Intelligent digital audiovisual playback system

The present invention relates to a system visual-audio reproduction triggered by payment Royalties.

Such audiovisual reproduction systems are generally found in cafes or in pubs. This type of system is actually made up of a sound reproduction machine usually called jukebox associated with ensuring the monitor displays video images or video clips. For this, the jukebox is equipped with a disc drive compact video and a CD disco vidéo.et includes preset buttons identifying the titles of the songs proposed to to choose. The payment of adequate monitoring fee one or more preset authorizes activation of the system with the load automatic, in the drive, the disk on which Figure the selected song, the audio-visual reproduction desired can begin.

These systems, while allowing reproduction and good quality, present nevertheless serious drawbacks. Thus, a first disadvantage relative to the volume required for storage nightclub, which implies, in Accordingly, the system is of dimensions important and therefore bulky. Also, these systems that appeal to mostly mechanical equipment using sophisticated techniques have rate of significant fault, which is another disadvantage. Finally, it is very rare that all pieces of a disk to be regularly heard, some even almost never are but however, can not, however, be eliminated. Outraged this disadvantage, the following disadvantage is brought to the that the companies manage and distribute these systems put in the circuit a limited number of discs identical and impose some rotation among their customers, which sometimes implies for them a unpleasant waiting when a disc is not available.

Furthermore, it is known by the patent application PCT / WO / 93 18465 computerized jukebox allowing receiving through a telecommunications network and a modem connecting the jukeboxes to the network of Scanned information constituting songs or music tracks downloaded in a mass memory the jukebox. The communication system also serves downloading files representative digitized graphics information, songs and graphic files are compressed before they are sent on the network. The jukebox processor then uses this files by decompressing them and sending data graphics to video circuit and the song data the audio circuit.

The present invention aims to remedy the various disadvantages of the art systems prior and offers audio-visual reproduction system digital intelligent, practical to work, compact, reliable, allowing storage to level as well as the removal or insertion Easy unheard respectively or desired titles and While keeping performance and quality high-level reproduction.

For this, the audio-visual reproduction system mentioned in the preamble is characterized in that it is built around a device to microprocessor associated with a payment device, firstly mainly comprising means of memory for storing among others, as digital, visual and sound information operate, and other associated share through of interfaces, display means and means sound reproduction for creating a universe media, all managed by a system multitasking operating including a library of tools and services constituted by a plurality of modules integrated into the storage means to allow the execution of concurrent and orderly operations on visulalisation ways and means of reproduction Sound avoiding any conflict, the specific tasks the modules being executed simultaneously, and library of tools and services including at least one RMM corresponding to the operating mode system wherein the system is ready to handle any request triggered by predefined events such than :<ul><li>touch screen with a client,</li><li>the occurrence of a timeout showing inactivity of the system.</li></ul>

Thus, all the audio-visual information exploit are digitized and stored in memory and can then be played back with a mainly video monitor for the reproduction of images audio-visual information and a touchscreen control and assistance which may be Selected at least four tables of control, first title selection table taking place for assist in the search and selection of a desired title a second management control table for setting volume, bass, treble or command Panoramic video monitor, a third table scanning the basis of subtitle data, private use, to allow exploration of the database of titles available through the distribution network of audio-visual, a fourth table of statistics, private use, for estimates and calculations statistics relating to the securities.

A new title can be easily introduced memory as well as little can be just listened also easily removed from memory. With the musical selections, the album covers corresponding may also be stored under digital form, and is then displayed, The storage means are provided for storing a minimum of 350 to 400 tracks and may be extended without any difficulty. The simplicity and the absence of mechanical components in the system to the reproduction of audio-visual information are that the failure rate is significantly reduced, which led a low-cost service with the assurance a minimal intervention. In addition the system multitasking operating includes a library containing a set of tools and services, allows facilitate very significantly the operation of the Because of its integration into the storage means and thus made great flexibility. In Particularly, it is thanks to this, can create a multimedia world by simply managing and effective simultaneously reproducing sound, displaying images or graphics and animation video. Furthermore, since the audio-visual information are digitized and stored in the means storage, it is used considerably less room for audio-visual reproduction system Traditional and therefore congestion the system according to the invention is clearly lower. Under these conditions, the dimensions of the frame in which is placed the system are greatly reduced and the cost of the assembly is also significantly lowered. The appearance of the frame can, of course, be easily adapted to the character of the institution.

Advantageously, the system of Audio-visual reproduction is more associated by via an interface to a modem telecommunications, said system then being connected to a distribution network of audio-visual information by means of telecommunications modem and telecommunication links, this function telecommunications also being managed by the system multitasking operating included in the library tools and services integrated into the means of memorization.

The connection to the distribution network audio-visual, kind owner, then allows the repatriation and almost immediate insertion of desired titles in the means of storage of this system, the links Telecommunications is preferably high guy speed. Of course, the operating system Multitasking while authorizing the creation of a universe multimedia, allows use simultaneously and without conflict telecommunications services included in the library of tools and services.

Remarkably, the system can be, without any difficulty, provided with a delay for automatic and after gating a predetermined period of inactivity, this function delay being recorded in the means of storage and managed by the operating system multitasking. Such automatic triggers and periodicals audio-visual reproductions partial or complete help attract customer attention and stimulate and therefore cause an increase in revenue.

Typically, it is stored in the memory means a catalog of titles, relating to audio-visual information available, with the corresponding charges, selecting a as automatically resulting internal processing realizing accumulated charges related to title selected. There is thus provided a computing system and checking strictly accurate charges.

Similarly, each selecting a title accounted for a statistical displayable use, the display being triggered by calling a predetermined function. according to this feature, it is allowed to manage or owner of the system to display after the call predetermined function, the report statistics various uses, which allows to guide it in the choice of securities to keep or delete. The Revenue related to royalties paid and are and accurately recorded is retrieved by the manager or the owner of the system by a wrench.

Preferably, but however in a manner not limiting, audio-visual reproduction system uses hardware listed and referenced below.

The microprocessor device to use is a compatible system of high-performance PC, the choice when the implementation is carried on a system Type Intel 80486 DX / 2 which has means and storing the following characteristics:<ul><li>compatibility with the local Vesa bus,</li><li>processor cache: 256 kB,</li><li>RAM: RAM 32 MB</li><li>serial and parallel ports of high-performance,</li><li>Graphics adapter SVGA type to microprocessor</li><li>Bus Controller SCSI / 2, </li><li>RAM memory self-powered static RAM.</li></ul>

The display means consist mainly:<ul><li>a 14-inch flat-screen monitor (35.56 cm) without interleaving high SVGA kind resolution and low radiation, which is what monitor is used for the reproduction of images (eg the albums of the musical selections blankets), graphics or video clips,</li><li>touch screen "Intelli Touch" 14-inch (35.56 cm) from Elo Touch Systems Inc. which includes a coating the glass panel using the "Advanced surface wave technology" and an AT type bus controller. This touch screen allows to display various selection data used by customers, as well as information of controls and management controls used by the manager or owner of the system. he is also used for maintenance purposes in combination with an external keyboard that can be connected to the system that why has a keyboard connector, controlled by a key lock.</li></ul>

Also part ways memory, storage modules using SCSI hard drives speed, high capacity, are associated with storage means already present in the microprocessor device. These modules used for the storage of audio-visual information.

A telecommunications modem adapter High speed 28.8 k / bps is integrated to allow the association with the information distribution network audio-visual.

To reproduce the audio information musical selections, the system includes speakers amplified and integrated is equipped cards electronic trade synthesizer type Music provided to support many input sources while providing an output with a CD like quality (compact disk), in particular:<ul><li>multimedia audio adapter microprocessor card-type "Sound Blaster" SBP32AWE from Creative Labs Inc.</li></ul>

A thermally controlled supply 240 ventilated watts provides power to the system. This Power supply is protected against overcurrent and overshooting.

The audio-visual reproduction system and including the microprocessor device are also configurable by remote control, for it are used:<ul><li>an infrared remote control from Mind Path Inc., transmitter technology with 15 keys command for the microprocessor system and 8 keys command to the projection device.</li><li>an infrared receiver with serial adapter from Mind Path Technologies Inc.</li></ul>

A payment device Charges in National Rejectors Inc. is also integrated with system. It is also possible to use any Another device that allows reception of any mode payment by coins, paper money, tokens, cards Magnetic chips or combination of means of payment

To house the system is further provided a frame or steel frame with exterior trim customizable.

Besides these components, wireless microphone incorporated in the system, thereby transforming this last in a powerful ad system information to the public or possibly karaoke machine. Also a speaker system Wireless can be used by the system. Finally, a Remote control enables, for example behind the bar, access and contôler different commands as:<ul><li>the on / off control of the microphone,</li><li>control muting the speakers,</li><li>control volume control,</li><li>the undo command selection music being listened to.</li></ul>

The choice of software developed or used for the operation of the audio-visual reproduction system was purposely oriented towards a high user friendliness. In this optical, all the features of that system can be controlled via the screen graphical touch simple and immediate use cooperation with a synthesis to help system word.

For that, remarkably, on the screen Touch used for control and assistance can be selected at least four tables control, a first stock-selection panel will pop to help customers research and selecting a desired title, a second panel management control to adjust volume, bass, treble or panoramic control on the video monitor, a third table scan the securities database, for private use, to allow the manager or owner of the system explore the database containing the titles available through the distribution network audio-visual information and to order repatriate these shares, a fourth table Statistics for private, for estimates and statistical calculations for securities.

The selections by the pieces of customers music are greatly simplified due to the presence of this graphic interface presenting facilities such as scanning through securities available according to different selection criteria, for eg title, author, category, etc. Furthermore, when a musical piece is selected, album cover to which it belongs may be displayed along with certain data statistics such as the author of the song, the length of the piece, brand portfolio, etc.

For this purpose, the operating software for the system was developed around a library of tools and services largely oriented toward the field audio-visual in a multimedia universe. This library includes advantageously a system multitasking operating performance of authorizing effectively simultaneous execution of multiple code fragments. This software operating allows and concurrent execution, in an orderly manner and avoiding any conflict of transactions on the display means, the reproducing means sound as well as the management of bonds communications through the network distribution. Moreover, this software has high flexibility because it allows the owner to establishing operate unavailable options previously, options such as: <ul><li>automatic fallback to a source auxiliary, such as an FM tuner, during a inactivity of the main function,</li><li>remote control volume,</li><li>cancellation or jumping a music piece,</li><li>superimposing a microphone on the sound existing to make announcements or transform system karaoke machine</li><li>controlling the amplifier as to the output power, the balance of the right ways or left, setting the low or high frequencies,</li><li>automatically starting reproduction audiovisual adjustable intervals when the system is idle.</li></ul>

Advantageously, the distribution network audio-visual information is an integral part of the universe of system according to the invention and allows the manager or owner of the system to benefit opportunities and new amenities and powerful, such as:<ul><li>remote technical help from us: either for problems of minor malfunctions in the wizard manager or owner of the system or for most important problems by helping technicians locate the fault and defective components,</li><li>Security management: each system shall contact a local controller system according a preestablished time pattern for the acquisition of a approval signal, in the form of a number recording, allowing it to operate. In addition, if it is found fraud or if the system can not communicate via the network, said system automatically stops working,</li><li>the acquisition of musical pieces with album covers: the manager or owner of system can select and acquire pieces music by exploring the basic data selection. The transfer of a piece of music with its cover album as well as integration in the list of available titles are done in a period of very small time,</li><li>development of system maintenance Corrective significant problems or relative minor the system operating software, upgrades or enhancements are made possible through links communications through the network distribution. Only a few minutes are needed to transfer these changes to any network system,</li><li>collecting statistics All statistics and internal data to a system are rapidly available to be compiled through the distribution network, these statistics allow to effectively and efficiently analyze any situation of the market,</li><li>billing: the distribution network automatically calls the system that recorded the amounts collected by the system after payment performed by the user, calculates the charges copyright the manager or owner of system must pay the company network product distribution and accounting statements appropriate,</li><li>marketing and promotions: on request of a securities supplier, for a purpose promotional, high fidelity digital reproduction a title is available to the manager or owner of the system in the hours following, via the distribution network.</li></ul>

Digitization of the musical selections that are made available through the network Distribution is carried out using various tools commercially available software providing formatted files to standard data.

The digitized audiovisual data stored in a format using a compression standard. The system unpacks the selections music stored in the storage means to when the latter are replicated, allowing and significantly reduce the memory space required to store while optimizing deadlines for transfers via telecommunication links.

Each selection is available in two digitized formats: with hi-fi quality or CD quality. This allows an advantageous balance between the memory space required and the quality of required reproduction which depends on the noise level effective in the establishment and the requirement of quality.

The following description with reference to the drawing annexed, all given by way of non-limiting example, will elucidate the invention can be performed.

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

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

The first module, labeled SSM, is the module system boot. This module provides only single service, therefore it loads automatically when the power of system. If the system is started with a number Proper registration, then it goes directly in the way "on" the module labeled RRM.

REG module is the mode module recording which, when activated for first time or when approval for a new Registration is required, indicates its number of software series and asks the user to enter contact information such as name of the establishment, address and phone number. when a system is not registered, it only works for registration, providing information to the manager appropriate necessary in order to activate it. Once the user has finished entering information necessary, the system begins to register itself for a period of record completely predetermined and then activates itself. Before the registration period expires, the system tries to establish a connection telecommunications to a server through the network of distribution. If a connection is established, renews its registration with serial number software and provides the server information additional user provided by the customer. When the registration period expires before the system is capable of establishing a bond and 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, he is guided to system registration. It is possible save the system using a telephone in Where a communication link problem or telephone line failure occurs. when a system is registered and activated through the network telecommunication or via a call telephone to the central distribution system, it becomes fully operational in both modes, "User" and "manager" (for maintenance system) for another recording.

The RMM module is the mode "in service" which is the operation mode wherein the between system as soon as its registration number is valid. In this mode, the system is ready for handle any request which can be triggered by various predefined events such as:<ul><li>customers touching the screen: when client or a user touches the screen, the system transfers control of its foreground session to CBSM module mode selection and exploration customer,</li><li>server call requests from the network Telecommunications: when the system detects a loop on the phone line, it emits a procedure asynchronous background: the telecommunications services mode TSM module</li><li>queries regarding the key switch: when the manager turns the key switch, system gives control of its foreground session the MMM module management method, </li><li>receiving a remote control signal: when an order is received, it is treated in a Session background by the command SCM module system while the foreground session remains available for other interventions,</li><li>the occurrence of a timeout showing the inactivity of the system when one of various timers is activated, control is temporarily given to the IRM module routines Idle for treatment.</li></ul>

The system remains in the mode "in service" until one of the events described above is occurs.

IRM module is the module routines of inactivity. This module contains routines making predetermined functions which it may be calls when the system is idle and a predefined but adjustable time period, corresponding to a time delay has elapsed. The list of functions proposed below that the system can process is of course not exhaustive and does may increase. It is further noted that 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 remote services software development. It can be offered and added such functions, for example, when needs have been recognized for the management of all systems or just a given system. Some of the features offered with the system are described below:<ul><li>display the album cover for announce its presence or its future integration into the system: the system displays a full-screen ads presenting the album covers for a period desired. It can be used various effects pan, zoom in and out for example, the covers of each album in order to attract Customer focus the,</li><li>musical pieces broadcast parts present in the system can manage in this case monitor and sample the pieces transmitted during a specified time and match said pieces with the display of album covers on the screen,</li><li>Complete selection of reproductions for Internal promotional purposes: the manager may impose a period of inactivity after which is determined completely reproduced a chosen music selection randomly. At the end of the period selected Music is taken at random in the system and played in its entirety without payment of royalties,</li><li>for promotional audio reproductions External: This option works the same way as the previous with the difference that it allows the system into play musical selections promotions for which third parties have paid and which are freely distributed throughout the network telecommunications</li><li>spoken promotional announcements of new musical selections: it is under this option possible to orally promote selections newly added or to be added in the near future in the system and this via speakers integrated in the system,</li><li>withdrawal to an auxiliary source: Manager can ask for discretion in the system, when 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 the system and that it is idle, said system its needle auxiliary source input to its output Main after the specified period of inactivity expired.</li></ul>

The SCM module is the system commands module. This module allows for functions command to accept a requested entry system by an infrared remote control device, these functions being processed instantly without the process unfolding is stopped. A very large number of these functions are possible, only a few are, without limitation, listed below:<ul><li>volume control of the played selections,</li><li>adjusting the volume of the source auxiliary played,</li><li>on / off control of the microphone,</li><li>adjusting the volume of the microphone,</li><li>adjustment balance right lane, left lane,</li><li>control the level of low frequencies,</li><li>control the level of high frequencies,</li><li>order cancellation or a beach break music selection,</li><li>control of panning effects, zoom in, zoom out,</li><li>triggering a reset of the program software.</li></ul>

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

The NSAM module is the mode module acquisitions of new selections. When this mode is activated, a new control screen appears. This mode is provided to assist the manager in for the rental or fast acquisition and effective instruments of musical selections. For it, screen offers different options such as:<ul><li>search by title,</li><li>Search for artists,</li><li>search by category (Pop, Rock, Country, etc.)</li><li>alphabetical sorting,</li><li>sort by release date.</li></ul>

The manager can perform a scan all available titles and select, simply touching the screen designation, to load. Once selections have been and realized that the manager is 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 mode management.

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

The TSM module is the service mode module telecommunications. This module allows to manage all the management of services available on the network distribution. All the tasks to Telecommunications are managed as tasks background of the system. These tasks use always that treatment time remaining parts once the system has completed all of its tasks foreground. Thus, when the system is busy with one of its highest priority tasks, tasks telecommunications automatically will endeavor reduce the constraints on resources system and recover all of the processing time Microprocessor left available. Some of jobs managed by this module are listed below:<ul><li>transferring audio or video information,</li><li>automated accounting charges for musical selections,</li><li>usage accounting selections musical,</li><li>compilation of statistics,</li><li>diagnostics on the system,</li><li>system security (integrity)</li><li>inventory control selections,</li><li>configuration checks, </li><li>improvements of the software program.</li></ul>

SSC module is the control module system security. This module manages the security, each system is connected with a local controller system according to a time scheme preset for the acquisition of the approval signal, as the registration number, authorizing to work. In addition, if it is found fraud or if the system can not communicate through the network, said system automatically stops function.

In conclusion, the audiovisual reproduction system according to the invention, as has just to be seen, a number of advantages with respect to systems of the prior art. This powerful system using a computer is capable of storing and reproduce any music selection retaining its original quality. It can replace simply and effectively all devices sophisticated mechanical and electronic art Former generators who were failures, such as Disk loading arm, lasers, etc., thereby significantly reducing costs significantly maintenance. It is simple and bulky. The managers or owners of this system can effectively control the selection of titles musical control since only the titles desired, avoiding to go through a company distribution ordinarily acquires that Small amounts of unique titles and impose a rotation to their clients. Here it is possible to acquire only specific titles and this price reduced, rather than whole CD albums, allowing 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 machine Karaoke. Finally, the use of a system multitasking operating permits management simultaneously and without conflict of all tasks executed, representing a considerable advantage.