EP0791212B1 - Automatic music system - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a system of money-operated music machines, with a display, an input unit and at least a loudspeaker and a central unit with a central memory in which playable titles are stored over long distance data transmission lines connected to the entertainment devices. Furthermore, in the central memory covers, texts, video clips, etc. are saved. There is also an additional one in the central unit Access and storage unit for special operator queries and evaluations as well as for user queries intended.

Music machines are set up in locations that are multitude accessible by people (e.g. in restaurants) and therefore need a wide range of user requirements fulfill. The operators of music automatons are therefore interested in making their music automatons versatile can be used.

One way to achieve this goal is that the music automatons via a remote data transmission line with a central Music storage can be connected using the remote data transmission line for the transmission of sound information suitable and is preferably an ISDN line. It can additionally be provided with image information To transmit screen unit equipped music automatons, so that, for example, sound films are reproduced can.

Furthermore, there are music automats and music automat systems become known for certain titles that are ongoing are played with a certain frequency, always there are other titles or title collections in the magazine, that are not so wanted or that are the current ones Contain titles, are exchanged more often.

To record the frequency of access to title collections has been proposed in DE-C-29 44 177 for music automatons intended records on each side with a to provide machine-readable additional information that read when accessing the record in question and is saved.

To get the greatest possible flexibility, the WO 92/01342 a music machine has been proposed which itself does not have a playback unit, but rather from retrieves tracks to be played from a central music store. For evaluation purposes you can use one of such music automatons existing system from a central computer vending machine and user data are retrieved.

A music playback system is known from WO 94/15416, at which the music player itself a title memory and has a playback unit. In the associated central Memory is the data in the music player stored or stocked titles and title collections saved. The music playback units are via a remote data transmission line with each other and with the central Computer connected. This is the central music store to a certain number of music playback units distributed. The central computer can store user data save and / or process the individual playback units. Furthermore, he can also provide statistics regarding the Carry out usage frequencies, access routes, etc.

A bidirectional is advantageous as a remote data transmission line ISDN line provided.

From WO-A-94/03894 a commercially working information storage device is and transmission system in which a central unit with a control device, a Central storage with video and audio programs and removed located users are provided. The users and the central units are linked interactively. It is an archive function provided to keep existing records in Localize memory and timing of selection recorded video and audio programs to capture a to be able to predict the next access option. A Entry and acquisition of additional system data, for example of access frequencies, by means of this Archive function is not described. Likewise, at the known system does not provide extracts from stored Programs while accessing these programs available (see page 7, lines 20 to 22).

According to US-A-5,157,643 is an automatic selection system and playback of music tracks provided in which Terminals from a central unit from a playback device received played music tracks and saved them there will.

WO 86/01326 is a money-operated information system known the storage units and user stations includes. It is possible with this system, the duration of user access to record and save. Title requirements can also be saved and displayed.

The invention has for its object a dialog Music machine system to be provided that the acquisition of additional Information about the actual user and Title data also allows for operators and users. This task is according to the invention in a music machine solved with the features of claim 1. Advantageous further training the music machine according to the invention are the subject of subclaims.

In a system of money-operated music machines according to the invention the music automatons thus display an input unit and at least one speaker. The system further comprises a central unit with a Central memory in which playable tracks are stored. In the central memory, e.g. Cover, texts, video clips, etc. saved. The central unit is furthermore over long-distance data transmission lines with the entertainment devices connected. There is an additional one in the central unit Access and storage unit for special operator queries and evaluations as well as for user queries. The music machines are also with at least headphones.

By providing the additional access and storage unit external data can also be entered into the system and continue to be used there. Conversely enables it also the additional access unit, according to system data other than the usual operator criteria and evaluate. In this way, the possible uses of the music machine system greatly expanded.

During playback, you can also use the relevant Remote data transmission line an extract of one or more Title from the central store and / or from the additional Access and storage unit can be accessed via the headphones parallel to the current playback mode can be listened to for a title selection. The user of the Music machines can do this while running Play mode available from a title depending on the favor find the selection made. For such a choice for example 10 titles can e.g. DM 1, - calculated will. This way, the operator will not miss a thing Business and the user has the feeling of the selection fee of DM 0.10 per title in the event of rejection To have saved 0.90 DM and his money better or more targeted.

For example, the additional access and storage unit for recording the playing frequency of titles or title collections. So it can play frequencies additionally evaluated according to various criteria will.

A new aspect of the usability of music machine systems results from the fact that the additional access and memory unit only coded titles in a certain way or title collections. This feature can be an instant provide central recording of new titles or CDs, about the usual hit parade creation of music automatons goes out. Broadcasters, music producers, Artists etc. can be relatively inexpensive and nevertheless reliably get a measurable result, as well their titles arrive.

Another aspect results from the fact that the invention Music automat system for the pre-test of titles or CDs can be used. There could be test collections on the system, e.g. also on tape or a single CD-ROM, one representative group of consumers are presented. Each after acceptance of the new collection of titles, the final one could then Conditions to be determined or, if necessary, for marketing to be waived if consumer interest increases is low.

Can also be advantageous in the additional access and Storage unit records can be stored that are playable Titles or collections of titles are assigned. This system variant enables the machine operator to use his Customers information about the artist and Deliver groups. This way they can provide the best information about preserve the music scene. For example, this information More about the title, singer, date of issue, name convey to the group, conductors, etc.

It can also be in the additional access and storage unit Records can be saved by the playable Titles or collections of titles are independent. So enables it the system according to the invention, about the offer of To inform the music scene in the regional area, for example Place and time or date of a rock concert, open-air concert, etc., also new records from regionally known artists. These could also be done directly by means of the system according to the invention be ordered.

Furthermore, the system according to the invention could also be used as a medium serve for young artists, for example on points out performances or its services so can be requested.

By means of the information options provided by the invention and channels could also be a Club founded and maintained, the organization then run over the central unit. One could as well electronic pin board can be provided by from users data to query by interested Entered circles and queried by other users can be.

It is thus possible in the system according to the invention to the additional access and storage unit additional functions retrieve. In addition to the functions mentioned e.g. provided a karaoke CD recording that are an accompaniment for a soloist, e.g. one Singer, from the guests of a pub or similar represents. It could An astrology printout is given on request, business cards printed and other services available be put.

Other options of title-independent records that the system according to the invention provides exist e.g. in using it as an advertising medium. So can local advertising operated, e.g. by the operator, for example the innkeeper, for a dance evening or another Event indicates. The display could be on others Installation locations or the possibility of selling CDs to draw attention.

Furthermore, very general advertising could be carried out, for example for cigarettes, beer, etc. It could also on cheap shopping opportunities ("bargain guide") be pointed out.

It could also be a game of money via the system according to the invention Tobe offered. Corresponding functions would then be stored in the additional access and storage unit.

In another advantageous embodiment of the invention System is provided a selection device, by means of the central memory or the or Music automatons available tracks to access the additional and storage unit are transmitted and to a title collection be put together on the music machine playable or transferable to an external storage medium is. In this way, individually compiled CDs are provided. The user highlighted e.g. the desired tracks, either in the music machine or put together directly in the central unit or whose codes are saved together. Is the game duration reached a CD, so a corresponding title collection be issued. It can be provided, for example be number codes for certain combinations of titles save.

Finally, it is advantageous with the music automatons of the system according to the invention in each case a connection to a Hotline and / or database provided by the operator.

Fig. 1 ein schematisches Blockdiagramm eines erfindungsgemäßen Systems und

Fig. 2 eine schematische Darstellung eines Musikautomaten.

The invention is described below with reference to an embodiment and the drawing. The drawing shows:

Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a system according to the invention and

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a music machine.

In a system of FIG. 1 schematically illustrated in FIG coin operated music machine is a central unit 2 and a number of music automats 4 are provided.

The central unit 2 includes a not shown Computer, which is e.g. to be a personal computer can. With the central unit 2 is an input / output unit 14 connected to a variety of remote data transmission lines 16 is connected, where it e.g. are ISDN lines.

The remote data transmission lines 16 are each via a corresponding input / output unit e.g. with modem 20 or with ISDN interface connected to a computer 21 of a music machine 4. The computer 21 is connected to a via a line 22 Screen unit 24 connected to the display of the music machine represents. Be on the screen unit 24 e.g. the music pieces that can be played using the music automaton is displayed, e.g. the music pieces, artists, hit list and the like can be sorted. Furthermore is the Computer 21 via a line 26 with an input keyboard 28 connected. The selection commands entered using the keyboard are displayed on the screen unit 24 and make the selected piece of music visible or featured. The final keyboard can be used for the final selection include a confirmation button. With the calculator is furthermore via a further line 30 a loudspeaker system 32 connected. Otherwise, the input keyboard and screen output also replaced by a touch screen system will.

The music machine does not need a track storage on site. He can be designed so far that he only the one to choose input / output units required for pieces of music and the necessary playback units such as the speaker system 32 contains. The remaining units can be part be the central unit 2, depending on the design of the invention Systems processing of user data can perform. This is used in the central unit 2 central computer provided. To secure the central Computer saved and processed with this Data is then in a known manner in the external terminal or A code control unit is also provided for automatic music machines can be reduced to the extent that a password (pass-word) is saved, with the entry of which access to Computer and the user data is released. Hereby the device installer can perform billing and evaluations centrally perform controlled. Also the monitoring and delivery the GEMA fees in such a centralized System simplified.

However, the music machine 4 can also have a large number of tracks available on site. This is especially for very often played titles cost-saving.

In the system according to the invention, the individual music automatons 4 directly with the central unit 2 or additionally connected to each other with the help of local networks.

The structure of a music machine is schematic in Fig. 2 shown. This music machine 4 comprises a housing 40, that with a screen unit 24 and an input keyboard 28 is provided. There are also control buttons and keyboards 42 provided with which the screen display and Speakers 32a, 32b of the speaker system 32 are set can be. They also include an on / off switch. Of Another is a slot on the front of the housing 40 44 provided for receiving magnetically coded Cards are provided instead of a conventional coin unit is. The housing 40 has a connection for a remote data transmission line 16 and a connection 17 for a local Network (LAN). Furthermore there is a connection for a Power cord 46 provided. A cable 48 does not lead to one shown player.

Claims (9)

1. System of money-actuated juke boxes (4), having a display (24), an input unit (28) and at least one loudspeaker (32) as well as having a central unit (2) with a central store, in which playable titles are stored, the central unit being connected to the juke boxes via remote data transmission lines (16), an additional access and storage unit being prcvided in the central unit (2) for special operator queries and evaluations as well as for user queries, characterised in that an extract of one or more titles is recallable from the central store and/or from the additional access and storage unit via the pertinent remote data transmission line during the playing operation, said extract being audible via the headphones parallel to the current playing operation for the selection of a title.
2. System according to claim 1, characterised in that the additional access and storage unit is provided to detect the playing frequencies of titles or title collections.
3. System according to claim 2, characterised in that the additional access and storage unit only detects titles or title collections which are coded in a predetermined manner.
4. System according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that data records, which are associated with playable titles or title collections, are stored in the additional access and storage unit.
5. System according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that data records, which are independent of the playable titles or title collections, are stored in the additional access and storage unit.
6. System according to claim 5, characterised in that additional functions are recallable via the additional access and storage unit.
7. System according to claim 6, characterised in that a money game is recallable via the additional access and storage unit.
8. System according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that a selector arrangement is provided, by means of which titles which are available from the central store or from the juke box or boxes are transmitted to the additional access and storage unit and combined to form a title collection, which can be played on the juke box or can be transmitted to an external storage means.
9. System according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the juke boxes (4) each communicate with a hotline and/or databank of the operator.

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