CA2300310C

CA2300310C - Music browser

Info

Publication number: CA2300310C
Application number: CA002300310A
Authority: CA
Inventors: York Patrick Herpers
Original assignee: Sonopress GmbH
Current assignee: Sonopress GmbH
Priority date: 1998-07-02
Filing date: 1999-07-01
Publication date: 2007-05-08
Anticipated expiration: 2019-07-01
Also published as: CA2300310A1; HK1024776A1; BR9906572A; CN1273671A; JP2002520642A; ES2178082T3; DE59804329D1; WO2000002203A1; EP0969469A1; EP0969469B1

Abstract

A music browser method and system comprises a recording station, into which reference files for pieces of music are entered and thence, together with corresponding media files, transferred to a data archive. The content of the reference files is deposited in the fields of the data archive and by means of the track management application, it is determined which media files and which corresponding fields of the data archive are to be made available in a server and transferred. Media files deposited in the server and corresponding fields of the data archive are made available on request at the level of an output unit and the corresponding piece of music is played at the level of the output unit.

Description

MUSIC BROWSER
This invention relates to a music browser and system.
Items of music are currently made available to a user/customer mostly in the form of CDs or other sound carriers. In view of the considerable number of sound carriers newly available, dealers have a problem in offering and attractively presenting a user/customer with a sufficiently broad selection of music items. This is necessary, however, to remain competitive. Ear the user/customer, there is the problem that it is extremely difficult to obtain an overview as to the sound carriers available on the market, and also of interest within a reasonable time period, since it is highly time-consuming to check out each and every sound carrier individually. In addition, should the user/customer wish a trial hearing of the music items contained on the sound carrier, he is usually obliged to make use of a local player made available in many outlets especially for this purpose.
The invention therefore seeks to provide a music browser method and system which without tedious preparation enables the selected music titles to be played on a local output unit and, more particularly, enabling dealers to stock only a ,.,~ ~"*~~,~, . ,,~,..w,~,.,~»,.w..~." ""

limited number of sound carriers while nevertheless remaining competitive.
In a first aspect the invention therefore provides a music browser method comprising the steps of (i) entering into a recording station a reference file containing data specific to each of a plurality of music items;
(ii) loading the music items;
(iii) processing the loaded music items, with the production of cutout hook portions, formatting as needed for further handling and storing each music item in a media data file assignable to a respective reference data file;
(iv) importing the reference data files and media data files via the import interface of a data archive;
(v) archiving the content of the reference files in data archive fields;
(vi) defining by means of a track management application environment which media files and the corresponding archived data fields are to be made available on a server;
(vii) exporting the selected media files and the corresponding archived data fields via an export interface to the server;
(viii) serving a local output unit on request with a media file saved on the server and the corresponding archived data fields; and

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(ix) playing the music items held in the served media file on the local output unit by means of a user software.
In a second aspect the invention therefore provides a system for browsing music comprising (i) at least one recording station;
(ii) a data archive comprising a track management application environment and at least one interface with the recorder station;
(iii) at least one export interface connecting at least one server and an output unit.
The invention seeks to enable a user, in making use of the method and system, to browse through a plurality of music items which, after having been exported from a data archive to the server, are presented to him on the server. The selected tracks are then played on a local output unit by means of a suitable software without any further entries being needed, i.e. any further effort, thus presenting the user, after having simply stipulated certain selection criteria on the output unit, with the corresponding available tracks on the server without any time-consuming entries being necessary. By employing a system making use of the method, a dealer is able

3 to do away with hitherto necessary service items such as providing play stations for presented sound carriers. The number of sound carriers to be kept available can thus be considerably reduced or well adapted to market requirements, since the tracks selected by the customer at the output unit can form the basic statistics for a suitable inventory. By making use of the method, important information relative to the corresponding music track can now be made available as saved in the archived data fields, indicating for example EAN
codes, order numbers, label codes, name of artist, single track title, CD title, etc. The data archive should have a sufficient storage capacity so that tracks also to be published in the future can be included. Particularly suitable for this purpose is the digital media management system (DMMS) data base developed by the present applicant, with a storage capacity corresponding to approximately 200,000 music CDs.
The system operator makes his choice from music items saved in the data archive as regards those to be made available to the user by the server. The number of tracks available is, of course, restricted by the storage capacity of the server. The sequence of steps outlined above can be modified according to the circumstances.

4 A further important feature is that the user is provided with a user software available at the local output unit which is suitable for processing the media files as well as the archived data fields, so that the user is able to browse through the music items.
A further media file can be assigned to a reference file containing at least parts of a music video. This is important since music videos have almost become a separate music vehicle in their own right, and are becoming increasingly popular, especially among younger users. Such media files are managed in the same manner as media files containing music only, except that an audio-visual display is available at the output unit for the user and a software producing the display on the output unit is provided.
Preferably, a text file is assigned to at least one reference file, containing information relative to the music items linked to the reference file. Such text file will contain desired information, such as background information on the artist or label, or other information of interest to the user, for example information relating to upcoming concert events.

Further, a media file can be assigned to at least one reference file containing animations, for added entertainment for the user.
Media and text files can also be subsequently incorporated into the archived data, i.e. once the reference files have been transferred to the data archive and their content saved in the archived data fields. These files are then assigned to specific archived data fields and not to the reference files.
Preferably, the media files saved in the data archive are compacted at least in part. Also, to make all tracks on a sound carrier available to the user, the music items contained on the carrier, preferably a CD, can be input into the recording station.
To link all media files belonging to a sound carrier, these are preferably referenced in a text file. For full identification, each media file is preferably assigned the number of the original sound carrier and a track number.

To ensure that the media files are processed only by an authorized user software, these are preferably provided with an authorization code.
To provide the user with further visual impressions, graphic details are scanned at the recording station and assigned to a reference file. These details are, for example, the front page of the associated CD booklet. The graphic details can also be assigned to archived data fields.
Preferably, text and/or video data assigned to a music item is displayed on the local output unit, whereby text and/or video data not linked to the requested music items, such as advertising, can likewise be displayed.
By means of adaptable templates and a corresponding administration surface, a graphic display for each media file containing a music item can be generated on the server and made available to the user. To make all files saved in the server quickly available to the user, a search index is preferably generated or modified on the server when files assigned to a music item are imported.

Preferably the server is monitored by means of a load and/or availability monitor.
Further, to provide the user with the opportunity to contact other users of the system, the output unit can be connected to a chat server.
Still further, to enable music items and files linked thereto to be made available to the user also for a lengthier period, the files assigned to a music item can be locally saved in the output unit. It is also possible to provide for a user to download single items of music onto his output unit and any downstream processing items such as a CD burner, this enabling the user to produce e.g. music CDs himself.
To protect the system from unauthorized use, a code can be defined for each user.
The files can be made available to the user online, which would preferably be via a network, which can be the Internet.
In accordance with one embodiment of the method of the invention, the files are made available to the user on a data carrier, preferably a DVD, which comprises the offline version of the method.
Also, it is possible to provide a hybrid embodiment, in which the files are made available to the user partly via the Internet and partly on a data carrier, preferably a DVD. In such embodiment it is preferable to store the high-content files, namely the media files, on the data carrier, whereas the smaller files for fast transfer such as the text files are made available via the network.
To further facilitate use of the output unit by the user, a search mask can optionally be included in the display, which can include an events page, based on the search mask input.
In accordance with another specific embodiment of the method of the invention, music items selected by means of a random generator from those saved in the server can be played on the output unit, which can, for example, be a medley of a specific artist or an excerpt of the latest chart hits.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process for providing pieces of music for . ",.M...~"~,.w, . . "~.,w"",,"~,y...~..", , "

a user with an installation which at least comprises at least one recording station and a data archive which has a user environment provided with a track management application and is connected by way of at least one import interface to the recording station and by way of at least one export interface to at least one server, comprising the following steps:
a) at the recording station for each piece of music a respective reference data file containing specific data of the piece of music is input;
b) the pieces of music are read in;
c) the read-in pieces of music are processed with the production of cutouts, so-called hooks, put into a data format required for the further procedure, and respectively stored in a media data file which can be associated with the respective data file;
d) the reference data files and the media data files are re-recorded by way of the import interface into the data archive;
e) the content of the reference data files is stored in fields of the data archive;
f) which media data files and associated fields of the data archive are provided on the server is established by means of the track management application;
9a .. . . ", i. «,M.y.,.w, . ~w,wM..,m.w.. -...n . ,.,~...~.~.".". , .,..~"~,."". ", g) the selected media data files and their associated fields of the data archive are re-recorded by way of the export interface on to the server;
h) a media data file stored on the server and the associated fields of the data archive are provided on request at a local output device; and i) by means of a user software the piece of music contained in the provided media data file is played at the local output device.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an installation for providing pieces of music for a user, comprising at least one recording station, a data archive having a user environment provided with a track management application, and connected by way of at least one import interface to the recording station and by way of at least one export interface to at least one server, and an output device.
The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which 9b Figure 1 is a simplified schematic representation of one embodiment of the system of the invention.
Figure 1 shows the system of the invention, including the online, hybrid and offline versions. The system comprises a recording station l, a data archive 2, a server 3 and an output unit 4. Recording station 1 and the data archive 2 are connected to each other by data links. Similarly the data archive 2 is connected to the server 3 by data links, and the server 3 is similarly connected to the output unit 4, except in the offline version, in which case there are no data links between the server 3 and the output unit 4, but instead data transfer to the output unit 4, comprising a play station, is achieved by means of a data carrier, for example a DVD 5. The DVD 5 would be written in the server 3 with data or files as required to be made available to the user/consumer at the output unit 4, which would be provided with a suitable reader for the data carrier.
Also, in the hybrid version, in which the data is required to be made available partly on a data carrier and partly via a network, the output unit 4 is provided with a corresponding reader.

The recording station 1 can consist of several discrete stations, and comprises at least one computer system on which an editing system is installed for entering reference files.
By means of the reference files, files linked to a specific item of music can be identified. The reference files can additionally list e.g. EAN code, order number, label code, name of artist, single track title, CD title, etc.
In a preferred embodiment, the recording station includes at least one scanner to permit scan-entry of the title page of the CD booklet. The computer system can be equipped with an AUTO play feature by means of which the items of music recorded on a sound carrier can be read into the system. By means of an application program, the items read into the system can be processed, for example by automatic production of 30 second hooks of all music items recorded on the CD. The items of music read into the system are preferably data-formatted as required for the further features of the method and system, and each saved in a media file assignable to each reference file.
The files generated in the recording station 1 are then copied into the data archive 2. The content of the reference files is saved in archived data fields. The data archive 2 is preferably an Oracle database, or a DMMS master database. The user environment of the data archive 2 is equipped with a track administration application permitting convenient handling of the individual files assigned to the music items.
The data archive 2 has an export interface via which music items selected by means of the track administration application, that is media files and the corresponding archived data fields, are exported to the server 3.
Depending on the version selected, the server 3 differs in design. If the server 3 is to function as an Internet or online server, it comprises a database server and a media file server on which the media files are saved, preferably compacted. Also saved on such server 3 are the archived data fields, each assignable to the media files. The hybrid version comprises merely a server 3 on which the archived fields are saved, the media files being saved on a data carrier such as a DVD. In the offline version, data carriers such as DVDs are played on the server. The content of the data carrier is preferably adapted to the specific taste of the user, for example only jazz or classical music items. Further, in the other versions, a preselection can also be made with regard to the items made available by the server 3.
Advantageously, the media files held on the data carrier are coded, being, for example, MPEG formatted and coded by means of the multimedia protection (MMP) system, thus to ensure that only authorized users have access to the media files. For this purpose, the user needs an authorized software to use the output unit, a pirate copy of the data carrier then not being readable on other output units.
In the hybrid version, the data carrier contains media files only. The required archived data fields are exported to the output unit 4 via a network. This permits fast access to high storage volume media files as well as high-quality music browsing. In the offline version, both the media files and the corresponding archived date fields are held on the DVD.
However, in both the offline version and the hybrid version, the files held on the data carrier need to be continually updated.
In one embodiment of the invention, the online version can be configured as a sound carrier kiosk system with which the user is able to make direct orders of selected CDs, which are then dispatched to him. Payment can be made, for example, by entering a credit card number.
Advantageously, further media files containing music videos or other graphic display data are assigned to a specified reference file at the recording station 1. A media file containing a music video is handled in the same manner, i.e.
it is saved in the data archive 2, copied into the server 3, and exported to the output unit 4 where it is played by means of a suitable software.
In addition, further text files can be assigned to a reference file at the recording station 1, and likewise saved in the data archive 2 and server 3, and then exported to the output unit 4 where they are made available to the user. These text files store information as desired, for example background information relating to the artist, or further music items or concert events and the like. The text and media files can also be directly assigned to specific archived data fields.

Claims

1. A process for providing pieces of music for a user with an installation which at least comprises at least one recording station and a data archive which has a user environment provided with a track management application and is connected by way of at least one import interface to the recording station and by way of at least one export interface to at least one server, comprising the following steps:
a) at the recording station for each piece of music a respective reference data file containing specific data of the piece of music is input;
b) the pieces of music are read in;
c) the read-in pieces of music are processed with the production of cutouts, so-called hooks, put into a data format required for a further procedure, and respectively stored in a media data file which can be associated with the respective data file;
d) the reference data files and the media data files are re-recorded by way of the import interface into the data archive;
e) the content of the reference data files is stored in fields of the data archive;
f) which media data files and associated fields of the data archive are provided on the server is established by means of the track management application;
g) the selected media data files and their associated fields of the data archive are re-recorded by way of the export interface on to the server;

h) a media data file stored on the server and the associated fields of the data archive are provided on request at a local output device; and i) by means of a user software the piece of music contained in the provided media data file is played at the local output device.

2. A process according to claim 1 wherein associated with at least one reference data file is a further media data file which contains at least parts of a music video.

3. A process according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein associated with at least one reference data file is a text data file which contains items of information relating to the piece of music linked to that reference data file.

4. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein associated with at least one reference data file is a media data file which includes animations.

5. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the media data files are stored at least in part in compressed form in the data archive.

6. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the pieces of music contained on an audio carrier are played in at the recording station.

7. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein all media data files belonging to an audio carrier are referenced in a text data file.

8. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the number of the initial audio carrier and a track number are allocated to each media data file.

9. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the media data files are provided with an encryption code.

10. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein a graphic is scanned in at the recording station and associated with a reference data file.

11. A process according to any one claims 2 to 10 wherein text and/or video data associated with a piece of music are represented at the local output device.

12. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein a graphic representation is generated on the server by means of adaptable templates and a corresponding administration surface for each media data file including a piece of music and is made available to the user.

13. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein a search index is established or modified on the server upon the import of data files associated with a piece of music.

14. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the server is monitored by means of a load and/or availability monitoring procedure.

15. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the output device is connected to a chat server.

16. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein the data files associated with a piece of music are locally stored on the output device.

17. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 16 wherein a code is given for the user.

18. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein the data files are made available to the user online.

19. A process according to claim 18 wherein the data files are made available to the user by way of networks.

20. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein the data files are made available to the user on a data carrier.

21. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein the data files are made available to the user partly online and partly on a data carrier.

22. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 21 wherein a search mask is represented on a display screen of the output device.

23. A process according to claim 21 wherein a result page based on the search mask input is displayed on a display screen of the output device.

24. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 23 wherein pieces of music selected from the pieces of music stored on the server by means of a random generator are played back at the output device.

25. A process according to claim 20 or claim 21 wherein the data carrier is a DVD.