EP0140593B1 - Musikverteilungssystem - Google Patents

Musikverteilungssystem Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0140593B1
EP0140593B1 EP84306723A EP84306723A EP0140593B1 EP 0140593 B1 EP0140593 B1 EP 0140593B1 EP 84306723 A EP84306723 A EP 84306723A EP 84306723 A EP84306723 A EP 84306723A EP 0140593 B1 EP0140593 B1 EP 0140593B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
channel
signal
frequency
audio information
audio
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP84306723A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0140593A2 (de
EP0140593A3 (en
Inventor
Markley Lee Jones
Lee Edwards
John H. Bordelon
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
MUSIC LOVERS' JUKEBOX Inc
Original Assignee
MUSIC LOVERS' JUKEBOX Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by MUSIC LOVERS' JUKEBOX Inc filed Critical MUSIC LOVERS' JUKEBOX Inc
Priority to AT84306723T priority Critical patent/ATE59252T1/de
Publication of EP0140593A2 publication Critical patent/EP0140593A2/de
Publication of EP0140593A3 publication Critical patent/EP0140593A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0140593B1 publication Critical patent/EP0140593B1/de
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H20/00—Arrangements for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast
    • H04H20/65—Arrangements characterised by transmission systems for broadcast
    • H04H20/76—Wired systems
    • H04H20/77—Wired systems using carrier waves
    • H04H20/78—CATV [Community Antenna Television] systems
    • H04H20/79—CATV [Community Antenna Television] systems using downlink of the CATV systems, e.g. audio broadcast via CATV network
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H20/00—Arrangements for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast
    • H04H20/28—Arrangements for simultaneous broadcast of plural pieces of information

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for delivering audio information.
  • a traditional jukebox is a unit including a plurality of records.
  • a user can select, by the manipulation of switches, a particular record to be played. That record is played and all those within earshot of the jukebox speakers listen to the record which has been selected.
  • An improved version of the traditional jukebox can be found in many restaurants. A separate selector box and speaker are placed at each table in the restaurant. The jukebox is wired to each selector box so that a record can be selected by a patron at any table. Of course, only one record at a time is played and the music is delivered directly to the speaker at the table.
  • a music lover is able to bring into the home particular audio entertainment that he or she wishes to hear by buying records and playing them on a home high-fidelity stereo system. Unfortunately this requires buying each record to be played. This can get quite expensive.
  • An alternative is for the music lover to listen to the radio. The problem with this is that one can only listen to the particular music selected by the disc jockey. There is no way to hear particular songs when the listener wishes to hear them without buying a record or a cassette tape.
  • GB-A-870,064 describes a method for delivering audio information comprising the steps of generating a frequency multiplexed composite electrical signal corresponding to a plurality of pieces of audio information; transmitting the composite signal to a subscriber; at the subscriber demultiplexing the composite electrical signal and selecting one of the pieces of audio information; and transducing the selected piece of audio information into an audio signal.
  • this specification describes how more than one piece of audio information may be transmitted to a receiver.
  • the present invention seeks to deliver audio information to a subscriber such that the subscriber has access to any one of a plurality of selections at any time.
  • the present invention provides a method of delivering audio information as defined above, characterised in that said generating step comprises generating a plurality of electrical signals simultaneously, each said electrical signal of said plurality representing an individual piece of audio information, multiplexing said electrical signals into a plurality of channels, wherein each said channel has a different phase, and wherein said electrical signals are each placed in more than one said channel, and frequency multiplexing said channels to form said frequency multiplexed composite electrical signal.
  • the method provides an active retrieval library, for example, of approximately 200 selections.
  • the selections can be routinely updated, for example, on a monthly basis or whenever a new "hit" occurs.
  • the musical selections are played at a central jukebox facility using either a plurality of conventional turntables or any other type of reproduction system that can produce electrical signals from pre-recorded records.
  • said plurality of electrical signals are generated by simultaneously playing a plurality of pre-recorded records.
  • said plurality of electrical signals may be generated by playing one ore more pre-recorded optical-type records using a laser playback device.
  • Each said optical-type record may be played using a plurality of read-out beams.
  • a plurality of pieces of audio information may be recorded on a single video-type laser disc.
  • the plurality of electrical signals may then be generated and multiplexed info said channels by simultaneously playing said disc by way of a plurality of laser beams.
  • said step of demultiplexing comprises the steps of selectively frequency converting a portion of said composite signal corresponding to said particular desired piece of audio information to a predetermined intermediate frequency; and demodulating at said intermediate frequency to provide said particular desired audio information at baseband.
  • said step of demodulating comprises the step of demodulating using an audio IF train of a television receiver.
  • GB-A-870,064 also describes apparatus for delivering audio information comprising means for generating a frequency multiplexed composite electrical signal corresponding to a plurality of pieces of audio information, means for transmitting the composite electrical signal to a subscriber, means for demultiplexing the composite electrical signal and selecting one of said pieces of audio information, and means for transducing the selected piece of audio information into an audio signal.
  • the present invention also provides apparatus as defined above characterised in that said means for generating a frequency multiplexed composite electrical signal comprises means for generating a plurality of electrical signals simultaneously, each said electrical signal of said plurality representing an individual piece of audio information, means for multiplexing said representative electrical signals into a plurality of channels, each said channel having a different phase, and said representative electrical signals being placed in more than one said channel, and means for frequency multiplexing said channels to form said frequency multiplexed composite electrical signal.
  • said generating means comprises one or more playback devices arranged to play one or more pre-recorded discs.
  • Each said playback device may include a plurality of read-out heads.
  • a plurality of pieces of audio information may have been recorded on a single video-type laser disc, and a single playback device is provided having a plurality of laser beams for reading from said disc simultaneously.
  • a semiconductor laser shines a beam of coherent light onto a rapidly spinning optically readable disc on which a music selection has been encoded.
  • the laser beam "reads" the coded disc and converts it into an electrical signal.
  • a plurality of read-out beams can be used for each record that is being continuously played.
  • the same musical selection can be placed on a plurality of different audio sub- channels of a video channel, each sub-channel having a different "phase" with respect to the others.
  • a 3 minute song is played repeatedly on six different audio sub-channels with equally spaced starting times, one would never be more than a half a minute from the beginning of the musical selection desired.
  • the audio signals for 200 could be generated by 200 compact audio disc playback units, each playing a different song with its own laser beam.
  • the system will use a more practical technique which uses only one playback unit.
  • 200 audio channels could be recorded, with specially designed recording equipment, on a single video-type laser disc because it has the full bandwidth of a video channel. This disc could then be played back at the cable head with a playback unit similar to conventional video disc playback units. All of the audio channels recorded on the disc could then be played back by a single laser beam and can be transmitted through a single video cable channel simultaneously. All of the audio channels would thus be available at the subscriber's location at the same time.
  • the preferred embodiment is a laser video disc system employing a plurality of lasers to read each disc so that if the average song lasts three minutes and six lasers are used, the beginning of any given song will never be more than approximately 30 seconds away.
  • From one disc containing 200 musical selections six lasers can be used to generate signals for 1200 audio channels.
  • Each of the 200 musical selections would be carried on six of these 1200 channels but with starts at 30-second intervals.
  • the system By transmitting the 1200 audio channels, which are equivalent to six video channels, through six channels of the cable, the system would have the capability of delivering any of the 200 selections - from the beginning of the selection, within approximately 30 seconds - to the system in the subscriber's home. Start and stop signals can be incorporated into the system so that the user's musical choice automatically switches to the audio sub-channel carrying the next beginning of the selection desired.
  • the subscriber's audio converter box could include a microprocessor based system having a memory so that one could program a sequence of desired musical selections, including repeat plays of a single song or a variety of songs in a predetermined order.
  • the converter box would respond to the microprocessor based system by tuning to each particular appropriate audio sub-channel in the order programmed by the user.
  • said demultiplexing means comprises means for selectively frequency converting a portion of said composite signal corresponding to said selected piece of audio information to a predetermined intermediate frequency; and means for demodulating at said intermediate frequency to provide said particular desired audio information at baseband.
  • said demultiplexing means comprises a converter for receiving said transmitted composite signal, said converter comprising means for synthesizing a local oscillator signal the frequency of which can be user controlled; means for mixing said synthesized signal with an input signal derived from said composite signal to provide a desired sub-channel on a predetermined intermediate frequency; means for modulating said selected audio sub-channel onto a carrier predetermined frequency; means for mixing said predetermined intermediate frequency modulated with said audio sub-channel onto said video carrier frequency for transmission to a television.
  • said converter further comprises means for detecting said intermediate frequency signal for detecting start and stop tones on said audio sub-channel; and means for controlling said local oscillator frequency responsive to said start and stop tones.
  • the converter may further comprise means for muting audio output of said television when there is not audio information on a selected sub-channel.
  • One video cable channel having a bandwidth of 6 MHz can contain a number of different audio sub-channels, the number being a function of the signal format used for the audio information. If each sub-channel is of the standard TV FM sound signal format, 75 different sub-channels can be formed in each video channel. It is possible to increase the number of audio sub-channels if a different signal format is used. Any different signal format requires that the selected sub-channel signal be demodulated with the resulting audio being impressed onto an FM carrier with the standard TV FM sound signal format so that it can be demodulated in the user's television if the television is to be used as the playback instrument.
  • TV FM sound signal format there are several signal formats that can be used, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. With some there is a slight degreda- tion in audio quality either through a decrease in the maximum audio frequency that can be transmitted or in poorer signal to noise performance or both. With appropriate selection of signal format, it is possible to obtain about 200 audio sub-channels for each video channel. For 200 audio subchannels, the total signal width (audio information) plus some guard band to protect against mutual interference must be no more than 30 kHz.
  • One alternative format is that of an FM signal with limited high frequency audio response.
  • a modulation index of 1.67 (the same as that for the standard TV FM signal) and constraining the signal width to 30 kHz, a maximum audio frequency of 6500 Hz can be used. This corresponds roughly to AM broadcast quality and may be considered too low a fidelity.
  • a second possible audio sub-channel format is simple amplitude modulation. With a bandwidth of 30 kHz, a maximum audio frequency of 15 kHz is theoretically possible, but because of the absence of capture effect enjoyed by FM systems, which reduces adjacent channel interference, a maximum audio frequency of less than 15 kHz, but not less than 12 kHz, is more realistic. This quality is not far from that of TV FM sound. Besides somewhat reduced high frequency audio response, some increase in noise and signal distortion can be expected.
  • the subscriber is provided with an audio sub-channel converter which can be provided either as part of the home subscriber's video converter box supplied by the cable television operator or as a separate unit.
  • a separate unit is presently conceived as being the most desirable arrangement.
  • Advantage may be taken of the fact that, in most cable systems, the channel selected by the subscriber's video converter box is converted to channel 3.
  • the subscriber's television set remains tuned to channel 3 at all times.
  • the additional converter box for the jukebox system could be designed for installation between the television and an existing video cable converter box supplied by the subscriber's cable television operator.
  • the desired video channel (carrying many audio sub-channels) is selected on the existing video converter box, with the desired musical selections then being selected by the additional audio sub-channel converted. Only one design would thus be necessary for the audio sub-channel converter, a decided economic advantage.
  • the "jukebox" concept described is not limited to cable television systems. Rather, it is applicable to any system by which a traditional "video" channel of approximately 6 MHz bandwidth can be delivered to a subscriber. For example, some subscribers now receive television pictures by direct transmission from a satellite which transmits hundreds of video channels. One or more of such channels could be dedicated for "jukebox" service. An earth satellite receiver from which a subscriber obtains video entertainment could be fitted with an audio sub-channel converter box so that jukebox selections can be transmitted to the subscriber via the same satellite-to-earth link.
  • a plurality of musical selections are "played" at a central "jukebox" facility 110. Electrical signals are generated for each such selection.
  • Facility 110 can include either a video bandwidth laser disc player or a plurality of record players, laser disc players, cassette tapes, or the like.
  • the signals for individual music selections are transmitted to a distributor 112.
  • Distributor 112 can be either a cable television operator, a satellite operator, a commercial broadcast operator, or the like.
  • distributor 112 is a cable operator, the music selections are multiplexed onto one or more cable television channels and distributed via cable 114 to individual subscriber televisions 116. If distributor 112 is a satellite operator or commercial television broadcaster, the video channel information can be broadcast over the air as represented by arrow 118 to either a master antenna system symbolized by antenna 120, for distribution to televisions 122 or broadcast directly to individual TV subscribers as symbolized by arrow 124 and televisions 126.
  • the sound channels of modern television receivers accept a frequency modulated (FM) signal having a peak carrier deviation of ⁇ 25 kHz.
  • Audio frequency response is 50 Hz to 15 kHz with a high frequency de-emphasis time constant network of 75ps being used to equalize noise performance between high and low audio frequencies.
  • FM signal amplification and detection are done at an IF frequency of 4.5 MHz, corresponding to the frequency difference between the frequency modulated aural carrier and the AM (vestigial side band) modulated video (picture) carrier.
  • the TV set depends upon the presence of the visual carrier to heterodyne the aural carrier down to 4.5 MHz through the action of the mixer stage in the TV set.
  • the TV set must be provided not only with an appropriate FM sound carrier on some TV channel, but with an appropriate visual carrier as well, and they must be separated by 4.5 MHz.
  • the visual carrier need not, of course, be modulated with any picture information. It does, however, perform an additional, and in this case, desirable function of darkening the screen of the TV set, which would otherwise be illuminated by noise or snow.
  • the presently contemplated preferred manner for transmitting music selections to individual subscribers is via a cable television system.
  • Other transmission schemes include the use of an "over the air" broadcast channel, direct reception of a satellite communication channel, etc. This portion of the description discusses the constraints of a cable television system used as the transmission medium to a subscriber.
  • Each individual television channel used in CATV system is 6 MHz in bandwidth. Almost all of this is filled with information.
  • the signal format and frequency assignments are the same or similar to the channels used for broadcasting but, on cable, additional channels are used. These lie in frequency bands other than those allocated for broadcasting, and, indeed, in bands occupied by other broadcasting or communication services. Because of the closed nature of the cable system, mutual interference is not ordinarily encountered if the cable system is installed and maintained to high technical standards.
  • One or more of these channels could be used for "jukebox" service. These would probably be channels that are vacant on a particular cable system already in place. The chosen channel should be filled with as many frequency modulated signals as is possible without mutual interference, all spaced on contiguous sub-channels.
  • each signal should have the same characteristics as that normally received on a singular basis by the subscriber's TV set.
  • the modulating frequency range, peak carrier deviation and pre-emphasis time constants should be the same as for the FM audio signal in any TV broadcast.
  • a minimum spacing of 80 kHz is desirable. This is based upon a common criterion that the spectrum occupied by an FM signal is approximately twice the sum of the peak carrier deviation and the highest modulating frequency. This criterion is reflected in the choice of channel spacing for standard FM broadcasting. The calculated value of channel width is 180 kHz, and a spacing of 200 kHz is used. If 80 kHz spacing is used for the proposed service, then 75 possible music selections can be transmitted, assuming no two are alike.
  • the first such format and converter box arrangement described is for an FM system.
  • FIGURE 2 there is shown a block diagram for the subscriber's converter box, referred to generally by reference numeral 200.
  • An incoming signal from the subscriber's cable television cable first passes through a band pass filter 202 to reduce out-of-channel signals and feed-through of the converter's local oscillator to the cable system.
  • the signal is mixed in a mixer 204 with a local oscillator signal from a synthesized local oscillator 206 and heterodyned down to 4.5 MHz.
  • a band pass filter 208 at 4.5 MHz allows only the desired signal to pass.
  • the bandwidth of filter 208 should be about 80-100 kHz.
  • Oscillator 206 tunes in 80 kHz steps, and must be accurate to within ⁇ 1 or 2 kHz. Therefore, it is preferably an indirect synthesizer. Tuning of oscillator (206) is under control of a selection and control unit (210) responsive to user command.
  • the 4.5 MHz signal from filter (208) is used in two ways. It is detected, that is converted to audio, to provide start and stop tones needed by selection and control unit (210).
  • the signal. from filter (208) is amplified by an amplifier (212) which is coupled to a limiter (214). Limiter (214) is coupled to an FM detector (216) which provides the start and stop tones to selection and control unit (210).
  • the 4.5 MHz signal is also coupled to a mixer (218) which produces as an output an unmodulated video carrier and an audio sub-channel FM modulated carrier 4.5 MHz higher in frequency.
  • An output channel video carrier oscillator (220) driving the mixer must be near ( ⁇ 250 kHz) to the proper video carrier frequency for the channel to which the TV set is tuned.
  • a mute control signal is provided by selection and control unit 210 to a switch 224.
  • Switch 224 selects, responsive to the presence or absence of the mute control signal, the input to mixer 218 as either the 4.5 MHz oscillation from oscillator 222 or the 4.5 MHz signal carrying music selected from filter 208.
  • an output channel band-pass filter 226 which provides a filtered output signal from converter 200 to the subscriber's television.
  • the audio signal that has been demodulated can be coupled to the subscriber's stereo or other amplifier/speaker arrangement instead of being put into TV sound format to be "played” through the television.
  • FIGURE 3 there is shown a block diagram of a subscriber converter box suitable for use with an AM signal format (presently preferred).
  • the AM converter box is referred to generally by reference numeral 300.
  • a total signal bandwidth of 30 kHz can provide a theoretical maximum audio frequency of 15 kHz. In practice the maximum audio frequency is somewhat degraded. Because of the absence of the capture effect enjoyed by FM systems, which reduces adjacent channel interference, a maximum audio frequency of less than 15 kHz, but probably no less than 12 kHz is more realistic. This provides a sound quality not far from that of TV FM sound.
  • the converter box 300 block diagram of FIGURE 3 assumes an input from a video cable selector on television channel 3 (60-66 MHz).
  • Converter 300 is basically a low sensitivity AM receiver. Two frequency conversions are used to attain adequate image rejection and adjacent channel rejection. IF frequencies are chosen to be standard frequencies for which components are readily available. The muting function described in the FIGURE 2 embodiment is still used, but the muting tones are now at sub-audible frequencies.
  • the 4.5 MHz VCO voltage controlled oscillator
  • the 4.5 MHz VCO may require stabilization within a small phase lock loop to meet the ⁇ 1 kHz tolerance discussed in the FM format section of this description.
  • the channel 3 input signal is coupled through a channel 3 bandpass filter 302 and mixed in a mixer 304 with a signal from a synthesized local oscillator 306.
  • the frequency of the output of oscillator 306 is controlled by a selection and control unit 308 which is responsive to user command.
  • selection and control unit 308 is responsive to start and stop tones and provides a mute control signal.
  • Mixer 304 provides a first conversion by mixing the desired music selection to 10.7 MHz (a standard IF frequency) where it is filtered by a band- pass filter 310.
  • a second conversion is provided by mixing the output of filter 310 in a mixer 312 with a signal from an oscillator 314 operating at 11.155 MHz. This provides an output at mixer 312 at 455 kHz which is another standard IF frequency.
  • the 455 kHz output of mixer 312 is filtered by a filter 316 and coupled to an AM detector and muting unit 318.
  • Selected audio from AM detector 318 is coupled to a 4.5 MHz voltage controlled oscillator 320 which provides an FM sound signal in television format.
  • This television format FM sound signal is mixed in a mixer 322 with a signal from an output channel video carrier oscillator 324 which provides a carrier for a television channel to be tuned by the subscriber.
  • the output of mixer 322 is filtered by an output channel bandpass filter 326 for coupling to the subscriber's television.
  • the audio signal that has been demodulated can be coupled to the subscriber's stereo, or optional amplifier/speaker arrangement, instead of being put into TV sound format to be "played” through the television.
  • the concepts of the present invention can be applied to other delivery systems such as, for example, direct broadcast from a ground-based transmitter, satellite transmission direct to a subscriber, etc. or some combination of transmission schemes.

Claims (15)

1. Verfahren zum Abgeben von Audioinformation mit den Schritten: Erzeugen eines frequenzmultiplexierten zusammengesetzten elektrischen Signals, das eine Anzahl von Audioinformationsstücken entspricht; Senden des zusammengesetzten Signals an einen Abnehmer; beim Abnehmer Entmultiplexieren des zusammengesetzten elektrischen Signals und Auswählen eines der Audioinformationsstücke; und Umsetzen des ausgewählten Audioinformationsstücks in ein Audiosignal, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Erzeugungsschritt das gleichzeitige Erzeugen einer Anzahl elektrischer Signale umfaßt, wobei jedes der elektrischen Signale der Anzahl ein individuelles Stück von Audioinformation darstellt, daß die elektrischen Signale in einer Anzahl von Kanälen multiplexiert werden, wobei jeder der Kanäle eine unterschiedliche Phase hat, und wobei die elektrischen Signale jeweils auf mehrals einen der Kanäle gelegt werden, und daß die Kanäle frequenzmultiplexiert werden, um das frequenzmultiplexierte zusammengesetzte elektrische Signal zu bilden.
2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Anzahl der elektrischen Signale durch gleichzeitiges Spielen einer Anzahl von voraufgezeichneten Platten erzeugt wird.
3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Anzahl der elektrischen Signale durch Spielen von einen oder mehreren voraufgezeichneten optischen Platten erzeugt werden, indem eine Laser-Playbackeinrichtung verwendet wird.
4. Verfahren nach Anspruch 3, wobei die jede der optischen Platten gespielt wird, indem eine Anzahl von Auslesestrahlen verwendet wird.
5. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei eine Anzahl von Stücken von Audioinformation auf einer einzigen Bildspeicherplatte aufgezeichnet wird und die Anzahl der elektrischen Signale erzeugt und in die Kanäle multiplexiert werden, indem gleichzeitig die Platte durch eine Anzahl von Laserstrahlen abgespielt wird.
6. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Schritt des Entmultiplexierens die Schritte der selektiven Frequenzumwandlung von einem Teil des zusammengesetzten Signals entsprechend dem bestimmten gewünschten Audioinformationsstück auf eine vorgegebene Zwischenfrequenz; und Demodulieren bei der Zwischenfrequenz umfaßt, um die bestimmte gewünschte Audioinformation auf dem Grundband zur Verfügung zu stellen.
7. Verfahren nach Anspruch 6, wobei der Schritt des Demodulierens die Verwendung einer Audiozwischenfrequenzfolge eines Fernsehempfängers umfaßt.
8. Vorrichtung zum Abgeben von Audioinformation mit: Mitteln (110) zum Erzeugen eines frequenzmultiplexierten zusammengesetzten elektrischen Signals, das einer Anzahl von Audioinformationsstücken entspricht; Mitteln (114; 118; 124) zum Senden des zusammengesetzten elektrischen Signals an einen Abnehmer (116; 122; 126); Mitteln (200; 300) zum Entmultiplexieren des zusammengesetzten elektrischen Signals und Auswählen eines der Stücke von Audioinformation; und mit Mitteln (116; 122; 126) zum Umsetzen des ausgewählten Audioinformationsstücks in ein Audiosignal, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Mittel (110) zum Erzeugen eines frequenzmultiplexierten zusammengesetzten elektrischen Signals Mittel zum gleichzeitigen Erzeugen einer Anzahl von elektrischen Signalen, wobei jedes elektrische Signal der Anzahl ein einzelnes Stück von Audioinformation darstellt, und Mittel zum Multiplexieren des elektrischen Signals in eine Anzahl von Kanälen aufweist, wobei jeder Kanal eine unterschiedliche Phase hat, und daß die elektrischen Signale in mehr als einen der Kanäle eingespeist werden, und Mittel zum Frequenzmultiplexieren der Kanäle, um das frequenzmultiplexierte zusammengesetzte elektrische Signal zu bilden.
9. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 8, wobei das Erzeugungsmittel (110) eine oder mehrere Playbackeinrichtungen aufweist, die angeordnet sind, um eine oder mehrere voraufgenommene Platten abzuspielen.
10. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 9, wobei jede der Playbackeinrichtungen eine Anzahl von Laserköpfen aufweist.
11. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 9 oder 10, wobei eine Anzahl von Audioinformationsstücken auf einer einzelnen Bildplatte aufgezeichnet wurden, und wobei eine einzige Playbackeinrichtung vorgesehen ist, die eine Anzahl von Laserstrahlen zum gleichzeitigen Lesen der Platte aufweist.
12. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 8 bis 11, wobei das Entmultiplexiermittel (200; 300) Mittel (204; 304) zum selektiven Frequenzumsetzen eines Teils des zusammengesetzten Signals aufweist, das dem ausgewählten Stück von Audioinformation entspricht, und zwar in eine vorgegebene Zwischenfrequenz; und Mittel (208; 310; 312) zum Demodulieren bei der Zwischenfrequenz, um die bestimmte gewünschte Audioinformation im Grundband zur Verfügung zu stellen.
13. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 8 bis 11, wobei das Entmultiplexiermittel einen Umsetzer (200; 300) aufweist, um das gesendete zusammengesetzte Signal aufzunehmen, wobei der Umsetzer Mittel (206; 306) besitzt, um ein lokales Oszillatorsignal zu synthetisieren, dessen Frequenz vom Benutzer gesteuert werden kann; Mittel (204; 304) zum Mischen des synthetisierten Signals mit einem Eingangssignal, das aus dem zusammengesetzten Signal abgeleitet wurde, um einen gewünschten Unterkanal auf einer vorgegebenen Zwischenfrequenz zur Verfügung zu stellen; Mittel (222; 320) zum Modulieren des ausgewählten Audiounterkanals auf eine vorgegebene Trägerfrequenz; Mittel (220; 324) zum Mischen der vorgegebenen Zwischenfrequenz, die mit dem Audiounterkanal moduliert ist, auf die Videoträgerfrequenz zur Übertragung an ein Fernsehgerät.
14. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 13, wobei der Umsetzer ferner Mittel (216; 318) aufweist, um das Zwischenfrequenzsignal für das Erkennen der Start- und Stop-Töne auf dem Audiounterkanal festzustellen; und Mittel (210; 308) zum Steuern der lokalen Oszillatorfrequenz in Abhängigkeit von den Start- und Stop-Tönen.
15. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 13 oder 14, wobei der Umsetzer ferner Mittel (224; 318) zum Unterdrücken der Audioausgabe aus dem Fernseher aufweist, wenn sich keine Audioinformation auf einem ausgewählten Unterkanal befindet.
EP84306723A 1983-10-03 1984-10-02 Musikverteilungssystem Expired - Lifetime EP0140593B1 (de)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT84306723T ATE59252T1 (de) 1983-10-03 1984-10-02 Musikverteilungssystem.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US53857383A 1983-10-03 1983-10-03
US538573 1983-10-03

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0140593A2 EP0140593A2 (de) 1985-05-08
EP0140593A3 EP0140593A3 (en) 1986-04-30
EP0140593B1 true EP0140593B1 (de) 1990-12-19

Family

ID=24147471

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP84306723A Expired - Lifetime EP0140593B1 (de) 1983-10-03 1984-10-02 Musikverteilungssystem

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0140593B1 (de)
JP (1) JPS60157348A (de)
AT (1) ATE59252T1 (de)
CA (1) CA1227865A (de)
DE (1) DE3483772D1 (de)

Cited By (22)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6336219B1 (en) 1998-07-22 2002-01-01 Touchtunes Music Corporation Audiovisual reproduction system
US6346951B1 (en) 1996-09-25 2002-02-12 Touchtunes Music Corporation Process for selecting a recording on a digital audiovisual reproduction system, for implementing the process
US6498937B1 (en) 2000-07-14 2002-12-24 Trw Inc. Asymmetric bandwidth wireless communication techniques
US6578051B1 (en) 2000-05-10 2003-06-10 Touchtunes Music Corporation Device and process for remote management of a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems
US7793325B2 (en) 1998-11-30 2010-09-07 Microsoft Corporation Video on demand methods and systems
US8332887B2 (en) 2008-01-10 2012-12-11 Touchtunes Music Corporation System and/or methods for distributing advertisements from a central advertisement network to a peripheral device via a local advertisement server
US8479240B2 (en) 1999-07-16 2013-07-02 Touchtunes Music Corporation Remote management system for at least one audiovisual information reproduction device
US8495109B2 (en) 2000-02-16 2013-07-23 Touch Tunes Music Corporation Downloading file reception process
US8522303B2 (en) 2000-06-29 2013-08-27 Touchtunes Music Corporation Method for the distribution of audio-visual information and a system for the distribution of audio-visual information
US8593925B2 (en) 1994-10-12 2013-11-26 Touchtunes Music Corporation Intelligent digital audiovisual reproduction system
US8621350B2 (en) 1994-10-12 2013-12-31 Touchtunes Music Corporation Pay-per-play audiovisual system with touch screen interface
US8677424B2 (en) 1998-07-22 2014-03-18 Touchtunes Music Corporation Remote control unit for intelligent digital audiovisual reproduction systems
US9041784B2 (en) 2007-09-24 2015-05-26 Touchtunes Music Corporation Digital jukebox device with karaoke and/or photo booth features, and associated methods
US9076155B2 (en) 2009-03-18 2015-07-07 Touchtunes Music Corporation Jukebox with connection to external social networking services and associated systems and methods
US9149727B2 (en) 2000-06-29 2015-10-06 Touchtunes Music Corporation Communication device and method between an audiovisual information playback system and an electronic game machine
US9164661B2 (en) 2002-09-16 2015-10-20 Touchtunes Music Corporation Digital downloading jukebox system with user-tailored music management, communications, and other tools
US9171419B2 (en) 2007-01-17 2015-10-27 Touchtunes Music Corporation Coin operated entertainment system
US9292166B2 (en) 2009-03-18 2016-03-22 Touchtunes Music Corporation Digital jukebox device with improved karaoke-related user interfaces, and associated methods
US9330529B2 (en) 2007-01-17 2016-05-03 Touchtunes Music Corporation Game terminal configured for interaction with jukebox device systems including same, and/or associated methods
US9430797B2 (en) 2002-09-16 2016-08-30 Touchtunes Music Corporation Digital downloading jukebox system with user-tailored music management, communications, and other tools
US9521375B2 (en) 2010-01-26 2016-12-13 Touchtunes Music Corporation Digital jukebox device with improved user interfaces, and associated methods
US11556192B2 (en) 2014-03-25 2023-01-17 Touchtunes Music Company, Llc Digital jukebox device with improved user interfaces, and associated methods

Families Citing this family (35)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB8518350D0 (en) * 1985-07-20 1985-08-29 Gallagher B Recorded data transfer system
GB2193420A (en) * 1986-07-30 1988-02-03 Petyard Limited Apparatus for distributing entertainment to subscribers
US6970834B2 (en) 1990-06-15 2005-11-29 Arachnid, Inc. Advertisement downloading computer jukebox
DE4021707A1 (de) * 1990-07-07 1992-01-09 Nsm Ag Muenzbetaetigter musikautomat
FR2692740B1 (fr) * 1992-06-19 1994-12-23 Lecheviller Jean Pierre Procédé et système d'accès en différé à des informations radiophoniques diffusées.
WO1994014279A1 (en) † 1992-12-09 1994-06-23 Discovery Communications, Inc. Digital cable headend for cable television delivery system
US5691964A (en) * 1992-12-24 1997-11-25 Nsm Aktiengesellschaft Music playing system with decentralized units
EP0642693A1 (de) * 1993-04-02 1995-03-15 RABEN, Henricus Bernardus Maria Wiedergabetechnik für ton, bilder oder beides
JP3248792B2 (ja) * 1993-08-26 2002-01-21 ヤマハ株式会社 カラオケネットワークシステムおよびカラオケ端末装置
DE4337726B4 (de) * 1993-11-05 2006-05-11 Daimlerchrysler Ag Musikabspieleinrichtung für ein Kraftfahrzeug
US7424731B1 (en) 1994-10-12 2008-09-09 Touchtunes Music Corporation Home digital audiovisual information recording and playback system
US8661477B2 (en) 1994-10-12 2014-02-25 Touchtunes Music Corporation System for distributing and selecting audio and video information and method implemented by said system
FR2769165B1 (fr) 1997-09-26 2002-11-29 Technical Maintenance Corp Systeme sans fil a transmission numerique pour haut-parleurs
FR2781582B1 (fr) 1998-07-21 2001-01-12 Technical Maintenance Corp Systeme de telechargement d'objets ou de fichiers pour mise a jour de logiciels
FR2781580B1 (fr) 1998-07-22 2000-09-22 Technical Maintenance Corp Circuit de commande de son pour systeme de reproduction audiovisuelle numerique intelligent
US6392664B1 (en) * 1998-11-30 2002-05-21 Webtv Networks, Inc. Method and system for presenting television programming and interactive entertainment
US7168086B1 (en) 1998-11-30 2007-01-23 Microsoft Corporation Proxy for video on demand server control
US8726330B2 (en) 1999-02-22 2014-05-13 Touchtunes Music Corporation Intelligent digital audiovisual playback system
FR2805377B1 (fr) 2000-02-23 2003-09-12 Touchtunes Music Corp Procede de commande anticipee d'une selection, systeme numerique et juke-box permettant la mise en oeuvre du procede
FR2805072B1 (fr) 2000-02-16 2002-04-05 Touchtunes Music Corp Procede d'ajustement du volume sonore d'un enregistrement sonore numerique
FR2814085B1 (fr) 2000-09-15 2005-02-11 Touchtunes Music Corp Procede de divertissement base sur les jeux concours a choix multiples
US9646339B2 (en) 2002-09-16 2017-05-09 Touchtunes Music Corporation Digital downloading jukebox system with central and local music servers
US8103589B2 (en) 2002-09-16 2012-01-24 Touchtunes Music Corporation Digital downloading jukebox system with central and local music servers
US8151304B2 (en) 2002-09-16 2012-04-03 Touchtunes Music Corporation Digital downloading jukebox system with user-tailored music management, communications, and other tools
US10373420B2 (en) 2002-09-16 2019-08-06 Touchtunes Music Corporation Digital downloading jukebox with enhanced communication features
US7822687B2 (en) 2002-09-16 2010-10-26 Francois Brillon Jukebox with customizable avatar
US11029823B2 (en) 2002-09-16 2021-06-08 Touchtunes Music Corporation Jukebox with customizable avatar
JP4876877B2 (ja) * 2006-12-07 2012-02-15 株式会社明電舎 発電装置のパッケージ構造
US9953481B2 (en) 2007-03-26 2018-04-24 Touchtunes Music Corporation Jukebox with associated video server
US10290006B2 (en) 2008-08-15 2019-05-14 Touchtunes Music Corporation Digital signage and gaming services to comply with federal and state alcohol and beverage laws and regulations
US8849435B2 (en) 2008-07-09 2014-09-30 Touchtunes Music Corporation Digital downloading jukebox with revenue-enhancing features
US10719149B2 (en) 2009-03-18 2020-07-21 Touchtunes Music Corporation Digital jukebox device with improved user interfaces, and associated methods
US10564804B2 (en) 2009-03-18 2020-02-18 Touchtunes Music Corporation Digital jukebox device with improved user interfaces, and associated methods
US11151224B2 (en) 2012-01-09 2021-10-19 Touchtunes Music Corporation Systems and/or methods for monitoring audio inputs to jukebox devices
WO2015070070A1 (en) 2013-11-07 2015-05-14 Touchtunes Music Corporation Techniques for generating electronic menu graphical user interface layouts for use in connection with electronic devices

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB870064A (en) * 1959-01-06 1961-06-14 Rank Organisation Ltd Improvements in or relating to wired radio distribution systems
DE2403005A1 (de) * 1974-01-23 1975-07-24 Hauni Werke Koerber & Co Kg Verfahren und anordnung zum selbsttaetigen steuern des beginns und des endes der aufzeichnung einer zeitlich begrenzten hoerfunk- oder fernsehsendung
FR2297463A1 (fr) * 1975-01-13 1976-08-06 Villette Claude Dispositif de distribution de programmes sonores par cable reseau tv/fm
JPS57176883A (en) * 1981-04-23 1982-10-30 Maspro Denkoh Corp Fm receiving system of television community receiving system
US4395734A (en) * 1981-04-24 1983-07-26 Zenith Radio Corporation Remote muting for CATV/STV converters
FR2518345B1 (fr) * 1981-12-16 1986-10-10 Gremillet Jacques Procede de teledistribution d'informations enregistrees, notamment d'oeuvres musicales, et systeme de mise en oeuvre

Cited By (43)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8593925B2 (en) 1994-10-12 2013-11-26 Touchtunes Music Corporation Intelligent digital audiovisual reproduction system
US8621350B2 (en) 1994-10-12 2013-12-31 Touchtunes Music Corporation Pay-per-play audiovisual system with touch screen interface
US6346951B1 (en) 1996-09-25 2002-02-12 Touchtunes Music Corporation Process for selecting a recording on a digital audiovisual reproduction system, for implementing the process
US9148681B2 (en) 1998-07-22 2015-09-29 Touchtunes Music Corporation Audiovisual reproduction system
US8904449B2 (en) 1998-07-22 2014-12-02 Touchtunes Music Corporation Remote control unit for activating and deactivating means for payment and for displaying payment status
US9100676B2 (en) 1998-07-22 2015-08-04 Touchtunes Music Corporation Audiovisual reproduction system
US8683541B2 (en) 1998-07-22 2014-03-25 Touchtunes Music Corporation Audiovisual reproduction system
US8677424B2 (en) 1998-07-22 2014-03-18 Touchtunes Music Corporation Remote control unit for intelligent digital audiovisual reproduction systems
US6336219B1 (en) 1998-07-22 2002-01-01 Touchtunes Music Corporation Audiovisual reproduction system
US7793325B2 (en) 1998-11-30 2010-09-07 Microsoft Corporation Video on demand methods and systems
US9288529B2 (en) 1999-07-16 2016-03-15 Touchtunes Music Corporation Remote management system for at least one audiovisual information reproduction device
US8479240B2 (en) 1999-07-16 2013-07-02 Touchtunes Music Corporation Remote management system for at least one audiovisual information reproduction device
US8931020B2 (en) 1999-07-16 2015-01-06 Touchtunes Music Corporation Remote management system for at least one audiovisual information reproduction device
US8495109B2 (en) 2000-02-16 2013-07-23 Touch Tunes Music Corporation Downloading file reception process
US9451203B2 (en) 2000-02-16 2016-09-20 Touchtunes Music Corporation Downloading file reception process
US8655922B2 (en) 2000-05-10 2014-02-18 Touch Tunes Music Corporation Device and process for remote management of a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems
US8275807B2 (en) 2000-05-10 2012-09-25 Touchtunes Music Corporation Device and process for remote management of a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems
US6578051B1 (en) 2000-05-10 2003-06-10 Touchtunes Music Corporation Device and process for remote management of a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems
US9152633B2 (en) 2000-05-10 2015-10-06 Touchtunes Music Corporation Device and process for remote management of a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems
US9536257B2 (en) 2000-05-10 2017-01-03 Touchtunes Music Corporation Device and process for remote management of a network of audiovisual information reproduction systems
US9197914B2 (en) 2000-06-20 2015-11-24 Touchtunes Music Corporation Method for the distribution of audio-visual information and a system for the distribution of audio-visual information
US9292999B2 (en) 2000-06-29 2016-03-22 Touchtunes Music Corporation Communication device and method between an audiovisual information playback system and an electronic game machine
US9149727B2 (en) 2000-06-29 2015-10-06 Touchtunes Music Corporation Communication device and method between an audiovisual information playback system and an electronic game machine
US9591340B2 (en) 2000-06-29 2017-03-07 Touchtunes Music Corporation Method for the distribution of audio-visual information and a system for the distribution of audio-visual information
US8863161B2 (en) 2000-06-29 2014-10-14 Touchtunes Music Corporation Method for the distribution of audio-visual information and a system for the distribution of audio-visual information
US9539515B2 (en) 2000-06-29 2017-01-10 Touchtunes Music Corporation Communication device and method between an audiovisual information playback system and an electronic game machine
US8522303B2 (en) 2000-06-29 2013-08-27 Touchtunes Music Corporation Method for the distribution of audio-visual information and a system for the distribution of audio-visual information
US6498937B1 (en) 2000-07-14 2002-12-24 Trw Inc. Asymmetric bandwidth wireless communication techniques
US9430797B2 (en) 2002-09-16 2016-08-30 Touchtunes Music Corporation Digital downloading jukebox system with user-tailored music management, communications, and other tools
US9164661B2 (en) 2002-09-16 2015-10-20 Touchtunes Music Corporation Digital downloading jukebox system with user-tailored music management, communications, and other tools
US9202209B2 (en) 2002-09-16 2015-12-01 Touchtunes Music Corporation Digital downloading jukebox system with user-tailored music management, communications, and other tools
US9436356B2 (en) 2002-09-16 2016-09-06 Touchtunes Music Corporation Digital downloading jukebox system with user-tailored music management, communications, and other tools
US9171419B2 (en) 2007-01-17 2015-10-27 Touchtunes Music Corporation Coin operated entertainment system
US9330529B2 (en) 2007-01-17 2016-05-03 Touchtunes Music Corporation Game terminal configured for interaction with jukebox device systems including same, and/or associated methods
US9324064B2 (en) 2007-09-24 2016-04-26 Touchtunes Music Corporation Digital jukebox device with karaoke and/or photo booth features, and associated methods
US9041784B2 (en) 2007-09-24 2015-05-26 Touchtunes Music Corporation Digital jukebox device with karaoke and/or photo booth features, and associated methods
US8332887B2 (en) 2008-01-10 2012-12-11 Touchtunes Music Corporation System and/or methods for distributing advertisements from a central advertisement network to a peripheral device via a local advertisement server
US8739206B2 (en) 2008-01-10 2014-05-27 Touchtunes Music Corporation Systems and/or methods for distributing advertisements from a central advertisement network to a peripheral device via a local advertisement server
US9076155B2 (en) 2009-03-18 2015-07-07 Touchtunes Music Corporation Jukebox with connection to external social networking services and associated systems and methods
US9292166B2 (en) 2009-03-18 2016-03-22 Touchtunes Music Corporation Digital jukebox device with improved karaoke-related user interfaces, and associated methods
US9521375B2 (en) 2010-01-26 2016-12-13 Touchtunes Music Corporation Digital jukebox device with improved user interfaces, and associated methods
US11570862B2 (en) 2010-01-26 2023-01-31 Touchtunes Music Company, Llc Digital jukebox device with improved user interfaces, and associated methods
US11556192B2 (en) 2014-03-25 2023-01-17 Touchtunes Music Company, Llc Digital jukebox device with improved user interfaces, and associated methods

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE59252T1 (de) 1991-01-15
CA1227865A (en) 1987-10-06
DE3483772D1 (de) 1991-01-31
EP0140593A2 (de) 1985-05-08
EP0140593A3 (en) 1986-04-30
JPS60157348A (ja) 1985-08-17

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0140593B1 (de) Musikverteilungssystem
US4788675A (en) Music delivery system
JP2872303B2 (ja) 音声信号放送方式
US4605973A (en) System, apparatus and method for recording and editing broadcast transmissions
US4520404A (en) System, apparatus and method for recording and editing broadcast transmissions
US5161251A (en) Apparatus and methods for providing text information identifying audio program selections
USRE40836E1 (en) Apparatus and methods for providing text information identifying audio program selections
EP0144770B1 (de) CATV Signal-Übertragungssystem und zugehöriges Empfangssystem
US6807676B1 (en) Methods of formatting data to maximize the readability and the amount of song identification information displayed on a limited number of lines
KR100271879B1 (ko) 아날로그 영상 신호 및 디지탈 음향 신호 통합 수신 유무선 tv 디지탈 정보 시스템장치
US3936594A (en) Secure television system
US4405944A (en) TV Sound transmission system
US5337196A (en) Stereo/multivoice recording and reproducing video tape recorder including a decoder developing a switch control signal
KR910004569B1 (ko) 텔레비젼의 음성스테레오 수신방법 및 그 장치
US4339772A (en) TV Sound Transmission system
US4555730A (en) Single channel split-sound receiver for use with television set
US4630134A (en) System for recording and reproducing multiplex information
US4586081A (en) Method and apparatus for secure audio channel transmission in a CATV system
US4564867A (en) Video disc recording and reproducing device for video discs having recognition signal indicative of content of associated program signal
US4750206A (en) Adapter for TV stereo, SAP and auxiliary signals
CA2146878A1 (en) Apparatus and methods for music and lyrics broadcasting
US5220602A (en) NICAM compatible television signal converter
JPH07143081A (ja) 通信衛星利用の音楽番組配信システム
JP2975003B2 (ja) 長時間再生ラジオ映像カセットレコーダーシステムとその操作方法
JPH098751A (ja) 放送番組取り込み録音方法及び放送番組取り込み録音装置

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE FR GB IT LI LU NL SE

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE FR GB IT LI LU NL SE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19861029

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19880513

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE FR GB IT LI LU NL SE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: THE PATENT HAS BEEN ANNULLED BY A DECISION OF A NATIONAL AUTHORITY

Effective date: 19901219

Ref country code: NL

Effective date: 19901219

Ref country code: LI

Effective date: 19901219

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.

Effective date: 19901219

Ref country code: FR

Effective date: 19901219

Ref country code: CH

Effective date: 19901219

Ref country code: BE

Effective date: 19901219

Ref country code: AT

Effective date: 19901219

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 59252

Country of ref document: AT

Date of ref document: 19910115

Kind code of ref document: T

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 3483772

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19910131

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

EN Fr: translation not filed
NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19911031

26N No opposition filed
PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 19971222

Year of fee payment: 14

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 19981001

Year of fee payment: 15

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19990803

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19991002

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 19991002