| 摘要 |
A method and apparatus for managing a plurality of computer jukeboxes (30) at different locations, wherein a central control device (CCD) (10) communicates with each computer jukebox (30) via non-dedicated public telephone lines (20). Each computer jukebox (30) includes processor means (32) for controlling the computer jukebox (30), storage and retrieval means (33) for data, displays means (34) for selection menus, audio production means (35) for playing musical recordings, a converter for communicating via non-dedicated public telephone lines (20), and a user interface (36) enabling patrons to communicate with the processor means. The CCD (10) can be used to download musical recording data to each computer jukebox (30), and each computer jukebox (30) can upload usage data to the CCD (10). The present invention allows for an elimination of routemen usually required to update jukebox recordings and obtain jukebox usage information. Communication between the CCD (10) and the computer jukebox (30) occurs during off-hours of establishments housing the computer jukeboxes (30), thus avoiding interference with the establishments' use of their own phone lines. As an alternative, routemen may physically visit each computer jukebox (30) to load new musical recordings into the memory of each computer jukebox (30) and obtain the computer jukebox usage data from each computer jukebox (30). |
