Pay-per-play audiovisual system with touch screen interface

• US 8,037,412 B2
• Filed: 07/17/2002
• Issued: 10/11/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 10/12/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• 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
• Primary Examiner(s): KE, PENG
• Application Number:
  US10/196,258
• Publication Number:
  US 20030031096A1
• Time in Patent Office: 3,373 Days
• Field of Search: 715/716, 715/702, 715/719, 715/722, 715/764, 715/781, 715/786, 715/874, 846/09
• US Class Current: 715/716
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 13/24 using interrupt G06F13/32 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/60 of audio data
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/63 Querying
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0481 based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04847 Interaction techniques to control parameter settings, e.g. interaction with sliders or dials
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/16 Sound input; Sound output speech processing G10L
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/4812 by interrupt, e.g. masked
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/027 involving a payment switch or gateway
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0601 Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0641 Shopping interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/12 Accounting
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/0014 for vending, access and use of specific services not covered anywhere else in G07F17/00 meter-controlled dispensing of liquid, gas or electricity G07F15/00
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/16 for devices exhibiting advertisements, announcements, pictures or the like
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/305 for record players
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 1/0033 Recording/reproducing or transmission of music for electrophonic musical instruments
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 1/0041 in coded form
• 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 1/361 Recording/reproducing of accompaniment for use with an external source, e.g. karaoke systems
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 1/365 the accompaniment information being stored on a host computer and transmitted to a reproducing terminal by means of a network, e.g. public telephone lines
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 2220/415 Infrared beams
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 2240/026 : File encryption of specific electrophonic music instrument file or stream formats, e.g. MIDI, note oriented formats, sound banks, wavetables
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 2240/081 : Genre classification, i.e. descriptive metadata for classification or selection of musical pieces according to style
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 2240/091 : Info, i.e. juxtaposition of unrelated auxiliary information or commercial messages with or between music files
• 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 2240/191 : CRC, i.e. error detection using a cyclic redundancy check
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 2240/245 : ISDN [Integrated Services Digital Network]
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 2240/255 : Optical fibre transmission for electrophonic musical instrument purposes, e.g. hum mitigation
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 2240/261 : Satellite transmission for musical instrument purposes, e.g. processing for mitigation of satellite transmission delays
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 2240/265 : CATV transmission, i.e. electrophonic musical instruments connected to community antennas or cable television networks
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 2240/291 : SCSI, i.e. Small Computer System Interface
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 2240/295 : Packet switched network, e.g. token ring
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/20 : Disc-shaped record carriers
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/2529 : Mini-discs
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/2545 : CDs
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/90 : Tape-like record carriers
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/913 : Digital audio tape [DAT] format
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/002 : Programmed access in sequence to a plurality of record carriers or indexed parts, e.g. tracks, thereof, e.g. for editing; transfer of record carriers from magazine G11B15/68, G11B17/10; G11B17/22
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/032 : on tapes G11B27/036, G11B27/038 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/034 : on discs G11B27/036, G11B27/038 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/34 : Indicating arrangements indicating means incorporated in magazine or cassette G11B23/046 and G11B23/0875; indicating measured values in general G01D
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/38 : Arrangements for distribution where lower stations, e.g. receivers, interact with the broadcast
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/40 : Arrangements for broadcast specially adapted for accumulation-type receivers
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/76 : Wired systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/79 : using downlink of the CATV systems, e.g. audio broadcast via CATV network
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/82 : using signals not modulated onto a carrier
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/21 : Billing for the use of broadcast information or broadcast-related information
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/23 : using cryptography, e.g. encryption, authentication, key distribution
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/94 : Telephonic networks for accessing the Internet H04H60/84
• 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 21/25875 : involving end-user authentication restricting access to computer systems by authenticating users using a predetermined code G06F21/33; arrangements for secret or secure communication including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system H04L9/32; networks authentication protocols H04L63/08; authentication in wireless network security H04W12/06
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4184 : providing storage capabilities, e.g. memory stick
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4312 : involving specific graphical features, e.g. screen layout, special fonts or colors, blinking icons, highlights or animations
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4314 : for fitting data in a restricted space on the screen, e.g. EPG data in a rectangular grid
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4316 : for displaying supplemental content in a region of the screen, e.g. an advertisement in a separate window
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4334 : Recording operations recording of a television signal H04N5/76; arrangements for recording or accumulating broadcast information or broadcast-related information H04H60/27
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/43615 : Interfacing a Home Network, e.g. for connecting the client to a plurality of peripherals home Audio Video Interoperability [HAVI] data switching networks H04L12/2805
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/443 : OS processes, e.g. booting an STB, implementing a Java virtual machine in an STB or power management in an STB
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/8113 : comprising music, e.g. song in MP3 format
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/17336 : Handling of requests in head-ends
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99953 : Recoverability
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99955 : Archiving or backup

Abstract

An audiovisual reproduction system triggered by payment from a user is developed around a microprocessor device. The system includes memory containing, in compressed digital form, audio and visual information, and a display and digital audio reproduction unit, for creating a multimedia environment. The display includes a video monitor and an interactive user interface which reacts to external events and translates the external events for a multitasking operating system as events activating, via a graphical module of a library of integrated tools and services, a display of windows or frames providing control of physical operating parameters of the audiovisual reproduction system. The external events includes at least a down-event where the user contacts a representation displayed on the touch screen, selecting a parameter to modify, and an up-event where the use breaks contact with the screen, which triggers modification of the selected parameter saving these parameters in the memory.

Claims

1. A jukebox apparatus, comprising:

a microprocessor;

a first memory area that stores audiovisual items playable on the jukebox apparatus in response to a request by a customer;

a second memory area that stores at least one system operating parameter of the jukebox apparatus;

a display for displaying video;

an audio arrangement configured to provide audio;

a communication system for enabling the jukebox device to communicate with an audiovisual distribution network; and

a multitasking operating system configured to enable simultaneous operation of the microprocessor, the display, audio arrangement, and the communication system,

wherein the multitasking system comprises a module configured to resolve priorities between tasks, a task scheduling module, and a selection management module configured to indicate the number and type of active tasks to the task scheduling module and configured to determine whether selections are waiting so as to automatically write these selections in a queue file of the system on a memory area of the jukebox apparatus,

wherein a status of the multitasking operating system is backed up, by the multitasking operating system automatically and without human intervention, to a file stored in the memory area of the jukebox apparatus each time a predetermined event occurs, wherein events that trigger back-up of the operating status include insertion of money, addition of a selection to the queue file, and an end of a selection,

wherein the display comprises a touch sensitive display portion operable to display a first screen for customer interaction, wherein the first screen comprises at least one displayed touch selectable option to assist the customer when searching and/or selecting a desired title,

wherein the touch sensitive display portion is further operable to display a second screen for manager interaction, the second screen being different from the first screen,

wherein the second screen comprises at least one displayed touch selectable option, corresponding to at least one physical system parameter of the jukebox apparatus, for selecting a corresponding physical system parameter to be modified, and

wherein the second screen for manager interaction is triggered when a key switch is manipulated, and wherein the second screen for manager interaction replaces the previously displayed first screen for customer interaction.

2. The jukebox apparatus of claim 1, wherein a manager module associated with the second screen is further operable to:

detect at least one point of contact with the touch sensitive display;

select at least one system operating parameter for modification, if the at least one point of contact corresponds to a selectable portion of at least one displayed touch selectable option; and

modify, based on detected contact, the selected at least one system operating parameter.

3. The jukebox apparatus of claim 2, wherein the manager module is further operable to:

save, in the second memory area, a modified system operating parameter.

4. The jukebox apparatus of claim 3, wherein the manager module is further operable to detect a break in contact with the touch sensitive display, and wherein the manager module saves the modified system operating parameter when a break in contact is detected.

5. The jukebox apparatus of claim 2, wherein the manager module is further operable to detect a break in contact with the touch sensitive display, and wherein the manager module modifies the system operating parameter when a break in contact is detected.

6. The jukebox apparatus of claim 1, wherein the backed up status of the multitasking operating system is read by the jukebox apparatus each time the jukebox apparatus is started.

7. The jukebox apparatus of claim 1, wherein the file includes data regarding ordered and/or purchased audiovisual items.

8. A method of operating a jukebox apparatus, the method comprising:

providing a jukebox apparatus comprising;

a microprocessor,

a first memory area that stores audiovisual items playable on the jukebox apparatus in response to a request by a customer,

a second memory area that stores at least one system operating parameter of the jukebox apparatus,

a touch sensitive display for displaying video,

an audio arrangement configured to provide audio,

a communication system for enabling the jukebox device to communicate with an audiovisual distribution network, and

a multitasking operating system configured to enable simultaneous operation of the microprocessor, the display, audio arrangement, and the communication system, wherein the multitasking operating system comprises a module configured to resolve priorities between tasks, a task scheduling module, and a selection management module configured to indicate the number and type of active tasks to the task scheduling module and configured to determine whether selections are waiting so as to automatically write these selections in a queue file of the system on a memory area of the jukebox apparatus;

backing up a status of the multitasking operating system, by the multitasking operating system automatically and without human intervention, to a file stored in the memory area of the jukebox apparatus each time a predetermined event occurs, wherein events that trigger back-up of the operating status include insertion of money, addition of a selection to the queue file, and an end of a selection;

displaying, on a touch sensitive portion of the display, a first screen for customer interaction, the first screen comprising at least one displayed touch selectable option to assist the customer when searching and/or selecting a desired title; and

when a key switch is manipulated, triggering the display of a second screen for manager interaction on the touch sensitive portion of the display, the second screen being different from the first screen and comprising at least one displayed touch selectable option corresponding to at least one physical system parameter of the jukebox apparatus for modifying a corresponding physical system parameter to be modified,

wherein the second screen for manager interaction replaces the previously displayed first screen for customer interaction when display thereof is triggered.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising providing a manager module accessible via the second screen, the manager module being operable to:

(a) detect at least one point of contact with the touch sensitive display;

(b) select at least one system operating parameter for modification, if the at least one point of contact corresponds to a selectable portion of at least one displayed touch selectable option; and

(c) modify, based on detected contact, the selected at least one system operating parameter.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the manager module is further operable to save, in the second memory area, a modified system operating parameter.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the manager module is further operable to detect a break in contact with the touch sensitive display, and

wherein the manager module saves the modified system operating parameter when a break in contact is detected.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the manager module is further operable to detect a break in contact with the touch sensitive display, and

wherein the manager module modifies the system operating parameter when a break in contact is detected.

13. The method of claim 8, further comprising reading the backed up status of the multitasking operating system each time the jukebox apparatus is started.

14. The method of claim 8, wherein the file includes data regarding ordered and/or purchased audiovisual items.