Abstract:
A portable media player system and method are provided. One of potential application of the portable media player system is to help guide a user through a religious activity. Another potential application is to assist a user in learning a language.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/811,574 filed Jun. 6, 2006, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/799,077 filed May 10, 2006, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/718,442 filed Sep. 19, 2005, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     1. Technical Field  
         [0003]     The application generally relates to portable media player systems and methods.  
         [0004]     2. Description of Related Art  
         [0005]     Various types of portable media players are known such as portable CD players, portable DVD players, and portable MP3 players. Various types of media players used for instructional purposes are known such as language translators with voice and personal computer audio-visual software.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0006]     A portable media player system and method are provided. One potential application of the portable media player system is to guide a user through a predetermined activity. One exemplary activity is a religious activity. Another exemplary activity is the playing of a game. Another potential application is to assist a user in memorizing something. As an example, the portable media player could be used to assist a user in learning a non-native language. In another example, a user could be assisted in learning portions of a religious text.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0007]      FIG. 1A  is a back view of an exemplary configuration of a head mounted audio playing device.  
         [0008]      FIG. 1B  is a side view of the audio playing device of  FIG. 1A .  
         [0009]      FIG. 2A  is a front view of another exemplary configuration of a head mounted audio playing device.  
         [0010]      FIG. 2B  is a side view of the audio playing device of  FIG. 2A .  
         [0011]      FIG. 3A  is a front view of yet another exemplary configuration of a head mounted audio playing device.  
         [0012]      FIG. 3B  is a side view of the audio playing device of  FIG. 3A .  
         [0013]      FIG. 4  is a more detailed view of an exemplary ear piece portion of an audio playing device, such as that illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-3B .  
         [0014]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustrating system components of an exemplary audio playing device such as that illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-4 .  
         [0015]      FIG. 6  is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary sequence of steps that may be performed by an audio playing device, such as that illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-5 .  
         [0016]     FIGS.  7 A-D are flow charts illustrating exemplary steps of sub-sequences identified in  FIG. 6 .  
         [0017]     FIGS.  8 A-C are tables illustrating exemplary steps for 2 rakaa, 3 rakaa, and 4 rakaa prayers corresponding to the exemplary sub-sequence set forth in  FIG. 7A .  
         [0018]      FIG. 8D  is a table illustrating exemplary steps for 2 rakaa Taraweeh prayer corresponding to the exemplary sub-sequence set forth in  FIG. 7B .  
         [0019]     FIGS.  9 A-C are block diagrams illustrating exemplary data structures stored in the memory of an exemplary audio playing device.  
         [0020]     FIGS.  10 A-C are tables illustrating exemplary menus, prompts, and prayer files stored in the memory of an exemplary audio playing device.  
         [0021]      FIG. 11  is a block diagram illustrating various functional components of an exemplary audio playing device. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0022]      FIG. 1A  is a back view of an exemplary audio playing device  10  mounted on a user&#39;s head  12 . This exemplary audio playing device  10  has a left earpiece section  14 , a right earpiece section  16 , and a connecting section  18 . The left earpiece section  14  includes a left speaker  20  and an ear mounting device  22  for use in positioning the left earpiece section  14  adjacent to the left ear  24  of a user. The left earpiece section  14  may optionally contain an enclosure  26  that houses electronic circuitry used in generating electrical signals that are provided to the left speaker  20  or a right speaker  28 . The left speaker  20 , in turn, converts received electrical signals to sounds for reception by the user&#39;s ear  24 . In this example as well as the exemplary audio playing device configurations illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-3B , the ear mounting device  22  is a hook or a holder that is kidney-shaped. However it should be understood that mounting device  22  could comprise other types of devices and/or shapes and structures that facilitate the desired positioning of the earpiece section  14  to the user&#39;s ear  24 . For example, the earpiece could be formed to fit within or substantially within the ear or earlobe of the user similar to contemporary hearing aids and some or all of the electronics or electrical components illustrated in  FIG. 5  can be integrated within the form fitting structure and controlled either by direct or wireless communication inputs.  
         [0023]     The right earpiece section  16  is similar to the left earpiece section  14  and has similar components. The right earpiece section  16  also contains a right speaker  28 , an ear mounting device  30  for positioning the earpiece on the right ear  56 , and an optional enclosure  32  for housing electronic circuitry otherwise not housed in the left earpiece.  
         [0024]     The exemplary audio playing device  10  also includes a connecting section  18 . The connecting section  18  may comprise an elastic cable  34  implanted with electrical wires  36 . The electrical wires  36  may connect circuitry in the left earpiece enclosure  26  and right earpiece enclosure  32  if both exist and may provide a signal path for signals from the left earpiece enclosure  26  and/or right earpiece enclosure  32  to the left and/or right speakers  20  and  28 .  
         [0025]      FIG. 1B  is a side view of the exemplary audio playing device  10  of  FIG. 1A . This view illustrates that a microphone  38  may also be connected to the audio playing device  10  for allowing voice signals from the user  12  to be sent to the audio playing device  10 . This view also illustrates that a connecting section  40  alternatively may comprise a clamp which provides a mechanism for securely mounting the audio playing device  10  on the user&#39;s head  12  so that holders  22  and  30  are not necessary and may be eliminated from the audio playing device  10 . In this example, the connecting section  40  is in the shape of a horseshoe if viewed from the top and in the shape of a question mark shape if viewed from side. Other shapes or configurations could also be used.  
         [0026]      FIG. 2A  is a front view of another exemplary audio playing device  110  mounted on a user&#39;s head  12 . This exemplary audio playing device  110  also has a left earpiece section  14 , a right earpiece section  16 , and a connecting section  118 . The left earpiece section  14  and right earpiece section  16  are similar to those sections in audio playing device  10  and contain similar components.  
         [0027]     The audio playing device  110  includes a connecting section  118  that is configured in the shape of an eye-glass-type frame. This connecting section  118  comprises an elastic cable  134  implanted with electrical wires  136  for providing a signal path between the left earpiece enclosure  26 , the right earpiece enclosure  32 , the left speaker  20  and/or the right speakers  28 .  
         [0028]      FIG. 2B  is a side view of the exemplary audio playing device  110  of  FIG. 2A . This view illustrates that a microphone  38  may also be connected to the audio playing device  110  for allowing voice signals from the user  12  to be sent to the audio playing device  110 .  
         [0029]      FIG. 3A  is a front view of an exemplary audio playing device  210  mounted on a user&#39;s head  12 . This exemplary audio playing device  210  has a left earpiece section  212  which includes a left speaker  20  and an ear mounting device  22  for use in positioning the left earpiece section  212  adjacent to the ear  24  of a user. In this example, the ear mounting device  22  is a hook or a holder that is kidney-shaped but alternatively could comprise other types of devices and/or other shapes that facilitate the positioning of the earpiece section  212  adjacent the user&#39;s ear. Also the left earpiece section  212  contains an enclosure  216  that houses electronic circuitry used in generating electrical signals that are provided to the left speaker  20 . The left speaker  20 , in turn, converts received electrical signals to sounds and provides the sounds to the user&#39;s ear  24 .  
         [0030]      FIG. 3B  is a side view of the exemplary audio playing device  210  of  FIG. 3A . This view illustrates that a microphone  38  may also be connected to the audio playing device  210  for allowing voice signals from the user  12  to be sent to the audio playing device  210 .  
         [0031]      FIG. 4  is a more detailed view of representative earpiece  310  of an exemplary audio playing device, such as that disclosed and described in connection with  FIGS. 1A-3B . This representative earpiece  310  has a power-on/select switch or button  312 , a pause/off/switch language switch or button  314 , a volume up/skip switch or button  316 , a volume down/skip switch or button  318 , a red LED light  320 , a green LED light  322 , and a battery charging port  324 . While these elements are disclosed as being part of an exemplary earpiece  310 , it should be understood that they may be located anywhere on the audio playing device.  
         [0032]     The power-on/select button  312  is an input device for use by a user in turning the audio playing device on and also for use by the user when making selections at various times during operation of the audio playing device. The pause/off/switch language button  314  is an input device used by the user to either pause the playing of media by the audio playing device, to resume the playing of media after the audio playing device has been paused, to turn the audio playing device off, and to select a language option used by the audio playing device. The volume up/skip button  316  is used to increase the volume of the media being played and also to skip ahead for example forward to another media file. The volume down/skip button  316  is used to decrease the volume of played media and also to skip back for example to another media file. The green LED light  322  provides a visual indication that the audio playing device is turned on. The red LED light  320  provides a visual indication that the audio playing device, if being operated using batteries, needs to have the batteries replaced or recharged. A plug  326  of the connecting section  330  is used to electrically connect the connecting section  330  and the earpiece section  14 .  
         [0033]     In this example, only four buttons/keys are needed with two placed near the top of the device  310  and two located near the bottom of the earpiece  310 . The placement and limited number of buttons in this exemplary earpiece  310  allows the user to operate the audio playing device without having to remove the device  310  to determine where the buttons are located. While in the present example multiple functions are employed in a single switch or button mechanism, it should be understood that each function may be placed on separate switch mechanism or may be combined in any manner to facilitate the desired functionality and operation of the audio playing device.  
         [0034]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustrating exemplary circuit components  410  of an audio playing device, such as that illustrated and described in connection with  FIGS. 1-4 . This exemplary circuit components  410  are comprised of a controller circuit  404 , memory  408 , a power-on/select button  312 , a pause/off/switch language button  314 , a volume up/skip button  316 , a volume down/skip button  318 , a red LED light  320 , a green LED light  322 , a battery charging port  324 , a battery  426 , a USB port  428 , a left speaker  20 , and a right speaker  28 . All of the components except for the left speaker  20  and battery  426  may be enclosed within and/or otherwise reside on the right earpiece of the audio playing device such as the exemplary earpiece  310  illustrated in  FIG. 4 .  
         [0035]     The battery  426  and left speaker  20  may be enclosed within and/or reside on the left ear piece. In this manner the audio playing device may be weight balanced and configured to be used by a right handed user. It should be understood, however, that it is contemplated that the right and left earpieces be mechanically interchangeable or conformable so that a single audio playing device can be configured to either a right or left handed user. In addition, it should be understood that in a single-ear audio playing device, which does not include a left speaker  20 , such as that illustrated in  FIGS. 3A-3B  that all of the exemplary circuit components illustrated in  FIG. 5  (including the battery  426  but minus the left speaker  20 ) are enclosed within or otherwise reside on a single earpiece structure.  
         [0036]     The controller circuit  404  in this example comprises a MP3 controller chip that contains a CPU and internal memory. The controller circuit  404 , along with memory  408 , are mounted on a printed circuit board preferably enclosed within the earpiece  310 . The controller circuit  404  is operable to convert digital media files such as MP3 media files into analog signals that are communicated to one or more speakers  20 ,  28 .  
         [0037]     The memory  408  in this example is comprised of flash memory but other forms of memory could be used. The memory  408  provides a storage area for software programs which are transferred from the memory  408  to the controller circuit  404  to be executed. The memory  408  comprises three sections: a program and data structure section  430 , a menu and voice prompt files section  432 , and a media files section  434 . In this example the media files section  434  comprises files of verses from the Quran.  
         [0038]     The controller circuit  404  in this example is a programmable unit which is able to execute software or firmware programs stored in the memory  408  and to convert digital media files into analog signals to guide a user through the performance of at least one of a pre-defined activities. Alternatively, the function of executing software or firmware programs and the function of converting digital media files into analog signals can be performed by separated circuit elements. For example, the function of executing software or firmware programs can be performed by the controller circuit  404  while the function of converting digital media files into analog signals can be performed by a separated converter.  
         [0039]     The program and data structure section  430  contains one or more binary program files that provide instructions for executing the logic described in the flow chart illustrated in  FIG. 6 . In addition, the program and data structure section  430  in this example contains one or more binary program files that provide instructions for executing the logic for guiding a user through an Islamic prayer process such as a two rakaa, three rakaa, four rakaa, or two rakaa Taraweeh as described and illustrated in FIGS.  7 A-D and FIGS.  8 A-D.  
         [0040]     One of the five pillars of Islam is for Muslims to pray five times a day. In addition to these five required prayers, Muslims engage in other prayers. While Muslim prayers vary depending on the time, nature and purpose of the prayer, they share commonalities and differ in form primarily by number of prayer cycles or units, each unit of which are called a “rakaa.” The morning prayers (either the “Fajr” or “Shurooq”) are each comprised of two rakaas, the two mid-day prayers (the “Zhuhr” and “Asr” prayers) are comprised of four rakaas each, the sunset prayer (the “Maghrib” prayer) is comprised of three rakaas, and the evening prayer (the “Eshaa” prayer) is comprised of four rakaas. In addition, during the month of Ramadan, Muslims read or recite the entire Quran, which is made-up of thirty juz′ (parts) containing 114 surats (chapters) of varying lengths and in set order and which together are comprised of a total of 6236 ayat (verses). In addition, Muslims often pray what is referred to as “Taraweeh” prayers, which are comprised of multiple two rakaa prayers. At the end of those prayers, Muslims often ask God for personal assistance, guidance and wisdom in what are called “Duaa” and recite the sayings or actions of the Prophet Muhammad or his companions which are called “Hadith.” 
         [0041]     The following is a brief description of the steps that are performed during Muslim prayers. 
        1. The praying Muslim standing, raises his or her hands up and says “Allahu Akbar” (God is Most Great).     2. Standing with hands folded over chest or at his or her side, the praying Muslim recites the first surat or chapter of the Quran in Arabic (surat al Fatiha). While in the same position, the praying Muslim then recites any other verses of the Quran that the praying Muslim chooses (the selected versus).     3. The praying Muslim then raises his or her hands up, saying “Allahu Akbar” and then bows and recites “subhana rabbiyal azim” (glory be to my Lord almighty) three times.     4. The praying Muslim then rises to standing position while reciting “samiaa allahu liman hamidah, Rabbana wa lakal hamd” (God hears those who call upon him; our Lord, praise be to you).     5. The praying Muslim then raises his or her hands up, saying “Allahu Akbar” and then prostrates on the ground reciting “subhana rabbiyal aala” (glory be to my Lord, the most high) three times while prostrated.     6. The praying Muslim then rises to a sitting position, saying “Allahu Akbar” and then prostrates again in the same manner (i.e., reciting “subhana rabbiyal aala” three times).     7. The praying Muslim then rise to a standing position saying “Allahu Akbar.”       
 
         [0049]     The foregoing steps conclude one rakaa. The praying Muslim prays a second rakaa starting from Step 2. After two rakaas, the praying Muslim remains sitting after the prostrations and recites the first part of the Tashahhud in Arabic. If the prayer is only two rakaas long, the praying Muslim also recites the second part of the Tashahhud immediately after reciting the first part. If the prayer is longer than two rakaas (such as the mid-day, sunset, and evening prayers), the praying Muslim then stands up and begins again to complete the prayer, sitting again after all rakaas have been completed and then reciting the second part of the Tashahhud in Arabic. The praying Muslim then concludes his prayer by turning to the right and saying “assalamo alaykom wa rahmatollah” (peace be upon you and God&#39;s blessings) and then turning to the left and repeating the greeting “assalamo alaykom wa rahmatollah.” To the extent that the prayer being performed is a three or four rakaa prayer, the praying Muslim selected verses of the Quran in Step 2 are not recited after the second rakaa or in other words only Surat Fatiha is recited in Step 2 after the second rakaa of a prayer. Because, many Muslims have not memorized the entire Quran or even a majority of the Quran they often recite the same verses or largely the same group of verses over and over again during each prayer.  
         [0050]     With regard to the power source components, a rechargeable battery  426  may be located in the left earpiece section  14 . A battery charging port  424  is also provided in this example, where the battery charging port  424  has a USB connector for connecting the audio playing device  410  to a power source. The power source may be alternatively provided via a USB cable connected to a USB port  440  of a PC or via a wall adapter cable  442  that connects a wall power outlet to the battery charging port  424 .  
         [0051]     Additionally, a separate USB port  428  may be provided for communication with a PC. The USB port  428  may be used for initially loading software and audio files onto the device. It may also be later used by the user to load newer versions of software and audio files. For example, it is contemplated that the user may have a selection of audio recitations of the Quran recited by different individuals and may use the USB port  428  to load the desired recitations on to the audio playing device.  
         [0052]      FIG. 6  and FIGS.  7 A-D are flow charts illustrating exemplary steps performed by an audio playing device, such as that illustrated and described in connection with  FIGS. 1-5 , in guiding a user through the performance of an activity. In the examples that follow, the user is guided through one or more user selected Islamic religious activities. The device, however, may be used to guide a user through other activities. For example, the device may be used to guide a user to learn a foreign language which requires repeated mimic processes. The device also may be used to guide a user to memorize a new poem, a classical article, or an important religious document.  
         [0053]     Also in the following examples, the device operates using voice prompts in a way similar to conventional interactive voice response (IVR) system such as those frequently used by organizations when contacted by phone (e.g., for option 1 press 1, for option 2 press 2, etc . . . ). In the example illustrated herein, typically only one key (i.e. the power-on button  312 ) is used to respond to voice prompts. One exception is the use of the pause/off button  314  to switch languages between Arabic and English during the audio welcome message. The voice prompts are of two kinds: a menu, where the user selects a desired option, or a prompt that informs the user of a particular setting and asks the user to respond only if a change is desired.  
         [0054]     As shown in the first step  450  in the flow chart of  FIG. 6 , a user engages the power-on button  312  to turn on the audio playing device (e.g.,  10 ,  110 ,  210 ), the green LED  322  turns on (step  452 ) to provide a visual indication that the device is powered and the system is ready to start. If the user engages the power-on button  312  again (step  454 ), the green LED  322  blinks (step  456 ) and the audio playing device (e.g.,  10 ,  110 ,  210 ) starts to play a welcome message (step  458 ). This welcome message briefly describes operational features of the device such as the pre-defined activities of the device. The welcome message can be interrupted (by the user pressing the pause/off key or button  314 ) at any time to allow the user to switch the language that the welcome message is played (e.g. between Arabic and English) (step  460 ). It is contemplated that the device may have the capabilities to employ many languages in addition to Arabic such as English, Spanish, German, Russian, Mandarin, Persian, Urdu, etc. or any other language or dialect thereof and that the user may select any one of those languages. By continuously engaging the power-on key  312 , the welcome message can be skipped to allow the sequence to jump ahead to the main menu (step  462 ).  
         [0055]     In step  462 , the main menu is played and the user is presented with six options: (1) pray two rakaa (a rakaa as previously described is a unit of prayer) usually during morning or sunna prayer, (2) pray three rakaa usually during sunset prayer, (3) pray four rakaa usually during noon, afternoon, and evening prayer, (4) pray two rakaa Taraweeh which is a long evening prayer during the month of Ramadan, (5) listen to the Holy Quran outside of prayer time, and (6) set up preferences of prayer process. A user selection of one of the six options in step  464  will cause the sequence as illustrated in  FIG. 6  to proceed to one of four sub-sequences A-D ( 466 ,  468 ,  470 , and  472 ).  
         [0056]     FIGS.  7 A-D are flow charts illustrating exemplary steps for each of the four sub-sequences A-D ( 466 ,  468 ,  470 , and  472 ) identified in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 7A  is the sub-sequence of exemplary steps when options 1, 2 or 3 (i.e., pray 2 Rakaa, 3 Rakaa, or 4 Rakaa) is selected by the user.  FIG. 7B  is the sub-sequence of exemplary steps when option 4 (i.e., pray 2 Rakaa Taraweeh) is selected by the user.  FIG. 7C  is the sub-sequence of exemplary steps when option 5 (i.e., listen to Quran)is selected by the user. And,  FIG. 7D  is the sub-sequence of exemplary steps when option 6 (i.e., setup prayer/user preferences) is selected by the user.  
         [0057]     In  FIG. 7A , the sub-sequence begins by first playing a message that acknowledges that the selection of a two rakaa, three rakaa or four rakaa prayer and provides the user with the option of continuing the prayer sequence from the point at which the last sequence ended or to repeat the last prayer sequence ( step  474 ). At step  476 , if the repeat operation or option was selected by the user engaging the power-on key  312  (reflecting the user desire to repeat verse sections from the previous prayer) the sub-sequence proceeds to step  478 . At step  478 , a pointer is moved two sections back to the verse section that was employed in the last prayer. Then, in step  480 , an acknowledgement of the repeat option is played. Then the sequence moves on to step  482  where a two rakaa, three rakaa or four rakaa prayer is performed. Alternatively, if the continue operation was selected (i.e., repeat option not selected) then the sequence would jump ahead to step  482  skipping over steps  478  and  480 .  
         [0058]     In step  482 , if two rakaa was previously selected, then the audio playing device would guide the user through the 2 rakaa prayer. First, the user selects a menu item “Pray 2 Rakaa.” The audio playing device  10  plays the phrase “Allah Akbar” and pausing to allow the user to repeat “Allah Akbar” to start the prayer. The audio playing device recites the Surat el “Fatiha” (the first Surat in the Quran, which is repeated during each rakaa or prayer cycle) or pauses/is silent (e.g., for approximately eighteen seconds) to allow the user to recite the Fatiha him or herself (depending on setting, see discussion in connection to  FIG. 7D ). If “repeat last verses” was selected (see steps  474 ,  476 ,  478 ,  480  of  FIG. 7A ), then the audio playing device plays verses for the Quran that were played in the last prayer, otherwise, the audio playing device plays the next verses of the Quran from where it left off at the last prayer. The audio playing device then plays “Allah Akbar,” and then pauses/is silent (e.g., for approximately five seconds) to allow sufficient time for the user to bow and say “Subhana rabbiyal Azim” three times. Alternatively, the audio playing devices recites “Subhana rabbiyal Azim” three times if this setting is desired and selected. Then the audio playing device plays “Samiaa allaho leman hamida,” then pauses/is silent for one second to allow sufficient time for the user to recite the phrase and to rise to a standing position. The audio playing device then plays “Allah Akbar” and pauses/is silent for five seconds to allow user to perform sujud (prostration and say “subhana rabbiyal aala” three times). Alternatively, the audio playing devices recites “subhana rabbiyal aala” three times if this setting is desired and selected. The audio playing device then plays “Allah Akbar” and pauses/is silent (e.g., for approximately one second) to allow the user to rise to a sitting position. Then audio playing device plays “Allah Akbar” and pauses/is silent ( e.g. for approximately three to five seconds) to allow user to bow and say “subhana rabbiyal aala” three times. Alternatively, the audio playing devices recites “subhana rabbiyal aala” three times if this setting is desired and selected. The audio playing device then plays “Allah Akbar.” 
         [0059]     All of the steps described in the previous paragraph constitute one rakaa. Therefore, if two rakaa is selected, the steps described in the previous paragraph are repeated once as previously described.  FIG. 8A  is a table describing representatives files that would be played by the audio playing device in step  482  for a two rakaa prayer. If three rakaa is desired, the steps described in the previous paragraph are repeated twice as previously described.  FIG. 8B  is a table describing representatives files that would be played by the audio playing device in step  482  for a three rakaa prayer. Similarly, if four rakaa is selected, the steps described in the previous paragraph are repeated three times.  FIG. 8C  is a table describing representatives files that would be played by the audio playing device in step  482  for a four rakaa prayer.  
         [0060]     At the end of each prayer (whether two rakaa, three rakaa or four rakaa), the audio playing device plays “Allah Akbar” and then plays the appropriate part or parts of the “Tashahhud” or, depending of the user setting, pauses/is silent (e.g., for approximately twenty to forty seconds) to allow sufficient time for the user to recite the first and/or second parts of the Tashahhud as the case may be). The audio playing device then plays “assalamo alaykom wa rahmatollah” twice. If “Duaa” option is selected, then-the audio playing device recites Duaa and/or Hadith and pauses/is silent at appropriate intervals to allow the user to repeat them. At this point, step  482  is completed. The pointer is then moved forward two verse sections of the Quran as shown in step  484 . Then the device turns off (step  486 ) to finish the prayer sequence.  
         [0061]     If a full Taraweeh prayer is selected by the user, the sub-sequence illustrated in  FIG. 7B  will be performed. A full Taraweeh prayer is a sequence of four, two rakaa Taraweeh prayer sequences separated by short rest periods. It is typically prayed in the evening during the month of Ramadan. At each two rakaa Taraweeh, the user will listen to two quarters of the Quran which will make the prayer last about fifteen minutes. The device manages the pointers to Quran quarters separately from the pointers to the Quran sections discussed above recited in daily prayers. The total time to perform the Taraweeh prayer is therefore four times fifteen minutes which is one hour. The Taraweeh prayer process is also used for the “Night Standing” prayers outside of the month of Ramadan. Hence, there are many sections of verse in each quarter of the Quran.  
         [0062]     In step  488 , the audio playing device plays a message that acknowledges that a two rakaa, Taraweeh prayer with verse option was selected and provides the user with the option of continuing the prayer sequence from the point at which the last sequence ended or repeating the last prayer sequence. While in step  490 , if the power-on key  312  is engaged, the user is allowed to select a specific juz (part) of the Quran (step  492 ) and the sequence proceeds to step  494 . If the power-on key  312  was not engaged, the sequence proceeds to step  494 . At step  494 , the two rakaa, Taraweeh prayer is performed. After step  494  is finished, the pointer is moved two quarters forward (step  496 ). The user can then select another 2 rakaa Taraweeh prayer and repeat the cycle as many times as he wishes to complete the Taraweeh prayer.  FIG. 8C  is a table describing representatives files that would be played by the audio playing device in step  494  for a two rakaa, Taraweeh prayer.  
         [0063]     Referring to  FIG. 7C , the user can select this option from the main menu to listen to the Quran outside of performing a prayer. The device informs the user that the Quran will be played from where the user last left off unless the user selects a different surat (chapter) from which to begin by engaging the power-on key  312 . If the user so chooses, the device will instruct the user that the selection will be by surat (chapter) number unless the user chooses to select by part number. In this example, the Quran is divided into  30  parts in addition to the  114  chapters or surats as will discussed in more detail below.  
         [0064]     The first step of the sub-sequence illustrated in  FIG. 7C  is for the device to play an acknowledgement message informing the user that the “listen to Quran” option was selected (step  502 ). While in step  504 , the user can select the option of choosing where to begin the playing of the Quran by engaging the power-on key  312  upon hearing the acknowledgement message. A second acknowledgement message may then be played allowing the user to select between the option of selecting recitation of Quran based on a selection of a particular “surat” or chapter or based on the selection of a particular “part” (step  508 ). If the power-on key  312  is engaged a second time, a play by juz′ (part) selection has been made (step  510 ). Otherwise, play by surat (chapter) (step  522 ) is selected. While in step  504 , if the power-on key  312  is not engaged, the Quran will be played beginning from where it ended playing in the last prayer sequence (step  506 ).  
         [0065]     If the user selects the option to of playing a particular surat of the Quran, the sequence will proceed to step  522  wherein the audio playing device will ask the user to select one of six ranges of Surat numbers. The sequence will then proceed to continue to narrow the selection until the user is provided the option of selecting the particular surat that he or she desires to listen to (Steps  524 ,  526 ). In the example, illustrated in  FIG. 7C , the user selects Surat number 22 (known as “Al Hajj”), by first selecting the group of surats numbered 21-40 and then selecting the group of surats numbered 21-25 and then selecting surat 22. Once a specific surat (chapter) is selected, the device plays an acknowledgement (step  528 ) and then plays that selected surat (chapter) as shown in step  530 .  
         [0066]     If the user selects the option to of playing a particular juz′ (part) of the Quran, the sequence will proceed to step  512  wherein the audio playing device will ask the user to select one of six ranges of parts numbers. The sequence will then proceed to continue to narrow the selection until the user is provided the option of selecting the particular part that he or she desires to listen to (Steps  514 ). In the example, illustrated in  FIG. 7C , the user selects parts number 7, by first selecting the group of parts numbered  6 - 10  and then selecting part  7 . Once a specific part is selected, the device plays an acknowledgement message advising the user of his or her selection(step  516 ) and then plays that selected part or juz′ as shown in step  518 .  
         [0067]     Either a specific surat (chapter) is selected (step  530 ) or a specific juz′ (part) is selected (step  518 ), the next step is always step  520  where the selected surat (chapter) or juz′ (part) is played. The volume up/skip button  316  can be used to skip between surat (chapter) or juz′ (part) by engaging the button such as a click. The volume up/skip button  316  can also be used to control the volume by a second type of engagement to the button such as holding the button for a period of time. The pause/off/switch language button  314 , can be used to pause or resume the device by engaging the button such as a click. The pause/off/switch language button  314 , can also be used to turn off the device by a second type of engagement to the button such as holding the button for a period of time.  
         [0068]     Referring to  FIG. 7D , this option in the main menu allows the user to select various settings by proceeding through a option selection steps  532 - 538 . One setting defines the scope or portions of the Quran to be recited during prayer. The two options for this setting (step  532 ) are (1) full or whole Quran or (2) only part 30 of the Quran, which is comprised of shorter surats and therefore often preferred by beginners and children. The second setting (step  534 ) determines whether to reset the section pointers to the beginning of the Quran or the beginning of part  30  based on the first setting. Hence step  534  allows the user to reset the pointers on the audio playing device. The third setting (step  536 ) allows the user to select whether the audio playing device will play the surat Fatiha during each rakaa or be silent for a period of time sufficient for the user to recite the Fatiha. Similarly, the fourth setting (step  538 ) allows the user to select whether the audio playing device will play the Tashahud (closing ) or be silent for a period of time sufficient for the user to recite the Tashahud.  
         [0069]     Many Muslims have memorized the Fatiha and the Tashahud and do not require either of them to be recited by the audio playing device and hence these options or user preferences may be beneficial to many users. Based on the foregoing user selections or preferences, flags or pointers will be set and used to control the device while it is guiding the user through an activity such as prayer. It should be understood, however, that any number of user preferences may be employed to control any aspect of the audio playing device. Hence it is contemplated that there may be a user selection preference for such features as: (1) controlling or setting the duration of particular pause or silence times during the prayer, (2) control over each aspect of a particular prayer that is to be played by the audio playing device, for example user selections to allow for silence rather than playing “subhana rabbiyal azim” or subhana rabbiyal aala” and (3) the ability to select a particular or customized play list of surats or Quran parts or verses for playing during prayer and to listen to outside of performing prayers.  
         [0070]     In addition, it is contemplated the device may have a user preference selection that results in the device reciting on a portion of a section or surat during prayer (perhaps the beginning and maybe end of the Quran section and is silent during the interim to allow the user to recite the un-played portions in silence without reliance on the device). It is also contemplated that the device might include user selections that control volume control for the various audio played by the audio playing device. For example it is contemplated that the user may select a higher volume when the device is playing back prayer process files and/or menu files and a lower volume when the device is playing back Quran content files.  
         [0071]     FIGS.  9 A-C are block diagrams illustrating exemplary data structures stored in the memory of an audio playing device such as that illustrated and described in connection with  FIGS. 1-8D . FIGS.  10 A-C are tables illustrating exemplary menus, prompts, and prayer files stored in the memory of an audio playing device.  FIG. 9A  is data structure section  430  which includes flags  540 , pointers  542  and tables  544  including section tables  554 , quarter (Rub′) tables  560  and part (Juz′) tables  562 . The following flags are persistent in that their setting stays in memory even when the device is turned off. The language flag  546  is set to either Arabic or English (or any other language) and can be switched between the languages by engaging the pause/stop button  314  during the welcome message. The Quran or Part 30 flag  548  is set in the preference phase of operation and instructs the device as to which portion of the Quran files may be played during prayer (whole Quran or Part 30 only). The read Al Fatiha flag  550  is set in the preference setup option phase and instructs device whether to play the file having the recitation of surat Al Fatiha during prayer or to be silent for a set period of time sufficient to allow the user recite it while the audio playing device is silent. The read Al Tashahud flag  552  is set in the preference phase and instructs the device whether to play the file having the recitation of Al Tashahud during prayer or to be silent for set period of time sufficient to allow the user recite while the audio playing device is silent.  
         [0072]     The current section pointer  558  points to the section (a section is a set of Quran verses in one media file) to be read in the next prayer. Two sections are read in each prayer during the first and second rakaa (one section per rakaa). The current Rub′ pointer  556  points to the first section of the next rub′ (quarter) to be read in the next two Rakaa Taraweeh prayer. A quarter is a pre-determined set of sections (or media files). Two quarters are read in each Taraweeh prayer, one in each rakaa.  
         [0073]     The Quran contains 114 surats (chapters) numbered 1 to 114. Each surat (chapter) contains several verses. Some surats (chapters) have hundreds of verses and some have only a few. The Quran is also divided into 30 parts of approximately equal length (e.g., having approximately the same number of words). Parts are numbered from 1 to 30. Each part consists of a set of verses that can start and end in the middle or end of a surat (chapter). A part is divided evenly into eight (8) rub′ (quarters). During a regular prayer, the worshiper reads just a few verses from the Quran (much less than a quarter). The representative implementation divide the Quran into “sections” that correspond to what people typically read in a prayer (one section per rakaa, in the first two rakaa&#39;s). In Taraweeh prayer, the worshiper reads one quarter in each rakaa (i.e. two quarters in each prayer of 2 rakaa Taraweeh).  
         [0074]     The section table  554  contains the list of 114 surats (chapters) and the number of sections in each. If the device wants to play Surat 75 for example, it will look for a file named s075 — 001 (Surat 75, Section 1) and play the number of sections mentioned in the table. If the table will show 4 sections for Surat 75. The application will therefore play s075 — 001 to s075 — 004. Alternatively, if the current section pointer is at Surat 75 section 1, then during for example an evening (Eshaa) 4 rakaa prayer selected use of the audio playing device, the audio playing device will play Surat 75 section 1 and section 2, unless the repeat option (see step  474 - 480 ,  FIG. 7A ) is selected, in which case the audio playing device would play the last two sections of Surat 74.  
         [0075]     The quarter table  560  contains the list of 240 quarters (thirty parts times eight quarters per part), and the first and last section of that quarter. For a example, the third quarter in the Quran consists of Surat 2 (“Al Bakara”) sections 14 to 17 (which correlate to files s002 — 014 to s002 — 17).  
         [0076]     The part table  562  contains pointers to the beginning and end of each part. For example, Part 3 is from file s002 — 96 (Surat 2, Section 96) to file s003 — 23 (Surat 3, Section 23).  
         [0077]     Referring  FIG. 9B , the menu and voice prompt files section  432  contains media files (MP3 files in this example) in special folders. The first set of folders  576  contains: welcome message, audio menus  570  and prompts  572  in both Arabic and English (which are identified as “a” and “e” files respectfully). An audio menu  570  is media file, in this example an MP3 or similar digitized audio files that asks the user to engage a button or to state a command when the user hears the desired option. The menus provide enough time for a user to click button or to state a command when (or shortly after) the desired option is heard. The software in the audio device detects the time of the click (or in the case of voice commands, includes voice recognition to process the user commands) and determines which option was chosen. The main menu (element  462 ,  FIG. 6 ) is one representative example of how and an audio menu  570  could be employed.  
         [0078]     An audio prompt  572  is a media file (MP3 file in this example) that instructs the user regarding the current setting of an option and asks the user to respond if the user wants to select another option. The software detects a response or lack thereof at the appropriate time and functions in an appropriate manner. For example, steps  534 ,  536  and  538  in  FIG. 7D  are steps performed by audio prompts. The menu and voice prompt files section  432  also contains the necessary files to perform a two rakaa, three rakaa, four rakaa, or two rakaa Taraweeh prayer.  
         [0079]     A second set of folders  578  contain all 114 surat (chapter) numbers of Quran. A third set of folders  580  contain all 30 juz′ (part) numbers of Quran. A fourth folder  574  contains prayer process files to be displayed by the audio playing device.  
         [0080]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  show a list of files in the first set of folders  576 . The left column are file names and the right column are description for each of the files.  FIG. 10C  is a list of files in the second set of folders  578 , the third set of folders  580 , and the fourth folder  574 .  
         [0081]     There are three kinds of media files (MP3 files in this example) in terms of their content: (1) Audio menus  570  and prompt files  572  (in Arabic and English); (2) Prayer process files (Arabic files read during prayer); and (3) Content (Quran files in this example).  
         [0082]     Referring to  FIG. 9C , the Quran files section  434  contains the entire Quran in multiple MP3 files in multiple folders such as folder  582 . Each folder contains the MP3 files of one or more surats (chapters)  584 . Alternatively, the folders could be arranged so that each surat (chapter) occupies one folder. The MP3 files are named Sxxx-yyy where xxx is the surat (chapter) number and yyy is the section number. A section is a set of Quran verses that stop at logical points to convey a message during prayer, and are often about one minute in length. Sections are grouped in the data structure to form quarters. A rub′ (quarter) is a set of Quran verses that cover a full rub′ (quarter or 1/240 of the Quran) are used in Taraweeh prayer. A completed list of Quran files is shown in Appendix 2 of the U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/811,574 filed Jun. 6, 2006.  
         [0083]      FIG. 11  is a block diagram illustrating various components of an exemplary audio playing device, such as that illustrated and described in connection with  FIGS. 1-10C . The device comprises an audio player  600  and a memory area that is partitioned into program memory  602 , audio clip memory  604 , and text memory  606 . In addition, the audio player has a text to speech converter  608  and a user interface block  610 .  
         [0084]     The audio player  600  is able to convert an audio and pause sequence  603  retrieved in digital format from audio clip memory  604  into analog signals. The other source of an audio and pause sequence  603  comes from the text to speech converter  608  which converts text stored in the text memory  606  into an audio format. The audio player  600  is able to convert the digital audio and pause sequence  603  into an analog format for playing through a speaker. The converting function of the audio player  600  can be performed by the MP3 controller chip  404  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) or a separate converter contained in the audio player  600 . The exemplary audio player  600  comprises a MP3 controller chip  404  that is connected to at least one speaker. The exemplary MP3 controller chip  404  may comprise a microprocessor, a CPU, a digital signal processor (DSP), a programmable logic device (PLD) or other logic devices. The exemplary MP3 controller chip  404  also incorporates a small memory.  
         [0085]     The method of sending out the audio and pause sequence  603  from the pre-recorded audio clip memory  604  and the text memory  606  depends on a software or firmware algorithm implemented in instructions or code stored in the program memory  602 . The pre-recorded audio clip memory  604 , the text memory  606  and the program memory  602  used to store the code for the software or firmware algorithm are all preferably flash memories. Since the data stored in the text memory  606  is not in audio format, therefore, a text to speech converter  608  is required to convert the text data stored in the text memory  606  into an audio and pause sequence  603 .  
         [0086]     The device if further comprised of user interface block  610  which is able to receive external input or environmental data for use in interrupting or changing the programming sequence  603  controlled by the program memory  602 . The exemplary user interface block  610  contains a user input block  612 , a GPS or location detector  614 , a voice recognition component  616 , a motion detector  618 , a position detector  620 , a digital compass  622 , and an input detector  624 .  
         [0087]     The user input block  612  includes some buttons/keys (e.g., alpha-numeric keys or subset thereof) with display or audio feedback. The GPS or location detector  614  is used to determine the global location  628  of the user. The voice recognition component  616  is used to receive and analyze words spoken by a user  630 . The motion detector  618  may be used to detect a user&#39;s movement  632 . The position detector  620  may be used to detect a user&#39;s position  634 , such as whether the user is standing, kneeling or prostrating. The digital compass  622  may be used to detect the user&#39;s orientation  636 . The input detector  624  may be used to detect other inputs  638 .  
         [0088]     The interaction between the audio playing device and the user can also be through a computer and a display such as a LCD screen display  612 , instead of, or in addition to, audio prompts. The user could make selections by selecting options displayed on the screen display  612 , such as menu screen that feeds into a sub-menu screen until the user finds the desired selection option.  
         [0089]     The exemplary audio playing device (e.g.,  10 ,  110 , 210 ) may also be used outside of prayer to listen to specific surat (chapter), Duaa′ (wishes addressed to God) or Hadith (teachings of the prophet Mohammed), which could also be stored in discrete files in memory and indexed similar to the Quran content files. The exemplary device may also be used to play or replay specific texts to allow a user to memorize the text.  
         [0090]     With a GPS or a location detector  614 , the exemplary audio playing device  10  is able to determine the direction to which the user must face in order for the user to face predetermined destination location, such as the city of Mecca to which Muslim people typically face when they pray. After a direction from the user to Mecca is determined, the audio playing device  10  which has an integrated digital compass  622  can guide the user to the orientation of the Mecca kaaba through an audio instruction. The audio playing device  10  may optionally provide a background sound of the Mecca kaaba ambiance and voices to add spirituality to a prayer.  
         [0091]     The exemplary audio playing device  10  may include a date and time clock  626  in the user interface block  610  to allow the audio playing device  10  to inform the user of prayer time through, for example, a flashing light or an audible instruction.  
         [0092]     The audio playing device  10  may also detect the motion  632  of the user through the motion and position sensors  618  and detect the user&#39;s voice  630 . The device  10  may use this information when guiding the user through an activity to determine when, for example, to proceed to the next step instead of pausing or being silent for a predetermined time.  
         [0093]     While examples have been used to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention, the patentable scope of the invention is defined by claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly the examples disclosed herein are to be considered non-limiting. Indeed, it is contemplated that any combination of features disclosed herein may be combined with any other or combination of other features disclosed herein without limitation.  
         [0094]     Furthermore, in describing preferred embodiments, specific terminology is resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all equivalents.  
         [0095]     It should be understood that as used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Finally, as used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meanings of “and” and “or” include both the conjunctive and disjunctive and may be used interchangeably unless the context expressly dictates otherwise; the phrase “exclusive or” may be used to indicate situation where only the disjunctive meaning may apply.