Abstract:
A system and method executed at a computing device for providing digital content, is provided. The method includes: remotely providing digital media files via a network to a playback device responsively to a computer being remotely located from both the computing device and the playback device; receiving at least one first communication from the computer via the network; and sending at least one second communication to the playback device via the network and based upon the first communication. Playback of ones of the provided digital media files at the playback device is modified responsively to the at least one second communication.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to background media systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a background media system for generating a continuous play program for one or more playback control devices. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Background media systems are generally used by commercial enterprises to create an environment that enhances a customer&#39;s experience while in a facility run by the commercial enterprise. For example, the owner of a diner with a 1960&#39;s theme typically decorates the diner with memorabilia from the 1960s and plays music, announcements and/or video that reflects that era. In contrast, the owner of an upscale clothing store in New York would choose a different décor and would play a more contemporary mix of music and video. As different commercial enterprises attempt to differentiate themselves in the marketplace, demand increases for customization of media such as background audio, announcements, and video that are presented to customers within the premises. 
         [0003]    Franchise owners spend a lot of time and money generating good will in their business names through advertising, quality control, and efforts to present a consistent and positive experience for customers who visit their locations. Franchise owners typically create strict rules relating to the appearance of the franchise facility. Franchise owners may also wish to strictly control the music, video and announcements that play within their franchise facilities. 
         [0004]    Most conventional background media systems typically include only background music. In some systems, music formats are sent to the users on a regular basis in the form of tapes, compact discs (CDs) or digital video discs (DVDs). The music formats are played on proprietary systems that may include devices for storing the music formats for future use. Other systems transmit background music via a satellite broadcast or a frequency modulated (FM) sub-carrier frequency to specially-designed receiving equipment that is located in the enterprise&#39;s facility. While providing a relatively inexpensive way to receive the background music, these background media systems are generally limited in that the commercial enterprise cannot tailor the formats beyond those provided by the background media system vendor. If custom music formats or playlists can be obtained, they generally cost too much for small or medium sized commercial enterprises. While satellite systems offer different audio formats on different channels, the number of available channels is limited. As customers request more highly customized audio and video environments for their facilities, the demand for additional channels will exceed the available bandwidth. Generally theses systems also require that the video, announcements and other media be handled with separate systems. 
         [0005]    The conventional background media systems also have a disadvantage in that when specialized announcements are mixed into the background music and video, the background music and video is abruptly interrupted for the announcements. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The above and other objects are provided by a continuous play broadcast system that includes a distributed communications system and a playback control device that is connected to the distributed communications system. The playback control device includes one or more output devices, memory that stores digital media files and a continuous play program, and a controller that outputs the digital media files to the output device according to the continuous play program. The media files include at least one of audio files, video files and announcement files. A computer is connected to the distributed communications system. A web server is connected to the distributed communications system and to a master library of the digital media files. The computer accesses the web server via the distributed communications system to alter the continuous play program for the playback control device. 
         [0007]    According to other features of the invention, the computer includes a browser module for accessing the web server and the web server transmits executable files to the computer for creating the continuous play program. The executable files are at least one of Active-X® components, Java Applets® and Java Script®. 
         [0008]    According to still other features of the invention, the executable files allow the computer to select and arrange custom playlists by selecting a plurality of the digital media files from the master library and by allowing at least one of sequencing the digital media files and randomly playing the digital media files. The executable files also allow the computer to select a plurality of predetermined collections of the digital media files, to allocate percentages to the plurality of predetermined collections and to create a composite collection that randomly selects the digital media files from the collections based on the allocated percentages. The executable files also allow the computer to select at least one of the digital media files within the predetermined collections and to increase or decrease the likelihood that the at least one of the digital media files is played in the composite collection. The executable files also allow the computer to select at least one of the digital media files within the predetermined collections and to prevent the at least one of the digital media files from playing in the composite collection. The executable files also allow the computer to select at least one of the digital media files within the predetermined collections and to prevent the at least one of the digital media files from playing during preselected times in the composite collection. 
         [0009]    In yet other features of the invention, the executable files allow the computer to assign the predetermined collections to a time-based schedule that forms part of the continuous play program. The executable files also allow the computer to assign the composite collection to the time-based schedule. 
         [0010]    Still other objects, features and advantages will be readily apparent. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a functional block diagram of a continuous play background media system according to the invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a functional block diagram of a computer from  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a functional block diagram of a playback control device of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a functional block diagram of a web server of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  illustrates a browser and a log-on interface for the continuous play background media system; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  illustrates a location interface for the continuous play background media system; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  illustrates an environment interface for the continuous play background media system; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  illustrates a schedule interface for the continuous play background media system; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  illustrates a collections interface for the continuous play background media system; 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  illustrates a date selection interface for the continuous play background media system; 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  illustrates a day selection interface for the continuous play background media system; 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  illustrates a time selection interface for the continuous play background media system; 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  illustrates a create collections interface for the continuous play background media system; 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  illustrates an individual selections interface for the continuous play background media system; 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  illustrates a restrictions interface for the continuous play background media system; 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  illustrates a volume interface for the continuous play background media system; 
           [0027]      FIG. 17  illustrates an audition interface for the continuous play background media system; 
           [0028]      FIG. 18  illustrates an hours setup interface for the continuous play background media system; 
           [0029]      FIG. 19  illustrates a security setup interface for the continuous play background media system; 
           [0030]      FIG. 20  illustrates a miscellaneous setup interface for the continuous play background media system; and 
           [0031]      FIG. 21  illustrates a log interface for the continuous play background media system. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0032]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a control system for a continuous play background media system is illustrated and is generally designated  10 . Web servers  14 - 1 ,  14 - 2 , . . . , and  14 - x  are connected to a distributed communications system  18  such as the internet. Computers  26 - 1 ,  26 - 2 , . . . , and  26 - y  are connected to the distributed communications system  18 . Playback control devices  30 - 1 ,  30 - 2 , . . . , and  30 - z  are connected to the distributed communications system  18 . 
         [0033]    In use, the playback control devices  30  are located in various commercial environments. For example, the computer  26 - 1  accesses the web server  14 - 2  to create continuous play programs which are downloaded to the playback control devices  30 - 1 ,  30 - 2 ,  30 - 3 , and  30 - 4 . The playback control devices  30  execute the continuous play program to provide background music, announcements, and/or video in a commercial facility. As used herein, selections and media refer to audio, music, music with video, video, still images, and/or announcements. The audio can be music, sound effects or other recorded sounds. The video can be moving or still images. When changes to the continuous play programs are required, the computer  26 - 1  accesses the web server  14 - 2  to alter the continuous play program. The continuous play program allows a user to arrange selections such as video, audio, and announcements into one or more collections. The collections are assigned to time blocks during the day. Once the continuous play program is setup, the selections are played in a continuous manner without the need for user control. 
         [0034]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a block diagram illustrating the computer  26  is shown. The computer  26  includes an input/output (I/O) interface  40 , a processor  44 , and memory  48 . The memory  48  can include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and/or external memory storage such as a hard drive, a floppy drive, an optical drive, or other suitable external memory storage. The memory  48  contains an operating system (OS) module  52  and a browser  56 . In a preferred embodiment, the browser  56  is capable of receiving executable files via web servers  14 . Suitable browsers  56  include, but are not limited to, Internet Explorer and Netscape. The executable files that work with the browsers include but are not limited to ActiveX® components, Java Applets® or JavaScript®. Skilled artisans can appreciate that the continuous play programs can also be adapted for use in distributed systems that do not employ executable files. 
         [0035]    The computer  26  is connected to the distributed communications system  18  in any suitable manner such as through cable systems (cable and fiberoptic), satellite-based systems, terrestrial-based systems, or any other suitable manner. As can be appreciated, if satellite-based systems are employed, the bandwidth available for updates is dramatically improved over phone bandwidths. The computer  26  can be connected to the distributed communications system  18  through a local area network (LAN)  52 , a wide area network (WAN)  54 , or through a cable-based or phone-based modern  58 . Alternately, a satellite-based connection  59  can be used. One or more I/O devices  62  such as a keyboard, a mouse, a printer, a scanner, or other devices are connected to the I/O interface  40 . A computer display  66  is likewise connected to the I/O interface  40 . 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the playback control device  30  is illustrated in further detail. The playback control device  30  includes an I/O interface  70 , a processor  74 , and memory  76 . The memory  76  includes RAM, ROM, and external memory storage such as hard drives, floppy drives, optical drives, or other suitable storage. The memory  76  preferably executes an OS  77  and a run time engine (RTE)  78  for executing a continuous play program as will be described further below. In a preferred embodiment, the OS is a Windows®-based system such as Windows 2000®. An Apple®-based OS, Unix®, Linux®, or other OS can be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
         [0037]    The playback control device  30  optionally includes a display  80  and one or more I/O devices  84  that can include a mouse, keyboard, or other suitable I/O devices. The display  80  is preferably a television display or a peripheral for presenting video to customers within the enterprise facility. If a television display or peripheral is employed, the playback control device  30  preferably includes a standard video output connection. Alternately, the display  80  can be a computer display. The display  80 , the keyboard, and the mouse are not required to operate the playback control device. The playback control device  30  is intended to be a stand-alone device that needs to be turned on. Thereafter, the continuous play program operates the playback control device  30 . The playback control device  30  is connected to the distributed communications system  18  in any of the ways described above with respect to the computer  26 . 
         [0038]    Speakers  88  are connected to the I/O interface  70 . The speakers  88  are preferably positioned in various locations throughout the commercial enterprise. One or more databases  92  include a song library  96  which contains a plurality of digital audio files containing audio such as music, an announcement library  100  that contains digital announcement files, a video library  104  that contains video or still picture files, and/or a text/graphics library  108 . The text/graphic library  108  contains media that can be included in advertisements for printed publications, displayed using peripherals, computer displays, or televisions and/or used in any other manner. 
         [0039]    In use, the playback control device  30  executes the continuous play program that automatically plays selections stored in the databases  92 . Periodically, the computer  26  alters the continuous play program via the web server  14 . The web server  14  provides new selections and a continuous play program to update the playback control device  30  via the distributed communications system  18 . 
         [0040]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the web server  14  is illustrated in further detail. The web server  14  includes an I/O interface  150  that is connected to a processor  152  and memory  154 . The memory  154  preferably includes RAM, ROM, and external memory storage such as hard drives, floppy drives, optical storage, and other suitable memory storage devices. The memory  154  includes an OS module  156  and a server module  158  that perform server functions in a conventional manner. A single module can execute the OS module  156  and the server module  158 . 
         [0041]    In general, the web server  14  interfaces with the user of the computer  26  using hypertext markup language (HTML). The user selects a uniform resource locator (URL) for the web server  14 . The computer  26  sends the URL request to the web server  14  using hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP). The web server  14  finds a requested home page, document, or object (such as an executable file) and sends it to the computer  26 . When the request is complete, the HTTP connection is closed and can be reopened later if needed. Web pages and executable files  162  are transmitted to the computer  26  in response to the requests. 
         [0042]    One or more I/O devices  166  such as a keyboard, a mouse, a printer, a scanner, etc. are connected to the I/O interface  150 . A display  170  is connected to the I/O interface  150 . The web server  14  is connected to the distributed communications system  18  using a phone-based or cable-based modem  174 , a LAN  176 , a WAN  178 , or other suitable connections. Radio frequency and/or satellite-based connections are also contemplated. One or more databases  182  contain a master title library that includes digital audio files for each song that is to be delivered in the continuous play background media system  10 . The databases  182  further include custom and generic announcement files, video files and text/graphics files that are likewise to be distributed in the continuous play background media system  10 . The databases  182  also contain user profiles that are associated with one or more users and one or more playback control devices  30 . The databases  182  store logs containing a list of music, announcements, video and text/graphics that have been used by the playback control devices  30  for customer billing and royalty payment purposes. As can be appreciated, the databases  182  can be separated into multiple databases on one or more computers as is dictated by database size, access speed, security and other factors. 
         [0043]    In use, the computer  26  uses the browser  56  to connect to the web server  14  via the Internet  18 . The web server  14  transmits a web page containing a user name and password interface. Alternately, an executable file can perform the user name and password log-on process. Using the computer  26 , the user designs a continuous play program for one or more playback control devices  30 . Upon completing the continuous play program, the web server  14  begins a process of updating the playback control devices  30  using one or more connection sessions. 
         [0044]    As can be appreciated, the computer  26  can be located remotely from the playback control devices  30  and can program multiple playback control devices  30  at once. Alternately, the computer  26  and the playback control device  30  can be integrated into a signal device. In other words, the computer  26  can be used as described above. When not used to create or modify continuous play programs, the computer  26  can be used as a playback device. By providing a distributed control system for continuous play background media systems  10 , franchise owners can create a more uniform experience for their commercial environments. In addition, local management does not need to be involved with the creation or modification of the continuous play programs. Nonetheless, the continuous play programs according to the invention are almost infinitely variable unlike conventional systems. 
         [0045]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , the computer  26  includes the internet browser  56  that includes a control screen  200 . The Internet browser control screen  200  includes a menu bar  204  with one or more drop-down menus that are operated in a conventional point-and-click manner. A toolbar  208  contains a plurality of command buttons  210  which provide browsing functions such as back, forward, stop, refresh, print, home, search, favorites, and other suitable browser functions. An address text box  212  allows a user to input a URL or domain name address for connecting the computer  26  to a web page provided by the web server  14 . 
         [0046]    A log-on interface  216  requires the user to input a user name in a text box  222  and a password in a text box  224 . When complete, the user clicks on a command button  226  to attempt to log on. The web server  14  compares the user name and password to a database. If a match is found, the user is granted access. After a user is logged on, the command button  216  may also be used to log-off the user. The text of the command button  26  is changed to “log off.” The user name and password provide the user access to modify or create continuous play programs. Access levels vary depending upon the password clearance of the user. 
         [0047]    After logging on, the web server transmits a location interface  234  ( FIG. 6 ) that is provided by one or more location-related executable files. The location interface  234  allows a user to classify locations into groups and subgroups so that a continuous play program can be created for a location, a subgroup of locations, or a group of subgroups. Additional grouping levels can be added if needed. The location interface  234  includes an interactive box  236  that contains groups, subgroups and locations that can be accessed by the user. The interactive box  236  provides the user with a list of locations, groups and subgroups and other related data fields from the database  182 . The groups, subgroups, locations, addresses, and other data fields are stored in one or more relational tables in the database  182 . As used herein, the term “interactive box” refers to display boxes that contain automatic links for the databases  182 , dynamic displays such as trees, or lists that can be sorted by clicking on field names, by using check boxes, or by moving scroll bars. 
         [0048]    The interactive box  236  is manipulated using a scroll bar  240  in a conventional manner. By clicking on one of the column headers  244 - 1 ,  244 - 2 ,  244 - 3 , the location interface  234  sorts the data by the selected header. For example, if the subgroup filed name  244 - 2  is selected, the group, subgroup and location information is arranged alphabetically by subgroup initially from A to Z. Selecting the subgroup field name again sorts from Z to A. 
         [0049]    An interactive text box  250  includes a tree structure  254  that can be expanded and collapsed to show a location hierarchy that is defined by the user. Additional command buttons generally identified at  258  and a check box at  262  allow a user to organize locations into groups and subgroups by showing, hiding, selecting and/or clearing. Command button  264  triggers a dialog box (not shown) which allows a new location to be added. An “edit location” command button  266  triggers a dialog box (not shown) that allows a location to be edited. 
         [0050]    The group or subgroup of a location can be changed by highlighting a location in the interactive box  236  and a group or subgroup in the interactive box  250 . By clicking on a command button  268 , the selected group or subgroup is updated for the selected location. To modify a group, the user selects a group, subgroup or location by highlighting the group, subgroup or location. The user clicks on a command button  264 . The command button  264  selects the highlighted group, subgroup or location and returns the user to the log-on interface  216 . From there, the user can make modifications to the selected group, subgroup or location using the links. In an alternative configuration, a system administrator may arrange predetermined groups for selection by the users, limiting the user&#39;s ability to define groups. Such modification may be selected from a menu of options such as links  228  shown in  FIG. 5 . The user can click on various different links  228  that allow the user to change various aspects of continuous play programs associated with the user. 
         [0051]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , when the user clicks on an environment link  270  in  FIG. 5 , one or more environment-related executable files are transmitted by the web server  14  to the computer  26 . An environment interface  274  displays a current playlist that may include one or more collections for a selected group. For example, the Eastern group is selected in  FIG. 7 . The user previously selected the Eastern group using the location interface  234 . The environment interface  274  shows the playlist that contains selections that are currently playing or in a cue to be played at the Eastern group. A “live” connection between at least one of the play back control devices in the Eastern group is required. If a “live” link is not available, the environment interface would be limited to showing the collection currently being played. 
         [0052]    An interactive box  278  includes a scroll bar  280  for scrolling through individual selections. The information displayed on the interactive box  278  is automatically accessed from the database  182  and includes title, artist, time, length, and a category. Highlighting is employed to identify a currently playing selection. A text box  284  includes information concerning a collection that is currently playing at the Eastern group locations. The collection includes a plurality of collection components each of that is allocated a percentage of a collection. For example, the Mainstream Adult Collection Component is 30% of the collection. Selections from each of the collection components are preferably played at random (unless modified) in proportion to the allocated percentage or restricted by date or time. To return to the log-on interface  216 , the back tool button  210  can be used. Alternately, a command button can be provided to return the user to the log-on interface. A details command button  286  provides details concerning the collection, the selection currently playing, the locations within the selected group, and other pertinent information. A pause play button  287  pauses play at the selected locations. A command button  288  locates a currently playing selection. A reduce playlist button  290  launches a dialog box (not shown) that reduces the length of the playlist for the collection. 
         [0053]    Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a schedule link  300  in  FIG. 5  causes the web server  14  to transmit one or more schedule-related executable files. A schedule interface  302  allows a user to assign collections that are predefined by the operator of the continuous play background media system  10  operator such as 60-70&#39;s Solid Gold, Core Country, Adult Contemporary, etc. to a time-based schedule for the selected groups, subgroups or locations. The schedule interface  302  also allows the user to assign user-defined collections to the time-based schedule for the selected groups, subgroups or locations. A frame  304  allows a user to select either active or active and inactive collections using check boxes  306  and  307 . By excluding inactive collections, seasonal collections such as Christmas collections can be omitted to provide a cleaner display. A second group of check boxes  308  and  310  are located in a frame  312  and allow a user to select collections with an “OK” status or an “ALL” status. The “OK” status designates that all components of the collection are loaded on the system. The database names of all available selections are always available. The selections such as audio, video, or announcement files may not be loaded on the playback control devices. The “ALL” status designates that some of the components may be missing from the system. 
         [0054]    To assign collections to the time-based schedule, the user selects one or more time slots in an interactive box  314  that includes days of the week and time of day. The time of day portion is divided into time blocks having a predetermined time increment such as 15, 30, 45, 60, etc. minutes. A scroll bar  316  allows the user to change the time blocks that are displayed. An interactive text box  318  contains collections that are available to the user along with other related data fields such as a content field  320  and a status field  322 . The content field  320  identifies the type of media that is contained in the collection. A color-coded field  324  is used in the interactive box  314  to graphically represent the collections in the time blocks. 
         [0055]    In use, the user selects a collection from the interactive box  318 . The user highlights one or more time blocks in the interactive box  314 . The user points and clicks on a command button  316 . The selected collection is assigned to the selected time blocks. The time slots that are provided in the text interactive box  314  must be filled completely to prevent the unintentional absence of selections (such as music, announcements, or video) during business hours. Silence, however, may be intentionally programmed into time blocks. Command buttons, generally identified at  324 , allow a user to cancel changes, approve changes, select all boxes, or clear all boxes. 
         [0056]    Color-coding or texture-coding may be employed to provide an easy key for a user who is viewing the time blocks. The continuous play program fits selections within a designated time block. A selection from a selected collection that is assigned to a time block may run over an end time for the block if the selection does not happen to end precisely at the end of the time block. Generally a two-minute rule is used. Selections are inserted until one of the selections ends within +/−2 minutes of a time block end period. 
         [0057]    Referring now to  FIG. 9 , when a user actuates a collections link  340 , the web server  14  transmits one or more collections-related executable files. A collections interface screen  344  allows a user to modify existing collections or to create a new collection. An interactive box  350  lists predefined and user-defined collections that are available to the user. An interactive box  354  allows a user to modify collection components and to change percentages that are allocated to each collection component within an existing user-defined collection. 
         [0058]    In use, the user highlights one of the collections and presses a command button  360  to add the collection component to the collection. The user highlights a collection component and clicks a command box  362  to remove the collection component from the collection. The user enters a desired percentage for each collection component in the interactive box  354 . A frame  364  allows a user to select from existing categories that the user has access to or categories from the master library using check boxes  366  and  370 . A drop-down list box  372  allows a user to select from existing collections. A command button  374  allows a new collection name to be added to the drop down list  372 . Command buttons  376  and  378  allow a user to approve or cancel changes, respectively. 
         [0059]    Referring now to  FIG. 10 , selection link  390  from  FIG. 5  triggers the web server  14  to transmit one or more selection-related executable files that include a selection interface  392 . The selection interface  392  allows the user to control the frequency of songs within user-defined collections. An interactive box  396  lists songs for a selected user-defined collection and includes a slider bar  397  for navigating selections. An arrow icon  398  identifies a currently selected title. An interactive box  404  contains check boxes, text boxes and a slider bar that allow a user to adjust a relative frequency at which a selection is played in an existing collection that is selected by a drop-down list box  408 . A slider control  409  slides between a setting that plays a selection very often relative to other selections in a collection and a setting that never plays a selection. Using check boxes  412  and  414 , the selection can be played only during certain months by selecting the month using one or more check boxes  414 . Text boxes  416  and  418  can be used for selecting specific date ranges for consecutive months. A frame  420  and check boxes  422 ,  424  and  426  control which selections are listed in the text box  396 . Check box  422  limits selections to a selected collection. Check box  424  limits selections to those that the user has access to. Check box  426  allows all selections to be selected. Command buttons  428  launch dialog boxes that allow the selections to be searched and filtered in a conventional manner. Field names  429  of the interactive box  396  allow the user to sort by category, title, artist name, or other fields by pointing and clicking on the field names  429 . Control buttons  430 ,  432 , and  434  allow a user to control play on a monthly basis (date button  430 ), a daily basis (days button  432 ) and an hourly basis (time button  434 ). 
         [0060]    Referring now to  FIG. 11 , particular days for playing a selection also be programmed by selecting the command button  432 . One or more selection-related executable files provide an interface screen  450  that contains check boxes  452 ,  454 , and  455  that are used to select songs to be played on certain days of the week. Alternately, drop-down list boxes  456  and  458  allow the selection of consecutive days for playing the song. 
         [0061]    Referring to  FIG. 12 , when the user selects the button  434 , an interactive box  470  is provided by one or more selection-related executable files. The interactive box  470  allows the user to play a selection periodically using a drop-down box  472 . The interactive box  470  allows the user to play a selection at a particular time using a drop-down box  474 . The interactive box  470  allows a user to prevent a selection from playing using a check box  476 . First and second drop-down boxes  478  and  480  allow a user to prevent the selection from being played between first and second time periods. 
         [0062]    Referring now to  FIG. 13 , a create collections link  484  triggers the web server  14  to transmit one or more create collections-related executable files. A create collections interface  485  includes an interactive box  486  that contains a list of available selections and has functionality similar to the interactive box  396 . 
         [0063]    An interactive box  487  contains selections chosen from the list in the interactive box  486 . The user selects one or more selections in the interactive box  486  and clicks command button  488  to add selections to the new collection. The user selects one or more selections in the interactive box  487  and clicks command button  489  to remove the selections from the collection. A frame  490  contains check boxes  491 - 1 ,  491 - 2  and  491 - 3  that are used to choose all selections on the system or those currently available to the user. Command buttons  493  assist the user in finding selections within the list provided in the interactive box. Command buttons  494  allow the user to select, clear, select all or clear all. Command buttons  495  allow the changes to be cancelled or approved. Command button  496  allows a new collection to be added to a drop-down list box  497 . The drop-down list box  497  allows the user to select other user-defined collections for modifications. 
         [0064]    Referring now to  FIG. 14 , when a user selects an individual selections link  500  in  FIG. 5 , the web browser  14  transmits one or more executable files to the computer  26 . The executable files allow the user to program individual selections such as audio, video, and announcements to play at certain intervals or to not play at all. The individual items are scheduled initially then selections from a selected collection randomly (with or without weightings) fill a playlist. The executable files contain an individual selections interface  502  that includes a drop-down list box  504  which can be used to choose selections from a predefined collection for output to an interactive box  510 . Alternately, a frame  512  includes check boxes  514 ,  516 , and  518  that limit the selections provided in a text box window  510 . The check boxes  514 ,  516 , and  518  limit selections output to the interactive box  510  to the collection that is selected using the drop-down list box  514 . The check box  518  allows all selections in the master library to be presented. The check box  516  allows only selection in collections that are currently associated with the computer  26  to be output. Command buttons, generally designated  519 , launch dialog boxes for sorting and finding selections within the list of selections in interactive box  510 . The user selects the selections in the text box  510  using the mouse and/or keyboard. An arrow  520  adds the selection to a list in an interactive box  522  that lists other automatic selections. The user can select the frequency of play using a drop-down list box  524 . The user can select play at a specific time using the drop-down list box  526 . Drop-down list boxes  528  and  530  prevent the selection from playing between two times. A check box  532  prevents a selection from playing. 
         [0065]    Referring now to  FIG. 15 , when a user selects a restrictions link  540  in  FIG. 5 , a restrictions interface screen  544  is provided by the web server using one or more executable files. An interactive box  548  lists all of the collections currently associated with the computer. A global setting  549  sets a default artist separation between selections and/or file separation between selections. The global settings are used by default unless a specific restriction setting applies. By double clicking on a line, an interactive box  550  is launched which allows a user to define a separation between selections by a particular artist using a drop-down list box  552 , or a separation between selections having the same title using a drop-down list box  554 . 
         [0066]    Referring now to  FIG. 16 , a playback volume link  580  in  FIG. 5  triggers the web server to transmit one or more volume-related executable files. A playback volume interface screen  581  includes an interactive box  582  that displays volume levels as a function of day and time. A slider bar  584  allows navigation of time. Time blocks are defined based upon default settings. An area selection box  586  allows the selection of one of a plurality of areas within the commercial facility using the mouse an arrow  590 . For example in  FIG. 15 , a bar area is selected. The volume levels for the bar area are displayed in the interactive box  582 . In a similar manner, lights and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) can be controlled. Command buttons  592  allow selection, clearing, approval and cancellation of changes. The volume levels are set either as a percentage of full volume or as a relative level above ambient noise. In such a case, I/O device  94  of the playback device  30  is an ambient noise sensor. 
         [0067]    Referring now to  FIG. 17 , an audition link  600  in  FIG. 5  triggers the web server  14  to download one or more audition-related executable files. An audition interface  610  includes an interactive box  612  that includes a list of selections available. A slider bar  614  allows the user to view the list. A drop-down list box  616  allows the selection of predefined or user-defined collections. One or more command buttons  618  allow selections to be found using search and filter functions. An interactive box  620  allows filtering of the list using check boxes  622 ,  624 , and  626 . Check box  622  limits selections to those in the collection selected in the list box  616 . Check box  624  limits selections to those currently available to the user. Check box  626  provides all available selections. 
         [0068]    A user selects a particular selection using the slider bar  614  if needed and clicking on a particular selection. The title of the selection appears in a text box  628 . A thumbnail view  630  appears if the selection includes video. Command buttons  624  allow the user to play, stop, repeat and pause a particular selection in a conventional manner. When used, the audition interface  610  does not impact the continuous play program that is operating at the selected locations, subgroup or group. The web server  14  preferably delivers the particular selection to be auditioned using streaming audio, streaming video, or other suitable techniques. 
         [0069]    Referring now to  FIG. 18 , when a user clicks a set-up link  650  in  FIG. 5 , the web server  14  transmits one or more setup-related executable files. An hours set-up interface screen  654  provides an interactive box  666  which contains a grid defining hours of operation for the selected locations. An interactive box  668  lists available schedules and an active or inactive status. A slider bar  669  allows a user to navigate the list in the interactive box  668 . Different days of the week or times of the year have different opening and closing hours. Command buttons  670  allow a user to select and deselect days and times. Command buttons  671  allow a user to make selected times open or closed. Command buttons  672  allow a user to change the status of a selected schedule name from active to inactive. Alternately, the user can double click on a particular day and time to change the day and time from open to closed or from closed to open. Specific dates for a schedule can be set using a command button  673  that launches a dialog box. Command buttons  674 ,  676  and  678  allow a user to navigate to other set-up screens. 
         [0070]    Referring now to  FIG. 19 , the command button  676  of the set-up interface  654  allows a user to define password levels if the user has a sufficiently high security level. An interactive box  686  displays password levels in a tree structure. If a particular user has a sufficiently high security level, such as level  5 , the user can assign access levels to other users for one or more of the interface screens that are listed in an interactive box  690 . Command buttons  694  and  695  allow a user to show or hide passwords in the tree structure. Command buttons  696  and  698  allow a user to be added or removed. A command button  700  allows a password to be changed. A command button  702  allows a one-time password to be selected for a level. A command button  704  allows a user to delete a one-time password for a level. A command button  706  allows a highlighted user or security level in the interactive box  686  to be assigned access to the interface screens that are highlighted in the interactive box  6790 . 
         [0071]    Referring now to  FIG. 20 , default set-up settings can be set for the system by selecting the command button  678 . A frame  720  contains a drop-down list  724  which allows a time increment for scheduling. Command buttons  726  and  728  allow a user to cancel or approve a change. A frame  730  contains a drop-down list  731  that allows a pause length to be set. Command buttons  732  and  734  allow a user to approve or cancel a change. A frame  740  contains a playlist duration that is used to set the duration to be displayed in the environment interface  274 . A drop-down list box  742  allows the selections of the playlist duration. Command buttons  744  and  746  allow a user to approve or cancel the change. A frame  760  allows a user to select the length of time to add to a playlist using a drop-down list box  764  and command buttons  766  and  768 . 
         [0072]    Referring now to  FIG. 21 , using a log link  800 , a user triggers the web server  14  to download log-related executable file that provides a log interface  804 . Control buttons  806 ,  808 ,  810 , and  812  filter a log list  814  which displays date, description, schedule time and actual time fields. A scroll bar  816  allows the user to scroll through the log list. Sorting is performed when a field description is selected. 
         [0073]    As can be appreciated by the foregoing, the continuous play background media system according to the invention allows continuous play programs to be managed remotely from the playback control devices if desired. The continuous play background media system also allows multiple locations to be controlled using the same continuous play program. Furthermore, the collections of music, announcement and video can be tailored almost infinitely to create any kind of environment desired. 
         [0074]    Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the foregoing description that the broad teachings of the present invention can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this invention has been described in connection with particular examples thereof, the true scope of the invention should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings, specification, and following claims.