Abstract:
A portable apparatus to record and replay one or more radio programs, where that portable apparatus includes a digital recorder, a tuner/player portion, a communication link interconnecting the recorder and the tuner/player, an antenna disposed around the periphery of the communication link, where the recorder, tuner/player, communication link, and antenna, are removeably disposed within a portable carrying case. The case is designed to position the recorder and tuner/player to minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI) emanating from the digital switching circuits in the recorder which could add noise in the sensitive tuner/player during recording.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The invention relates to a method and a portable apparatus to record one or more radio programs, store those one or more radio programs, and replay those one or more radio programs.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The reception of radio broadcasts is generally time dependent. That is, a particular radio program can generally only be heard during its broadcast by a radio station. Needless to say, popular radio programs are generally broadcast at times conducive to maximizing the listening audience. These broadcast times, however, often overlap with the typical working hours of many listeners. Thus for many potential listeners, busy schedules and work obligations limit their radio listening times to daily commutes and/or exercise regimens which do not occur during the times when the most popular radio programs are broadcast. There are no existing methods to record radio programs that are automatic, use a portable apparatus, and which are easily used by the typical radio listener. Applicant&#39;s invention includes a portable programmable audio recorder and player. This invention provides a user with a portable apparatus, and a method using that portable apparatus, to enjoy radio programs by automatically recording one or more radio programs broadcast at different times, over the same, or differing, frequencies, using the same, or differing, broadcast modes. Those recorded programs can then be replayed at the listener&#39;s convenience. Additionally, Applicant&#39;s invention provides the user with a plurality of methods to replay the recorded audio programming, including use of a portable recorder unit, a tuner/playback unit, or a nearby FM radio.  
           [0003]    Applicant&#39;s invention allows a user to listen to radio programs at a more convenient time than originally broadcasted. Using Applicant&#39;s apparatus and method, a listener need not be available when those programs are publicly broadcast. Applicant&#39;s apparatus and method allows a user to listen to the recorded audio using a lightweight, portable unit when exercising, or in the alternative using a nearby FM radio, such as the FM radio installed in a vehicle.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0004]    The present invention provides a portable apparatus, and method using that portable apparatus, to record radio programs broadcast during a plurality of different time periods; using a plurality of different frequencies, stations, or channels; for a plurality of different broadcast programs. These broadcast programs include those found on AM radio, FM radio, TV (audio), NOAA Weather, and the like.  
           [0005]    In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a portable apparatus to record and replay one or more radio programs, where that portable apparatus includes a digital recorder and a tuner/player removeably disposed in a portable carrying case. The case is specifically designed to position the recorder and tuner/player to minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI) emanating from the digital switching circuits in the recorder which could add noise in the sensitive tuner/player during recording. This embodiment includes a detachable, portable, pocket-sized digital recorder and a detachable, portable, pocket-sized tuner/player. These pocket-sized detachable units allow a listener to conveniently listen to either recorded or live broadcasts while walking or exercising.  
           [0006]    Further embodiments of the present invention include an apparatus in the tuner/player comprising a digitally tuned FM transmitter which allows replay of recorded radio programs by rebroadcasting those recorded signals and receiving those rebroadcasts using an external FM radio in near vicinity to Applicant&#39;s apparatus. Alternative embodiments include a separate capacitively tuned FM transmitter and/or a cassette adapter with both options providing additional playback alternatives. Another alternative embodiment includes a tuner/player capable of playing back recorded audio utilizing an audio amplifier and internal speaker. Further embodiments include a novel Input Signal Detection (ISD) mode in the digital recorder that provides for maximum battery efficiency by turning off all of the digital signal processing when there is no audio to record.  
           [0007]    One embodiment of Applicant&#39;s apparatus includes an AM/FM radio, an FM transmitter and/or cassette adapter, and a digital recorder with a programmable timer mode. These three components are interconnected using Applicant&#39;s communication link, and are housed in a custom case that both protects the apparatus and positions the radio relative to the digital recorder to minimize EMI emanating from the digital recorder.  
           [0008]    The invention will be better understood from a reading of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings. Applicant&#39;s invention, however, is not limited by these exemplary embodiments, and includes any and all modifications that may be apparent to one skilled in the art.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]    [0009]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of Applicant&#39;s programmable apparatus that includes a digital recorder, a tuner/playback unit, a communication link, as well as alternate embodiments including an FM transmitter and/or a cassette adapter;  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 2 is a block diagram of one embodiment of Applicant&#39;s tuner/playback unit which includes a programmable PLL radio, a playback mode switch circuit, a novel PLL tuned FM transmitter, and an amplifier/speaker circuit;  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 3 is a front view of one embodiment of Applicant&#39;s tuner/playback unit illustrating one configuration of programming buttons, playback mode buttons, clock, and speaker;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 4 is a block diagram of one embodiment of Applicant&#39;s digital recorder that includes an Input Signal Detection circuit;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 5 is a flowchart that summarizes Applicant&#39;s method to record audio broadcasts;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 6 is a flowchart that summarizes Applicant&#39;s method to replay previously recorded audio broadcasts;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of Applicant&#39;s portable carrying case where that case is in an open configuration;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the carrying case of FIG. 7 in a closed configuration.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0017]    Referring to FIG. 1, apparatus  100  includes tuner/playback unit  120 , digital recorder  160 , and communication link  110 . Communication link  110  includes first connector  111 , second connector  112 , third connector  113 , fourth connector  114 , and fifth connector  115 . Second connector  112  is releaseably connected to tuner/playback unit  120 . In one embodiment, second connector  112  connects to tuner/playback unit  120  using audio input/output jack  117 .  
         [0018]    Communication link  110  further includes metallic jacket  118 . Tuner/playback unit  120  utilizes jacket  118  as an antenna for reception of higher frequencies such as those used in the FM, TV, and NOAA Weather bands, and for transmission of an FM signal in certain playback embodiments. Fourth connector  114  is releaseably connected to digital recorder  160 . In one embodiment, fourth connector  114  releaseably connects to audio output jack.  121 . Third connector  116  is releaseably connected to digital recorder  160 . In one embodiment, third connector  116  releaseably connects to microphone input jack  119 . In one embodiment, a matching network is integrated into third connector  116  to match the audio output of the tuner/playback unit  120  to the microphone input of digital recorder  160 .  
         [0019]    Alternative embodiments of apparatus  100  include a separate capacitively tuned FM transmitter  130 . Yet other embodiments include cassette adapter  140  with the appropriate additions to interconnect communication link  110  to provide additional options for listening to the recorded radio programs.  
         [0020]    Referring to FIG. 2, tuner/playback unit  120  includes clock/display  205 , control buttons  210 , memory  215 , and microprocessor  220  and its associated embedded software all of which together allow control and feedback of the various clock, radio, and programmable features of the tuner/playback unit. These features include setting the time and date for the clock, selecting operating modes for the tuner/playback unit, storing frequencies in preset memory locations for rapid tuning, and storing frequency, start time, and stop time events to automatically turn the tuner on and off at specific times and frequencies for recording radio programs.  
         [0021]    The tuner component in tuner/playback unit  120  is a digitally tuned phase-locked-loop (PLL) controlled multi-band radio. In one embodiment, the tuner component provides for reception of AM, FM, TV (audio), and NOAA Weather broadcasts. In other embodiments the tuner component provides for reception of short wave (AM/USB/LSB) and/or marine, air traffic, police, and public safety frequencies. The tuner component comprises Digital PLL  230 , FM Band Local Oscillator  250 , Other Band Local Oscillators  225 , First Receiver  235 , and Audio In/Out Jack  260 . In certain embodiments, tuner component  120  further includes a Second Receiver (not shown in FIG. 2), such that the First Receiver can receive a first radio signal and the Second Receiver can simultaneously receive a second radio signal. The first radio signal and the second radio signal have differing frequencies, where those differing frequencies may be in different broadcast bands. For example, the first radio signal may comprise an AM radio program and the second radio signal may comprise an FM radio program.  
         [0022]    In certain embodiments, a ferrite bar antenna internal to the tuner component is used for the AM broadcast band antenna. Jacket  118  of communication link  110  (shown in FIG. 1) is used as an antenna for reception of higher frequencies such as for FM, TV, and NOAA Weather broadcasts.  
         [0023]    Playback elements in the tuner/playback unit  120  include the Playback Mode Switch Circuit  245 , Amplifier/Speaker  265 , and FM Transmitter  240 . The novel FM Transmitter  240  is made up of the existing digitally tuned FM Band Local Oscillator  250  and FM Modulation Circuit  255 . Design of FM Modulation Circuit  255  is dependent upon the implementation of the FM Band Local Oscillator  250 . The design can range from a simple monophonic FM modulator circuit to a more complex stereo FM modulator circuit. In certain embodiments, Applicant&#39;s apparatus includes the appropriate pre-emphasis circuitry. Pre emphasis techniques are used to improve signal-to-noise ratios. In certain embodiments, Applicant&#39;s pre emphasis circuitry follows a 6 dB per octave rate. This means that as the frequency doubles, the amplitude increases 6 dB.  
         [0024]    When the user selects the Playback mode with Control Buttons  210 , Microprocessor  220  and its associated embedded software provide the appropriate control signals to Playback Mode Switch Circuit  245  and Digital PLL  230 . The control signals cause the Playback Mode Switch Circuit  245  to route the audio signal at Audio In/Out Jack  260  to FM Modulation Circuit  255  which is then used to modulate FM Band Local Oscillator  250 . The control signals also cause the Playback Mode Switch Circuit  245  to route the transmitted output of FM Band Local Oscillator  250  to the ground terminal of Audio In/Out Jack  260  in order to utilize the shield along the whole length of Communication link  110  (shown in FIG. 1) as the FM transmit antenna.  
         [0025]    In addition, control signals provided by Microprocessor  220 , and the associated software stored in memory  221  (not shown in FIG. 2), to Digital PLL  230  while in Playback mode enable operation of FM Band Local Oscillator  250 . In one embodiment, the frequency of FM Band Local Oscillator  250  is offset downwardly by about 10.6 MHz when compared to FM receiver operation to enable FM transmitter tuning from about 88 MHz to about 108 MHz. This downward offset is required because the FM LO in typical receivers is 10.6 MHz higher than the tuned frequency and thus normally tunes from 98.6 MHz to 118.6 MHz. In addition, Microprocessor  220 , and its associated software, provide a frequency indication on Clock/Display  205  that reflects the actual transmitted frequency. Thus, FM Transmitter  240  will broadcast the audio at Audio In/Out Jack  260  on a precisely controlled, digitally tuned frequency as displayed on Clock/Display  205  anywhere from about 88 MHz to about 108 MHz. FM Modulation Circuit  255 , FM Band Local Oscillator  250 , communication link  110  (FIG. 1) are together adjusted to fully comply with the applicable regulations promulgated by the United States Federal Communication Commission and set forth in 47 C.F.R. Part 15.  
         [0026]    In certain other embodiments the Playback mode will also provide audio amplification and playback of the audio signal at the Audio In/Out Jack  260  through the tuner/playback unit&#39;s speaker. This is accomplished by providing control signals from Microprocessor  220  to Playback Mode Switch Circuit  245  to route the audio signal at Audio In/Out Jack  260  to Amplifier/Speaker  265 . In this manner the user can use Tuner/Playback Unit  120  for higher quality as well as higher volume listening than can be derived from the small speakers on pocket digital recorders. When Playback mode is not selected the audio signal from Receiver  235  output is routed to Amplifier/Speaker  265  and out to Audio In/Out Jack  260 .  
         [0027]    Referring now to FIG. 3, one embodiment of tuner/playback unit  120  includes display  310  that shows time, mode of operation, frequency band, frequency, volume level, battery level, and memory location selected. The user selects the mode of operation by pressing MODE button  350  which sequentially selects TUNER modes AM, FM, TV, WX, then PLAYBACK mode cycling back to TUNER mode AM.  
         [0028]    When PLAYBACK mode is selected the FM transmitter is enabled for broadcasting the recorded audio from the digital recorder to a nearby FM radio on the precise frequency shown in display  310 . The user adjusts the frequency by pressing TUNE/TIME ADJ + and − buttons  360  and  365 . The user stores preset frequencies by pressing MEMO button  340  and one of memory buttons  311 ,  312 ,  313 ,  314 , or  315 . The user adjusts the time by pressing PROGRAM-TIME button  320  while the unit is off and then pressing TUNE/TIME ADJ + and − buttons  360  and  365 . The user stores a programmable radio event by pressing PROGRAM-TIME button  320  while the unit is on, one of memory buttons  311 ,  312 ,  313 ,  314 , and  315 , and TUNE/TIME ADJ + and − buttons  360  and  365  in a given sequence that allows the required data to be stored in memory. Speaker  370  is used for listening to live broadcasts while in tuner mode or recorded broadcasts from digital recorder  160  while in playback mode. The volume level is adjusted by pressing Volume buttons  330  and  335 .  
         [0029]    Referring to FIG. 4, Digital Recorder  160  includes Clock/Display  405 , Control Buttons  410 , Memory  440 , and Microprocessor  415  using software stored in memory  440  which is in communication with Microprocessor  415 , all of which together allow control and feedback of the various record and playback features.  
         [0030]    Digital Recorder  160  records audio signals at Microphone Input Jack  425  by converting the analog audio signal to digital words and compressing the digital words to minimize memory requirements with Analog to Digital Conversion and Data Compression  430 . This compressed digital word stream is then stored in Memory  440 . Digital Recorder  160  plays the recorded audio signal by sending the compressed digital word stream stored in Memory  440  to Data Extraction and Digital to Analog Conversion  445  to create an analog replica of the digitally stored audio which is then sent to Output Jack  450 .  
         [0031]    In one embodiment, Digital Recorder  160  has four modes for recording the signal at Microphone Input Jack  425 . The first mode, i.e. the manual mode, is enabled via the control buttons.  
         [0032]    The voice activated mode is the second mode and uses Voice Activated Record System  435  to monitor the digitized word stream representing the signal provided by the Analog to Digital Conversion and Data Compression  430 . In this mode if the signal is above a preset level, Voice Activated Record System  435  enables the storage of data in Memory  440 . If the input signal drops below a preset level, Voice Activated Record System  435  halts the storage of the data stream in Memory  440  and continues analyzing digitized data stream representing the input data to determine when to begin storing the data stream in memory again.  
         [0033]    The third recording mode is timer recording and is enabled when a user programmed start time occurs, and is disabled when a user programmed stop time occurs. This mode helps to maximize battery life by keeping the digital signal processing circuits off until the programmed time occurs. In certain embodiments multiple start and stop times can be programmed.  
         [0034]    The fourth recording mode is an input signal detection (ISD) mode. In this mode all digital signal processing is turned off and only Clock/Display  405  and Input Signal Detection System  420  remain operational resulting in a very low battery current drain. When an input signal at Microphone Input Jack  425  is detected by Input Signal Detection Circuit  420 , then Microprocessor  415 , Analog to Digital Conversion and Data Compression  430 , and Memory  440  are activated in the record mode. When Input Signal Detection Circuit  420  detects the absence of an input signal at Microphone Input Jack  425 , then Microprocessor  415 , Analog to Digital Conversion and Data Compression  430 , and Memory  440  are deactivated.  
         [0035]    The fourth mode differs from previously described voice activated mode in that the digital recorder&#39;s analog to digital and digital signal processing circuits are completely shut off reducing battery current drain by  95 % or more. The ISD circuit includes an audio detector with an appropriately long integration time to deliver a logic signal to the power control circuit disposed in the digital recorder portion. The long integration time is required to allow the implementation of a very low current audio detection circuit as well as prevent the recorder from being halted during typical dead times of several seconds or more found in some broadcast radio programs. The ISD mode, due to its low current analog circuit implementation, will be too slow to respond for use in voice recording but is ideally suited for use in the radio program recorder. This input signal detection recording mode provides the radio program recorder user with the most efficient use of battery power without using the more complicated timer recording mode.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 5 summarizes the steps of Applicants&#39; method to program the recording of radio broadcasts with the radio program recorder. In step  510  the user turns the tuner/player power on. In step  515  the user selects the desired broadcast band. In one embodiment, each press of the mode button would sequence the tuner/player through modes Tuner-AM, Tuner-FM, Tuner-TV, Tuner-Weather, Playback-FM, and back to Tuner-AM. In step  520  the user selects the desired frequency within the selected broadcast band using the TUNE +/− buttons. Alternatively the user can select a previously preset frequency by pressing one of the five memory buttons to instantly tune to a favorite frequency.  
         [0037]    The user then begins the process of storing radio program events in step  525  by pressing the PROGRAM-TIME button whereupon the frequency display will flash indicating the selected frequency is ready for storage in memory. The user then selects a memory location and stores the frequency by pressing one of the five memory buttons. At this point the time display would then flash indicating the need to select a start time for storage in memory. In step  530  the user would use the TIME +/− buttons to adjust the display to the desired start time which is then stored in memory by pressing the PROGRAM-TIME button. At this point the desired frequency and start time are in the memory location selected in step  525  and the time display then flashes with the start time indicating the need to select a stop time for storage in memory. In step  535  the user would use the TIME +/− buttons to adjust the display to the desired stop time which is then stored in memory by pressing the PROGRAM-TIME button. At this point the desired frequency, start time, and stop time are all in the memory location selected in step  525  and the time display then reverts back to present time indicating completion of programming the event.  
         [0038]    In the event the user in step  540  desires to program additional start times/stop times/frequencies, then steps  515  through  535  are repeated for each additional recording event. After programming the tuner/player the user then sets the record mode on the digital recorder in step  545 . As indicated previously the record modes available for certain embodiments include manual recording, voice activated system recording, ISP recording, and timer recording.  
         [0039]    As indicated in step  550 , if the user does not select timer record mode then the programming for the radio program recorder is complete as shown in step  570 . If the user selects Timer Recording mode then the start time and stop time need to be set as shown in steps  555  and  560 . For certain embodiments multiple timer recording events can be set and for each event steps  555  and  560  would be repeated as shown in step  565 . At this point programming of the radio program recorder is complete as shown in step  570  and recording will commence when the tuner/player turns on and the recorder is activated as determined by the recording mode set in step  545 .  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 6 summarizes the steps of Applicants&#39; method to replay one or more previously recorded radio programs using Applicant&#39;s apparatus. If the user wants to listen to the recorded programs with maximum portability for use in a pocket, for example while walking or jogging, the digital recorder is easily removed from the radio program recorder as shown in steps  610  and  620 . In step  630 , the user turns on the tuner/player, and selects the Playback mode in step  640 .  
         [0041]    To listen to the recorded programs through a nearby FM radio, the TUNE +/− buttons are used to select the desired transmit frequency as shown in steps  650  and  660 . The nearby FM radio will need to be tuned to the exact frequency indicated in the tuner/player display. If the user wants to listen to the recorded programs through the tuner/player&#39;s internal speaker, the Volume buttons would be used to select a comfortable listening level as indicated in step  670 .  
         [0042]    For all methods indicated above playback commences when the Play button on the digital recorder is pressed as indicated in step  680 . Recorded playback can also be programmed to occur at a specific start and stop time, and even transmitted on a specific FM frequency if the playback mode is selected while programming the tuner/player for on/off events as indicated in FIG. 5. For this programmed playback option to be realizable the digital recorder must have a timer play mode. In this manner the radio program recorder can be used as an alarm clock that wakes the user up to his favorite radio program.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 7 shows one embodiment of Applicant&#39;s portable carrying case  700 . Tuner/playback unit  120  (FIG. 1), digital recorder  160  (FIG. 1), and communication link  110  (FIG. 1) are shown disposed in carrying case  700 . Tuner/player  120  is held in place by elastic mesh pocket  740  while digital recorder  160  is held securely in place by elastic mesh pocket  760 . Communication link  110  is held securely in place by a series of elastic straps  710 . In certain embodiments, carrying case  700  includes an accessory pouch  730 . In an alternate embodiment if tuner/player  120  does not include an FM transmitter, accessory pouch  730  is replaced with an additional elastic mesh pocket to securely hold FM Transmitter  130  (FIG. 1).  
         [0044]    Some advantages to use of carrying case  700  include its compactness and its ability to entirely contain and protect Applicant&#39;s apparatus without any external parts, cables, or wires. Placement of tuner/playback unit  120  relative to digital recorder  160  is significant. Applicant&#39;s carrying case fixtures the components of Applicant&#39;s apparatus such that electromagnetic interference (EMI) radiated from the digital recorder  160  does not interfere with, or degrade, the radio signal during reception by tuner/playback unit  120 . Alternative embodiments of case  700  include EMI shielding surrounding or encasing the digital recorder  160  to minimize interference to the tuner/player unit  120 . Such embodiments include metal enclosures and/or flexible metalized pockets with EMI closures.  
         [0045]    Carrying case  700  further comprises first portion  780  and second portion  790 . Case  700  may be folded such that portion  780  overlaps portion  790 . In certain embodiments, a closure mechanism is disposed on periphery  770  to allow portion  780  to be releaseably attached to portion  790 . In certain embodiments, this closure mechanism comprises a hook and loop combination. Such a hook and loop closure mechanism is sold commercially under the trade name VELCRO. In other embodiments, this closure mechanism comprises zipper mechanism  750 . In alternative embodiments, buttons, magnets, and the like are used.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 8 is a diagram further illustrating the portability of Applicant&#39;s carrying case  700 . As seen from the front view  810  of folded configuration  830  and the side view  820  of folded configuration  830 , all components of Applicant&#39;s apparatus are contained within the confines of case  700 . Additionally, the required spatial relationship between the tuner/playback unit  120  and digital recorder  160  discussed above is maintained when the case  700  is placed in configuration  830 .  
         [0047]    In certain embodiments, the individual steps recited in FIGS.  4  and/or  5  may be combined, eliminated, or reordered.  
         [0048]    Applicants&#39; invention includes an article of manufacture comprising a computer useable medium having computer readable program code disposed therein for forming one or more premigration aggregates, where each of those one or more premigration aggregates comprises one or more individual virtual volumes. Applicants&#39; invention further includes computer program products embodied as program code stored in one or more memory devices, such as a magnetic disk, a magnetic tape, to form one or more premigration aggregates, where each of those one or more premigration aggregates comprises one or more individual virtual volumes.  
         [0049]    While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and adaptations to those embodiments may occur to one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the following claims.