Audiovisual distribution system

The present invention relates to a system audiovisual distribution to run a piece audiovisual on at least one audiovisual equipment from a plurality of AV devices connected to network a central server.

It is known networks to deliver music from a jukebox type device frequency multiplexing in a musical selection on a cable network type coaxial cable for the distributing television channels. Such a device is known in particular from patent EP 0140593. It has the disadvantage of requiring conversion boxes for demultiplexing the signals, using a network coaxial implying for any distribution channel the same selection on all positions.

A first object of the invention is to enable the network to distribute the choice is the same selection on all devices or a device on each different selection this selection can be as well as audio video type.

It is also known as the patent UK 2193420 and Patent PCT WO 9415416, for selection of distribution networks requiring audio telephone lines. Due to the use of these telephone lines to the network rates are limited and such a network may not be used for the distribution of video selection requires a large flow of information to allow good video reproductions quality.

PCT WO 9415416 teaches the use a telephone line of the ISDN type, but even this type line whose flow is limited to 18 megabit / second is not enough to distribute information quality video on a sufficient number of devices.

Finally the invention also aims to propose a network in which the elements are expensive deported at the server to reduce the cost of each audiovisual reproduction device without penalizing however the performance of each. Such elements are expensive hard drives, high-capacity allowing the storage of a sufficient number of information, including video selections, as well as telecommunications modems having flow rates for network connection to a central system serving a plurality of networks.

This object is achieved by the fact that the system of audiovisual distribution to run a piece audiovisual on at least one audiovisual equipment from a plurality of AV devices each comprising audio or video means of implementation of a room and connected to a central computer server containing means magnetic or optical memory storage mass of a plurality of audiovisual items selectable from each of the devices is wherein each of the AV devices (8) comprises interactive means for communication with the user to select a part or the menu, means of payment, a computer network card, permanent memory semiconductor containing system multitasking operation comprising at least one task management of hard drive access in which the order execution of a part resulting from a selection is treated first, as a sequential access task hard drive, and the other the machine's network card is reported to the operating system as the device constituting the hard drive of the device, to allow sent through the network a request to the server (9) with a view to its processing, the server comprising multitasking operating system, a mass memory permanent magnetic or optical type, card network which requests different devices (8) are received, the operating system processing these Disk access requests generated by devices such as clean disk access requests.

In another feature, the system operating each device the audiovisual declaration of the telecommunications modem owned a telecommunications access task as device matches that of the network card and when telecommunication access request is performed at a device of this NIC device transmits this request to the server that it comprises at least one telecommunications modem.

In another feature, the device Audiovisual previously insured by a request that the server modem card is available.

In another feature the flow of each network adapter and control circuitry buffers video and sound are sized to allow the exchange information at a rate sufficient to achieve video animation on a network containing at least eight audiovisual equipment.

In another feature, each device Audiovisual comprises a touch screen and software associated interface as an interactive way communication with the user.

According to another embodiment, the network comprises a number of servers, each associated with a hard drive, a number of AV devices such as the number audiovisual equipment is eight times the number servers.

In another feature, the system operating each server is associated with a switching means for deciding whether the Information provided in response to the request of a network device are served to all network devices or each device that has made request.

In another feature, the server is equipped with audio or video of a performance piece means, a means of payment and interactive way communication with a user that the manager of the network.

Other advantages and features of the invention apparent on reading the following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, given as an illustrative but nonlimiting example of a embodiment of the invention, in which:<sl><li>FIG 1 shows schematically a network according to the invention;</li><li>2 shows the circuit diagram constituting an audiovisual network device;</li><li>3 shows the circuit diagram constituting a network server;</li><li>Figure 4 shows the organization of the system multitasking managing hardware and software means each device or network servers;</li><li>Figure 5 shows a flowchart description the operation of multitasking operating system;</li><li>6 shows the flowchart of verification tasks of the activities inside the multitasking system;</li><li>7 shows the flowchart of setting Queue tasks.</li></sl>

Preferably, but however in a manner not limited to, the audiovisual reproduction system uses hardware listed and referenced below in conjunction with Figure 1.

The system consists of a plurality audiovisual equipment (8₁, 8₂, 8_i, 8₁₆) .reliés between them and via a computer network to at least one server (9₁, 9₂).

There are two types of servers (9₁, 9₂) which can be connected to the local network (10), the master servers (9₁) And mirror servers (9₂). Master servers ((9₁) Are those who are actively involved in the LAN. It is they who take requests from jukeboxes (8) and doing the work.

The mirroring servers (9₂) Is to clone Master servers (9₁). They must be synchronized to perfection with their masters and for any changes. When they detect that the server Master (9₁) No longer meets the demands of jukeboxes (8), they must place distress calls to network administrators to take over up that these normally operate again.

Each server (9₁, 9₂) Consists of a unit central (1, 3) with microprocessor which is, example, a compatible system of high-performance PC. Choosing, when implemented, has focused on a System Intel 80486 DX / 2 type which has means storage and the following characteristics:<ul><li>compatibility with the local Vesa bus,</li><li>processor cache: 256 kB,</li><li>card (71) 100 Mbit network</li><li>serial and parallel ports of high-performance,</li><li>Bus Controller SCSI / 2WIDE 32 bits,</li><li>RAM memory SRAM self powered 32 MW.</li></ul>

The operating system must NICs be a LAN server such as NOVELL, OS / 2 LAN SERVER, UNIX or any other operating system similar.

This network server software allows access, the exchange and sharing of data and resources ordinate way equipment by applying priorities and rules of access to each customer connected to the LAN.

Any other central unit having equivalent or superior performance can be used in the invention.

The central unit (1, 3) the control server and manages a network of the control circuit (7), a circuit (4) control of telecommunications, a circuit (3) control input, a circuit (2) for controlling the mass storage. In the case where the server (9) is function as a jukebox, it is possible to add a sound control circuit (5) and a circuit (6) control display means of the same type those devices (8). The display means is comprise mainly a video monitor (62) to screen flat 14-inch (35.56 cm) without interlacing type SVGA high resolution and low radiation, that's what monitor that is used for the reproduction of images (Eg selection of album covers music), graphics or video clips.

The server (9) used for maintenance purposes a external key (34) which can be connected to the server it has for a keyboard connector, controlled by the interface circuit (3).

Mass storage means (21) using SCSI hard drives for high speed and high capacity, are associated with storage means already present in the microprocessor device server (9). These means are used to store information digitized and compressed audiovisual.

A telecommunications modem circuit (41) high rate of at least 28.8 Kbps is integrated to the server (9) to allow connection to a distribution network audiovisual information controlled by a system serving more central ieurs servers.

Each AV device (8) comprises a unit unit (1, 2) with microprocessor which is, example, a compatible system of high-performance PC.

Choosing, when implemented, has focused on a System Intel 80486 DX / 2 type which has means storage and the following characteristics:<ul><li>compatibility with the local Vesa bus,</li><li>processor cache: 256 kB,</li><li>card (71) 100 Mbit</li><li>SRAM self-powered RAM 32 MB</li><li>serial and parallel ports of high-performance,</li></ul>

Any other central unit having equivalent or superior performance can be used in the invention.

This central unit controls and manages a circuit its control (5), a circuit (3) for controlling the inputs, a circuit (7) for controlling the computer network, a circuit (6) for controlling the display means. The display means mainly consist of a video monitor (62) flat screen 14 or 15 inches (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.

To reproduce the audio information musical selections, devices and possibly the or servers include speakers (54) receiving the signal of a -tuner amplifier (53) connected the electronic circuit (5) type of synthesizer music designed to support a large number of sources input while providing an output having a CD like quality (CD), as per example the microprocessor multimedia audio adapter card-type "Sound Blaster" SBP32AWE from Creative Labs Inc to which two memory buffers (56, 57) are added in purpose to be explained. this circuit (5) is to decompress the information Digital arriving via the network.

Similarly, the control circuit means visualization also includes two buffers (66, 67) in purpose to be explained.

A thermally controlled 240 watt power supply ventilated provides power to each device or server. This power supply is protected against overcurrent and overshoots.

Each audiovisual apparatus (8) and optionally the server or servers (9) run through the circuit input controller (3), a touch screen (33) "Intelli Touch "14-inch (35.56 cm) from Elo Touch Systems Inc. which includes a covering panel of the window using "advanced surface wave technology" and an AT type bus controller. this screen Touch allows after displaying on the monitor (62) or a TV Screen (61) Miscellaneous selection data used by customers, as well as control information and control Management used by the manager or owner of system. It can also be used on each device (8) for maintenance purposes in combination with an external keyboard (34) which can be connected to the apparatus having a keyboard for that connector, controlled by a key lock (32) through the circuit interface (3).

The input circuit (3) at least one of the devices (8) of the network may also interface with a set remote control (31) made, for example:<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>

Each network device is equipped with a fee payment device (35) home National Rejectors Inc. is likewise connected to the circuit input interface (3). It is also possible using any other device that allows the receipt of any payment by coins, bills, tokens, magnetic chip cards or a combination of means of payment

For accommodating the circuits, it is further provided for each device with a chassis or frame fittings external customizable.

Besides these components, a microphone (55) with or without wire can be connected to the controller (5) of each device, which transforms it into a powerful ads and information system for the public or possibly a karaoke machine. Of even a wireless speaker system can be used by the system.

The assembly (31) remote control allows the manager, access and control at different distance commands such as:<ul><li>the on / off control of the microphone,</li><li>control muting the speakers,</li><li>control volume control,</li><li>ordering cancel the musical selection being listened to.</li></ul>

Two buffers (56, 57) are associated with each sound controller circuit (5) for storing so each alternative a corresponding information to its second quarter. Likewise two buffers (66, 67) are associated with each video controller circuit (6) and each capable of alternately storing a tenth of a second image. Finally a buffer (36) input interface is associated with each interface input (3) of each device (8) or server (9).

The operating software of each device (8) or server (9) of the system was developed around a library of tools and services largely oriented to the audiovisual field in a multimedia universe. This library advantageously includes a system multitasking operating performance of authorizing effectively simultaneous execution of multiple code fragments. This operating software enables and concurrent execution, in an orderly and avoiding any conflict of transactions on display means, said reproducing means sound as well as the management of bonds Telecommunications through the distribution network. Moreover, this software has high flexibility

The digitized audiovisual data compressed are stored in the storage means (21) of the server (9).

Each selection is available in two formats scanned: with hi-fi quality or CD quality.

The operating software of each device (8) is placed in RAM self-powered static RAM each device (8) while the software server operating (9) can be saved the hard disk (21) and charged to operations in the server RAM

It is essential to note that the tasks specific component of the system modules operations are executed simultaneously in a environment using the operating system multitasking. Therefore, the flowcharts indicate specific operations which 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 start-up. This module provides only one service, Therefore it is loaded automatically when the powering the device or server and returns then directly in the way "on" the module RMM referenced.

The RMM module is the mode "in service" which is the operation mode wherein the apparatus or between server when its registration number is valid. In this mode, the device (8) or server (9) ready to handle any request that may be triggered by various predefined events such for example:<ul><li>user that affect the display of a unit (8) transferring the session control leading to CBSM module selection mode customer browsing,</li><li>telecommunications of call requests by the TSM telecom service module</li></ul>

The apparatus (8) or the server (9) remain in the fashion "in service" until one of the events described above occurs.

The CBSM module is the selection mode module and customer browsing. Access to this module triggered from the mode "on" when the client touches the screen. The display allows the user to view a menu provided for powerful exploration assisted by digitized voice messages to guide in his choice of musical selections.

The TSM module is the mode module services telecommunications between the network server and a central system serving multiple servers to different networks. 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. These tasks always use the processing time remaining once that the device or server has completed all its tasks foreground. Thus, when the device is busy one of its highest priority tasks, tasks Telecommunications automatically will try to reduce the stresses on the system resources and recover all the microprocessor processing time left available.

The SPMM module allows the management of selections music songs or video uploaded by the queue system for execution in the order of selection.

The multitasking operating system is the essential element to allow the simultaneous execution multiple code fragments and to manage priorities between the various tasks that wake

This multitask operating system is organized, as shown in Figure 4, around a core comprising a module (11) of priority resolution between tasks, a module (12) supervisor tasks, a module (13) serialization of the equipment used a module (14) to process communications. Each of the modules communicates with interfaces (15) programming of applications and the database (16). There are as many programming interface that there applications. And the module (15) has a first interface (153) for programming the screen touch (33), a second interface (154) programming keyboard (34) a third interface (155) for programming the device of payment (35), a fourth interface (156) programming for sound control circuit (5), a fifth interface (157) for programming circuit (6) for controlling the video and one last interface (158) for the circuit (7) Network Control computer.

It is import to note that the interface programming the network card is supplied with the card when you buy a network kit and map network is declared to the operating system as the device constituting the hard drive or modem card, telecommunication of each AV device (8). So each operating system of each device (8), following the call of a telecommunications procedure or of consecutive hard disk access to a selection triggers a network communication session in which the Server NIC will provide each audiovisual equipment (8) resource called.

Five tasks with a decreasing order of priority are managed by the kernel (kernel) System operating the first (76) for the inputs and outputs video has the highest priority, the second (75) level two relates to audio, the third (74) of level three telecommunications, fourth (73) level four interfaces and the fifth (70) to level five management. These orders of priority will be considered the module (11) for resolving priorities as as the appearance or disappearance of a task. So as soon as a video task appears, the other tasks running are suspended, priority is given to this task and all resources are assigned to the video task. The video task (76) output relates to unload the video files of the mass memory (21) alternately to one of two buffers (66, 67) of the device (8) that made the request, while the other buffer (67, respectively 66) is used by the circuit (6) video controller the device (8) that made the request to produce the display after data decompression. In the entry video task (76) of the server (9) is designed to transfer data received in the buffer Telecommunications (46) of the server (9) to the memory mass (21) of the server (9). It is the same for its task (75), on the one hand between the input buffer Telecommunications (46) and buffer (26) of the memory mass (21) and secondly between the output buffer (26) mass memory (21) of the server (9) and one of two buffers (56, 57) of the circuit (5) the controller the device (8) that made the request.

Task scheduling module (12) of each device (8) or server (9) will now be described in connection with Figure 5. This module performs in the order priority of a first test (761) to determine whether the video task is active, ie if one of the buffers video (66, 67) is empty. In the case where the answer is negative task scheduling module passes the test following which a second test (751) to determine whether audio task is active, ie if one of the buffers (56, 57) is empty. In case of a negative response third test (741) determines whether the communication task is active, ie if the buffer (46) is empty. After a positive response to a test, the module task scheduler (12) fills in step (131) the queue request (13) to access memories and at stage (132) this request by reading or writing between mass memory (21) due server (9) and the buffer corresponding to the active task on the device (8), then loops back to the first test. When the test (741) on the communications activity is affirmative, scheduler (12) performs a test (742) to determine if it is to read or write information in memory. Whether the write request or read is queued in step (131). On the other hand the scheduler determines at step (743) if it is for transmission or reception and in the case a transmission sent by a procedure communication network, in step (744) the block information to the server (9) for transmission by Last central system serving multiple servers. In the case of a reception, the supervisor checks step (746) that buffer the server are free access and if so sends a message to central server to accept receipt of a block of input at step (747). After receiving a block, error control (748) is made of the type of CRC CRC (cyclic redundant check). The block refused to step (740) in case of error, or accepted otherwise step (749), by sending a corresponding message to the central system meaning the block bearing a specific number is rejected or accepted, then loops back to the start of testing. in the If there is no higher level task active supervisor at stage (731 or 701) the treatment the interface or management tasks.

Detection of an active task or is ready as shown in Figure 6 by a test respectively (721-761) on each of the hardware or software buffers respectively (26) of the hard drive (36) interface (46) telecommunication, (56 and 57) thereof, (66 and 67) of the video that are associated with each circuit respective controllers (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) of each of devices materials associated with the central unit (1).

The test (721) shows whether the data is present in the input buffer memory and the output disc, the test (731) lets see if data is present in the hardware or software buffers the client device interface, the test (741) allows whether data is present in the buffers software or hardware of the device memory telecommunication, the test (751) determines whether data is present in the memory buffer hardware or software to sense the test (761) lets to see if data is present in buffer hardware or software video device memory.

If one or more of these buffers are filled with data scheduler (12) positions the pads or respective status (821) for the hard disk (831) to the interface (841) for telecommunications, (851) for audio, (861) for video corresponding to illustrative material to a logic state of the activity. Otherwise the status of buffers supervisor are given in step (800) to a value illustrative of inactivity.

The operation status of the server (9) or respectively of the apparatus (8) is held on disk Hard (21) Server (9) or respectively in the memory self-powered of the apparatus (8).

Whenever a significant event is engaged, the operating system records immediately on the permanent storage resource.

Thus, in the event that a fault would occur electrical or equipment failure, the system will be able to restart the exact same location where it was interrupted.

The events that generate backup operation status are:<ul><li>entry money (adding credits);</li><li>adding a selection in the queue;</li><li>the end of a selection (change selection currently listening).</li></ul>

The file is in a machine format only readable by the unit and does not take more than 64 bytes.

The number and type of active tasks is indicated supervisor (12) execution management module SPMM selections of whose flowchart is shown in Figure 7. The management performed by the module begins by a test (61) to determine if selections are waiting in the queue.

Thereafter if the test (61) on the queue determines that selections are waiting, when a customer chooses a title he wishes to hear it is automatically written in a queue file the standby system on the hard drive.

Thus, each selection made will never be lost in case of power failure. The system plays (reproduces) the entire selection before removing the file the waiting line.

When the selection has been reproduced in its entirety, it is removed from the queue file and written in the statistics file with the date and time purchase, and the date and time when it was executed.

Immediately after transfer to the file statistics of your selection, the device checks if any other selection in the suspense file. If there is another one, it immediately begins to play the selection.

The processing continues by testing (65) for determine if the selection contains an audio scenario. Yes Yes, this scenario is registered in step (651) in the queue Supervisor tasks (12). If not, or after entry, processing is continued by test (66) to determine if the selection contains images animated. If so the video scenario is registered in step (661) in the queue of tasks Supervisor (12). If no or if yes after this inscription, treatment continues with a test (64) to determine if the selection contains a Fixed graphic. If so the scenario graphic presentation is registered in step (641) in the queue of scheduler (12). If not, or yes after this entry, processing is followed by a test (63) for determining whether the selection contains an advertising scenario. If so the scenario is written in step (631) in the queue tasks scheduler (12). Thus scheduler (12) informed of open tasks can manage the flow of tasks simultaneously.

Because, firstly task management mode by assigning the highest priority orders to video tasks requiring the most resources on the other by the presence of hardware or software buffers assigned to each task to store temporarily data, the presence of buffer status on each task and communication between each device and a server over the network computer, it is possible to shift resources expensive devices necessary for some of the tasks (8) on one central unit (9) also having a multitasking operating system.

A server (9) of base is capable of serving a local network with up to eight jukeboxes customers. With additions of appropriate devices, such as additional hard drives, a server able to serve a maximum of 8 jukeboxes additional. To add more jukeboxes, it is can create local network environments have multiple servers sharing the tasks. Thus it is possible to create environments capable of serving any need.

A fully equipped server has sufficient resource to administer 16 jukeboxes. A waiter can support up to 7 disks can contain as of selections available space required type knowing that selection audio selection and his party 3.4125 Mbit graphics require disk space available, a selection audio and video needs 39.568 Mbit of available disk space.

To overcome these limitations and meet the needs of institutions such as complex Hoteliers sometimes with several hundred rooms it is possible to use technology mass storage such as RAID to back selections and / or network configurations multiple servers to service the jukeboxes.

It is also possible to add devices additional telecommunications (41) such as modems to meet the additional needs telecommunications network to the outside.

The network allows the server to take responsibility to undertake several tasks common to each jukebox to avoid duplication of work, IT operations and equipment.

LAN also serves as an important link between All jukeboxes making possible the establishment Links to maintain all data common to all the jukeboxes and making accessible to everyone.

Common data maintained on a server are either audio / video selections, either Buying usage statistics of each jukebox, or statistics on the audio / video selections.

The jukebox or audiovisual equipment (8) on the one hand does not have any telecommunications devices since these are centralized server (9) but up requests to the server (9) which processes the priority, and also does not have the disk space required to store audio / video selections, as they are centralized at server (9) to be shareable with all jukeboxes LAN.

The jukebox (8) network needs very little permanent storage since all information will now be centralized for produce units without hard drive and thus reducing maintenance by eliminating the most capable parts break down. In the jukebox (8) without hard drive permanent memory partition contains all Information and the necessary operating program to establish links with the server and start the operating system of the jukebox.

This permanent memory can be in the form of EEPROM memory, static memory banks protected by batteries or even cards called HARD CARD are protected static memory banks by batteries with functions to clone tasks of a hard disk.

The operating system of the jukebox module (8) make sure to have the necessary resources before to do its work. To do this, it must manage link state with centralized and devices, if necessary, makes requests to the server asking establishing appropriate links between the jukebox and required device. If such resources telecommunications are not operating by a jukebox, the server (9) will provide exclusive links jukebox.

Once the link is established, the jukebox (8) can do his work as if it was the resource clean. Once the jukebox (8) has completed its work, it sends a request to the server to be disconnected from the resource, making it available for other jukeboxes (8) of the network.

The order and logic used to pay distribution and access privileges to resources ordinates are controlled by the operating system network that resides on the server (9).

And a switching device such as a key hardware or software enables the network operator deciding to distribute the server (9) the same selection on all devices (8) of the network or to let broadcast on each device (8) a selection different. In the latter case, access to resources HDD will split time between e device (8), the buffers (56, 57; 66, 67) of each unit (8) having the capacity to wait the next access without discontinuity in the audio or visual representation.

In addition, the multitasking operating system including a library containing a set of tools and services, facilitates very significantly exploitation due to its integration into the means storage and high flexibility made. In particular, it is thanks to that, possible to create a multimedia environment by managing so simple and effective simultaneous reproduction of sound, displaying images or graphics and animation video. Furthermore, since the audiovisual information are digitized and stored in the only ways storage of the server, the network cost is considerably reduced.

Similarly, the hardware necessary to offset the telecommunication function of each device (8) on the server network significantly reduces the cost and enables the use of a computer network a 100 Mbit / s throughput simultaneously serve at least eight devices that can all at the same time reproduce a different video animation on each unit, knowing that each video animation requires a flow 10 Mbit / s.

This would not have been possible with the ISDN network of WO 94/15416 with a throughput of the order of 1 MBbit / s, which is already insufficient for an animation video. It is the same with any other line remote data transmission.

When it comes to buffers, it is recalled that these may be present either physically on the circuit to which they are assigned or directed by software by reserving storage locations in system memory.