INTERNET RADIO RECEIVER HAVING THE APPEARANCE OF A CONVENTIONAL RADIO RECEIVER

Abstract: A program comprising audio and accompanying formatted text, graphics, and video is received by a non-PC Internet radio system having neither mouse nor keyboard. The system comprises connecting means for connecting the radio to an Internet Service Provider; microprocessor means; memory means; amplifier means; digital signal processor means for processing audio signals of the radio program; digital-to-analog converter means for converting the processed audio signals for input to said amplifier; audio speaker means comprising at least one audio speaker; tuning means for selecting an Internet address of said radio program; control means for causing said microprocessor to set audio preferences, such as volume and balance, of said amplifier; and display means for displaying said formatted text, graphics, and video. Radio stations provide their content via the Internet reaching large geographical regions.

Description: INTERNET RADIO RECEIVER HAVING THE APPEARANCE OF A CONVENTIONAL RADIO RECEIVER CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Application No. 60/1 15.076. filed January 7. 1999. entitled Internet Radio System. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field Of The Invention This invention relates to communication systems: and more particularly, to a radio system using a non-radio frequency media for information transfers using an established network, such as the Internet. 2 Description Of The Prior Art Conventional radios receive radio frequencies from stations over limited geographical regions. As the distance between signal transmitter and receiv er increases, radio reception decreases. Broadcasts from the station degrade and are eventually lost. Radio listeners have distinct programming preferences; many of them prefer programs broadcast in foreign languages. Due to geographical constraints on signal transmission and reception, the availability of such programming has been limited. There remains a need in the art for a communication system that transmits radio station content over vast geographical regions, permitting foreign station broadcasts to be received in the United States, for example, without station degradation. Such a communications system exists over the Internet, wherein the communications receiv ers are Personal Computers ( " PC ' s " ). PC " s. however, are complex and expensive devices. Many people do not own or have access to a PC; or if they do. they may not wish to use a PC for radio listening. In addition, connections to the Internet via an Internet Service Provider are generally available on a subscription basis, requiring a monthly fee. The acceptance of entertainment services has. in general, been impeded by the requirement of a subscription fee. Accordingly, there remains a need for broad access to radio entertainment sources via a media such as the Internet. Especially needed for providing such access is a device that would be characterized as a radio, not a PC. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a radio communication system for transmitting the content of radio stations over large geographical regions without the limitations imposed by radio frequencies as the delivery medium. Foreign station broadcasts are readily received in countries on different continents without station degradation. The term "radio station " is used herein to describe Internet entertainment content providers typical of the state of the art. It will be understood, however, that this term is intended to represent the general category of entertainment content providers on the Internet. This category includes, but is not limited to, Internet only "virtual " radio stations, web sites that deliver stored audio or video program material, and similar program originators. Accordingly, as used hereinafter in the specification and claims, the term "radio station " means any entertainment content provider capable of delivering its content over the Internet. In one aspect of the invention, there is provided an Internet radio system for receiving an Internet radio program, which may induc e formatted text, graphics, and video - in addition to the radio station ' s audio. Generally stated, the Internet radio system comprises connecting means for connecting the radio to an Internet service provider; microprocessor means: memory means; amplifier means: digital signal processor means for processing audio signals of the radio program: digital-to-analog converter means for converting the processed audio signals for input to said amplifier: audio speaker means comprising at least one audio speaker; tuning means for selecting an Internet address of said radio program; control means for causing said microprocessor to set audio preferences, such as volume and balance, of said amplifier: and display means for displaying said formatted text, graphics, and video. The Internet Radio System is distinguished from a PC in that it is designed to provide very specific and limited functionality, such as changing stations and adjusting audio volume, which can be performed within the scope of a narrow set of controls such as buttons, knobs, and a TN style infrared remote control. The limited set of functions being provided, and the associated limited set of controls, enable an Internet Radio System that is as easy to operate as a traditional radio. Current generation PC ' s include a mouse and a keyboard to facilitate user interaction with a complex system: the mouse and keyboard can be generally thought of as the control devices that distinguish a PC from other of the wide variety of commonly available computer controlled consumer appliances such as microwave ovens and cellular telephones. The Internet Radio System is therefore further distinguished from a PC in that it does not include a mouse or a keyboard. such systems commonly being referred to as standalone or non-PC devices or appliances. Computer users interact with the Internet by using the computer ' s mouse and keyboard to facilitate dialing phone numbers, login and password negotiation, the selection of destination (URL or IP address), and the like. In the absence of a kevboard and mouse to facilitate these interactions, tre Internet Radio System is designed as part of an end-to-end solution that includes the cooperation of one or more ISP ' s, Internet Hosting Services, and radio stations. The managing entity of these cooperating organizations maintains a centralized, toll-free telephone number that provides a referral service to Internet Radio Systems of local phone numbers of cooperating ISP ' s. Using CallerlD or a user provided zip code, the centralized referral service determines the location of the Internet Radio System and selects a local phone number for access to an ISP. The referral service then transmits this local phone number to the Internet Radio System. The Internet Radio System makes subsequent dialup calls to this local number. Based on the preceding, if dialing is required to access an ISP. the Internet Radio System dials into a predetermined ISP via a preprogrammed local phone number. Once connected, the Internet Radio System transmits a unique identifying and authorizing message to the ISP, which, upon recognizing the Internet Radio System, routes the connection to a predetermined Internet Hosting Service destination. The Internet Hosting Service, which may be the same entity as the ISP, provides the Internet Radio System with access to radio station content. The entire process of dialing, logging in. and destination selection is automatic for the Internet Radio System, thus negating the need for a mouse and keyboard. Therefore, in another aspect, the invention provides a method for receiving and playing audio, as well as displaying formatted text, graphics, and video from an Internet radio station on an Internet radio device, comprising the steps of: a) connecting said device to a predetermined Internet Service Provider; b) providing a predetermined authorizing identification number for said device to said Internet Service Provider; c) logging into said Internet Service Provider; d) connecting to an Internet Hosting Service providing access to one or more radio stations, which Hosting Service may be said Internet Service Provider; e) receiving a station list from said Internet Hosting Service or Service Provider; f) storing said list in memory of said device; g) selecting a station from said station list; h) receiving digitized audio from said station via said Internet Hosting Service or Service Provider; i) converting said digitized audio to analog audio: j ) playing said analog audio; k) receiving text messages provided by said radio station or Internet Hosting Service or Service Provider; 1) storing said text messages in memory of said device; m) receiving text format commands provided by said Internet Hosting Service or Service Provider; n) storing said text format commands in memory of said device; o) formatting said text messages with said text format commands p) displaying said formatted text messages; q) receiving graphics commands provided by said radio station or Internet Hosting Service or Service Provider; r) storing said graphics commands in memory of said device; s) processing said graphics commands; and t) displaying said processed graphics. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be more fully understood and further advantages will become apparent when reference is had to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a preferred embodiment of an Internet radio system in accordance with the present invention; and Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an alternate embodiment of the Internet radio system wherein the radio is equipped with an FM radio tuner for receiving conventional FM radio transmissions over the airwa\ s. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings, there is shown a radio communication system for receiving Internet radio programs, text, graphics, and video broadcast via the Internet. The radio communication system of Fig. 2 has means for receiving regular FM radio transmissions and making credit card transactions with enhanced security for the vendor. In the embodiment shown, the radio is a stand-alone device equipped to receive radio programs, formatted text, graphics, and video via the Internet without the use of a personal computer. Generally stated, the radio is microprocessor controlled and further comprises an operating system, browser software, and memory. The operating system can be unique and dedicated to the radio, or can comprise a commercially available system such as WindowsCE. Preferably, the operating system and browser are stored as firmware in non- volatile memory. A block diagram for the preferred embodiment of the radio communication system is shown in Figure 1. The microprocessor controlled radio 12 has a means for connecting to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) 14. such as a telephone modem or a cable modem. When turned on. the radio operating system initiates an automatic connect, logs-on with the ISP 10 and connects with a web page having a list of available Internet radio stations by format (i.e.. country, jazz, rock), type (i.e., foreign, commercial, public, college), or language. Using a control means 20. the user selects the radio program to be listened to from the list which is presented on display means 22, and stored in memory means 18. The control means also provides means for causing the microprocessor 16 to set the volume, balance, etc. of the device ' s amplifier 26. The control means 20 is implemented as knobs and buttons as with a conventional radio, or as virtual knobs and buttons activated by a touch sensitive display means or a TV-style infrared remote control. A digital signal processor (DSP) and a digital-to-analog converter provide a means 24 for converting the microprocessor output of the Internet radio program for the amplifier 26 and speakers 28. In Figure 2 there is shown a block diagram of an alternate embodiment of an Internet radio system. The preferred embodiment is further provided with a FM radio tuner 30 for receiving regular FM radio transmissions over the airways. A selector means 32 is provided for switching between these normal broadcasts and Internet programs. The selection is made by the user by way of the control means 20. which causes the microprocessor 16 to direct the switching means to become operative. As a further alternative, a magnetic strip card reader 34 is provided for reading the user ' s credit card and then transmitting the card information to a vendor. Upon connecting with the vendor on the Internet, the credit card information is transmitted to the vendor, confirmation of the completed transaction is then transmitted to the user ' s Internet radio system 12 and displayed on its display means 22. The vendor can use Caller ID to verify the user ' s identity. The connection to the Internet is preferably provided at no cost, as disclosed in co- pending U.S. Patent application of Emerson, et al.. filed January 7. 1999 for "Method for Transmitting Advertisements Over the Internet " , the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference thereto. Having thus described the invention in rather full detail, it will be understood that such detail need not be strictly adhered to. but that various changes and modifications may suggest themselves to one skilled in the art, all falling within the scope of the invention, as defined by the subjoined claims.

Claims: CLAIMS What is claimed is: 1. A non-PC Internet radio system which does not include a mouse or keyboard, for receiving an Internet radio audio program, and accompanying formatted text, graphics, and video, said system comprising: a) connecting means for connecting said radio to an Internet Service Provider; b) microprocessor means; c) memory means; d) amplifier means; e) digital signal processor means for processing audio signals of said radio program; f) digital-to-analog converter means for converting said processed audio signals for input to said amplifier; g) audio speaker means comprising at least one audio speaker; h) tuning means for selecting an Internet address of said radio program; i) control means for causing said microprocessor to set audio preferences, such as volume and balance, of said amplifier: and j) display means for displaying said formatted text, graphics, and video. 2. An Internet radio system as recited by claim 1. further comprising: a) FM radio tuner means for receiving commercial radio broadcasts; and b) source selector means for selecting between the output of said FM radio tuner and said digital-to-analog converter. 3. An Internet radio system as recited by claim 1 , further comprising a magnetic strip reader for reading a credit card number stored on a credit card. 4. An Internet radio system as recited by claim 1 , wherein said control means and said display means are combined as a touch sensitive screen. 5. A method for receiving and playing audio from an Internet radio station on a non-PC Internet radio device which does not include a mouse or a keyboard, comprising the steps of: a) connecting said device to a predetermined Internet Service Provider; b) providing a predetermined authorizing identification means for said device to said Internet Service Provider; c) logging into said Internet Service Provider; d) connecting to an Internet Hosting Service having access to one or more Internet radio stations, which Hosting Service may be said Internet Service Provider; e) receiving a station list from said Internet Hosting Service; f) storing said list in memory of said device; g) selecting a station from said station list; h) receiving digitized audio from said station via said Internet Hosting Service; i) converting said digitized audio to analog audio; j) playing said analog audio; 6. A method for receiving and playing audio from an Internet radio station on a non-PC Internet radio system which does not include a mouse or a keyboard as recited in Claim 5, said radio system being enabled to receive and display accompanying formatted text, graphics, and video, and said method comprising the additional steps of: a) receiving text messages provided by said Internet Hosting Service; b) storing said text messages in memory of said device; c) receiving text format commands provided by said radio station or Internet Hosting Service; d) storing said text format commands in memory of said device; e) formatting said text messages with said text format commands f) displaying said formatted text messages; g) receiving graphics and video commands provided by said radio station or Internet Hosting Service; h) storing said graphics and video commands in memory of said device; i) processing said graphics and video commands; and j) displaying said processed graphics and video. 7. A method for automatically providing an Internet Radio System with a local telephone number to access an Internet Service Provider comprising the steps of: a) upon initial activation of the Internet Radio System, the Internet Radio System dialing a preprogrammed toll-free telephone number to access a telephone number referral service; b) the referral service determining the location of the Internet Radio System by learning the phone number via CallerlD that the Internet Radio System used to call into the ISP; c) the referral service determining a phone number for an Internet Service Provider that is in the local telephone service area of the Internet Radio System; d) transmitting the ISP ' s local telephone number to the Internet Radio System; e) on subsequent activations of the Internet Radio System, the Internet Radio System dialing the ISP's local telephone number. 8. A method for automatically providing an Internet Radio System with a local telephone number to access an Internet Service Provider as recited in Claim 7. wherein determining the location of the Internet Radio System is accomplished with user provided information. 9. A method for automatically providing an Internet Radio System with a local telephone number to access an Internet Service Provider as recited in Claim 7. wherein said user information is provided by the steps of: a) user entry of a zip code into the Internet Radio System: and b) transmission of the zip code to the telephone number referral service. 10. A method for consummating a financial transaction between a vendor and a user of a non-PC Internet radio system without a mouse and keyboard and connected to an Internet Service Provider, comprising the steps of: a) transmitting an advertisement involving a product or service owned by said vendor to said Internet Radio System; b) displaying said advertisement on a display means of said Internet Radio System; c) selecting said product for purchase by said user; d) connecting to said vendor on the Internet via said Internet radio system; e) reading credit card information stored on said user ' s credit card via a credit card reader of said Internet radio system; f) transmitting said credit card information to said vendor via said Internet Radio System; g) charging said user ' s credit card for purchase of said product; h) transmitting to said user a message confirming said purchase; and i) sending said product to said user. 1. A method as recited by claim 10. further comprising the steps of: a) reading said user ' s telephone number via Caller ID; and b) recording said telephone number; whereby said vendor is provided with additional information to verify said user ' s identity.

Inventors: EMERSON HARRY E III, GRYWALSKI WILLIAM A, EMERSON, HARRY, E., III, GRYWALSKI, WILLIAM, A.
Applicants: EMERSON HARRY E III, GEODE ELECTRONICS LLC, GRYWALSKI WILLIAM A, EMERSON, HARRY, E., III, GRYWALSKI, WILLIAM, A.
Application year: 2000
Main classification: H04H1
IPC codes: H04H20