Device and process for remote management of a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems

• US 20030208586A1
• Filed: 04/22/2003
• Published: 11/06/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 05/10/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: TouchTunes Music Corporation (The Octave Music Group, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: TouchTunes Music Corporation (The Octave Music Group, Inc.)
• Inventors: Nathan, Guy, Mastronardi, Tony, Clement, Hugues
• Granted Patent: US 7,512,632 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/223
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/22 Indexing; Data structures therefor; Storage structures
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/40 of multimedia data, e.g. slideshows comprising image and additional audio data retrieval of still image data G06F16/50; retrieval of audio data G06F16/60; retrieval of video data G06F16/70
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/48 Retrieval characterised by using metadata, e.g. metadata not derived from the content or metadata generated manually
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/60 of audio data
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/382 insuring higher security of transaction
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0601 Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/305 for record players
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 1/0058 Transmission between separate instruments or between individual components of a musical system G10H1/0083 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 2240/125 Library distribution, i.e. distributing musical pieces from a central or master library
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 2240/181 Billing, i.e. purchasing of data contents for use with electrophonic musical instruments; Protocols therefor; Management of transmission or connection time therefor
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 2240/241 Telephone transmission, i.e. using twisted pair telephone lines or any type of telephone network
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2543 Billing , e.g. for subscription services payment schemes, architectures or protocols G06Q20/00; e-commerce G06Q30/00; arrangements for billing for the use of broadcast information or broadcast-related information H04H60/21
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/25816 involving client authentication restricting access to computer systems by authenticating users using a predetermined code G06F21/33; cryptographic authentication protocols H04L9/32; networks authentication protocols H04L63/08; authentication in wireless network security H04W12/06
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4532 involving end-user characteristics, e.g. viewer profile, preferences monitoring of user activities for profile generation for accessing a video database G06F16/739; user profiles in network data switching protocols H04L67/306; processing of user preferences or user profiles in wireless networks H04W8/18
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4586 Content update operation triggered locally, e.g. by comparing the version of software modules in a DVB carousel to the version stored locally deployment, distribution, installation, update of software G06F8/65; error detection or correction of the data by redundancy during software upgrading G06F11/1433; arrangements for updating broadcast information or broadcast-related information H04H60/25
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6137 involving transmission via a telephone network, e.g. POTS
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/8352 involving content or source identification data, e.g. Unique Material Identifier [UMID]
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/164 Coin-freed apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/165 Centralised control of user terminal subsequent to an upstream request signal H04N7/17345; Registering at central by two-way working H04N7/17309
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/173 with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99931 : Database or file accessing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99933 : Query processing, i.e. searching
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99945 : Object-oriented database structure processing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99948 : Application of database or data structure, e.g. distributed, multimedia, or image

Abstract

Management device for a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems or jukeboxes, including a database with a plurality of sets of arrays, each array containing grouped information either about the composition of a jukebox, or the use of the jukebox, or the payment of fees. The database is managed by a computer server connected with the audiovisual information reproduction systems to receive messages sent by each audiovisual information reproduction device and containing information necessary to update determined sets of arrays in the database, and update data or the program for each audiovisual information reproduction device with information stored in at least one set of arrays in the database and transmitted in this message.

Claims

1. Management device for a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems characterized in that it comprises a database (11) with a plurality of sets of arrays (1101 to 1111), each array containing grouped information either about the composition of a jukebox (1102, 1104), or the use of the jukebox (1108, 1110, 1111), or the payment of fees (1109), the database (11) is managed by a computer server (10) provided with means of connection with audiovisual information reproduction systems (100.1 to 100.n) to firstly receive messages sent by each audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n) and containing information necessary to update determined sets of arrays (1101 to 1111) in the database, and secondly to send the messages to each audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n) in order to update data or the program for each audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n) with information stored in at least one set of arrays (1110) in the database and transmitted in this message.

2. Management device for a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems according to claim 1, characterized in that a first set of arrays (1101) comprises general information about the operating status of the jukebox.

3. Management device for a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems according to claim 2, characterized in that the first set of arrays comprises a number (JUK_ID) uniquely identifying each jukebox, the operating status (JUK_STATUS) of the jukebox, the password (JUK_WAKE_UP_PASSW) authorizing operation of the jukebox and the jukebox installation date (JUK_INSTALLATION_DT).

4. Management device for a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a second set of arrays (1102) in the database comprises information about the hardware and software composition of each jukebox.

5. Management device for a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems according to claim 4, characterized in that the second set of arrays comprises a group of tables (PROGRAMM) containing all software that can be used on the jukeboxes, each program being identified by at least its name (PGD_NAME) and its version number (PGM_VERSION).

6. Management device for a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems according to claim 5, characterized in that the second set of arrays comprises a group of tables (SOFTWARE) containing the program names and versions installed on each jukebox, for each given jukebox (JUK_ID).

7. Management device for a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the second set of arrays comprises a group of tables (COMPONENT) containing the list of hardware components usable in each jukebox, each component being identified by a number (COD_ID), the group of tables (COMPONENT) also comprising an argument corresponding to the number (JUK_ID) of the jukebox on which the component is installed.

8. Management device for a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the second set of arrays (1102) comprises a group of tables (PROGRAM_DEF) containing the descriptions of each software and/or a group of tables (PROGRAMM_INCOMPAT) listing incompatibilities between the software and/or a group of tables (COMPONENT_DEF) containing descriptions of each hardware component, and/or a group of tables (COMPONENT_INCOMPAT) listing incompatibilities between components and software, and/or a group of tables (FIRMWARE) containing the list of software associated with hardware components.

9. Management device for a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a third set of arrays comprises a first subset (1103, IB_XXX) containing all possible values for the different operating and setting parameter sets for all jukeboxes, each value for a parameter set being identified by a unique number.

10. Management device for a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems according to claim 9, characterized in that a second subset of the third set of arrays (1103, JUK_XXX) associates an identifier of the operating and setting parameter set contained in a group of tables in the first subset (1103, IB_XXX) of the first group, for each jukebox identifier (JUK_ID).

11. Management device for a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the parameter sets contain the different possible passwords in a first group of tables (IB_PASSWORD) and/or the prices of song in a second group of tables (IB_TUNE_COST) and/or the setting of a remote control of a jukebox in a third group of tables (IB_REMOTE_CONTROL) and/or the number of free songs usable in a third group of tables (IB_CREDIT) and/or Internet connection elements in a fourth group of tables (IB_ISP).

12. Management device for a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a fourth set of arrays (1104) determines the list of song numbers (CLT_ID) available on a jukebox with a given identifier number (JUK_ID).

13. Management device for a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that a fifth set of arrays (1105) comprises a description of all songs, artists and albums making up a bank of songs in the database (11), each song being identified by a number (CLT_ID).

14. Management device for a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems according to claim 13, characterized in that the fifth set of arrays (1105) comprises a group of tables (CATALOGUE) containing a description of each song in the songs bank and whether or not it is available on each jukebox, a group of tables (ALBUM) containing a description of each album in the songs bank and whether or not it is available on each jukebox, and a group of tables (ARTISTE) containing a description of each artist or group of artists in the songs bank.

15. Management device for a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that a sixth set of arrays (1106) contains information about the placement of a filter on each jukebox to prevent downloading of at least one song chosen by an operator.

16. Management device for a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems according to claim 15, characterized in that the sixth set of arrays (1106) comprises a plurality of groups of tables (FLT_LABEL, FLT_ARTIST, FLT_CATALOGUE) that define the criteria for all filters that may be setup on each jukebox and applicable to at least one determined artist (ART_ID) and/or at least one determined songs category (CTG_ID) and/or at least one determined disk publisher (LAB_ID) and/or at least one determined song (CTL_ID), each filter being described in an array (JUK_FILTER) and identified by a unique number (JUF_ID) identifying the filter.

17. Management device for a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems according to one of claims 15 or 16, characterized in that the first set of arrays (1101) comprises an argument corresponding to the identifier (JUF_ID) of the filter(s) applied to the determined jukebox (JUK_ID).

18. Management device for a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that a seventh set of arrays (1107) comprises information about operators that own or rent each jukebox.

19. Management device for a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that an eighth set of arrays (1108) contains the history of the use of each jukebox.

20. Management device for a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems according to claim 19, characterized in that the eighth set of arrays (1108) comprises a group of tables (PLAY_LOG) containing the list of all identifiers (CLT_ID) of songs distributed on each audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n), this array being updated by the server (10) on reception of a log file, by a determined audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n), containing the list of songs distributed on the jukebox.

21. Management device for a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that a ninth set of arrays (1109) comprises information necessary for the calculation of fees and the rental cost for each jukebox.

22. Management device for a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that a tenth set of arrays (1110) comprises all instructions intended to update at least one audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n), these instructions being transmitted to the audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n) concerned by the server (10) as soon as the audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n) sets up a communication with the server.

23. Management device for a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems according to claim 22, characterized in that the tenth set of arrays (1110) comprises a group of tables (INSTRUCTION) identifying update instructions (INS_ID) for a determined jukebox (JUK_ID) and the order (INS_SEQ) in which the instructions must be executed on the jukebox and/or the date (INS_TARGET_DT) starting from which the server (10) may transmit instructions to the jukebox.

24. Management device for a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems according to claim 23, characterized in that the instructions contained in the eleventh set of tables are memorized before the date (INS_TARGET_DT) starting from which the server (10) can transmit instructions to the jukebox.

25. Management device for a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems according to one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that the tenth set of arrays (1110) comprises a plurality of groups of tables (INS_SOFTWARE, INS_ALBUM, INS_CATALOGUE, INS_JEEP_SCRIPT, INS_IBUTTON) containing update instructions possible on each jukebox, each instruction related either to an update to the software (INS_SOFTWARE), or the addition of a new album (INS_ALBUM), or the addition of a new song (INS_CATALOGUE), or the management of computer files on a jukebox (INS_JEEP_SCRIPT), or the modification of a jukebox operating parameter (INS_IBUTTON).

26. Management device for a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems according to one of claims 22 to 25, characterized in that the tenth set of arrays (1110) comprises a group of specific tables (EXECUTED_INSTRUCTION) comprising all identifiers of instructions that were correctly transmitted to each jukebox, the group of specific tables (EXECUTED_INSTRUCTION) also comprises at least the destination jukebox identifier (JUK_ID) and the instruction transmission date (EXE_EXECUTION_DT), for each instruction identifier (INS-ID).

27. Management device for a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems according to one of claims 22 to 26, characterized in that the tenth set of arrays (1110) comprises at least one group of specific tables (EVENT, EVENT_DEF) defining events triggering a given instructions group (INS_ID).

28. Management device for a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems according to one of claims 1 to 27, characterized in that a first subset of an eleventh set of arrays (1110) comprises information about setting up a promotion for the distribution of at least one song available on each jukebox, each promotion being identified by a number (PRO_ID, PRI_ID), and in that a second subset of the eleventh set of arrays (1110) contains the references (PRI_ID, PRO_ID) of the promotion(s) applicable to a determined jukebox (JUK_ID).

29. Management device for a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems according to claim 28, characterized in that the first subset of the eleventh set of arrays (1110) comprises at least one group of specific tables (PROMOTION, PRO_PACKAGE, PRO_PACKAGE_CATALOGUE, PRO_PACKAGE_ARTIST) defining all songs (CLT_ID, ART_ID) for which there is a promotion, and the promotion start and end dates, and the first subset of the eleventh set of arrays (1110) also comprises a group of specific tables (PRICING) comprising price modifications (PRI_AMOUNT) of the songs for which the promotion is made.

30. Management device for a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems according to claim 28, characterized in that payment of fees due for the distribution of all songs included in the promotion is charged to the promoter who initiated the promotion.

31. Management device for a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems according to one of claims 1 to 30, characterized in that the server (10) comprises a module for the display of information in the database in order to display at least one screen (200 to 270) comprising at least one information display area and/or at least one information input area and/or at least one information selection area, each selection area provokes the collection of information by the server in the database or validation of information contained in each input area and each display area includes the value of an argument in the database.

32. Process for the management of a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems or jukebox comprising a computer server (10) with means of connection to information reproduction systems (100.1 to 100.n), characterized in that it comprises:

a step in which a jukebox is connected to the server to setup a communication,

a step with transfers of at least one message from the jukebox to the server,

a step in which the server processes the message to identify the jukebox that setup a communication and to update at least one table in a database controlling central management of the jukeboxes,

a step to search for instructions to update the jukebox, in at least one group of tables in the database,

a step for the construction of a message and then transfer of the message from the server containing the update instructions found in the database, to the jukebox that setup the communication.