Data processing: database and file management or data structures – Database design – Data structure types
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-21
2003-06-10
Metjahic, Safet (Department: 2171)
Data processing: database and file management or data structures
Database design
Data structure types
C381S124000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06578051
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a device and a process for the management of a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
International patent application WO
96/12255 describes a device for reproduction of audiovisual information commonly called jukebox. This jukebox is organized around a system unit that manages audiovisual reproduction means and means for memorizing at least one audiovisual information corresponding at least to the sound reproduction of one song. The system unit also manages telecommunication means such as a modem, particularly to enable downloading of audiovisual information from a host server. Management of orders for new songs and for changing settings requires either that an operator should visit the site on which the jukebox is installed, or that the operator should use a computer with a link to the host server. Furthermore, management operations that can be performed through the link with the host server are limited to ordering new musical selections.
OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to overcome the disadvantages of prior art by proposing a device for management of audiovisual information reproduction systems that can be used to manage all information related to audiovisual information reproduction systems and their operation in a simple and centralized manner.
This purpose is achieved by the fact that the device for management of a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems is characterized in that it comprises 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 provided with means of connection with audiovisual information reproduction systems to firstly receive messages sent by each audiovisual information reproduction device and containing information necessary to update determined sets of arrays in the database, and secondly to send messages to each audiovisual information reproduction device in order to 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.
According to another feature, a first set of arrays comprises general information about the operating status of the jukebox.
According to another feature, the first set of arrays comprises a number uniquely identifying each jukebox, the operating status of the jukebox, the password authorizing operation of the jukebox and the jukebox installation date.
According to another feature, a second set of arrays in the database comprises information about the hardware and software composition of each jukebox.
According to another feature, the second set of arrays comprises a group of tables containing all software that can be used on the jukeboxes, each program being identified by at least its name and its version number.
According to another feature, the second set of arrays comprises a group of tables containing the program names and versions installed on each jukebox, for each given jukebox.
According to another feature, the second set of arrays comprises a group of tables containing the list of hardware components usable in each jukebox, each component being identified by a number, the group of tables also comprising an argument corresponding to the number of the jukebox on which the component is installed.
According to another feature, the second set of arrays comprises a group of tables containing the descriptions of each software and/or a group of tables listing incompatibilities between the software and/or a group of tables containing descriptions of each hardware component, and/or a group of tables listing incompatibilities between components and software, and/or a group of tables containing the list of software associated with hardware components.
According to another feature, a third set of arrays comprising a first subset contains 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.
According to another feature, a second subset of the third set of arrays associates an identifier of the operating and setting parameter set contained in a group of tables in the first subset of the first group, for each jukebox identifier.
According to another feature, the parameter sets contain the different possible passwords in a first group of tables and/or the prices of songs in a second group of tables and/or the setting of a remote control of a jukebox in a third group of tables and/or the number of free songs usable in a third group of tables and/or Internet connection elements in a fourth group of tables.
According to another feature, a fourth set of tables determines the list of song numbers available on a jukebox with a given identifier number.
According to another feature, a fifth set of arrays comprises a description of all songs, artists and albums making up a bank of songs in the database, each song being identified by a number.
According to another feature, the fifth set of arrays comprises a group of tables containing a description of each song in the songs bank and whether or not it is available on each jukebox, a group of tables 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 containing a description of each artist or group of artists in the songs bank.
According to another feature, a sixth set of arrays comprises information about the placement of a filter on each jukebox to prevent downloading of at least one song chosen by an operator.
According to another feature, the sixth set of arrays comprises a plurality of groups of tables that define all criteria for all filters that may be setup on each jukebox and applicable to at least one determined artist and/or at least one determined songs category and/or at least one determined disk publisher and/or at least one determined song, each filter being described in an array and identified by a unique number identifying the filter.
According to another feature, the first set of arrays comprises an argument corresponding to the identifier of the filter(s) applied to the determined jukebox.
According to another feature, a seventh set of arrays comprise information about operators that own or rent each jukebox.
According to another feature, an eighth set of arrays comprises the history of the use of each jukebox.
According to another feature, the eighth set of arrays comprises a group of tables containing the list of all identifiers of songs distributed on each audiovisual information reproduction device, this array being updated by the server on reception of a report file, by a determined audiovisual information reproduction device, and containing the list of songs distributed on the jukebox.
According to another feature, a ninth set of arrays comprises information necessary for the calculation of fees and the rental cost for each jukebox.
According to another feature, a tenth set of arrays comprises all instructions intended to update at least one audiovisual information reproduction device, these instructions being transmitted to the audiovisual information reproduction device concerned by the server as soon as the audiovisual information reproduction device sets up a communication with the server.
According to another feature, the tenth set of arrays comprises a group of tables identifying update instructions for a determined jukebox and the order in which the instructions must be executed on the jukebox and/or the date starting from which the server can transmit instructions to the jukebox.
According to another feature, the instructions contained in the eleventh set of tables are memorized before the date starting from which the server can transmit instructions to the jukebox.
According to another feature, the tenth set of arrays comprise
Clement Hugues
Mastronardi Tony
Nathan Guy
Metjahic Safet
Nguyen Cam-Linh
Nixon & Vanderhye PC
Touchtunes Music Corporation
LandOfFree
Device and process for remote management of a network of... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Device and process for remote management of a network of..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Device and process for remote management of a network of... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3157570