompanying drawing, all given by way of non-limiting example, will elucidate the invention can be implemented.

The single figure shows a flowchart showing specific service modules of a task and managed via the multitasking operating system, all modules are included in a library stored in the storage means.

Prior to describing and reading this chart, it is important to note that while all these modules described separately seem to be used sequentially, in reality, the specific tasks of these modules are executed simultaneously in an environment using the multitasking operating system. Therefore, the chart indicates the specific operations which the module must perform and not a branch toward this module which would invalidate all the operations performed by the other modules.

The first module, labeled SSM, is the system startup module. This module does only one thing, so it loads automatically when the power system. If the system is started with a correct registration number, then it goes directly into the mode "on" the module labeled RRM.

REG module is the registration mode module which, when activated for the first time or when approval for new registration is required, indicates its software serial number and request the user to enter their contact information such as the name of the institution, one address and phone number. When a system is not registered, it only works for registration, providing the manager the appropriate information necessary to enable it. Once the user has finished entering the necessary information, the system begins to register itself for a predetermined recording period and then turns itself completely. Before the registration period expires, the system attempts to establish a communications link to a server via the distribution network. If a connection is established, it renews its registration with the software serial number and provides the server the user additional information provided by the client. When the registration period expires before the system is able to establish a connection and to renew its registration, it is invalid after a configurable grace period has expired and sends a message "unable to work". When the manager inserts his key, it is guided to the recording system. It is possible to save the system using a telephone in case a communication link problem or a telephone line failure occurs. When a system is registered and activated through the telecommunications network or via a telephone call to the central distribution network, it becomes fully operational in two modes, "user" and "manager" (for system maintenance) for another recording.

The RMM module is the mode "service", which is the mode in which the system enters when its registration number is validated. In this mode, the system is ready to handle any request which can be triggered by various predefined events such as:

- Customers touching the screen: when a customer or user touches the screen, the system transfers control of its foreground session to CBSM module selection mode and customer browsing, call requests server of the telecommunications network: when the system detects a loop on the phone line, it emits an asynchronous background procedure: the mode of telecom services TSM module

- Queries regarding the key switch: when the manager turns the key switch, the system gives control of its foreground session to the MMM module management method, - Receiving a remote control signal: when a command is received, it is processed in a background session by the SCM module system commands while the foreground session remains available for other interventions, the occurrence of a timeout showing inactivity of the system: when one of the various timers is activated, control is given to the IRM module temporarily idle routines for processing.

The system remains in the mode "on" until one of the events described above occur.

IRM module is the inactivity routines module. This module contains routines perform predetermined functions that can be called when the system is inactive and when a predefined period of time but adjustable, corresponding to a delay time has elapsed. The list of functions proposed below that the system can handle is of course not limiting and can only increase. It is further noted that the new features that are desired to add any system of distribution network, can be very simply and this at any time and as soon as they are created using the development of remote services software. It can be offered and added such features, for example, when needs have been recognized for the management of all systems or just for a given system. Some of the functions provided with the system are described below:

- Display of album cover to announce its presence or its future integration into the system: the system displays a full-screen ads presenting the album covers for a desired duration. It can be used various scenic effects, zoom in and out, for example, on the covers of each album in order to attract the attention of customers, broadcast of parts of musical pieces present in the system: the Manager may in this case and control sample pieces issued for a specified period and said pieces to match with the display of album covers on the screen, complete selections of reproductions for internal promotional purposes: the manager may impose a period of inactivity after which is determined completely reproduced a musical selection chosen randomly. At the end of this period a musical selection is taken at random from the system and then played in its entirety without payment of royalties,

- External promotional purposes audio reproductions: This option works the same way as the previous with the difference that allows the system to accept to play promotional musical selections for which third parties have paid and are distributed freely through the telecommunications network,

- Spoken promotional announcements of new musical selections: it is according to this option to verbally promote newly added selections or to add in the near future in the system and this through the integrated speakers in the system,

- Withdrawal to an auxiliary source: the manager can ask for discretion to the system when it is idle, to make a withdrawal to an auxiliary source. For example, when this option is enabled and a FM tuner is connected to the inputs of the system and that it is inactive, said needle system's auxiliary source input to its main output after the specified period of inactivity has expired.

The SCM module is the system commands module. This module allows to perform functions that control the system to accept a required input by an infrared remote control device, these functions being handled instantaneously without the process taking place is stopped. A large number of these functions are possible, only a few are, without limitation, listed below: - volume control of the played selections, volume control of the auxiliary played source,

- On / off control of the microphone,

- Adjusting the volume of the microphone - balance adjustment, right channel, left channel

- Monitoring the level of low frequencies,

- Monitoring the level of high frequencies,

- Order cancellation or jumping range of a musical selection, - control of panning effects, zoom in, zoom out,

- Triggering a reset of the software program.

The MMM module is the management mode module. This module is triggered when the key switch is turned by the Manager. The display of the ordinary screen is replaced by a specific display systems management. With this new display the manager can control all the settings that are achievable with the remote. he can also take control of additional low level commands allowing for example to define the commands to validate or invalidate the remote control. It is also able to set a maximum high and low levels for each output source system, these limits defining the range available on the remote. From this screen, the manager can access the mode of new selection acquisitions by touching a button located on the touch screen. When the manager has succeeded in defining these commands as well as the system configuration, it is then sufficient to remove the key and the system automatically returns to the mode "in service".

The NSAM module is the mode module acquisitions of new selections. When this mode is enabled, a new monitor screen appears. This mode is intended to assist the manager regarding the rental or fast and efficient acquisition of securities of musical selections. For this, the screen offers different options such as:

- Search by title,

- Search by artist, search by category (Pop, Rock, Country, etc.), - sort alphabetically,

- Sorted by date of broadcast.

The manager can perform a scan of all available titles and select them simply by touching on their designation screen to load. Once selections have been made and the manager came out of the module, the system automatically sends the list of selections to return to the background to the mode module telecommunications services for treatment and returns with leading control of management.

The CBSM module is the selection mode module and customer browsing. Access to this module is triggered from the mode "on" using a button on the screen. When the customer touches the screen, the screen display will disappear to make way for a menu provided for powerful exploration assisted by digitized voice messages to guide the user in his choice of musical selections.

The TSM module is the telecommunications services mode module. This module manages all management services available on the distribution network. All tasks specific to telecommunications are run as background tasks of the system. These tasks always use the processing time remaining once the system has completed all its foreground tasks. So when the system is busy with one of its highest priority tasks, telecommunications tasks automatically will try to reduce the limitations on system resources and recover all the microprocessor processing time left available. Some of the tasks managed by this module are listed below:

- Transferring audio or video information,

- Automated accounting of royalties for musical selections,

- Accounting of the use of musical selections,

- Collection of statistics,

- Diagnostics for the system,

- System security (integrity)

- Inventory control selections, - verification of configurations, - Improvements of the software program. The SSC module is the system security control module. This module provides security management, each system is connected with a local controller system according to a predetermined time pattern for acquisition of the approval signal in the form of the registration number, allowing it to operate. In addition, if it is found fraud or if the system can not communicate over the network, said system automatically stops working.

In conclusion, the visual audio¬ reproduction system according to the present invention, as has been seen, a number of advantages relative to prior art systems. This powerful system using a computer is able to store and reproduce any musical selection retaining its original quality. It can replace a simple and effective manner all the sophisticated mechanical and electronic devices of the prior art which were generators failures, such as disk loading arm, lasers, etc., thus very significantly reducing maintenance costs . It is simple and bulky. The managers or owners of this system can effectively control the titles of musical selections since they control only desired titles, avoiding going through a distribution company which usually acquires only small quantities of unique titles and impose a rotation their clients. Here it is possible to acquire only specific titles and this reduced price, rather than whole CD albums, which can significantly reduce management costs. With the integrated module of interactive video system can also be used for promotional purposes, market research or even used as a karaoke machine. Finally, the use of a multitasking operating system allows simultaneous management and without conflicts of all tasks executed, representing a considerable advantage.