FR2815759A1 - Multimedia storage/broadcast equipment having memory unit storing multimedia information/topics and man machine interface providing selection criteria interface/broadcasting selection. - Google Patents

Abstract

The multimedia storage and broadcast equipment has a memory unit (Fi) storing digital files corresponding to multimedia information (FP) on different topics. A man machine interface (IHM) provides user inputs following several criteria, using a selector (SEL) , and broadcasting the selection.

Description

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La présente invention concerne un équipement de stockage et de diffusion d'oeuvre multimédias. EQUIPMENT FOR STORAGE AND DISSEMINATION OF MULTIMEDIA WORKS

The present invention relates to equipment for storing and broadcasting multimedia works.

 It relates to the field of digital leisure equipment intended for a professional or non-professional public. Such equipment is generally designed as part of a Hi-Fi stereo system (Hi-Fi system) or a digital video installation, or as a PC-based general-purpose computer device (from English). Personal Computer).

 For the purposes of the present invention, the term "equipment for storing and broadcasting multimedia works" means an apparatus comprising means for the permanent storage of digital data corresponding to multimedia works, reading means in the storage means, and means of diffusion for playing a multimedia work thus read. By multimedia work, we mean a work that can include one or more following media: sounds, still or moving images, text, data and, why not, smells. In addition, it is meant to broadcast or play a multimedia work, the restitution of the multimedia work in perceptible form, including audible and / or visible, by a user.

 As nonlimiting examples of multimedia works within the meaning of the present invention, mention may be made of: songs, music tracks, video clips, short or feature film films, commercials, video games, images, slideshows, text pages, speech or communique recordings, graphs, plans, tables of numbers, or any combination of these.

 The invention aims to meet a triple need of consumers of such multimedia works, including songs or pieces of music: to benefit from the dissemination of a large number of titles, belonging to possibly different styles, while remaining master of style titles that are broadcast to meet his needs or desires (at some point, the user may want to listen only to classical music, and later, varieties or Rock n 'Roll', and all limiting the number of manipulations on his part. To satisfy the first

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 need, it is necessary that the user has a library of relatively numerous titles and various styles. To satisfy the second need, he must very well know his title library to be able to find the titles that correspond to the style he is looking for.

donc le style des titres en choisissant le CD-ROM qu'il introduit dans le lecteur. Equipment of the above kind which are known in the state of the art, are for example a compact-disc read only memory (CD-ROM) player capable of storing audio data. Such a reader makes it possible to read digital data corresponding to titles, which are stored on a CD-ROM forming a removable storage medium. It is common for a single CD-ROM to contain titles belonging to the same community of style. The user chooses

therefore the style of the titles by choosing the CD-ROM which it introduces in the reader.

Nevertheless, such a medium is suitable in practice for the storage of a small number of titles, for example not more than fifteen songs, totaling only a listening time of the order of one hour. If the user wants to listen to other titles belonging to this style in order to have a longer or more varied programming in style, or if he wants to change the style of music, he must change the CD-ROM contained in the reader. He must then search for a corresponding CD-ROM in his library, and proceed with the necessary manipulations. This does not completely meet the aforementioned needs.

des CD-ROMs différents contenus dans le chargeur. La diffusion de cette liste permet, dans une certaine mesure, de répondre en partie aux besoins précités. This is why we also proposed a device called Digital Jukebox, which includes a CD-ROM drive coupled to a CDROM loader. Such equipment is common, particularly in audio installations for motor vehicles. They can contain, in general, a dozen different CD-ROMs. They make it possible to reduce the number of manipulations of CD-ROMs by the user, which are a source of accidents when the user is the driver. The user can usually program a list of titles called playlist, containing titles belonging where appropriate to

different CD-ROMs contained in the charger. The distribution of this list makes it possible, to a certain extent, to meet part of the needs mentioned above.

Nevertheless, the user must remember the style of the titles stored on each of the CD-ROMs contained in the charger, at the moment when he composes his

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playlist . Cette forme de programmation n'est pas conviviale, car elle est longue et fatigante. De plus, elle devient impossible à réaliser en pratique, avec un grand nombre de CD-ROMs. Ces équipements ne répondent donc pas non plus aux besoins précités.

playlist. This form of programming is not user-friendly because it is long and tiring. Moreover, it becomes impossible to achieve in practice, with a large number of CD-ROMs. This equipment does not meet the needs mentioned above.

l'évolution des Jukeboxs avec chargeur de CD-ROMs, qui exploitent l'explosion de la capacité de stockage des supports de mémorisation et l'apparition de techniques de compression de données auxquelles on assiste actuellement. The same drawbacks must be noted with regard to the equipment that now appears on the market under the name PDE (Personal Digital Entertainment, which stands for personal digital entertainment product). As an example, we can mention the Digital Audio Player Jukebox (or DAP Jukebox) of the Creative company (see http://www.europe.creativecom.com). This equipment includes a 6 GB (gigabytes) hard drive that forms a mass storage medium, which can store the equivalent of 150 CD-ROMs. In fact such equipment is only

the evolution of Jukeboxes with CD-ROM loader, which exploits the explosion of the storage capacity of storage media and the appearance of data compression techniques currently being witnessed.

In addition, they generally offer the possibility of connecting to a remote server via the Internet, to download compressed files in MP3 format (abbreviation for MPEG 2, layer 3 which comes from the English Motion Picture Engineering Group) in order to enrich the library of available titles.

 In US Pat. No. 5,616,876, there is described a system comprising a database server in which information elements such as pieces of music as well as editorial data associated with them are stored, and a terminal of user who can connect to the server via an interactive broadband communications network (typically the Internet). The user thus has virtually a very large library of titles, which he can select according to subjective criteria relating to their content. The user inputs selection information via an input device, which selection information is transmitted to the server via the communications network. An information element is then selected in the database based on the received selection information, and is transmitted to the user's terminal via the communications network. The information element is then issued to

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l'utilisateur via un dispositif de sortie. Néanmoins, un tel système ne répond pas aux besoins précités puisqu'il ne peut pas, en pratique, se substituer aux équipements audio et/ou vidéo auxquels les utilisateurs sont actuellement habitués. En outre, il ne fonctionne pas d'une manière autonome, pour restituer des éléments d'informations multimédias à l'utilisateur sans manipulation excessives de sa part, puisque celui-ci supervise le téléchargement des éléments d'informations multimédias du serveur vers son terminal d'utilisateur. En outre, l'accès aux éléments d'informations souffre des inconvénients inhérents aux réseaux de communications à large bande, notamment la lenteur du téléchargement, le risque de congestion du réseau, et la non garantie de délivrance des éléments d'informations multimédias qui en résulte.

the user via an output device. However, such a system does not meet the aforementioned needs since it can not, in practice, substitute for audio and / or video equipment to which users are currently accustomed. In addition, it does not operate in an autonomous way, to restore multimedia information elements to the user without excessive manipulation on his part, since it supervises the downloading of the multimedia information elements from the server to its terminal user. In addition, access to the information elements suffers from the inherent disadvantages of broadband communications networks, including slow download times, the risk of network congestion, and the unsecured delivery of multimedia information elements that can be compromised. results.

 In order to meet the aforementioned needs, the invention proposes an equipment for storing and broadcasting multimedia works, characterized in that it comprises a box containing: mass storage means in which digital data files can be stored which correspond to respective multimedia works, and information relating to one or more subjective properties associated with multimedia works; a human / machine interface allowing a user to enter one or more selection criteria relating respectively to one or more subjective properties of the multimedia works stored in the memory means; means for selecting at least one multimedia work stored in the mass storage means, from the selection criterion or criteria entered by the user using the man / machine interface); first reading means, in the mass storage means, multimedia works selected by said selection means and broadcast means for playing multimedia works read by the first reading means.

 The equipment is autonomous in that it does not require a connection to a remote server to function. In addition, repeated manipulation by the user is avoided. He must simply enter

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les critères de sélection via l'interface homme/machine. Une fois que ceci est fait, l'équipement peut fonctionner seul, en diffusant des titres différents qui peuvent être très nombreux. Néanmoins, les titres diffusés répondent tous aux critères de sélection entrés par l'utilisateur. En effet, les moyens de stockage de masse, par opposition aux moyens de stockage amovibles tels que les CDROMs, permettent en pratique de stocker un très grand nombre d'oeuvres multimédias différentes totalisant une durée d'écoute théorique (en continu) pouvant atteindre plusieurs jours. Les propriétés subjectives des oeuvres multimédias sont des propriétés permettant à un utilisateur de les distinguer en fonction de ses goûts personnels. Il s'agit par exemple d'un genre de musique (classique, jazz, variétés,...), de la langue dans laquelle est interprétée une chanson (anglais, français,...) ou d'un type de danse (en duo ou en solo). Bien d'autres propriétés peuvent être envisagées sans s'éloigner des principes de l'invention.

the selection criteria via the man / machine interface. Once this is done, the equipment can work alone, broadcasting different titles that can be very numerous. Nevertheless, the titles broadcast all meet the selection criteria entered by the user. Indeed, the mass storage means, as opposed to the removable storage means such as CDROMs, allow in practice to store a very large number of different multimedia works totaling a theoretical listening time (continuously) of up to several days. The subjective properties of multimedia works are properties allowing a user to distinguish them according to his personal tastes. It is for example a kind of music (classical, jazz, variety, ...), of the language in which is interpreted a song (English, French, ...) or of a type of dance ( in duo or solo). Many other properties can be envisaged without departing from the principles of the invention.

 Such equipment therefore has the advantage of being autonomous and allowing the restitution of varied multimedia works according to preference criteria defined by the user himself.

 In addition, the housing can be shaped to integrate as part of a high fidelity stereo system audio system. The restitution means are then completed by one or more transducers of the installation in which the equipment is integrated.

 Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the description which follows. This is purely illustrative and should be read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: - in Figure 1: the block diagram of an equipment according to the invention; in FIG. 2: the diagram of a possible embodiment of the human / machine interface of the equipment according to the invention; - In Figure 3, a three-dimensional view of a device according to the invention.

 The invention is described below in its non-restrictive application to a storage equipment for multimedia works consisting of pieces of music or songs (called titles in the following). However, those skilled in the art will perceive that the invention applies to all types of multimedia works in the

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 meaning indicated in the introduction, with the necessary adaptations which will be indicated if necessary, or which are within its reach.

 The equipment can be implemented on a hardware platform of the personal computer (PC) type, comprising an EEPROM-type permanent memory (Electrically Erasable Read Only Memory), or another type of dynamic random access memory (DRAM). or other, a Pentium IIOE microprocessor) from Intel Corporation or the like, connected by a bus, and operating under the operating system WINDOWS &commat; from Microsoft Corporation. It includes hardware and software elements.

 In Figure 1, a device 100 according to the invention comprises mass storage means MM such as a hard disk or the like.

In one example, the storage capacity of the hard disk is 60 GB (Gigabytes, or 109 bytes). Higher storage capacity can be achieved by using a higher capacity hard drive, or by using multiple hard drives. Fi digital data files corresponding to respective titles can be stored in the MM means. The number of Fi files that can be stored is not determined a priori. It depends on the storage capacity of the hard disk and the size of the Fi files. In practice you can store ten thousand different titles. The means MM form a base of titles. For example, the data can be saved as WAV files (Microsoft Windows RIFF WAVE, which is the Microsoft Windows sound file format) with a PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) encoding.

Nom~du~Fichier. txt . Ces informations subjectives seront détaillées plus loin. In addition, information relating to one or more subjective properties associated with the titles is also stored in the MM means. This information is for example contained in a single FP file, for example in text format. The FP file is then a file of type

Name of ~ ~ File. txt. This subjective information will be detailed below.

The equipment can operate in two distinct modes: - a play mode, in which files corresponding to titles stored on the hard disk MM are selected from the information

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 contained in the FP file, are played and played; and, possibly, but not necessarily, - a recording mode, in which new titles can be recorded on the hard disk, and in which the FP file is updated accordingly.

 In a version of the equipment more particularly intended for a professional public (Disc-Jockey, owner of restaurant or bar, etc ...), the equipment is delivered with a base of titles not empty, ie with a hard disk on which are stored Fi files. Eventually, the client can nevertheless enrich this database of titles with titles that he adds himself, in registration mode. For example, the hard disk may contain 4000 different titles. The capacity that remains available on the hard disk for the recording of other titles by the client is then equivalent to 60 CDROMs of 250 MB (megabytes or 106 bytes), or about 70 hours of music played continuously. . Preferably, the titles provided are chosen by the customer when ordering according to the intended use of the equipment. The customer then pays, together with the purchase price of the equipment, a flat tax to cover the rights of the authors for the titles, taking into account the intended use.

 In a version of the equipment specifically intended for a non-professional audience, the equipment comes with an empty title database, ie with a hard disk on which no Fi file is stored.

The user then saves the files of his choice on the hard disk, in recording mode, in a manner that will be described in detail below. Note that this record only needs to be done once per file. The user can thus build a database of titles from external sources of securities: an external source can consist of a CD-ROM, another hard disk (in particular that of a computer to which the equipment would be connected, or that of other similar equipment), an Internet server, or any other source of digital data. It can record the equivalent of 350 250 MB CD-ROMs, or approximately 351 hours of continuous music.

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 The equipment 100 further comprises an HMI man / machine interface which will be described below with reference to FIG. 2. In read mode, this HMI interface enables a user to enter one or more selection criteria relating respectively to one or several subjective properties of the securities stored in the MM means. In recording mode, the HMI interface allows the user to enter subjective properties that he wishes to associate with the title to be recorded, and which will be saved in the FP file.

coordonne le fonctionnement du dispositif, en liaison avec des modules spécialisés. Le module APPLI est par exemple réalisé sous forme d'un logiciel qui est stocké dans la mémoire permanente de l'équipement et qui est exécuté par le microprocesseur. Les modules de gestion spécialisés remplissent une fonction respective déterminée. Sauf mention contraire, ils sont également, de préférence, réalisés sous forme logicielle comme des sous-modules logiciels du module APPLI. The equipment 100 includes a central management module APPLI which

coordinates the operation of the device, in conjunction with specialized modules. The module APPLI is for example realized in the form of software which is stored in the permanent memory of the equipment and which is executed by the microprocessor. Specialized management modules perform a respective function. Unless otherwise stated, they are also preferably implemented as software sub-modules of the APPLI module.

l'interface IHM. Ainsi qu'il sera précisé plus loin en regard de la figure 2, interface IHM comprend dans un exemple de réalisation particulièrement simple, des touches et des voyants lumineux. Le module TCLA a pour fonction de transmettre au module APPLI les informations entrées par l'utilisateur au moyen de ces touches. En outre, il a également pour fonction de commander l'allumage de ces voyants lumineux en fonction des informations qui lui sont fournies par le module APPLI. A first specialized management module TCLA allows to manage

the HMI interface. As will be explained below with reference to Figure 2, GUI interface includes in a particularly simple embodiment of the keys and lights. The function of the TCLA module is to transmit to the module APPLI the information entered by the user by means of these keys. In addition, it also has the function of controlling the lighting of these lights according to the information provided by the APPLI module.

 A second specialized module RMM has the function of managing the reading of the files Fi in the means MM. More particularly, they make it possible to read the digital data contained in a file Fi determined according to control information supplied to it by the module APPLI.

 A third specialized management module SEL has the function of selecting at least one file Fi stored in the means MM from control information supplied to it by the module APPLI. This information defines one or more selection criteria relating, respectively, to one or more properties of the securities stored in the means MM. These selection criteria are entered by the user via the interface

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 HMI and are provided to the APPLI module by the TCLA module. More particularly, the SEL module reads the FP file in the MM means in order to access the information relating to the subjective properties associated with the securities stored in the means MM in the form of the corresponding Fi files. The information transmitted by the module APPLI to the RMM module for reading a determined file Fi are provided to the module APPLI by the module SEL.

 In a particular embodiment, the equipment 100 further comprises a fourth specialized management module RCD. This RCD module has the function of managing the reading of securities stored on a removable storage medium. This RCD module cooperates with a CD-ROM reader bearing the reference CDP, in which the removable medium can be introduced to be read. Such a medium is then constituted by a CD-ROM. The RCD module and the CDP reader form means for reading titles stored on a removable storage medium.

 In another possible embodiment, the equipment 100 further comprises a fifth specialized module RWEB having the function of managing the reading of titles stored on a remote server S, accessible via a telecommunications network N. The RWEB module cooperates with a modem MDM allowing the connection of the equipment to the server S via the network N. In one example, the network N is the Internet network. The RWEB module is in this case implemented in the form of a browser and file download (search engine) such as NETSCAPE software &commat; from the company Windows Corporation. The RWEB module and the modem MDM thus form means for reading titles on a remote server accessible via a telecommunications network. The modem MDM can be connected to the network N via a telephone connector TC.

 In each of the embodiments corresponding to the two preceding paragraphs, the equipment further comprises a sixth specialized module WMM. The WMM module has the function, in recording mode, of recording one or more new digital data files Fi in the means MM, under the command of module APPLI. The digital data of the new Fi file are provided for this purpose by the module

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RCD ou par le module RWEB. Elles correspondent alors, respectivement, à un ou plusieurs des titres extraits d'un CD-ROM placé à cet effet dans le lecteur CDP, ou à un ou plusieurs titres téléchargés depuis le serveur S. De préférence, les données sont lues sur le CD-ROM à la vitesse 1x. Ceci permet au module PLM de jouer les titres en même temps qu'ils sont lus par les moyens de lecture RCD, CDP.

RCD or by the RWEB module. They then correspond, respectively, to one or more titles extracted from a CD-ROM placed for this purpose in the CDP reader, or to one or more titles downloaded from the server S. Preferably, the data are read on the CD -ROM at 1x speed. This allows the PLM module to play the titles at the same time as they are read by the RCD, CDP reading means.

 The recording of these files is coordinated by the module APPLI in response to a determined action of the user during the reading of the file by the reading means respectively RCD, CDP or RWEB, MDM. This action is for example constituted by pressing a key 21 of the HMI interface (Figure 2) associated with a registration instruction. This instruction is transmitted to the APPLI module by the TCLA module. The WMM module also has the function of managing the updating of the FP file in the means MM, in order to record in the means MM information relating to one or more subjective properties associated with the new files Fi. These properties are entered by the user via the HMI interface as will be explained later, and are transmitted to the APPLI module by the TCLA module.

Dans le cas où les oeuvre multimédias contiennent de la vidéo, les moyens de transduction comprennent en outre un écran ou un projecteur vidéo. Les moyens de transduction peuvent être commandés par des signaux numériques (par exemple un écran à cristaux liquides) ou analogiques (par exemple le haut-parleur HP montré à la figure 1). Dans ce dernier cas le module SBM est relié au haut-parleur HP par l'intermédiaire d'un module de sortie AMP. Le module SBM reçoit les données des fichiers Fi qui lui sont transmis par le module RMM. Il a pour fonction de mettre en forme ces données afin de piloter le haut-parleur HP ou le module AMP. Le module SBM peut par exemple être réalisé sous la forme d'une carte sons et graphiques telle qu'une carte SOUNDBLASTERO commercialisée par exemple par la société Creative. Finally, the equipment 100 includes PLM rendering means. These PLM means comprise an SBM data processing module as well as transducing means, such as one or more HP loudspeakers.

In the case where the multimedia works contain video, the transducing means further comprise a screen or a video projector. The transducing means may be controlled by digital (e.g., liquid crystal display) or analog signals (e.g. the HP speaker shown in FIG. 1). In the latter case the SBM module is connected to the speaker HP via an output module AMP. The SBM module receives the data from the fi files that are transmitted to it by the RMM module. Its function is to format this data in order to control the HP loudspeaker or the AMP module. The SBM module can for example be made in the form of a sound and graphics card such as a SOUNDBLASTERO card sold for example by the Creative company.

 In another embodiment, information relating to objective properties (as opposed to subjective properties contemplated

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 so far) are also recorded in the FP file by being associated with at least some of the titles respectively. This information may for example include the name of the artist who is the author and / or interpreter of the multimedia work. They can also include the name (title) of the multimedia work. These properties can be entered by the user via appropriate means (not shown) of the HMI interface. Nevertheless, they will preferably be included by the manufacturer of the equipment (for titles of the stock database provided with the equipment in the version intended for a public of professionals), or read on the CD-ROM when the titles are copied via the reading means RCD, CDP, or downloaded with the corresponding titles, when these titles are downloaded from an appropriate website via the means RWEB, MDM. In the last two cases, these objective data are recorded in the FP file by the WMM module under the control of the APPLI module in the same way as the information on the subjective properties entered by the user via the HMI interface.

 The equipment then advantageously comprises means for indicating to the user, in response to a determined action of the user via the HMI interface during the diffusion of this work by the broadcasting means, objective information relating to the work such as the name of the artist or the name of the work. This indication can take place via any appropriate means (not shown) of the HMI interface, for example a digital display such as an LCD (Liqui Cristal Display). Alternatively, it can take place by diffusion, via the SBM, AMP, HP diffusion means of the equipment. For this purpose, the module APPLI controls the interruption of the broadcast of the multimedia work in response to a determined action of the user via the interface HMI (for example the prolonged pressing on the recording key 21, ie , more than one second), reading in the storage means MM and by the RMM module information relating to the objective properties associated with the multimedia work, and the dissemination of this information for example via the SBM, HP rendering means (The SBM card can then include a voice synthesis unit), and the subsequent recovery of the broadcast of the multimedia work from the interruption.

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Comme on l'aura compris, ceci permet à l'utilisateur d'obtenir des informations objectives sur l'oeuvre multimédia pendant la lecture et la diffusion de celle-ci.

As will be understood, this allows the user to obtain objective information on the multimedia work during the reading and the broadcasting thereof.

 In another embodiment, the multimedia works comprise advertising works (for example, messages or commercials). These advertising works can be regularly updated in the memory means MM after reading by the reading means RCD, CDP or reading means RWEB, MDM.

 The equipment then advantageously comprises means for broadcasting specific advertising works at specific times. The module APPLI can indeed control the broadcasting of an advertising work at predetermined times according to information on the current time that is provided by a clock module (not shown), which may be the internal clock microprocessor. Preferably, these advertising works will be inserted between the diffusion of two normal multimedia works, in order not to interrupt or hinder the diffusion of such a work. As will be understood, this feature allows the equipment to become a vehicle for advertising, which allows it to integrate as a means of communication usable by advertisers. A multitude of services associated with advertising or related services can be envisaged with the equipment according to the invention.

The output module AMP is for example an amplification unit (hardware element) made with analog components comprising an amplifier. Its function is to deliver electrical signals that reproduce the multimedia work via a suitable transducer, here the speaker HP.

In addition to or instead of the loudspeaker HP of the equipment 100, the transducing means may also include one or more transducers external to the equipment, especially when the equipment is in the form of a chain element. Hi-Fi stereo. Such external transducers are, for example, loudspeakers of the installation. It can also be a stereo headset. For this purpose, the electrical signals at the output of the AMP module are delivered to an output connector OC of the equipment. In a manner known per se, the connection of a

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connecteur extérieur sur le connecteur de sortie OC peut désactiver le hautparleur HP de l'équipement 100. En outre, dans le cas où les oeuvres multimédias comprennent également de la vidéo, les moyens transducteurs comprennent en outre un écran et/ou un projecteur vidéo qui peuvent être compris dans un boîtier 101 (figure 3) contenant les éléments constitutifs de l'équipement 100 ou être des organes périphériques, extérieurs à l'équipement 100.

external connector on the output connector OC can disable the speaker HP of the equipment 100. In addition, in the case where the multimedia works also include video, the transducer means further comprise a screen and / or a video projector which can be included in a housing 101 (Figure 3) containing the constituent elements of the equipment 100 or be peripheral members, outside the equipment 100.

 In Figure 2, there is shown an embodiment of the HMI interface. In this example, the HMI interface is in the form of a control panel comprising buttons and indicator lights 90. It is recalled that the lighting of the lights 90 is managed by the TCLA module under the control of the APPLI module. Such a control panel may be disposed on the front face of a housing 101 (FIG. 3) containing the constituent elements of the equipment 100. Alternatively or in addition, such a control panel may be arranged on a remote control box 102 (Figure 3) of the equipment 100 for remote control. The lights 90 are respectively associated with one of the keys in order to provide the user with information concerning the operation of the equipment or the state of the keys with which they are respectively associated. For the sake of clarity, the indicator lights 90 shown in FIG. 2 are arranged above the keys to which they are respectively associated. They can advantageously be arranged in the keys, as is known per se. Key 10 has two distinct stable states. Preferably, indications such as letters, words or symbols, are written on the control panel, in spatial location consistent with each respective key (here below the key), to indicate to the user the function of the key.

 A key 10 allows the power on or off of the equipment. Its associated indicator light 90 is lit to indicate that the equipment is energized. It is off in other cases.

 A key 20 allows the user to enter a first or a second command of the reading mode, depending on whether it presses furtively or for a long time (for example more than one second) on this key. The

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 first command is a read command, by the RMM reading means, of a determined title, randomly drawn from the titles selected by the SEL module. The second command is a replay command of the previously read title. The indicator 90 associated with the key 20 is illuminated when the pressure on the key 20 has been maintained by the user for a sufficient time to enter the second command, i. e., more than one second in the example. It is off when the user releases the pressure on the key 20, which otherwise validates the second command.

 When, in play mode, the user furtively presses the key 20 (first function above), the restitution of the title which is being played is interrupted and another title, among the selected titles, is played. If the selection criteria have been changed since the last selection, then pressing the key 20 causes a new selection by the SEL module beforehand. Otherwise, it simply causes the passage to another title among the already selected titles. This allows the user to shorten the return of a title that, although selected, does not suit him.

 A key 21, or recording key, has been presented above.

le titre lu par les moyens de lecture RCD, CDP ou RWEB, MDM est joué par les moyens de restitution PLM. De cette manière, l'appui par l'utilisateur sur la touche d'enregistrement 21 provoque également l'enregistrement des propriétés subjectives du titre enregistré, par mise à jour du fichier FP dans les moyens de mémorisation MM. Cette affectation, par l'utilisateur, en mode It allows the user to enter a record mode instruction. More particularly, it corresponds to a recording instruction, in the memory means MM, of a new digital data file Fi corresponding to a title read by the reading means RCD, CDP or RWEB, MDM, as well as the corresponding update of the FP properties file. In one example, the recording of a new Fi file corresponding to a new title and the corresponding update of the FP file, are commanded by the WMM module in response to the pressing of the recording key 21 during the reading of the title Fi by the reading means
RCD, CDP or RWEB, MDM. It will be noted that the assignment of the subjective properties of the title is performed by the user via the HMI interface, while

the title read by the reading means RCD, CDP or RWEB, MDM is played by the PLM reproduction means. In this way, the support by the user on the recording key 21 also causes the recording of the subjective properties of the recorded title, by updating the file FP in the memory means MM. This assignment, by the user, in

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 recording, the subjective properties of the new Fi title will be detailed below.

 A key 31 and a key 32 respectively make it possible to decrease and increase the volume of the sound broadcast by the PLM means. Other functions are assigned to the keys 31 and 32 when used in combination with other keys, as will be seen in the following. In the example shown, no indicator light is associated with the keys 31 and 32, insofar as no information related to the use of these keys should be indicated to the user.

 The other keys shown in Figure 2 allow the user to enter subjective properties associated with titles. That's why they're called property keys. The HMI interface allows the user to enter the selection criteria or the properties of a multimedia work, by selecting properties from a set of predetermined properties: - in read mode, the properties entered by the user via the HMI interface indeed constitute one or more criteria for selecting securities stored in the MM means. The module APPLI, according to the selection information transmitted by the TCLA module, then transmits to the SEL module an order for it to select at least one title stored in the MM means from this or these selection criteria. The digital data of a file corresponding to a title thus selected are placed on the bus by the RMM means under the command of the module APPLI, in response to a stealth support of the user on the key 20. They are received by the means PLM which disseminates them; in recording mode, the properties thus entered by the user via the interface HMI are associated with the file corresponding to the title recorded by the WMM means, under the command of the module APPLI when the user presses the recording key 21, in the hard disk MM. More particularly, they are simultaneously recorded by updating the FP file on the hard disk MM.

 In a particular embodiment, the properties associated with the titles are grouped by families according to their type. An example of a grouping of properties is given in the table in Appendix A. In this

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 In this case, the property keys of the HMI interface that are associated with properties belonging to the same family are grouped together so as to be adjacent to one another. This is for example the case on the example of spatial layout of the property keys which is shown in FIG.

même famille goût ; l'utilisateur affectera la propriété préféré à un titre qu'il apprécie particulièrement ; de même, il affectera la propriété indésirable , à un titre qu'il n'apprécie pas ; - des touches de propriété 51 et 52 sont respectivement associées à une propriété solo et une propriété duo appartenant à une même famille danse ; ces propriétés seront le cas échéant affectées aux titres qui correspondent à des danses ; les propriétés solo et duo permettent de distinguer respectivement les danses qui sont dansées par un danseur

seulement (par exemple le Jerke, le Stretch, la Zouk, le Twist ou encore le Flamenco) de celles qui impliquent deux partenaires (par exemple le Slow, le Rock n'Roll, la Samba, la Valse ou encore la Lambada) ; - des touches de propriété 61 à 64 sont respectivement associées à des propriétés jazz , variété , classique et ambiance appartenant à un même groupe genre ; ces propriétés permettent de distinguer le style des titres ; - des touches de propriété 71 et 72 sont respectivement associées à une propriété lenkt et une propriété rapide appartenant à une même famille rythme ; ces propriétés seront le cas échéant affectées aux titres qui ont un rythme respectivement lent ou rapide ; et enfin, - des touches de propriété 81 et 82 sont respectivement associées à une propriété français et une propriété autres appartenant à une même famille lange ; la première propriété sera affectée aux chansons qui sont

chantées en français ; la seconde sera affectées aux chansons chantées dans une autre langue, notamment en anglais. In the example corresponding to Appendix A and FIG. 2, there are thus: property keys 41 and 42 respectively associated with a preferred property and an undesirable property belonging to a

same family taste; the user will assign the preferred property to a title that he particularly enjoys; likewise, it will affect undesirable property, in a title it does not appreciate; property keys 51 and 52 are respectively associated with a solo property and a duo property belonging to the same dance family; these properties will, where appropriate, be allocated to titles that correspond to dances; the solo and duet properties distinguish respectively the dances that are danced by a dancer

only (eg Jerke, Stretch, Zouk, Twist or Flamenco) those involving two partners (eg Slow, Rock n'Roll, Samba, Waltz or Lambada); property keys 61 to 64 are respectively associated with jazz, variety, classical and ambient properties belonging to the same genre group; these properties make it possible to distinguish the style of the titles; property keys 71 and 72 are respectively associated with a property lenkt and a fast property belonging to the same family rhythm; these properties will, where appropriate, be assigned to titles that have a slow or fast pace respectively; and finally, property keys 81 and 82 are respectively associated with a French property and another property belonging to the same family langange; the first property will be assigned to songs that are

sung in French; the second will be used for songs sung in another language, especially in English.

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 Of course, it is possible to define more families of properties. Moreover, in each family, it is possible to define more properties. The HMI interface will be adapted accordingly. In particular, when many families and / or properties are defined, the interface may include a screen for displaying a drop-down menu. What matters according to the invention is that the properties are subjective properties of the titles, that is to say qualitative properties reflecting the feelings felt by a user when the titles are played. In this way, the selection criteria that the user enter in reading mode, and that relate to these properties, allow him to choose what type of titles he will hear: of the varieties or classical music, in French or not , with a slow or fast pace, etc.

d'exclusion. Dans le premier cas, plusieurs propriétés subjectives de la même famille peuvent être affectées à un titre déterminé. Dans le second cas au contraire, une seule propriété de la famille peut être affectée à un titre déterminé. In the table in Appendix A, the first column (the left one) contains the names of the different families of subjective properties considered in the example described here. The second (middle) column contains the names of each subjective property in each family. Finally, the third column (the one on the right) contains the type of logic associated with the properties of each family. Logic can be an inclusion logic or logic

exclusion. In the first case, several subjective properties of the same family can be assigned to a given title. In the second case, on the other hand, only one property of the family can be assigned to a given title.

 Preferably, the subjective properties assigned to the title that is played in read mode are displayed by means of the indicator lights 90 associated with the corresponding property keys according to the following code: if the property in question is one of the properties of the title that is played , the indicator associated with the corresponding property key is lit, otherwise it is off.

For this purpose, the RMM module also reads the properties file FP in the storage means MM, and the module APPLI controls the TCLA module so that it controls the illumination of the indicator lights accordingly.

 When no selection criteria is entered by the user (i.e., when no indicator light associated with the property keys is lit), then the latter selectively presses the key 20, the selection means SEL

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sélectionnent la totalité de la base de titres. Dit autrement, un titre déterminé est lu et joué, ce titre déterminé étant obtenu par tirage aléatoire parmi tous les titres de la base de titres.

select the entire stock base. In other words, a specific title is read and played, this determined title being obtained by random draw among all the titles of the title database.

automatiquement invalidée en sorte que le critère de sélection correspondant n'est pas pris en compte par le module de sélection SEL. Cette situation est signalée à l'utilisateur, par exemple par un clignotement de cette touche pendant une seconde. Les moyens de sélection SEL sélectionnent alors les titres de la base de titres qui, le cas échéant, répondent aux éventuels critères de sélection restant. Si toujours aucun titre ne répond à ces critères, alors on procède de même avec une autre touche sur laquelle l'utilisateur avait appuyé. When selection criteria are entered but none of the titles contained in the title database meet these criteria, the selection means also selects the entire title database. This particular situation is reported to the user, for example by blinking for one second of the property keys on which the user had pressed. In an advantageous variant, one of the keys on which the user had pressed (for example the last on which he had pressed or one of the keys determined randomly) is

automatically disabled so that the corresponding selection criterion is not taken into account by the SEL selection module. This situation is reported to the user, for example by a flashing of this key for one second. The SEL selection means then select the titles of the title database which, if necessary, meet any remaining selection criteria. If still no title meets these criteria, then the same is done with another key on which the user had pressed.

And so on, until only one last criterion remains among the criteria entered by the user If still none of the titles of the database meet the last remaining criterion, then the selection means SEL select all the titles of the securities database.

 According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the equipment operates so as to successively play titles selected by the selection means SEL, so as to operate continuously, that is to say without the intervention of the user (other the entry of selection criteria, which can be made only once in a while, while the equipment permanently plays titles between two actions of the user via the interface HMI). Since the title database contains many titles, many titles may have been selected. The user thus benefits from a possibility of prolonged listening, without having to intervene on the equipment, being assured that the titles played have the subjective properties which he has entered as selection criteria.

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 Advantageously, a title that is played is obtained by random draw among those titles stored in the mass storage means MM which are selected by the selection means SEL. Such a random draw is easily obtained with the writing techniques of computer programs.

 Nevertheless, it is advantageous that in addition, a minimum interval between two successive draws of the same title evening preserved. This interval will for example be expressed as a function of the number of titles selected. Thus, if the selection means has selected n titles, then the program will be designed so that the same title is not played twice consecutively before a number E (n / p) of other titles have been played, where n and p are integers with p <n, and where E denotes the integer function.

de propriété associée à cette propriété et le voyant lumineux associé à cette touche est allumé par le module TCLA. De plus, pour supprimer une propriété subjective qui était affectée au titre, il appuie sur la touche de propriété associée à cette propriété et le voyant lumineux associé à cette touche est éteint par le module TCLA. Ensuite, l'utilisateur appuie sur la touche d'enregistrement 21, et les nouvelles propriétés subjectives associées au titre sont enregistrées par le module WMM sous la commande du module APPLI, par mise à jour du fichier FP dans les moyens de mémorisation MM. Bien entendu le fichier Fi n'est pas enregistré puisqu'il est déjà stocké dans les moyens MM. In an advantageous embodiment, the user can modify the properties assigned to the title, which in reading mode is read by the reading means RMM in the memory means MM and which is played by the reproduction means PLM. This is similar to assigning subjective properties to a new Fi file in the record mode. Indeed, to add a subjective property to the title, he presses the key

property associated with this property and the LED associated with this key is lit by the TCLA module. In addition, to remove a subjective property that was assigned to the title, it presses the property key associated with that property and the LED associated with that key is turned off by the TCLA module. Next, the user presses the recording key 21, and the new subjective properties associated with the title are recorded by the module WMM under the control of the module APPLI, by updating the file FP in the memory means MM. Of course the file Fi is not registered since it is already stored in the MM means.

 In a particular embodiment, the subjective properties associated with the securities include a property that can be subject to a selection criterion, and, for securities belonging to the group of securities having this property, at least one other property that does not may not be subject to a selection criterion. In one example, we consider the group of titles having

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pour propriété l'une des propriétés de la famille danse , par exemple la propriété duo . Parmi les titres de ce groupe, on peut distinguer des sous- groupes de titres déterminés. Par exemple, on distingue un sous groupe formé des valses, un autre sous-groupe formé des tangos, un autre sous-groupe formé des Rock n'Roll, etc... L'appartenance d'un titre à un tel sous-groupe constitue aussi une propriété subjective relative au titre. Dans l'exemple décrit ici, cette propriété ne peut toutefois pas faire l'objet d'un critère de sélection, car l'interface IHM ne le prévoit pas.

for property one of the properties of the dance family, for example the duo property. Among the titles of this group, we can distinguish subgroups of specific titles. For example, there is a subgroup formed of waltzes, another subgroup formed of tangos, another subgroup formed of Rock n'Roll, etc. The membership of a title to such a subgroup is also a subjective property relative to the title. In the example described here, however, this property can not be the subject of a selection criterion because the HMI interface does not provide for it.

 Nevertheless, according to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the subjective properties defining these subgroups are also stored in the property file FP. And the equipment operates to consecutively play a series of securities belonging to the same subgroup, among titles belonging to a group of titles selected according to selection criteria entered by the user. In the example, a series of waltzes can be played, then a series of tangos, etc ... This allows the equipment to offer a music program similar to that of a DiscJockey. This characteristic of the invention will be particularly appreciated in the case of the version of the equipment intended for a professional audience. The titles concerned will be those delivered with the equipment. It is the manufacturer who, at the factory, will enter the properties defining the subgroups of titles in the FP file. Preferably, the properties of the titles provided with the equipment, in the version intended for a professional public, can not be modified by the user. Fi files corresponding to these titles can not be erased from the hard disk either.

être lenkt si l'utilisateur a affecté la propriété lenkt via la touche 71 lors de In a preferred embodiment, the properties associated with the titles include gradual properties. By gradual properties are meant properties that define different degrees of a characteristic of titles expressing themselves as a relative characteristic. In one example, it can be expected that each title will be systematically assigned a property relating to this relative characteristic. This characteristic then typically corresponds to a family of properties. For example, the titles consistently include a rhythm family property that can

be lenkt if the user has assigned the lenkt property via the 71 key when

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l'enregistrement du titre, rapide si l'utilisateur a affecté la propriété rapide via la touche 72, ou moyen sinon. Dans ce cas, on peut prévoir que, notamment lorsque, en mode lecture, l'une des propriétés de la famille Danse à savoir solo ou Duo est choisie en tant que critère de sélection via la touche 51 ou la touche 52 et qu'aucune propriété de la famille rythme à savoir lent ou rapide n'est choisie en tant que critère de sélection via la touche 71 ou la touche 72, alors l'équipement 100 opère de manière à ne pas jouer consécutivement un titre ayant la propriété lenkt et un titre ayant la propriété rapide . Au moins un titre ayant la propriété moyen , et répondant bien sûr, par ailleurs, aux critères de sélection entrés par l'utilisateur, sera joué entre les deux. Ceci permet d'offrir une programmation musicale qui n'occasionne pas de rupture de rythme importante. Exprimé de façon générale, cela revient à dire que l'équipement joue des titres en assurant une transition douce entre des propriétés graduelles de titres sélectionnés en vertu de critères de sélection qui ne sont pas relatifs à ces propriétés. Ceci permet à l'équipement de se rapprocher de la

programmation musicale telle qu'elle serait faite par un Disc Jockey .

the registration of the title, fast if the user has assigned the fast property via the key 72, or average otherwise. In this case, it can be expected that, especially when, in reading mode, one of the properties of the Danse family to know solo or Duo is chosen as a selection criterion via the key 51 or the key 52 and that no property of the family rhythm ie slow or fast is chosen as a selection criterion via the key 71 or the key 72, then the equipment 100 operates so as not to consecutively play a title having the property lenkt and a title having fast property. At least one title having the average property, and responding, of course, also to the selection criteria entered by the user, will be played between the two. This makes it possible to offer musical programming that does not cause a significant break in rhythm. Expressed in general, this means that the equipment plays titles by ensuring a smooth transition between gradual properties of securities selected under selection criteria that are not related to these properties. This allows the equipment to get closer to the

musical programming as it would be done by a Disc Jockey.

 In Figure 3, there is shown, in a three-dimensional view, a device 100 according to the invention.

 The equipment 100 comprising a housing 101 on the front face 102 of which the HMI interface is arranged. An equivalent HMI interface may also be arranged on the remote control unit 12 mentioned above. The MM hard disk, the MDM modem, the CDP CD-ROM drive, the SBM processing unit and the AMP card with its amplifier 3, and the speaker HP are contained in the housing 101. A motherboard 1 with a microprocessor 2 is also included in the housing 101. A card 14 supporting integrated circuit memory boxes (not shown) is, like the SBM and AMP boards, plugged on the motherboard 1. The connectors TC and OC are not not visible in the figure, but are disposed on the rear face 13 of the housing 101. Connecting elements (cables, etc ...), some only 15 are shown, connect all of these elements. The low voltage power required for operation is provided by a transformer 10, also included in the housing 101, from the power supply provided by the mains.

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 Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above as a preferred example only. In particular, the files corresponding to the selected titles can be read globally on the hard disk and stored in a cache memory, such as an integrated circuit memory (of Flash-EEPROM or other type), so that they can be read subsequently both that the selection remains valid. When the user changes the selection criteria, the cache is cleared, and the files corresponding to the titles selected under the new selection criteria are saved there. However, this variant is only possible if the cache memory has sufficient capacity to store all the files corresponding to the selected titles which, as has been said above, can be very numerous.

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ANNEX A

<Tb>
<tb> FAMILY <SEP> PROPERTY <SEP> LOGIC
<tb> Gender <SEP> Atmosphere <SEP> Inclusion
<tb> Classic
<tb> Jazz
<tb> Varieties
<tb> Rhythm <SEP> Slow <SEP> Exclusion
<tb> Fast
<tb> Dance <SEP> Solo <SEP> Exclusion
<tb> Duo
<tb> Language <SEP> English <SEP> Exclusion
<tb> Others
<tb> Taste <SEP> Preferred <SEP> Exclusion
<tb> Junk
<Tb>

Claims (22)

 1. Equipment for storing and broadcasting multimedia works, characterized in that it comprises a box (101) containing: mass storage means (MM) in which digital data files (Fi) can be stored which correspond to respective multimedia works, and information (FP) relating to one or more subjective properties associated with multimedia works; a human / machine interface (HMI) enabling a user to enter one or more selection criteria relating respectively to one or more subjective properties of the multimedia works stored in the memory means (MM); selection means (SEL) of at least one multimedia workpiece stored in the mass storage means (MM), from the selection criterion or criteria entered by the user using the human interface / machine (HMI); first reading means (RMM, APPLI), in the mass storage means (MM), multimedia works selected by said selection means (SEL); and broadcasting means for playing multimedia works read by the first reading means.  2. Equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises means for successively playing multimedia works selected by the selection means (SEL), so as to operate continuously in the absence of action of the user via the Human Machine Interface (HMI).  3. Equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises means for playing a specific multimedia work, said determined multimedia work being obtained by random drawing among those multimedia works stored in the mass storage means (MM) which are selected by said selection means (SEL). <Desc / Clms Page number 25>  4. Equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises means for preserving a minimum interval between two successive draws of the same multimedia work.  5. Equipment according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that it comprises means for interrupting the restitution of a multimedia work and for playing another multimedia work among the multimedia works selected by the selection means ( SEL), in response to a user action via the human-machine interface (HMI).  6. Equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises means (TCLA, APPLI, WMM) for modifying the properties of a given multimedia work, in response to a specific action of the user via the human-machine interface (HMI), while said determined multimedia work is played.  7. Equipment according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises means for playing consecutively a series of multimedia works belonging to a sub-group of multimedia works having a property that can not be the subject a selection criterion, among multimedia works having one or more properties which are the subject of a selection criterion taken into account by the selection means (SEL).  8. Equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for playing multimedia works by ensuring a smooth transition between gradual properties of multimedia works selected under selection criteria that are not relating to these properties.  9. Equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises second reading means (RCD, CDP) of multimedia works stored on a storage medium <Desc / Clms Page number 26>  removable, and recording means (WMM), in the storage means (MM), at least one multimedia work read by said second reading means, with subjective properties subjective properties entered by the user via the human / machine interface (HMI), in response to a determined action of the user during the reading of said multimedia work by said second reading means.

 10. Equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that said second reading means comprise a digital optical disk (CDP) reader for reading multimedia work stored on a digital optical disk.

11. Equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises third means for reading multimedia works stored on a remote server (ins), accessible via a telecommunications network (N), and means for recording, in the storage means of the device, at least one multimedia work read by said third reading means, in response to a determined action of the user during the reading of said multimedia work by said third means reading, with the properties properties entered by the user via the man / machine interface.  12. Equipment according to claim 11, characterized in that said third reading means comprise a modem (MDM) for connection to said remote server (ins) via said telecommunications network (N).  Equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the human-machine interface (HMI) allows the user to enter the selection criteria or the properties of a multimedia work, by selecting properties among a set of predetermined properties.  14. Equipment according to claim 13, characterized in that the man / machine interface means comprise on the one hand keys, whose <Desc / Clms Page number 27>  at least some of them, called property keys, correspond to respective properties of the multimedia works, and on the other hand respective associated indicator lights.  15. Equipment according to claim 14, characterized in that, the properties associated with the multimedia works are grouped by families according to their nature, the keys of the interface man / machine (IHM) which are associated with properties belonging to a same family, are grouped so as to be adjacent to each other.  16. Equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage means comprise at least one hard disk.  17. Equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the restitution means comprise a unit of

 digital processing of digital data that correspond to the multimedia work to be played, and transducer means for rendering the multimedia work.  18. Equipment according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that, when none of the multimedia works stored in the mass storage means (MM) meets the selection criteria entered by the user, the selection means ( SEL) select all the multimedia works stored in the mass storage means (MM).  19. Equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that, when none of the multimedia works stored in the mass storage means (MM) meets the selection criteria entered by the user, the means selections (SEL) make a new selection that does not take into account a first selection criterion among those entered by the user, and so on going up <Desc / Clms Page number 28>  to the last remaining selection criterion, and that, if still no multimedia work satisfies the latter selection criterion remaining, the selection means (SEL) selects all the multimedia works stored in the mass storage means (MM ).  20. Equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that information relating to objective properties associated with at least some of the respective multimedia works is further stored in the mass storage means (MM), it comprises means for indicating to the user, during the broadcast of a multimedia work determined by the broadcasting means, objective information relating to said determined multimedia work, in response to a determined action of the user via the man / machine interface (HMI).  21. Equipment according to claim 20, characterized in that it comprises means for reading, in the mass storage means (MM), the information relating to the objective properties associated with said determined multimedia work, for broadcasting this information via the broadcast means (SBM, AMP, HP), and then resume the broadcast of said multimedia work determined from the interruption.  22. Equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, multimedia works comprising advertising works, it comprises means for broadcasting advertising works determined at specific times.