JP2003514340A - Improvements on digital data distribution - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) SUMMARY A method and apparatus for recording AV (audio / video) data selected from a first data store (106) to an AVDDM (audio / video distributable data medium) (102) is described. The method reads a portion (104, 112, 122) of the selected AV data from the first store (106); and reads the read portion (104, 112, 122) through the second store (114). (108, 120) to the AVDDM recorder (70), and the read portions (104, 112, 122) are temporarily stored. Next, the read portions (104, 112, 122) are recorded (110) on an AVDDM (eg, CD) (102). These processing steps are repeated until all parts of the selected AV data are recorded in the AVDDM (70), and at least the reading step and the recording step are performed simultaneously on different parts of the selected AV data. The device can also be used as part of a compiling device, preferably linked to a remote database via a satellite link (28), and has an easy-to-use and simple GUI (graphical user interface).

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to improvements related to digital data distribution, and more particularly to selected audio / video (AV) data such as compact discs (CDs) without implying exclusiveness. Distributable audio / video data media (A
VDDM) recording method and apparatus. The method is used as part of a data composition device. In this data configuration device, a consumer can select AV data using a graphic user interface (GUI) and can retrieve the AV data from a database in which the AV data is stored. The data composition device is part of a digital distribution system in which data collected from the Internet is stored in a central database and accessed from remote sites using artificial intelligence (AI). Is possible.

BACKGROUND ART Audio / video and data distributable media (AVDM) for audio / video
Recording video AV data is an integral part of different entertainment and high tech industries such as film distribution, music / pop distribution, and software product (game) distribution. The recording process has traditionally been performed centrally and the manufacturer owns the master copy of the AV data used to make multiple copies in AVDMM for distribution. In this case, a powerful computer is used with a software package capable of recording AV data in AVDM in the various formats required.

The types of AV data thus distributed include digital movies, computer games, digitally recorded programs, videos, and music / songs. The AV data tends to be a large-sized data file that cannot be compressed without deterioration of quality. Examples of AVDM are CD, digital audio tape (DAT), digital video disc (DVD), and so on. All of these are digital data storage media and are designed to be portable and distributable.

A typical centrally performed recording process according to the prior art is shown in FIG. Prototype AV
DDM 1 (or master copy) is simply copied to blank AVDDM using AVDDM recorder 2. When the prototype data is copied to the blank AVDDM, the distribution clone AVDDM 3 is created. This process is generally iterated in parallel to make the required number of copies within a given commercial transaction period.

From the point of view that the data is digitized, an alternative process of recording AV data on AVDMM has been developed, which is shown in FIG. This process retrieves AV data from the store of the AV data file 4 such as a database of AV data files installed in a hard drive of a computer, and outputs the desired A data.
This involves writing the digital image 5 of VDDM to a temporary data storage device. Once the digital image 5 is created, the alternative process proceeds as in the original process shown in FIG. That is, AVDM image 5
Is recorded on a blank AVDDM using the AVDDM recorder 6, whereby
An AVDM clone 7 of the AVDM image 5 is created.

The advantage of the alternative process over the original cloning process is that the manufacturer can create a desired compilation of AV data from a database of AV data files. This is accomplished by simply constructing the AVDMM image with a selection procedure in which the required digital data is compiled. Since the selection process is performed only once during each manufacturing process of the specific AVDM,
This selection process has never been optimized.

In the industry using the known processes described above, the main AVDMM supplied to the customer (user) is a pre-recorded medium that does not give the customer the opportunity to choose the specific structure of the AV data. However, with the recent technological progress, the method of creating and distributing the above-mentioned established AV data compilations has changed.

Recently, there is a tendency to purchase AVDMM via the Internet. Some websites have a presentation catalog of recorded AV data compilations such as music albums. Examples of these websites are cdnow.
com and buy. com. At these websites, the customer searches through a list of AV data records and selects the recorded compilation to be recorded on AVDM. The AVDM is recorded and then mailed to the customer. This selection process is time consuming for the customer, as the catalog of AV data records is listed across several web pages, eg a scrolling list to find the album of the desired artist. Leads to waste.

Some of these websites have recently been adapted for customers to create their own CD compilations. An example of this kind of AV customer selection site is music
maker. com, musimatch. com, customdisc.
com. The compilation selected is typically recorded at the manufacturer's site and mailed to the customer. However, in some cases, the selected AV data can be directly downloaded to the customer. Downloaded AV data is often limited to relatively small AV files, such as a single audio track from a given set of AV data files. In the case of a relatively large AV data file such as a digital movie, transferring the data via the Internet is not effective in terms of cost because the data transfer rate is low.

The downloaded AV data is not normally recorded in AVDDM and is stored in the customer's hard drive, or from the customer's PC, for example, MP-.
3 Recorded in a portable media player such as an audio player.

To select the desired compilation of AV data, it is necessary to access several web pages of a website and search through the list of artists' data. This process involves the same problems as in the original and alternative methods described above.

It is also possible to perform the entire AV data selection and AVDMM recording process locally without using the Internet. For example, US Pat. No. 5,633,
No. 839 describes a CD sales system for recording music selected by a customer on a CD. The selling system is equipped with a complex GUI that allows the user to select a song using a unique code for that song. Data is only available from removable hard drives, which can store only a limited amount of AV data.

[0013]   The present invention aims to overcome at least some of the problems mentioned above.

According to the present invention, in the AVDM recording process, the final AVDMM to be recorded is recorded.
Based on realizing that eliminating the need to create a full digital image of. Rather, dividing the selected data into different parts that are processed sequentially, simultaneously, and asynchronously when recording to AVDMM provides a significant benefit.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of recording AV (audio / video) data selected from a first data store on AVDDM (audio / video distributable data medium). The method temporarily stores a portion of the selected AV data read from the first store in a second store; transferring the portion read from the second store to an AVDDM recorder; AVD part
Recording on a DM (eg CD); repeating the above-described processing steps until all portions of the selected AV data have been recorded on AVDDM. Here, at least the step of saving and the step of recording are selected
It is performed simultaneously for different parts of the V data.

The method described above is implemented as an algorithm in embodiments of the present invention, and is hereinafter referred to as the data spray algorithm. The data spray algorithm has several advantages over previously known AVDM recording methods, some of which are listed below.

The data spray algorithm does not create a full size digital image of AVDDM, thus substantially reducing the time required to record AVDDM. Thus, the data spray algorithm allows AVDDM to be recorded at a very high rate, whether the compilation recorded on each AVDDM generated is unique or assigned to be recorded on each AVDDM. This is especially important when there is a time constraint on the time available.

According to an alternative process according to the prior art shown in FIG. 2, it is required that a full size image has to be formed prior to the start of recording AVDMM. Sequential processing of AV data in the conventional method means that the operation of this processing is not optimized. With the advent of relatively large size AV data files and increased AVDM capacity, this delay was very large and became very important for the effective operation of the recording method.

The data spray algorithm does not create a full size digital image of AVDM, thus reducing the amount of memory required to record AVDM. In contrast to the majority of prior art systems, the size of the temporary memory or second store does not depend on the size of AVDM or the amount of data to be recorded. In fact, since multiple recording cycles of the selected AV data portion are used, AVD
The size of the temporary memory or the second store may be smaller than the size of the DM. While this memory size requirement may not appear to be a challenge for prior art processes where only one AVDM recorder is used, it accesses the same amount of stored AV data files as in commercial systems. Therefore, when multiple AVDM recorders are equipped, the required memory size can increase to large size which is infeasibly expensive.

One important advantage over prior art processes is that the present invention requires a significant increase in the size of the second store (temporary memory) required to operate multiple AVDDM recorders simultaneously. That is not the case. A recorded at the same time
As the number of VDDMs increases, the benefits of the present invention regarding the required temporary memory size increase.

Another important advantage of the present invention is realized when multiple AVDM recorders are used in the method. Each AVDM recorder, which is a mechanical device, can generate different recording times for each segment of AV data to be recorded. Therefore, when a plurality of AVDDM recorders are used simultaneously, different data transfer patterns that are accommodated independently by the second store are generated. Therefore,
The total processing speed of multiple recording is increased, and the slowest AV as in the case of the prior art system.
It is not limited to the DDM transfer rate.

The method may include the step of further generating a feedback signal when the AVDM recorder has finished recording the read portion. In this case, for each part of the selected AV data, the processing steps are performed asynchronously based on the feedback signal. The feedback signal acts as a clock and all other processing steps are timed in relation to the state of the feedback signal. This allows the processes to operate asynchronously, thus allowing the processing steps to be performed in parallel, thus optimizing the overall performance of the method.

The transferring step is preferably performed simultaneously with the storing and recording steps for the different parts of the selected AV data. Transfer step is A
Manipulate different parts of the V data and, consequently, simultaneously to improve throughput.

The storing steps are preferably performed sequentially within the time required to complete the recording steps. Since the recording step takes a relatively long time to complete, there is sufficient time to perform the steps of reading the AV data portion and saving the same data before the next portion is saved. Therefore, the number of steps performed in parallel is increased, which increases the efficiency and speed of the method.

The method preferably further comprises the step of selecting AV data to be recorded from the first data store. This selection step advantageously enables the user of the method to create a desired compilation of AV data for recording.

The AV data may be in a format unsuitable for recording on AVDMM. At that time, the method further A-reads the read portion of the selected AV data.
Converting to VDDM format may be included. This advantageously allows the method to provide access to a database that stores the required AV data in any format, so that the method allows a greater number of different databases (and AV data). Record) is made accessible.

If the AV data is encoded, the method will further include the step of decoding the read portion of the selected AV data. Since a database of AV data often encodes the data for security purposes, the method allows access to this encoded AV data using a suitable decoding algorithm. Moreover, the ability to decode the encoded AV data advantageously increases the number of AV databases that can be accessed by the method.

The method may further include the step of processing the read portion of the AV data prior to temporary storage. The ability to process a portion of the read AV data means that additional security measures can be taken into the recording process, which is much more difficult to implement in the conventional AVDM recording process.

In detail, the processing step may include a step of putting a digital copyright notice on the AV data to be recorded. The processing step can also include the step of adding a digital data watermark to the AV data to indicate the authenticity of the recorded copy. Both of these above steps provide additional security against fraud. Marking digital copies in these ways may be required by the company that owns the archetype data, and may even be a prerequisite to grant access to the owner database. In the conventional recording process, it is difficult to add this kind of copyright notice and digital data watermarking, since the process is carried out in whole rather than on selected AV data parts.

In the method, when AVDDM is recorded with the selected AV data, the AVDDM is recorded.
It may also include the step of checking the format of M. This step provides a final check to confirm that the process was successful, thereby enabling quality control implementation of the method.

The present invention advantageously utilizes AVDM once it has been recorded with selected AV data.
It may also include the step of recording a list of contents in the DM. The contents list is for customers (
It provides a digital summary of the choices made by the user), which may be processed accordingly by the AVDM reader that ultimately plays the AV data. Preferably, the inventory is arranged in one continuous column and printed on AVDDM. AVDD
If the shape of M is a disk shape such as a DVD or a CD, the rows are spiral. This favors a logical data reading method that is not shortened or cut off because the area available for printing is limited as a result of partitioning the AVDMM surface into multiple sections. provide.

The method is preferably operable under the control of the host operating system. This controls the device where the method accesses and uses a database that is not locally equipped and which is required to carry out the method commercially, such as a CD cover printer. To enable that. The data spray algorithm advantageously operates on any known software operating system and can be controlled by and interfaced with any database system or other program.

The data spray algorithm interacts with its host operating system to ensure that sufficient processing power is available for the data spray to operate properly. If for some reason the host operating system needs to perform a task that may partially interfere with the data spray algorithm recording process, disable the host operating system until the recording process is complete. It is possible to configure the data spray algorithm as follows.

The present invention also extends to an apparatus for transferring AV (audio / video) data selected from the first store to AVDMM (audio / video distributable data medium). The device includes: a first transfer means for reading a part of the selected AV data from the first store and temporarily storing it in the second store; a second transfer for transferring the read part from the second store to the AVDDM recorder. Means; and the read part is AVD
It includes an AVDMM recorder for recording on a DM (eg CD). Here, the device repeatedly transfers a portion of the selected AV data until recording of all the selected AV data in AVDDM is completed, and the first transfer means and the AVDDM are used in different portions of the selected AV data. It is configured to operate the recorder at the same time.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method of printing index information on a disk-shaped AVDDM: obtaining a list of data relating to the contents of AVDM; printing a list of information on the surface of the AVDDM. A method is provided that includes controlling a movable printhead device to: Here, the movable printhead device is controlled in a manner that allows printing the information list as an elongated spiral string on the AVDM surface.

The advantages of this new printing method are as described above. In addition, the controlling step may include controlling the printhead device to print the information list along a spiral of decreasing radius. In other words, the helix starts at the outer edge of the disc and moves radially inward toward the center of the disc. The advantage is that in most cases the length of the string should be shorter than the printable capacity of the disc, thus minimizing the curvature of the printed text.

The difficulty with current AV data distribution system GUIs is that they themselves do not attract the attention of the user. This is because they are usually text title tabulators and text-based search engines for vast amounts of AV data. Moreover, these GUIs are so tedious to use that they cannot keep the user's attention for a significantly longer period of time. A long time to attract attention is clearly beneficial. This is because the longer the user browses the AV database, the greater the chance that the user will not leave the system without finding what they want or purchasing a large amount of AV records. . Moreover, by making the user interested in using the GUI, the opportunity for the user to return is further increased.

The present inventor understands these subjective but important issues and provides a novel GUI for use in AV data distribution equipment in selecting AV data from a database of records for recording. Created.

More specifically, according to another aspect of the invention, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for quickly accessing and selecting a record of AV (audio / video) data stored in an AV database. Will be provided. The GUI is configured to compile and display a selection of AV records for recording on AVDM (Audio Visual Digital Data Medium). The GUI includes: a first array of displayed graphic images, each image associated with a particular action and representing an AV data record or set of AV data records stored in an AV database; It includes a cursor that can be moved by the user to highlight possible images. Here, the GUI has a three-dimensional attribute, and a relative motion between the cursor and the displayed graphic image in two dimensions (XY coordinates), and at least some perceptual distances (Z) of the displayed graphic image. Configured to allow for variations in (coordinates).

The three-dimensional aspect of the present invention is not only useful for engaging the user with the browsing process, but also provides the ability to display each graphic image in reduced size on the screen. This is because the Z coordinate feature allows the user to magnify the graphic image for viewing in greater detail if desired. Minimizing the size of each graphic image that represents one AV record allows more images to be displayed on the screen at any given time, thereby maximizing the number of options presented to the user. It

Further, if the video file is associated with a graphic image by allowing the inter-view distance (Z coordinate) of the image to be changed, it is possible to display the video data when the graphic image is selected. It is possible to maximize the visible range provided, thereby providing effective use of the visible range on the screen. In this way, the GUI requirement of being able to present a fairly large number of selectable AV data records is met, and advantageously the ability to provide more detailed information about the selected records, for example. .

The use of 3D motion in a GUI was previously realized in the field of game software, but as a practical matter this is essential for 3D interactive games. However, the inventor has found that a graphic image keying GUI that compiles and displays a list of AV data recorded on AVDM.
Significant benefits of using the three-dimensional nature of the game GUI in I (supra)
Recognized that there is.

The GUI may be configured to change the perceived interocular distance of the displayed graphic image upon its selection by the cursor. The choice of graphic image indicates the user's interest in the AV record associated with it. Therefore, the display screen is efficiently used by selectively enlarging or reducing the graphic image.

The GUI further changes the perceived distance to the displayed graphic image in its selection to move the selected graphic image to the new distinct vision position in at least one of the XY coordinates; and It may be configured to change the perceptual inter-visual distance to the selected graphic image at a clear viewing position. These changes, if complementary, lift or drop the graphic image from one plane that contains other graphic images, move it to a new position (usually a select list), and then It is similar to dropping or lifting the graphic image to a new position in the plane of the other graphic images. When the selected graphic image appears to be lifted from a plane that contains multiple images, its movement to the new position will traverse the other multiple images that make up the options available to the user. Gives the rendered image the appearance of being suspended. This move regarding graphic image selection is particularly attractive to the user and the GUI
Advantageously prolongs the duration of attention in. Moreover, at this stage, it is possible to simultaneously resize the graphic image to fit another array at the new location.

The GUI can also be configured to reduce the perceptual distance to the displayed graphic image upon selection and to play the audio or video file associated with the displayed graphic image. This is useful when the AV file is a music file, in which case a sample of an audio track can be played on selection with the corresponding sample video associated with that audio track. In this way, the user can know what they are going to buy, which is
Help complete the distribution of records. In addition, this additional option provides additional features to keep the user's interest in browsing.

As already mentioned, most prior art GUIs used for accessing and selecting AV data records stored in a hierarchical AV database have several web pages and numerous artist name lists. To use. A problem associated with these configurations is that accessing the desired AV data record can take a long time. Therefore, providing multiple arrays of graphic images, each array representing a different level in a hierarchical AV database, is one solution to this problem, which provides the customer with only relevant information on a single screen. Acts as a real-time data filter.

More specifically, the AV database can include a hierarchical AV database,
The GUI is: a second array of displayed graphic images, one AV data record or one in which each displayed graphic image of the second array is linked to a particular action and stored in a hierarchical AV database. An array representing a set of AV data records; where both arrays are simultaneously displayed, and the graphic image displayed in the second array is the content of the currently selectable graphic image highlighted by a cursor in the first array. , Thereby providing the user with relevant information from different levels of the hierarchical AV database at the same time.

This GUI is particularly useful for browsing databases. Because the customer has not only the options available for selection at the current level,
You can also see which choices a particular option makes. It is possible to increase the speed at which a user can browse the database by using images, rather than just the text that represents the available choices. Furthermore, it is highly advantageous to combine a multi-level representation of a three-dimensional GUI and a hierarchical database on a single screen, i.e. at the same time, which is optimal for increasing human interaction and interest in the GUI. The present invention provides the user with a synergistic effect.

Preferably, the information presented in the second array is automatically updated and the GUI is adapted to provide the user with a selection of relevant data upon relative movement of the cursors in the first array. Composed. The automatic nature of the update also allows the customer to browse the AV data stored in the database faster.

The GUI advantageously further comprises a third array of displayed graphic images, each displayed graphic image being linked to a particular action and representing an AV data record, said third array being said The images displayed simultaneously with the first and second arrays and displayed in the third array represent the contents of the currently selectable graphic image in the second array. Thus, the user can see further hierarchical levels of the database, thereby allowing the complex hierarchy of AV data groupings to be presented to the user in a simple way.

The GUI preferably further comprises a user-selected A from the first array.
A result array displaying a graphic image representing a list of V data records, said result array being simultaneously displayed with said first array. Providing a graphical representation of the customer's current selection provides the user with continuous feedback as to what was selected. This is effective G
It is a valuable feature for UI. Also equipped with a result array dimensioned to preserve a smaller representation for the selected record than in the first and second arrays in order to maximize the number of images that can be displayed in the GUI. It is possible to In this case, the three-dimensional movement of each selected graphic image, as described above, may include an effective re-sizing (reduction) of the graphic image to fit the dimensions of the resulting array.

The GUI may further include an input device with a plurality of arcade game push buttons for moving the cursor and selecting special features of the GUI. It is advantageous to provide a set of push buttons dedicated to a particular function of the GUI, rather than using a pointing device such as a mouse or a QWERTY keyboard, because the GUI is easier to operate.

The first array of GUIs can include group images, and the GUI can be configured such that selection of the group images adds a collection of AV data records to a user selected list of AV data records. This provides the customer with a shortcut that allows several AV data records to be recorded to be selected by the customer with only one selection.

When the user selects an image in the display, the GUI is preferably configured so that the audio file associated with the image in the display is played. However, the GUI may alternatively or additionally be arranged to play the video file associated with the image in the display upon user selection of the image in the display. The audio and / or video files can include instruction files that provide instructions that explain to the user how to use the GUI. These functions simply allow the user to sample the AV record of choice before adding it to the AV data list to be recorded.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the GUI is configured to maintain the cursor in a rest position and to move the cursor relative to the first array by moving the first array under user control. . Also in this embodiment, the GUI is configured to maintain the second array in a rest position and to move the cursor relative to the second array by moving the cursor under user control. Different methods of cursor movement in different arrays are used to enhance differentiation between arrays that represent different hierarchical levels of the AV database.

In addition, the first array can include a search image, and the GUI can be configured so that a user can search for a specific record in the database of AV data records when the search image is selected. . If the user knows exactly what he is looking for, it is useful to equip the search function in that the time required to compile the desired content of AVDMM is minimized.

The prior art device described in US Pat. No. 5,633,839 is limited by the number of AV data records available to the user. This fact alone can cause serious commercial problems as it is not uncommon for users to search for AV data records that are not available at all in the device's database.
Also, such devices according to the prior art require frequent updates of the AV database, which can result in high costs. The present invention has the further aspect of overcoming, or at least greatly reducing, the problems set forth above.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system having an AV (audio / video) data configuration device having a local database for storing AV data, and a remote server including a remote database for storing AV data. Provided.
Here, the AV data configuration device is configured to generate and transmit a remote data search request when any of the compilation records of the desired AV data record does not exist in the local database, and the remote server is configured to A search request for AV data stored in the remote database, which is configured to, in response to the search request, retrieve the necessary AV data from the remote database and transmit it to the AV data configuration device. Has an interpreter with built-in artificial intelligence for considering the search terms, which is equivalent to the search term used for the search request or is presumed to be an error in the search term of the request. Correct things Or is configured to generate an alternative search term having a meaning equivalent to the search term of the request and to use the alternative search term to retrieve AV data from the remote database. It

The use of artificial intelligence is very important in that it allows the correct AV record to be retrieved in just one single access attempt. It is not important that some other AV records, which probably are not relevant to the desired search results, are also retrieved at the same time. Because they can be rejected by the user as irrelevant in an instant. In some cases, the user can wait for the AV record from the time the request is made until the desired AV record is received at the local site, so a key factor is time minimization. A
Using I, this remote AV data record retrieval allows real-time, even if the search request made by the user is incorrect.
Within the knowledge, it is possible to increase the possibility that the desired AV record has been collected. Increased user error tolerances further facilitate the use of the selection and retrieval system.

Further, it is possible to realize a complete digital data distribution system having all the advantages already described, such as easier automatic database update by further centralization, reduction of the size of the local database, and cost reduction. Is.

The AV data configuration device and the remote server can be configured to communicate with each other via a satellite communication network. This type of communication is fast and uses a data bandwidth large enough to enable AV data transfer to be seamless as if the AV data was obtained from a local AV database.

The remote server is advantageously configured to monitor relevant websites on the Internet, collect and store relevant data in remote databases, and automatically perform these procedures. You can have an agent. These features allow remote databases to be self-updating and constantly updating. Update procedures, which would otherwise be quite expensive, are minimized because the procedure is performed automatically.

The internet agent is preferably configured to create internet links and website pages and automatically register these with multiple internet search engines. Providing this feature helps keep remote servers at the top of the search engine list to encourage Internet users to access remote databases.

The interpreter with artificial intelligence for considering search requests for AV data stored in a remote database is preferably:
Means for determining a search requirement for a remote database using a particular term of a search request's search term; means for identifying an equivalent expression of the search request and subsequently using the equivalent expression for determining a search requirement for the database; Means for considering the search request as erroneous and for determining the search requirements for the remote database using the corrected version of the search request; understanding the meaning of the search request, and based on said meaning Means for determining search requirements for remote databases. This combination of AIs provides a database search function with sufficient intelligence to infer what the user will search for, thereby maximizing the likelihood of determining the correct search result.

As used herein, the term artificial intelligence (AI) has its normal meaning (eg, “Microsoft ™ Computer Computer Dictionary”,
It is understood that it is intended to have (1999, 4th edition).
However, for the sake of completeness of understanding, the AI and its function will be described here.

The most well known AI computer is a parallel processing computer called "Deep Blue" created by IBM. "Deep Blue" is capable of investigating 200,000 chess hands per second, and saves them when it finds a set of hands that can win the game. In the next game, "Deep Blue" will try to take advantage of these winnings. "Deep Blue" is artificially intelligent because it learns about winning hands. "Deep Blue" learns to beat stronger players by playing with stronger players.

AI is already used in search engines / portals for the Internet. For example, go to the Altavista search engine website and go to "Ford
Typing Orion, the Altavista search engine may return several different results: Ford = River Ford = Henry Ford Ford = Presention Orion = Constellation Orion = Film Company Orion = Type 1 of Cof. Artificial Intelligence objects examine thousands of returned pages and
0 people searched for "ford orion" and 2,800 people on the website: w
ww. ford. co. Notify that you have selected the tab linked to uk.

Next time, a search request for “ford orion” will be Altav
First to be input to the ista search engine and Ford website should be returned
It should be a link.

As a result of this process, the Altavista search engine uses the term “fo
Those who search for "rd orion" learn that they are most often looking for vehicles manufactured under the names of Ford car companies and the like.

However, existing search engines / portals use AI only at the base level as described above. Therefore, the typed search term is "ford o
rYion ”, the Altavista search engine uses the term“ Fo
Do not send searchers to websites related to "rd Orion". The reason for this is that the Altavista search engine uses the term "oryon" as the term "or."
It is not possible to interpret it as an error in typing, speech, or spelling of "ion."

The present inventor recognizes that the requirement to separate a good search engine / portal from those that are mediocre is that: a) the text typed in a text search box is: The ability of the search engine / portal to interpret what the user needs, even if it contains typographical errors or inaccurate descriptions. b) The ability of the search engine / portal to mine its own database of required information. c) The ability of the search engine / portal to mine the Internet for the information it needs. d) A search engine / portal's ability to ignore information that it does not need. e) The speed at which the search engine / portal can implement any, all, or some of the examples above.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the interpreter used in the remote server described above takes into account all of the above requirements, and the interpreter is optimized to enhance its performance.

The interpreter may further include a list of frequently searched data, the interpreter compares the search request with the list and, if a match is found, the matched data as a search requirement for the remote database. It can be configured for use. This advantageously provides a quick solution on the meaning of the search request. Other AI steps that try to understand what the search request means are bypassed, and the generation of a stream of database queries to determine the correct understanding of the search request is avoided.

The AV data composer uses the AVDMM for the user-determined AV data compilation.
(AV / Video Distributable Data Medium), said AV data composer comprising: at least one data compilation device defining a desired AV data record and forming a compilation; Control means configured to convert any of the received or received AV data records into a format suitable for recording the compilation on the AVDDM.

By configuring the AV component device to download such AV data records, the size of the local AV database does not have to be significantly increased, thereby keeping costs to a minimum. Also, the common central database (remote database) is accessible to multiple AV components, reducing the update effort required for large systems.

The compilation of the selected AV data record is converted to AVDM (for example, D
For recording to VD), the AV data composer may further include an AVDM recorder. This allows the AVDDM to be generated locally at the user location and quickly for immediate purchase. Alternatively, the AV data composition device may further include means for recording the compilation of the selected AV data record on a data storage / playback device (eg, MP-3 player). This allows data to be transferred to the user's portable MP-3 to enable immediate use.

The at least one data selection device may comprise a plurality of data selection devices and the control means may be arranged to process a plurality of selected compilations. It is also possible that all of the plurality of users are networked to one single AV data configuration device, and all users can effectively carry out their respective selections at the same time. Each selection device preferably has a GUI as described above.

The AV data composer may further include a GUI for displaying and changing the current status of the recording procedure and the estimated completion time. This allows the operator to monitor the operating status of the device and instantly inform the user of the approximate time required for the recording process.

Further, the AV data composition device preferably includes means for accepting payment from the user for the selected compilation, said payment accepting means for effecting financial transaction approval from the remote approval center. Can be configured. The device can pay for selection and process it immediately to look for online approval before the AVVDM is created.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [Virtual Music Storage System] With reference to FIGS. 3 to 11, a system of a first embodiment of the present invention, which will be hereinafter referred to as a VMS (virtual music store) system, will be described. VMS system 10 is a scaleable Internet audio distribution system. The system can deliver to the user all types of audiovisual content such as text, audio, video and graphics. VMS system 10 may also be described as an end-to-end digital distribution system.

In this embodiment, the VMS system 10 is configured to allow the user to prepare a selection of desired songs and then obtain the desired songs recorded on the CD for the user.

Customers can access the VMS system 10 via the main street terminal or the Internet. The system 10 allows customers to purchase songs, in which case the method by which the customer obtains these songs is shown below. a) Recorded on a CD while the customer is waiting. b) Recorded on a CD at another location and mailed to the customer's home. c) While the customer is waiting in the store, MP-3 (MPEG Audio)
Layer-3) Downloaded to handheld player. d) Downloaded directly to the customer's computer and recorded on the customer's own CD recorder. e) Downloaded in protected MP-3 format to customer's computer hard disk. As shown in FIG. 3, the VMS system 10 has five components. A) Virtual music store headset 12 and related software. B) Virtual Press Factory (VPP) Server 14 and related software. C) Nexus server 16 and related software. D) Internet and BBS audio player 18 and equivalent BBS
Audio player 20. E) Network 22.

The Nexus Server 16 is the most complex part of the VMS system 10. It not only acts as an audio server, but also as an intelligent portal / search engine with a built-in agent for accessing and crawling the Internet 24.

Since the VMS system 10 is designed in an object-oriented manner, it is not only feasible in stages, but also the system can be easily debugged during the assembly process.

[0085]   Next, the function of each of these components will be described in detail.

Each VMS headset 12 has a standard PC (personal computer) with a 15-inch LCD (liquid crystal display) screen (not shown). VMS
The use of headset 12 allows a customer in the store to pick up and select a number of songs and send the customer's selection results to VPP server 14 via local network 26. The graphic user interface (GUI: see FIGS. 4-6) provided on each VMS headset 12 constitutes a "no-brainer" (easy to use) interface for the customer.

The VPP server 14 (shown in detail in FIGS. 7 and 8) comprises a standard personal computer (PC), compact disc (CD) robot, VPP server software. Customer selection results from each VMS headset 12 to standard network 2
6 to the VPP server 14. The VPP server 14 finds the requested song (downloaded locally from the Nexus server 16 if it is not available), commands the CD robot to record the CD, and then the song details C
Print on the D cover and the CD itself.

The Nexus server 16 (shown in detail in FIGS. 10 and 11) is a mainframe-based warehouse for media data, which is an active Internet agent, web crawler, web page generator, portal display, It is powered by search engines, databases, automated mailers, and online banking facilities. The server can be connected to any network 22, whether it is satellite, wireless, copper wire, or cable TV. In this embodiment, a satellite link 28 is provided between the VPP server 14 and the nexus server 16.

The Nexus server 16 has a database of digitized songs accessible by a private telephone line 30 or the Internet 24. The customer requests songs at the kiosk and pays for them. Next, the nexus server 16 creates a sales log and delivers the CD of the requested song. An Internet audio player 18, which is a replica of the VMS headset software, allows customers to contact the Nexus server 16 directly and download songs for recording on a CD or otherwise.

The VMS Internet / BBS audio player 18 allows customers to link to the Nexus server 16. The player has software that operates to dial the Nexus server directly via the Internet 24 and additional software.

Direct customers can link directly to the Nexus server. This allows the nexus server 16 to operate as a bulletin board system (BBS), thus providing a download speed of 30 or more standard telephone lines, which allows songs to be played 1.2x real time using a 56Kb / sec modem. , And can also be downloaded via ISDN line in twice the real time.

Internet customers can use the Nexus server 16 in exactly the same way with the VMS headset 12. Customers can use the service to select songs, burn CDs, and mail to customers. Alternatively, the customer may choose a service in which the CD is sent to the location of the customer's choice. If an internet customer wants to download a song and record it on his own CD at home, he can connect directly to the nexus server 16.

Internet / BBS audio player 18 is a VMS headset GUI
Looks exactly the same as and works exactly the same. The player can be used by a customer for any MMC SCSI 3 compatible device (currently all CD recorders are MMC
SCSI 3 compliant device) or any IDE (integrated device electronic)
It allows to record songs even through the device.

The BBS audio player 20 is the same as the Internet / BBS audio player 18 except that it communicates with the nexus server 16. In this regard, the BBS audio player 20 is directly connected to the nexus server via a modem and telephone line 30, rather than via the Internet 24. This is a more expensive option than connecting over the Internet 24, but is substantially faster and preferable for time sensitive applications.

The VMS system 10 can be linked and integrated in various ways. The VMS headset 12 is linked to the VPP server 14 via a standard network 26 of 10/100 Base T RG45 cable. The VPP server 14 is linked to the nexus server 16 via a satellite link 28. (However, the VPP server 14 can connect to the nexus server 16 via any other networking technology). Nexus server 16 is the VMS headset / VPP server path, or
The customer is connected via the direct connection unit 30 or the Internet 24.

Having described the basic parts of the VMS system 10, the operation of each part providing a service to a user will now be described in detail.

[Operation of VMS Headset] When the customer approaches the VMS headset 12, the customer first tries the eyecatcher.
． Watch a video called avi. The purpose of this video is to get the customer's attention. As shown in FIG. 4, the VMS headset 12 includes seven operation buttons 32. These buttons are used to control the movement of the cursor, "up (up)" 34, "
"down (lower)" 36, "left (left)" 38, "right (right)" 40,
"Play" 42 to listen to the audio track associated with the selected item, "add / delete" 44 to select or delete items from the selected song list, informational support For "help (h
elp) ”46. The help button 46 can be pressed at any time to play the help bidet. When the customer first touches any other button 32, V
The MS headset 12 is a welcome. Play a video called avi. This welcome video introduces the customer to the VMS system 10 and how to operate it.

The customer is then presented with a GUI (see FIGS. 4-6) that allows the cursor to be moved up, down, left, and right using the appropriate button 32. The GUI is composed of a tree type directory that leads to a song table. Each song is identified by a small graphic representation (graphic) displayed on the GUI. The customer can move the cursor over the graphic representing the song that the customer wants to listen to and then press play button 42, and VMS system 10 will play a sample of the selected song for 20-30 seconds. If the customer likes the song, the customer can press the add / delete button 44 to add the song to the list of their choice. The song graphic is then displayed in the selected song list.

Once the customer has selected all the songs they want, the customer highlights one song,
By dragging it with the left and right buttons 38 and 40, the order (order) of what is recorded can be changed.

When the customer is ready to record a song in the selected song list, the customer simply moves the cursor over the record icon and presses the play button 42.

Next, the VMS headset 12 asks, "Are you sure? (Are you s
ure) ”video and the customer is given the final opportunity to go back and change any of the selected songs in the selected song list. If the customer goes further and wants to record a CD, the customer is asked to enter a title on the customer's CD. (This information is displayed on the back of the CD.) Once entered, all song titles and customer CD titles are sent via the standard network 26 to the VPP server 14.
Sent to. The customer is then informed to go to the counter to pay and pick up the customer's CD.

[Operation of VPP Server] The VPP server 14 includes a GUI (not shown) including the status of each CD recorder, a list of all selected but unpaid compilation albums, and a list of all compilations waiting to be recorded. Equipped with. VPP server GUI allows new customers to specify C
Display the approximate time waited for D creation.

The customer goes to the VPP server counter and tells him that he has finished compiling the album titled, for example, "Amanda's Mix". The VPP server operator browses through the entire list of compilations and calls "Amanda.
Find the item with the title's Mix 'and highlight it, then type pr
Press the button (not shown) marked "int" to activate the printing process.

Next, the VPP server 14 prints the front cover of the CD containing the song details, title, and barcode for it. This bar code is a standard UPC (Universal Product Code) bar code that consists of two parts. The first part identifies the CD for the VMS album / single and its cost and the second part identifies the customer number.

Next, the operator of the VPP server asks the customer if he is satisfied with the content of the CD. If the customer is satisfied, the VPP server operator reads the bar code into the retailer's cash chill (cash register) using a standard laser bar code reader. The first part of the barcode records on the retailer register and calculates the payment. The customer pays the CD price and VP
The P-server operator adds the CD to the "waiting for recording" list.

The VPP server 14 first checks whether or not all songs are retained locally, and if there is something that is not retained, the VPP server 14 contacts the nexus server 16 to download the required song. . Next, the VPP server 14 commands the CD robot to place a blank CD on the CD recorder to record the album. Once the CD is recorded, the VPP server 14 commands the CD printer to print the track details and customer barcode on the CD.

When the customer CD is ready, the VPP server operator simply matches the barcode on the cover with the barcode on the CD. The operator then hands over the CD to the customer.

[Operation of Nexus Server] The Nexus server 16 is a main database for the VMS system 10 and a storage place of songs. The Nexus server 16 uses the Windows® NT4 operating system. The server can connect to any other operating system as needed with minimal effort.

When the VPP server 14 needs a song, it uses the song request to signal the nexus server 16. The nexus server 16 searches its database to find the song and hands it over to the VPP server 14.

Moreover, the nexus server 16 allows Internet and BBS customers to link to it and select songs using the same GUI as for the VMS headset 12. These selected songs can be downloaded to a CD or mail ordered.

The nexus server 16 also has an active internet agent controlled by a program called “ME” written as an artificially intelligent program (AI).

The internet agent ensures that the nexus server 16 has a high profile on the internet 24 and that the data held in its database is correct. Internet agents can also extract data from other websites, cross-reference it with existing data, save this new data, and publish it. By collecting data from multiple sites, the nexus server 16 can create its own database and its own site.

The nexus server 16 monitors itself, monitors the Internet 24, and stores data from the Internet 24. The server ensures that all relevant internet links are directed to the server. If the existing links do not work, the nexus server 16 creates the links and pages and stores them in the internet search engine. This is called a web page automatic registration service. The nexus server 16 monitors the resulting increase in traffic created by these new links and stops creating more links when this traffic reaches the required threshold. In addition, the nexus server 16 connects the nexus server 16 to mobile phone users by WAP (Wireless Application Protocol).
Internet 24 pages can be created. It is believed that many customers can use their mobile phones as handheld media players as mobile operators increase mobile phone bandwidth and add storage media.

The Nexus server's web page auto-registration feature is carefully configured to ensure that existing Internet portals are not stimulated or flooded by it.

A detailed description of the hardware and software used in this embodiment is given below.

VMS Headset As mentioned previously, each VMS headset 12 has a standard PC and LCD screen (not shown). The PC includes a video card, a sound card, and a network card. As already mentioned and shown in FIG. 4, an audio amplifier, a pair of speakers, and seven arcade game push buttons 32 are connected to the PC.

In this embodiment, the VMS headset 12 has the VMS headset GUI 50 shown in FIG. VMS headset GUI 50 has 3 grids 5
Presented on the screen as a screen cursor 58 that can be moved by 2, 54, 56 and arcade game push buttons 32. The three grids are as follows: i) Selection grid 52 (used to select genre, style, search, etc.). ii) Results grid 54 (used to display subgenres, styles, and searches and songs). iii) Selected song grid 56 (used to display songs selected by the customer).

Each cell 60, 62, 64 of each grid 52, 54, 56 is an image (graphic), and each image is linked to an action. The action invoked by placing the cursor 58 over each cell 60, 62, 64 is. It is detailed in a text file called the gdf file.

The VMS headset GUI 50 is structured in the form of a directory tree.
The selection grid 52 is the highest level directory. Each selection grid cell 60 is linked to and displays a particular result grid 54. Each cell 62 of the result grid 54 displays an image (graphic) representing a song, but can display another result grid 54 or provide a link to a new result grid 54 for selection. .

When the add / delete button 44 is pressed when the cursor 58 is placed on the song figure in the result grid 54, the figure of the song appearing in the selected song grid 56 is displayed.
This song is added to the selected song list. When the cursor 58 is moved on the graphic in the selected song grid 56 and the add / delete button 44 is pressed, the selected song is removed from the selected song list, and the corresponding graphic is also selected from the selected song grid 56. To be deleted.

Select different information from or to the VMS system 10,
An example of how to use the VMS headphone GUI 50 to input and / or enter is shown below. In this example, the first grid at the top of the VMS headset GUI 50 is the selection grid 52. select. A bitmap image called bmp appears in this grid 52. select. Each area of bmp is divided into “cells” 60. By pressing the left or right button 38, 40, select. The bmp image is moved left or right until the desired cell 60 is under the cursor 58. The cursor 58 always stays in the center of the screen.

In the example, select. The bmp image is shown in FIG. A file called "select.gdf" that describes this image is shown below. # Dimension 1: 6 # # Action Argment # Selector Pop. gdf Selector Dance. gdf Selector Search. gdf Video Help. avi Music FreeSong. cbr Selector FreeAlbum. gdf

The above-mentioned file “select.gdf” informs the VMS headset GUI 50 that the selection grid 52 consists of 1 row and 6 columns. The actions that occur when the cursor moves within the selection grid 52 described above are as follows. If the cursor 58 is on the cell 1, Pop. The bmp is displayed in the results grid. If the cursor 58 is on the cell 2, Dance. The bmp is displayed in the results grid. If the cursor 58 is on the cell 3, Search. The bmp is displayed in the results grid. If the cursor 58 is on the cell 4, the help. A video called avi is played. If the cursor 58 is on the cell 5, Freesong. A song called cbr is played. If the cursor 58 is on the cell 6, FreeAlbum. The bmp is displayed in the results grid.

.. gdf file tells VMS headset GUI 50 to play video (play video), music (play song or sample), multi-select (add whole album to selected song grid), still (do nothing) ) Can be called.

It will be appreciated that cursor movement operates in two different ways. If the cursor 58 is over the cell 60 in the selection grid 52, then the action is immediate. That is, in the above example, when the cursor 58 is moved on the POP image, the result grid 54 immediately changes to POP. Display the bmp image. However, if the cursor 58 is over the cell 62 in the results grid 54, the customer must press the play button 42 to activate the action.

In order to assist the customer who wants to know the available exercise range, the GUI includes the G
A range overlay is provided that identifies the in-grid motion area of the UI.
The range overlays simply delimit the cursor movements available to the customer in relation to the three grids and are arranged in a cross shape.

[VPP Server] Referring to FIGS. The VPP server hardware of this embodiment is a PC 66, a CD robot 68, a 3CD writer / recorder 70, a CD printer 72 with high specifications.
, And a CD cover printer 74. Network box 76 is VPP
The server 14 allows one or more VMS headsets 12 over the network 26.
Allows you to communicate with.

The VPP server code is written in a module-oriented fashion and is composed of the following distinguishable modules as shown in FIG. A) Networking and Connectivity Objects 76 B) Input Objects 78 C) Scheduler Objects 80 D) Audit Objects 82 E) MMC Objects 84 F) Data Spray Recorder Objects 86 G) Robotics Objects 88 H) CD Printer Objects 90 I) CD Cover Printer Object 92 J) Search Object 94 K) PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) / Handheld Object 96 L) Graphic User Interface

[0129]   Next, each of the aforementioned objects will be described in more detail.

[Networking and Connectivity Object] This object 76 is used to enable the VPP server 14 to communicate via the network 26 to which the VPP server 14 is connected. The VPP server 14 has sufficient networking capability and can thus be operated and controlled remotely to decrypt / decode files held on other systems to which the VPP server 14 is networked. It is possible to download. This networking is NetBui, TCP / IP, Netware, IP
It is possible to work via various networking protocols including, but not limited to, X, SPX, UDP, etc. The networking capabilities of the VPP server allow to remotely generate an AVDM, such as a CD, allowing songs to be downloaded via telephone line 30 or satellite link 28.

Input Object This object 78 can listen to network messages or view a shared directory for customer song lists (LCS files) from the VMS headset GUI 50. When the input object 78 receives this information,
This object checks to see if the file format is proper. If correct, this input object passes this data to the scheduler object 80.

[Scheduler Object] This object 80 schedules an event of another object. The scheduler object 80 first checks if the song is locally available or has to be downloaded from the nexus server 16. The scheduler object 80 then displays the LCS file in the submitted song list 98. This scheduler object 80 is the audit object 8
Once the confirmation from step 2 that the customer has paid has been received, the scheduler object 80 sends the LCS file to the scheduled CD list 100.
Transfer to. If no one of the songs in the LCS file is held locally, the scheduler object 80 downloads the song from the nexus server 16.

[Audit Object] When a customer pays for a CD, a file containing the LCS of the customer and the current date and time is created. This information file is called the audit file and is used to audit the system. Once the audit file is created, the LCS is transferred to the scheduled CD list 100. Although not shown, the audit object 82 is connected to a credit card transaction system utilizing standard online credit card clearance software so that the user can make payments on the VMS headset 12 directly for the compilation. To enable. AVDM is not prepared until the credit card authorization center authorizes the transaction. Also, the audit object 82 is any ED
It is also possible to connect to an I (electronic data exchange) trading system.

The audit object also records a log of the number of times each song has been selected by the customer. This is useful for accounting purposes and gives feedback on the most popular song selections. It also keeps a log of the number of songs tried by the customer. This provides useful feedback information to the record company, for example on how the customer is browsing the song list and ultimately selecting songs.

[MMC Object] The data spray recorder object 86 (detailed description later) is an MMC compatible SC.
A protocol called SI3 allows all AVDM hardware devices (
Communicate with the CD robot 68, the CD writer 70). This protocol calls or is called for these AVDDM hardware devices and is controlled by an object called MMC object 84. Most recording devices use CD audio, CD ROM,
It uses MMC SCSI3 which allows recording of computer game discs, DVDs and DVD RAMs. The data spray recorder object 86 also communicates with devices connected to the USB (general purpose serial bus) port, Firewire port, parallel, serial, 10/100 base T, and infrared IDRA port via the PDA / handheld object 96. It is possible. Also,
The MMC object 84 is also connected to the robotics object 88 so that the CD robot 68 can place a CD on one of the AVDDM writers / recorders 70.
Can be ordered.

Dataspray Recorder Object The Dataspray Recorder Object 86 has a set of software that implements a decoding and recording algorithm that enables the rapid creation of AVDDM by simultaneously decoding, creating, and recording AVDDM. The data spray recorder object 86 can be from the AVDMM recorder 70 (only one is shown in FIG. 9), or to and from a section of the PC's fast access memory 114.
Or it manages the data flow to it so that the AVDM recorder 70 has a constant and maintained data flow and optimizes its recording process.

Next, the operation of the data spray decoding recording algorithm will be described with reference to FIG. When the data spray recorder object 86 finds the free MMC object 84 connected to the free AVDM hardware recorder 70, it starts its recording process. The MMC object 84 has its AVDDM
Instruct the robotics object 88 to place the CD on the recorder 70. The data spray algorithm takes a first segment of encoded data (data segment A) 104 from the store of AV data file 106 and decodes it at 108. If desired, watermark information to prove the authenticity of the AV data record being duplicated and / or embedded copyright information, such as a copyright warning indication, is added to data segment A at this stage. Next, data segment A
Is converted to AVDDM format at 108 and recorded at 110 by the CD recorder object 111 at AVDDM 102.

While the data segment A 104 is being recorded at 110 in the AVDDM 102, the data spray algorithm may be used to store the next data 112 stored in the PC memory 114 until the data spray algorithm completes recording the data segment A 104. Request the segment (data segment B). The loopback circuit informs the data spray algorithm at 116 by changing the recording status signal 118 when data segment A 104 has successfully finished recording. Once data segment A 104 has successfully completed recording, the data spray algorithm begins recording data segment B 112 on CD 102 in AVDDM recorder 70 at 110. At the same time, the data spray algorithm decodes and converts the data segment C112 into AVDDM format at 108, 120 and stores it in memory 114 at 120.

Record all required segments (in LCS) to AVDDM recorder 70
This cycle continues until the recording is complete, at which point the data spray algorithm records the recorded C to confirm that the recording process was successful.
Perform a final check of the D102 format. Following this, the data spray algorithm optionally writes any "contents inventory" and associated copyright information to the recorded CD 102.

The CD 102 is completed here. The data spray algorithm then instructs the MMC object 84 to instruct the robotics object 88 to place the recorded CD 102 on the CD printer 72. The data spray algorithm then instructs the CD printer object 90 to print identifying information (eg, a list of recorded songs, text, graphics) on the CD 102. Further, when trying to utilize a CD cover in the form of a cardboard sleeve (not shown) or a standard transparent jewel box, a jewel box paper insert will print the desired text and / or graphics on the CD cover. Is printed by the data spray algorithm which instructs the CD cover printer object 92 to do so. The CD 102 is completed here with its identification cover.

Also, the data spray recorder object 86 uses the VPP P
It is also connected to the host operating system 126 of the C controller 66.
Host operating system 126 provides a framework within which communication with other parts of VPP server 14 may be implemented. This is because the data spray algorithm has at 128 an external database 130, another external device 68.
, 72, 74, and the external program 132.

Robotics Object The robotics object 88 can control any robotics device via a standard PC. The robotics object 88 interacts with the CD robot 68 and monitors the robot's sensors to ensure that it has performed the proper actions. If the robotics object 88 does not understand or agree with the sensor reading, the object can invalidate the sensor and instruct the CD robot 68 to ignore the sensor reading. It uses fuzzy logic,
This is accomplished by ranking the sensor signals in different priorities so that some signals are more important than others.

The robotics object 88 is the robot arm 134 of the CD robot 68 (
Its position and its picker mechanism), the position of the CD blank carousel (not shown), and the position of the CD printer tray (not shown). Multiple robotics objects 88 can be individually assigned to different robotics hardware if desired.

[CD Printer Object] The CD printer object 90 includes the CD 102 for text and graphics.
Allows the operator to control how it is printed on itself.
The text can be set to "follow the path" and thus any shape, graphic or line contour can be set as the path to follow. In this embodiment, all the text to be printed is put together in one long string of letters, which is then printed on the CD itself as a spiral of alphanumeric information. Multiple CD printer objects 90 can be different CDs as needed
It can be individually assigned to the printer 72.

[CD Cover Printer Object] The CD cover printer object 92 enables printing of the CD cover.
Covers can be printed either as covers that consist of text only or as complete covers that include graphics, text, and multiple pages. CD
The cover printer object 92 interacts with a CD cover printer 74, which can be, for example, any printer, laser, or inkjet to create the required text and graphics on the CD cover.

[Search Object] The search object 94 is an ODBC (Open Database Connectivity Driver).
Provides connectivity to any standard database that accepts. Mic for this
soft Access ™, Oracle ™, Sybase (
™, Informix ™, etc. are included. Search object 94
Can be used to search for songs that are held locally, or to pass a search message to the nexus server 16 when it is found that a song is not locally available.

PDA / Handheld Object The PDA object 96 allows the VPP server 14 to transmit AV data to a handheld device 136, such as a laptop PC, Palm Pilot, or MP-3 player. Data can be transmitted via a printer port, a USB (general purpose serial bus) connector, and a serial port, including any transmission medium such as infrared, as well as Bluetooth ™ and Firewire.
It is possible to use a transmission standard such as (trademark).

VPP Server Graphic User Interface Although not shown, the VPP server 14 has a graphical user interface (GU) to enable VPP server operations to be monitored.
I) is equipped. More specifically, the VPP server GUI allows the operator to closely observe the following items: 1) the status of each CD recorder 70 2) the status of the CD robot 68 3) all submitted LCS List 98 4) List of all paid LCS 100 5) Status of all networks 6) Cost of each CD to be printed 7) Image of cover to be printed on each CD

The program makes use of standardized UI (User Interface) features found in process control applications. Each CD recorder 70 has its own window displayed in the GUI, in which case the operator can also set or view every feature of each CD recorder 70. Visual icons in the GUI indicate which CD recorder 70 contains the CD 102 and whether any CD recorder 70 is in session. In addition, two progress meters displayed on the GUI allow monitoring of the current track and record length of the entire CD.

[0150]     [Nexus server]   Next, the nexus server 16 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

From a hardware perspective, the nexus server 16 utilizes state-of-the-art clustering techniques to create a truly modular, scaleable server. Nexus server 1
Each module in 6 is based on Quad Intel processor,
It is composed of a PC running ws NT4 ™. Modules can simply be added to the cluster to increase the size and efficiency of the Nexus server cluster. The modules share a common RAID5 ™ hard drive storage array with full redundancy.

The server includes full temperature monitoring, antivirus and interference protection, and U
A PS (uninterruptible power supply: not shown) is included.

Nexus server clusters are configured to perform several different functions.
Most of these features, listed below, are implemented by dedicated software objects.

[0154]   As shown in FIG. 10, the nexus server 16 provides the following resources and functions.   1) Security function 140   2) Database 142   3) Agent function 144   4) Database minor function 146   5) Artificial intelligence function 148   6) Mapper function 150   7) Web page generator function 152   8) E-mail function 154   9) Issuing device function 156   10) SDMI encryption and watermark function 158   11) Credit card and banking function 160   12) EDI (electronic data interchange) account function 162   13) Network function 163

Nexus server 16 is a database repository for digitized songs and related materials such as artist information and photos.

The purpose of the nexus server 16 is as follows. a) Protect the digital rights to the content. b) Distribute the content to the network that constitutes the VMS system 10. c) Have the content distributed to Internet users. d) Collect new data from other internet sites and databases and populate these databases with databases. e) Check these downloaded databases against the data held in the nexus server database 142 and update its own database 142 if necessary. f) Construct a new site from this downloaded data. g) Make sure that the Nexus server 16 is regularly registered with all Internet engines. h) Contact all designated emails. i) Find a way to improve all of the above.

[0157]   Next, each function of the nexus server 16 will be described in detail.

[Security Function] The nexus server 16 is connected to the outside world via hardware and software firewalls. This hardware and software firewall 140 prevents unauthorized users from accessing the nexus server 16 and keeps out dangerous software viruses and the like.

Database The nexus server database 142 is a relational database divided into four individual sections depending on the type of information stored therein. The first section 164, called "Customers", stores all information about all customers, purchases, website visits, dates and times of last visits, purchasing habits, number of times, address, previous address, credit card type and information, email, etc To do. The second section 165, called "Songs", includes songs, samples, related graphics, related text, links to similar songs, related rights including couplings, copyright collection tune codes, and master lights. Save a list of (Master Right) details (record label, band, song length, writer, producer, composer) and additional details. A third section 166, called the "account", stores accounts for customers, record labels, distributors, advertisers, credit card transactions, commissions, and so on. The fourth section 167, called "metadata", stores website design information, internet downloads, databases of other companies, search engine results. The nexus server database 142 is ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) compatible.

[Internet Agent Function] The Nexus Internet Agent 144 is a computer program that is autonomously executed to collect and post data. The agent is intelligent in nature but controlled by AI functions (objects) 148. Nexus Internet Agent 144 searches for data on the Internet 24
It crawls (more commonly known as web crawlers) and works with mapper functions (objects) 150 to store this data in a structured fashion. The nexus internet agent 144 also works in conjunction with the database miner function 146 to ensure that the data held in the nexus server database 142 is constantly updated, maintained, and queried by data found on the internet 24. .

The Nexus Internet Agent 144 queries other search engines and websites and works with the web page generator machine 152 to create new Internet 24 pages as needed, and those pages in its own database. Register with 142 and other sites.

[Database Minor Function and Artificial Intelligence Function] The database minor function (object) 146 carries out an intelligence search of the nexus server database 142. The function uses standard SQL (Structured Query Language) queries to create different sections 164, 165, 1 of the database 142.
66 and 167 are searched. The search can also be performed using the artificial intelligence function 148, where the SQL search is performed on the results of intelligent pre-processing of the input data. In this embodiment, the search is performed using phonological, thesaurus, spell checking, lifestyle type, and preprocessing results of natural language processing (the Nexus server attempts to understand what is being searched for). . This A
The I function (object) 148 controls these more complex searches.

An example of currently used Internet agents and database miners is shown below. A well-formed web page can have the following structure: <META NAME = "KeyWords" CONTENT = "CDs, rock, pop, download, dance, music, country
, folk, mp3, mpg, etc.etc. "><META NAME =" Description "CONTENT =" CDs, rock, pop, download, dance, music, coun
try, folk, mp3, mpg, etc.etc. "><script language =" JavaScript "><! doctype html public"-// w3c // dtd html 4.0 transitional // en "><html><head>< meta http-equiv = "" Content-Type "content =" text / html; charset = iso-8859-1 "
><meta name = "keywords" content = "CDs, rock, pop, download, dance, music, countr
y, folk, mp3, mpg, etcetc "><meta name =" Rating "content =" Teenage "><meta name =" GENETATOR "content =" Mozilla / 4.5 [en] (Win95; I) [Netscape] "><meta name = "Author" content = "Cerberus Central Ltd"><meta name = "description" content = "CDs, rock, pop, download, dance, music, cou
ntry, folk, mp3, mpg, etc.etc. </ title></head>

The Altavista agent permanently fills the database (see above) with metanames, metaname descriptions, and some text on the page. Agents can collect this data autonomously and understand several grammatical and phoneticized natural language statements. The agent tries to understand what the data it collects includes
Use this understanding to intelligently classify the data. This is accomplished using several language-based algorithms.

When Altavista is searched, a Data Minor is invoked that tries to understand what is being searched and then looks at the database. The typed text and the comprehension of that text are used to return some results. However, this is only a very basic feature and does not provide a significant improvement over simple searches.

Next, the operation of the Nexus artificial intelligence function (object) 148 will be described with reference to FIG. Nexus Artificial Intelligence function 148 interprets input data 168 as follows.

If the frequently searched list 169 contains input data 168, the correct search data is sent to the database miner function 146 for retrieval from the nexus server database 142. At the same time, the input data 168
A set of pre-search processing steps is performed by the AI function 148 in an attempt to resolve what to search assuming that is not included in the frequently searched list 169. Each different pre-search step is described next. 1) Search 170 as a sentence. The sentence as an example of the input data 168 is searched. 2) Search 172 as a word. Examples of the input data 168 as individual words are searched. 3) Search 174 as phoneme. An example of the input data 168 as a phonological sound is searched. 4) Search 176 as a thesaurus. An example of data having a similar meaning to the input data 168 is searched. 5) Search 178 for spelling errors. Examples of input data 168 with known spelling errors are searched. 6) Search 180 as typing error. An example of the input data 168 with known typos is searched. 7) Spontaneous vocalization trial 182 for understanding. The meaning of the input data 168 is examined and proper search requirements are generated.

Sufficient information to implement these pre-search processing steps is input data 1
If not included in 68, AI function 148 may request additional information at 184.

Each pre-search processing step produces searchable alternative data and sends it to the frequently searched list 169. If a match with the input data 168 is not found in the frequently searched list 169, the searchable alternative data is sent to the database miner function 146.

No matter which type of search request is responded to, database minor function 1
46 returns the search result. Any internet links found are checked against the unapproved sites / pages list 186, such as forbidden internet sites, spam pages, and junk pages. All approved data is intelligently cross referenced at 188 with the prototype search requirements generated by AI function 148 to produce output 190.

Following the interpretation process described above, the nexus server 16 forms an intelligent database and an interpreter that outperforms any other current Internet search engine or portal.

Mapper Function The mapper function (object) 150 allows various internet (web) pages and search engine results to be mapped to database structures that link to different data types and different location data fields. To

[Web Page Generator Function] With this function (object), the web page is the nexus server database 14
Allows to be composed of two. These pages can be used to create an internet site for the nexus server itself or to be registered with other internet sites.

[E-mail Function] This function (object) 154 is an automatic electronic mailer. This feature keeps customers up to date on what's happening with the nexus server 16 such as new releases, special offers and so on.

This feature is also a powerful marketing tool that can be used with Nexus Internet Agent 144 to collect email of any desired type, such as journalists, competitors, etc.

Issuer Function The issuer function (object) 156 allows other companies and individuals to issue their materials in a controlled manner on the Nexus server 16. This feature allows, for example, a record label to upload their songs, graphics, and text to the nexus server 16 and receive all relevant contracts and information.

[SDMI Encryption and Watermarking Function] This function (object) 158 implements data encryption. Also, a specific digital data identifier (watermark) can be embedded in the data for the purpose of authenticity. This function 158 enables the nexus server 16 to: a) Meets SDMI specifications. b) Uniquely encode a song for a particular user so that it can be reproduced only by that user. c) Watermark Redbook Audio, MP-3, or any other audio format. d) Protect, control, and track copyright use.

[Credit Card and Banking Function] The credit card and banking (banking) function (object) 160 enables the credit card to be settled online. This feature also manages the Nexus server's bank account and accesses the customer's account details. This function 160 uses standard online credit card clearance software.

[EDI Function] The EDI function (object) 162 manages the inventory of the Nexus server and generates a copyright fee collection agency and a record label sales report. The report is generated as a BPS Approved Record Sales Report with MCPS.

Network Manager Function Nexus server 16 feeds its kiosk (VMS headset 12) via satellite network 28. This feature is also connected to the Internet 24 for other customers and directly to the modem bank. The modem bank gives the user direct point-to-point access to the nexus server 16 over the entire modem bandwidth (much larger than for the Internet 24). The flow of information to the nexus server is controlled by the network manager function 163.

In a second embodiment of the invention, a further level of AV database is VMS.
Displayed on the headset GUI 50. This is a particular application when two selection grids 60 need to be displayed. For example, if the information contained in the first selection grid pertains to the type of AV data such as audio music tracks, music videos, films, etc., then the second selection grid may also belong to a category in the selected area, ie audio music. In the case of style or film, it indicates the type of film. When each style option is selected, the data is generated in the result grid as in the first embodiment. All other features of the VMS headset GUI 50 in the first embodiment are included in this second alternative embodiment.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 21. The third embodiment is a modified VMS used to select and generate a selected song list.
It has a modified VMS headset with a headset GUI. 12 and 1
3, VMS headset 200 of the third embodiment has many similarities to VMS headset 12 described above. Therefore, this description is limited to the differences between the first and third embodiments.

In the third embodiment, the VMS headset 200 is the VMS headset GU.
Including I 201. The VMS headset GUI 201 has an on-screen selection grid 202 (used to select genre, style, search, etc.).
, Results grid 204 (used to display subgenres, styles, and searches and songs), and selected songs grid 206 (used to display songs selected by the customer). .

A screen cursor 208 that can be moved by the arcade game push button 210 is provided. The movement of the cursor 208 is the cross shaped movement tube 2
Limited to the area bounded by 12. Tube 212 is selection grid 2
02, result grid 204, and selected song grid 206.
The cursor movement restricted within the area bounded by tube 212 advantageously provides the customer with an improved level of certainty, especially when the customer is new to GUI 201. This reduces the time needed to understand how the GUI works, and thus the time for the entire CD compilation and recording.

Each grid 202, 204, 206 has a specific action (play,
Multiple images (graphics) linked to movements, etc.). The action is invoked by placing the cursor 58 over the image and selecting it. Selecting an image from the selection grid 202 simply drops the cursor 208 in the tube 212 onto the results grid 204. Selecting an image from the results grid 204 creates a screen copy of the image in the results grid 204, with the copied image tube 2 directed to the selected song grid 206.
Move within 12. The copy image is placed at the leftmost free position in the selected song grid 206. The customer then moves the cursor to another set of images in the selection grid by moving the cursor over the other images in the results grid 204 or by moving the cursor to the selection grid 202 and selecting a different image therein. It can be moved.

This process can be repeated for each desired song to add to the selected song grid 206 until the desired compilation is achieved. Four
The intermediate stage in which two records are selected and these are added to the selected song grid 206 is shown in FIG.

Next, with reference to FIG. 15, additional features of the VMS headset GUI 201 will be described. The GUI 201 has two time dials 214, 216 which respectively display useful timing information regarding the length of the current CD track (run time) and the total length of the recorded CD including all selected tracks.
Equipped with.

Moving the cursor 208 over each of the different images in the result grid 204 automatically updates the time dial 214, which indicates the length of the current track. Once the track is selected, the total length time dial 216 is added to the run time. Similarly, when the selected track is removed from the selected song grid 206, the time displayed on the total length time dial 216 is reduced.

The GUI 201 also displays supplemental information 218 regarding the track currently displayed by the cursor 208. The supplemental information displays track name, album, artist, cost, run time, tour information, and ticket availability information. The supplemental information 218 is automatically updated as the cursor 208 is moved over the new track image.

Further, in order to identify the operation performed by each arcade push button 210, the GUI 201 is equipped with an icon key 220. The keys 220 are adaptive in that they display only icons and corresponding information about the available arcade push buttons 210. Thus, when the GUI 201 is in a mode where some of the arcade push buttons 210 are temporarily disabled for the operation of the GUI 201, the icons and corresponding information for those push buttons 210 will not be displayed (see, eg, FIG. 16). ).

The GUI 201 also has a next screen button 222 provided in the tube 212. The next screen button 222 is used by the customer when the customer completes the selection of the track they wish to record. When the customer selects the next screen button 222, the customer is taken away from the track selection option and directed to the CD title screen 224 shown in FIG.

On the CD title screen 224, a set of alphanumeric character buttons 226 is presented to the customer along with a cursor 208. Moving the cursor 208 and selecting the character can be done using the arcade push button 210 as before. Selecting each character produces a display of that character in the title field 228 in the tube 212, which is also equipped with this screen 224. In this way, the customer can immediately see the title applied to the CD as it is constructed.

Once the title is constructed, the customer can proceed to record the previously selected track compilation by selecting the record button 230. The customer is given a final chance to confirm that he really wants to proceed with recording the current track selection results. If the procedure is confirmed, the recording procedure begins and the selected track becomes the selected song list to be recorded.

If the customer does not confirm the track selection, the customer selects the CD title screen 2
He is brought back to 24. From here, the customer can return to the track selection option equipped on the initial screen of GUI 201 by selecting back button 232.

Two other distinct features of the third embodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 19. The first feature relates to the selection of a given group of tracks in a single operation. Upon accessing the chart options 234 from the selection grid 202, the VMS headset GUI 201 is configured to provide the customer with the option, for example, to select the top ten tracks of the chart. This option is selected by the customer by moving the cursor 208 over the customer selectable portion 236 of the results grid 204 and selecting it using the arcade push button 210 (see FIG. 17). This causes the ten images representing the top ten tracks to be copied and then dropped into the selected song grid 206.
If there is no space left in the selected song grid 206, the customer is required to remove the track from the selected song grid 206 to accommodate the new addition. This option allows the selection of customer accommodations according to predetermined requirements and acts to speed up the whole selection process.

FIG. 18 shows a particular second feature of the third embodiment. VMS headset G to provide customers with different types of search options 240 in results grid 204 when accessing search options 238 from select grid 202.
The UI 201 is configured. Selecting one of the search options 240 in the results grid 204 will generate a search query screen 242, as shown in FIG.

In search query screen 242, the customer is presented with a collection of alphanumeric character buttons 244 along with cursor 208. The movement of the cursor 208 and the selection of the character can be performed as before using the arcade button 210. The search is performed by selecting each character and the results are presented back to the initial screen of the GUI in the results grid 204. From here, the customer can select the desired truck, as previously described.

This search facility allows customers to access vast amounts of data with relative ease, and is especially useful when VMS headsets access large remote databases of songs on Nexus servers.

Hold cursor 208 in the center of the screen at all times and select grid 202 or result grid 204 in response to activation of the left or right arrow push button by the customer.
By shuffling the sequence of images in either of the two, relative movement between cursor 208 and different images representing different songs / tracks is achieved. If the left or right arrow keys 210 are held pressed down, the selection grid 202 or the results grid 204 as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, respectively.
High speed shuffling occurs in either of the above. This advantageously allows the customer to have fast access to different images (optional), which may be interspersed by a relatively large number of images, the time and ease of use required to generate the compilation. Allows the number of choices in each category to increase without imposing an unduly burden on the customer.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The fourth embodiment is the first except that the fourth embodiment has an additional customer awareness and greeting module for use in promoting the use of the VMS system and in providing more intelligent customer interaction. This is similar to the third embodiment.

The customer identification and greeting module of the fourth embodiment is configured to utilize information from a magnetically operated banking card, ie a card with a data carrying magnetic stripe. A magnetically operated banking card has three information tracks (like audio tracks on a cassette). Track 2 contains information about the customer (customer name and credit card number).

The customer recognition and greeting module of the VMS system located on the VMS headset has a magnetic card reader and is configured to read the track 2 to obtain customer information. Once the customer information is read, this information can be stored in the customer database for new customers. The database is located where it can be accessed by all network VMS headsets. This is typically located on the VPP server.

For customers who have previously used the VMS system, the customer awareness and greeting module correlates the customer information read from the card with the corresponding customer details already in the customer database. In other words, the VMS system has the ability to identify the customer as to whether the customer has used the system before.

The purpose of the VMS system's customer awareness and greetings module is to provide targeted information for further distribution. Figure 22 shows how to achieve this.
Is shown in the flowchart.

With reference to FIG. 22, the process begins by monitoring the card reader at 300. As the card is passed through the reader, the magnetic stripe track 2 containing customer details is read and customer information is extracted at 302. The extracted information is compared at 304 with the existing customer list maintained in the VMS headset. If there is no corresponding entry in the list, the current customer is a new customer and a new entry is created 306 in the database as well as in the existing customer list. The customer's use of the VMS system is then monitored at 308 and any priority information is used along with the current purchase list to update the newly created record in the customer database.

On the other hand, if the read information indicates that this is an existing customer (by finding a match within the existing customer), then the details of the existing customer are retrieved at 310 from the customer database. Previous purchases for this customer were reviewed at 312 from the records retrieved for this customer and these were 31
4 cross referenced with any newly released band or artist. The song or any video corresponding to the cross-referenced band / artist is then found at 316. Similarly, any relevant information about the artist / band can be found at 318 as tour information (date, location, ticket information). Finally, the customer is notified at 320 about new releases from the artist that may be of interest to the customer as well as relevant information about the artist (due date). The functionality of the customer recognition and greeting module is completed at 322 with the presentation of this information.

New artist information is provided in two ways. First, a speech synthesis module is used that speaks directly to the customer. This module artificially generates an audio representation of a customer name using a naturally speaking algorithm. Second, all audio and visual files regarding new launch and ancillary information are provided for presentation to customers. In this way, the customer has the option to try out new releases and related information before having any involvement in purchasing any new items.

The purpose of the above procedure is to provide the customer with information about new materials that specifically target the customer's personal preferences. This limits the amount of information presented to the customer and makes the information provided more interesting.

Following is an example of how the VMS headset GUI interacts with a customer to present new information to the customer.

“Shark” shall come to the VMS system (VMS headset) and use his own credit card or a special VMS membership card. Shark approaches the headset and swipes his card through the slot of the built-in card reader. The VMS headset GUI then speaks: "Hey, Sharkman, where did you go? I bought a record last week a few weeks ago!""Did you find any great music ever since you came here? Band. XX
Do you remember X? You bought the single album last time. How about once? The track YYYY ZZZ HHH is really amazing and I'm sure it's fascinating. I'm just cutting the chart into pieces. "Do you want to hear it? Yes / No""Do you want to see it live? Yes / No"

The remaining part is a pre-programmed greeting with a variable generator so that a slightly different greeting is created each time the customer visits the VMS system.

Although the fourth embodiment of the present invention has been described in connection with magnetically operated banking cards such as credit / store cards, other types of standard portable data stores may be available as well. To be understood. For example, a smart card can be used with a suitable smart card reader provided as part of the customer recognition and greeting module.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 23, 24 and 25, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the fifth embodiment is similar to the third embodiment, only the differences will be described below.

The main difference of this fifth embodiment relates to the three-dimensionality of the GUI shown in FIGS. 23 to 25. More specifically, referring to FIG. 23, the GUI not only moves the cursor across the screen in the XY coordinate directions, but also moves the graphic image in the Z coordinate direction, that is, toward and away from the viewer of the GUI screen. It is also configured to move in the direction of doing. In simple form, this Z coordinate movement is similar to enlarging and reducing the selected graphic image. However, as described below, this is a truly independent three-dimensional motion that is not limited to simple motions such as scaling and shrinking of a graphic image.

FIG. 23 shows a modified VMS headset GUI similar to that of the third embodiment. As in the previous case, there is a selection grid and a results grid with the selected song grid. However, in the fifth embodiment, there is a difference in the size of the graphic image. That is, these images stored in the selected song grid are smaller than the images in the selection grid and the results grid. Upon selection, two visual effects occur simultaneously. First, the viewing distance to the selected graphic image is reduced, which causes the appearance of the selected graphic image to appear elevated from other graphic image planes. At the same time, the size of the selected graphic image is reduced to approximately match the size of the smaller selected song grid. Therefore, the distance between the visual images is reduced, but the size of the image is also reduced.

The selected image is then moved down across the next available position in the selected song grid. Once the selected graphic image reaches its desired new X, Y coordinate position, it is necessary to change the inter-sight distance because in this embodiment the selected song grid looks like a raised level of the selected image. There is no.

However, with respect to the graphic image, the distance between eyes is shortened and the size is simply increased, and then the graphic image is floated to a new position on another graphic image, and finally the size is reduced to reduce the size of the selected song grid. It is possible to fit in the appropriate size. In this case, the selection grid, the result grid, and
All three grids of the selected song grid are located in the same graphic plane.

In the GUI of this embodiment, upon selecting a graphical image of the GUI, the action associated with the image can be activated in conjunction with the enhanced 3D visual effect. For example, if the video file associated with an AV record is displayed, then in the frame that appears to the user (Z coordinate reduction), maximize the visual area for the video on the visual screen. , You can do this. It is also possible to use this magnifying function to allow a closer and more detailed examination of the graphic images that make up the AV record identifier, which is typically a sleeve cover for a single or album.

The three-dimensionality of the fifth embodiment can also be seen in other parts of the GUI. For example, referring to FIGS. 24 and 25, two of the GUI's initial operating pages
Two different scenes are shown. Figure 24 shows the GUI animated door closed and Figure 25 shows the animated door open, showing three different options for recording AV records. The door opens towards the viewer so that to the user these movements appear as a three dimensional movement between these positions. However, the entire screen is not scaled down, only the door appears to move towards the viewer.

Such three-dimensional motion greatly enhances the appeal of the GUI and keeps the user in a state of interest throughout the AVDM record selection and recording process. In fact, during the period when one AVDDM is recorded, the user is
It is possible to compile VDDM or another user to compile that choice.

It will be appreciated that the functionality of the different implementations is not mutually exclusive and can be readily interchanged between the implementations. For example, the customer recognition and greeting module of the fourth embodiment can be easily applied to each of the other embodiments. Furthermore, as already mentioned above, the three-dimensional nature of the GUI of the fifth embodiment is not described explicitly in each of the other four embodiments, or even in any of these embodiments.
It is easily applicable.

Although particular preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, such embodiments are for illustration only, and changes and modifications such as those which can be made by persons having appropriate knowledge and ability are attached. It is understood that modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. For example, while the previously described embodiment uses an arcade game push button as part of the VMS headset GUI 50, it can be replaced with a touch screen that allows the user to touch the screen to select options. is there. Further, although the audio AV file is distributed in the above-described embodiment, a video AV file can be distributed instead. This type of video file can also be provided in connection with audio files that distribute music videos and movies. A video and movie recording process of this kind can be provided, for example, by a DVD.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a conventional method of recording AVDDM using a prepared copy of AVDDM.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing another conventional method for recording AVDDM using a digital image of AVDMM.

FIG. 3 is a schematic system configuration diagram showing a VMS (virtual music store) system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a diagram showing a schematic representation of an arcade game push button forming portion of the VMS headset shown in FIG. 3. FIG.

5 is a diagram showing a graphical representation of a GUI (graphic user interface) for each VMS headset shown in FIG.

6 is a detailed graphical representation of an example of an image displayed on a selection grid of the GUI shown in FIG.

7 is a schematic system block diagram showing details of the VPP server of FIG. 3 and its connection to a VMS headset.

8 is a schematic configuration diagram showing in detail the VPP server of FIG. 7 and its object-oriented software module.

9 is a schematic system configuration diagram showing an operation of the data spray module shown in FIG. 8 in the VPP server.

FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of the nexus server shown in FIG. 3 with interconnection to various communication networks.

FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an operation of the Nexus AI interpreter shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a front view of a VMS headset including a VMS headset GUI according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a detailed view of the VMS headset GUI of FIG. 12 showing the initial stages of using the GUI without a selected item in the selected song list.

14 is a detailed view of the VMS headset GUI of FIG. 12 showing an intermediate stage of using the GUI with 4 items selected in the selected song list.

15 is an enlarged detail view of the VMS headset GUI of FIG. 12 showing details of the recording time dial and other track selections.

FIG. 16 is a detailed view of the VMS headset GUI of FIG. 12 showing a configuration labeling facility screen.

17 is a detailed view of the VMS headset GUI of FIG. 12 showing the VMS headset GUI providing multiple add-on facilities.

FIG. 18 is a detailed view of the VMS headset GUI of FIG. 12 showing the first page of search equipment.

19 is a detailed view of the VMS headset GUI of FIG. 12 showing the second page of search equipment.

FIG. 20 is a detailed view of the VMS headset GUI of FIG. 12 in an intermediate stage of use, showing the option of fast scanning the selection grid for the appropriate style or genre.

FIG. 21 is an illustration of the use of an intermediate stage showing the option of fast scanning the results grid for the appropriate group of selectable song titles within the selected genre.
3 is a detailed view of the VMS headset GUI of FIG.

FIG. 22 is a schematic flowchart showing the operation of the customer recognition and greeting module of the VMS headset of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 23 shows a VMS headset according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention showing a GUI in use in an intermediate stage with the selection of two items selected and a third item being performed in the selected song list. FIG.

FIG. 24 is a detailed view of the VMS headset GUI according to the fifth embodiment showing the initial operating page with the door in the closed position.

FIG. 25 is a detailed view of the VMS headset GUI according to the fifth embodiment showing the initial operating page with the door in the open position.

[Procedure for Amendment] Submission for translation of Article 34 Amendment of Patent Cooperation Treaty

[Submission date] January 15, 2002 (2002.15)

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be amended] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Contents of correction]

[Claims]

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Claims (62)

[Claims] 1. A method of recording AV (audio / video) data selected from a first data store in an AVDMM (audio / video distributable data medium), the selected read from the first store. Temporarily storing a portion of the AV data in a second store; transferring the read portion from the second store to an AVDDM recorder; recording the read portion on the AVDDM (eg CD) And repeating the processing steps until all portions of the selected AV data are recorded in AVDMM, at least the storing and recording steps for different portions of the selected AV data. Method to be done simultaneously. 2. The method further comprises a processing step of generating a feedback signal when the AVDM recorder completes recording of the read portion, wherein for each portion of the selected AV data, the processing step converts the feedback signal into a feedback signal. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is performed asynchronously based on. 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein said transferring step is also performed concurrently with said storing and recording step for different portions of said selected AV data. 4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the storing steps are performed sequentially within the time required to complete the recording step. 5. The first store has a database of AV data records, the selected AV data has at least one AV data record selected from the database, and the storing step has at least one. 2. A step of storing a read portion of a selected AV data record.
5. The method according to any one of 4 to 4. 6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of selecting recorded AV data from the first data store. 7. The AV data is in a format unsuitable for recording on the AVDM, and the method further comprises converting the read portion of the selected AV data to the AVDMM format. 7. The method according to any one of items 6 to 6. 8. The AV data is encoded and the method further comprises the step of decoding the read portion of the selected AV data.
The method according to any one of 1. 9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of processing the read portion of the AV data before storing it temporarily. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the processing step comprises the step of providing a digital copyright notice to the recorded AV data. 11. A method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein said processing step comprises the step of adding a digital data watermark to said AV data to indicate the authenticity of said recorded copy. 12. The format of the AVDDM is set to the selected A
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a step of checking once recorded with V data. 13. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising the step of recording a list of contents in the AVDM after it has been recorded with the selected AV data. 14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method is operated under the control of a host operating system. 15. An apparatus for transferring AV (audio / video) data selected from a first store to AVDM (audio / video distributable data medium), the portion of the AV data selected from the first store. A first transfer means for reading and temporarily storing it in a second store; a second transfer means for transferring the read portion from the second store to the AVDDM recorder; AVDDM to be recorded on the AVDM (eg CD)
A recorder, the device repeatedly transferring a portion of the selected AV data until all of the selected AV data is recorded in AVDDM, and the device transfers the first transfer means and the AVDDM recorder. A device configured to operate on different portions of selected AV data simultaneously. 16. The AVDM recorder is configured to generate a feedback signal when recording of the portion read has been completed, and the apparatus is based on the feedback signal for each portion of the selected AV data. 16. The apparatus of claim 15 configured to asynchronously perform each portion of the transfer. 17. The first part for different parts of the selected AV data.
17. A device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the device is arranged to activate the second transfer means at the same time as the transfer means and the AVDDM recorder. 18. A GUI (Graphical User Interface) for quickly accessing and selecting AV (Audio / Video) data records stored in an AV database, the GUI being an AVDM (Audio Visual Digital Data Medium). Configured to compile and display the selection of the AV records for recording to, each representing a particular action linked to and representing an AV data record or set of AV data records stored in the AV database. A first array of displayed graphic images and a cursor movable by a user to highlight the currently selectable image, wherein the GUI has three-dimensional attributes and is in two dimensions (XY coordinates). The cursor Motion between the displayed graphic image and the displayed visual image, and at least some perceptual distances (Z) of the displayed graphic image.
A GUI configured to allow for variations in (coordinates). 19. The GUI of claim 18, wherein the GUI is configured to change the perceived distance of a displayed graphic image when selected using the cursor. 20. The perceptual viewing distance to the displayed graphic image is changed upon selection to move the selected graphic image to a new distinct vision position at at least one of the XY coordinates; and said new distinct vision. 20. The GUI of claim 19, further configured to change the perceptual in-sight distance to the selected graphic image at a location. 21. The method further comprising reducing the perceptual viewing distance to a displayed graphic image upon selection and playing an audio or video file associated with the displayed graphic image. Alternatively, the GUI described in 20. 22. The AV database includes a hierarchical AV database, the GUI is a second array of displayed graphic images, each displayed graphic image of the second array being linked to a particular action, And a second array representing one AV data record or a set of AV data records stored in the hierarchical AV database, both arrays being simultaneously displayed, and the graphic image displayed in the second array being Represents the contents of the currently selectable graphic image highlighted by the cursor in the first array, thereby
22. A GUI according to any one of claims 18 to 21 for simultaneously providing relevant information to the user from different levels of a hierarchical AV database. 23. The information presented in the second array is automatically updated,
23. The GUI of claim 22, wherein the GUI is configured to provide a selection of relevant data to the user upon relative movement of the cursors in the first array. 24. A third array of displayed graphic images, each displayed graphic image being linked to a particular action and representing an AV data record, said third array being the first and second arrays. 24. The GUI of claim 22 or 23, wherein the graphic image displayed concurrently with the array and displayed in the third array represents the content of the currently selectable graphic image in the second array. 25. A result array for displaying a graphic image representing a list of AV data records selected by a user from said first or second array, said result array being simultaneously displayed with said first and second arrays. 25. The GUI according to any one of claims 22 to 24. 26. The GUI of claim 25, wherein the GUI is configured such that the contents of the result array are editable by the user prior to completion of the list of AV data records selected by the user. 27. The GUI according to claim 18, further comprising an input device provided with a plurality of arcade game push keys. 28. A key for moving the cursor by the input device, and the GUI.
28. The G of claim 27 having at least one special key for selecting a special function of
UI. 29. At least one of the special keys is a key for playing an audio and / or video file associated with a selected image, and a key for adding or deleting the selected image to the result array. 29. A GUI according to claim 28 dependent on claim 26, including a key providing a help function. 30. The GUI of claim 25 or claim 25, wherein the first array includes a group image and the GUI is configured to add a collection of AV data records to the result array by selecting the group image. A GUI according to any one of dependent claims 26 to 29. 31. A set of sequences in which the GUI extracts a list of user-selected AV data records represented by the result array from the AV database and records them on AVDDM (Audio / Video Distributable Data Medium). The GUI according to any one of claims 26 to 30 depending on claim 25, which is configured in a user instruction to be converted into an instruction. 32. The GUI of claim 18, wherein the GUI is configured to play an audio file associated with the displayed image when the displayed image is selected by the user. GUI described in. 33. The GUI of claim 18, wherein the GUI is configured to play a video file associated with the displayed image when the displayed image is selected by the user. GU described in
I. 34. The GUI of claim 32 or 33, wherein the audio and / or video files include instruction files that provide the user with instructions on how to use the GUI. 35. The GUI is configured to move the cursor with respect to the first array by maintaining the cursor in a rest position and moving the first array under user control. The GUI according to any one of 18 to 34. 36. The GUI is configured to move the cursor relative to the second array by maintaining the second array in a stationary position and moving the cursor under user control. The GUI according to any one of items 22 to 35. 37. The first array includes a graphic search image and the GUI enables the user to search for a particular record in the database of AV data records by selecting the graphic search image. 37. A GU according to any one of claims 18 to 36 configured as
I. 38. An AV having a local database for storing AV data
A system having a (audio / video) data composition device and a remote server having a remote database for storing AV data, wherein any of the compilation records of a desired AV data record does not exist in the local database. Is configured to generate and transmit a remote data search request, the remote server responding to the search request, retrieving the required AV data from the remote database, and Configured for transmission to a configuration device, the system further comprises an interpreter with embedded artificial intelligence for considering a search term of a search request for AV data stored in the remote database, The interpreter is equivalent to the search term used for the search request, corrects a presumed error in the search term of the request, or is equivalent to the search term of the request. Generate meaningful alternative search terms and use A from the remote database
A system configured to use the alternative search term to retrieve V data. 39. The system according to claim 38, wherein the AV data configuration device and the remote server are configured to communicate with each other via a satellite communication network. 40. The remote server monitors related websites on the Internet, collects and stores related data in the remote database,
40. A system according to claim 38 or 39, including an internet agent configured to perform these procedures automatically. 41. The system of claim 40, wherein the internet agent is configured to generate internet links and website pages and automatically register them with multiple internet search engines. 42. The Internet agent is configured to monitor the growth of Internet traffic generated by any new Internet link and prevent further link generation when the Internet traffic reaches a predetermined threshold. The system of claim 41. 43. Means for the interpreter to determine a search requirement for the remote database using the search term specific wording of the search request, and to identify an equivalent expression of the search request and to identify the equivalent expression. Means for subsequently determining a search requirement for the database, and considering the search request is erroneous, and using a corrected version of the search request to determine the search requirement for the remote database. 43. A system according to any one of claims 38 to 42, comprising means and means for understanding the meaning of the search request and determining search requirements for the remote database based on the meaning. 44. The interpreter further comprises a list of frequently searched data, the interpreter comparing the search term of the search request with the list and, if a match is found, the matched data. 4. A configuration adapted for use as a search requirement for a remote database.
The system according to any one of claims 8 to 43. 45. A database miner for the remote server to search and retrieve data from the remote database using a standard query language.
45. The system according to any one of claims 38 to 44, further comprising er). 46. The interpreter further comprises a blacklist of unapproved data or data sites, the interpreter cross-checks the data retrieved from the remote database minor with the blacklist, and the data on the blacklist. 46. The system of claim 45, wherein the system is configured to prevent the output of the retrieved data if it matches. 47. The remote server further comprises a digital data encoder configured to encode data to be transmitted from the remote server into a secure format decodable by the AV data composition device.
The system according to any one of claims 8 to 46. 48. The remote server according to any one of claims 38 to 47, wherein the remote server is configured to add a digital data watermark to the requested data to indicate the authenticity of the supplied data. System. 49. The system according to any one of claims 38 to 48, wherein the remote server is configured to provide a digital copyright notice to the requested data. 50. The AV data composer is configured to record a user-determined AV data compilation on an AVDM (Audio / Video Distributable Data Medium), wherein the AV data composer comprises: compiling desired AV data records. And at least one data compilation device that is defined to form an AV data record that is retrieved or received and is configured to convert the compilation into a format suitable for recording the compilation on the AVDDM. 50. A system according to any one of claims 38 to 49, including controlled means. 51. The system of claim 50, wherein the AV data composer further comprises an AVDMM recorder for recording a compilation of desired AV data records in AVDMM. 52. The AV data construction device further comprises means for recording a compilation of AV data records in a data storage and playback device.
Or the system according to 51. 53. Any one of claims 50-52 wherein said at least one data compilation device comprises a plurality of data compilation devices and said control means is configured to process a plurality of defined compilations. The system described in the section. 54. The at least one data compilation device is connected to the control means via a local area network (LAN).
The system according to any one of 0 to 53. 55. The data compilation apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising a GUI (graphic user interface) according to any one of claims 18 to 37.
55. The system according to any one of 0-54. 56. The system according to any one of claims 50 to 55, wherein the AV data composition device comprises a method for recording the selected AV data according to any one of claims 1 to 14. 57. An AVDD configured to cause the AV data configurator to print an index of the defined compilation on the AVDDM.
57. The system according to any one of claims 50 to 56, further comprising an M printer. 58. The system according to any one of claims 50 to 57, wherein the AV data composer is configured to store the index of the defined compilation in the AVDMM. 59. The system according to any one of claims 50 to 58, wherein the AV data structuring device further comprises a GUI for displaying and changing the current status of the recording procedure and the estimated completion time. 60. The AV data structuring device further comprises means for accepting payments from users for defined compilations, the means for accepting payments being adapted to authorize a financial transaction from a remote authorization center. From 5
9. The system according to any one of 9 above. 61. A disk-shaped AVDM (audio / audio /
A video distributable data medium), the method comprising: obtaining a list of data relating to the contents of the AVDM, controlling a movable printhead device to print the list of information on the surface of the AVDM. Out, the movable printhead device being controlled in a manner that enables the movable printhead device to print the list of information on the AVDMM surface as an elongated string in the form of a spiral. 62. The method of claim 61, wherein controlling comprises controlling the printhead device to print the list of information along a spiral of decreasing radius.