Patent Publication Number: US-7596351-B2

Title: Audio system, radio record module and methods for use therewith

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to audio systems, radio receivers that receive Radio Data System data and related methods. 
     DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART 
     As is known, data can be sent over broadcast frequency modulation (FM) radio broadcasts using the Radio Data System (RDS) and/or Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS) standards. A third harmonic of the 19 kHz FM stereo pilot tone is used to generate a 57 kHz subcarrier that is modulated by a 1.1875 kbits/sec data signal. In this fashion, data such as station call letters and programming information, can be transmitted, along with the associated audio content, to a radio receiver for display to the user. In addition, data can be transmitted that allows a radio receiver to retune to broadcast stations transmitting on different frequencies if the original station signal drops out. Further data relating to frequencies to tune to special traffic bulletins and other travel information can likewise be broadcast. 
     Current radio receivers make limited use of the RDS data that is transmitted. Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art through comparison to systems with the present invention as disclosed herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  presents a pictorial diagram of a handheld audio system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  presents a block diagram of an audio system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  presents a pictorial diagram of an audio system and host devices that can be coupled thereto in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  presents a block diagram of a radio record module in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  presents a block diagram of a radio record module in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  presents a block diagram of a radio record module in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  presents a block diagram of a radio record module in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  presents a block diagram of a record module in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  presents a graphical representation of the contents of a memory module in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  presents a block diagram of a memory module in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  presents a pictorial diagram of an audio system and elements of a user interface in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  presents a flowchart representation of a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  presents a flowchart representation of a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  presents a flowchart representation of a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  presents a flowchart representation of a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  presents a flowchart representation of a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  presents a flowchart representation of a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  presents a flowchart representation of a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION INCLUDING THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  presents a pictorial diagram of a handheld audio system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, a handheld audio system  80  is shown that receives a received radio signal  100  that carries RDS data and an associated audio signal over one or more channels having corresponding carrier frequencies. The received radio signal  100  can be an AM radio signal, FM radio signal, satellite radio signal, cable radio signal, or other radio signal that can carry RDS data and an associated audio signal. As used herein RDS data shall mean data that is transmitted in accordance with the RDS standard, the RBDS standard or any similar data transmission system. In operation, the handheld audio system  80  produces an audio output from the received radio signal or from stored MP3 files, stored WMA files, and/or other stored digital audio files. Handheld audio system  80  includes an audio system and/or radio record module that implements one or more of the features and functions in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention as set forth further in conjunction with the remaining figures and the appended claims. 
       FIG. 2  presents a block diagram of an audio system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, audio system  50  includes a radio stage  102  that demodulates a selected channel of a received radio signal  100  into a received radio data system (RDS) signal  106  and an associated audio signal  104 . In an embodiment of the present invention, audio system  50  can be used in handheld audio system  80 . However, in alternative embodiments, audio system  50  can be implemented in a host of other electronic devices, radio receivers, automotive audio systems, stereo systems and the like. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, radio stage  102  includes a radio receiver, such as a low intermediate frequency (IF) receiver, superheterodyne receiver, or other receiver that demodulates and down converts a channel of received radio signal  100 , based on either channel selection signal  142  from user interface module  140  or from optional channel selection signal  126 , to a baseband signal, near baseband signal, or low intermediate frequency (IF) signal. The associated audio channel signal  104  is generated by decoding stereo sum and difference signals into right and left channel audio signals from the audio content of the selected channel. Received RDS signal  106  is formed by extracting the 19 kHz pilot tone from the demodulated signal, forming a 57 kHz subcarrier signal by clipping the 19 kHz pilot tone and extracting the third harmonic, and down converting modulated RDS signal using the 57 kHz subcarrier. However, other methods and structure can likewise be utilized to demodulate the radio signal  100  into a received RDS signal  106  and associated audio signal  104  in other embodiments of the present invention. 
     In an embodiment, radio record module  125  stores a record request  222  that has an RDS parameter. Further, the radio record module  125  is operable to decode the received RDS signal into received RDS data, to compare the received RDS data to the RDS parameter of the record request  222  and to assert a record signal  128  when the received RDS data compares favorably to the RDS parameter. In addition, radio record module  125  records the associated audio signal  104  in response to the record signal  128  being asserted. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the received RDS data includes a plurality of information fields such as: alternative frequencies, clock time, enhanced other networks, program information, program service, program type, regional links, radio text, travel announcements, traffic program, traffic message channel, and other information fields that can be broadcast over received radio signal  100 . The record request  222  includes one or more RDS parameters that are meant to match data that could be contained in one or more of the information fields of the received RDS data. 
     For example, the record request  222  can include an RDS parameter such as the radio program title of a radio text information field. In this fashion, a record request  222  can be set to record a particular radio program such as, “Car Talk”. In operation, radio record module  125  decodes received RDS signal  106  into received RDS data, extracts program title data from the radio text information field and compares this extracted data to the RDS parameter of the record request  222 —in this case “Car Talk”. When the Car Talk program begins, the received RDS data matches the RDS parameter of the record request  222  and the radio record module  125  asserts the record signal  128  and begins recording the associated audio signal  104 , in this case, the Car Talk show. In an embodiment, the record request  222  can include the duration to be recorded, such as 30 minutes, one hour, etc. and the recording continues for this length of time. However, other methods for choosing the record duration can be used including, stopping the recording if the program title field indicates a different program has begun, if the channel is changed by the user, if a stop time is reached (such as 1:00 pm), etc. 
     In an alternate embodiment the radio program recording can begin before the RDS matching occurs (buffering the data) and only storing the recorded file when a match is made. In this fashion, the beginning of a program can still be recorded, even if an RDS match is detected after a program has started. Further details regarding the implementation of this embodiment will be discussed in conjunction with  FIG. 8 . 
     In another example, the record request  222  can include an RDS parameter such as a song title of a radio text information field. In this fashion, a record request  222  can be set to record a particular song such as, “Great Balls of Fire”. In operation, radio record module  125  decodes received RDS signal  106  into received RDS data, extracts song title data from the radio text information field and compares this extracted data to the RDS parameter of the record request  222 —in this case “Great Balls of Fire”. When the song Great Balls of Fire begins, the received RDS data matches the RDS parameter of the record request  222  and the radio record module  125  asserts the record signal  128  and begins recording the associated audio signal  104 , in this case, the song Great Balls of Fire. In an embodiment, the record request  222  can include the duration to be recorded, such as a duration corresponding to the duration of the song and the recording continues for this length of time. However, other methods for choosing the record duration can be used including, stopping the recording if the song title field indicates a different song has begun, if the channel is changed by the user, etc. 
     In another example, the record request  222  can include an RDS parameter such as an artist name, that includes the name of a radio personality, show host, recording artist, or guest, etc. that is included in a radio text information field. In this fashion, a record request  222  can be set to record songs from a particular recoding artist such as, “Bob Marley”. In operation, radio record module  125  decodes received RDS signal  106  into received RDS data, artist name data from the radio text information field and compares this extracted data to the RDS parameter of the record request  222 —in this case “Bob Marley”. When a song by Bob Marley begins, the received RDS data matches the RDS parameter of the record request  222  and the radio record module  125  asserts the record signal  128  and begins recording the associated audio signal  104 , in this case, the song by Bob Marley. In an embodiment, the record request  222  can include the duration to be recorded and the recording continues for this length of time. However, other methods for choosing the record duration can be used including, stopping the recording if the program title field indicates a song by different artist, for instance, “Florence Foster Jenkins” has begun, if the channel is changed by the user, silence is detected in either the associated audio signal and the digital audio signal, etc. 
     In another example, the record request  222  can include an RDS parameter such as a program type of a program type information field. In this fashion, a record request  222  can be set to record programs of a particular program type such as, “news”. In operation, radio record module  125  decodes received RDS signal  106  into received RDS data, extracts program type data from the radio text information field and compares this extracted data to the RDS parameter of the record request  222 —in this case “news”. When a news program begins, the received RDS data matches the RDS parameter of the record request  222  and the radio record module  125  asserts the record signal  128  and begins recording the associated audio signal  104 , in this case, the news program. In an embodiment, the record request  222  can include the duration to be recorded and the recording continues for this length of time. However, other methods for choosing the record duration can be used including, stopping the recording if the program title field indicates a different program type, for instance, “Jazz” has begun, if the channel is changed by the user, etc. 
     While the examples above would include an exact match between the RDS parameters and the record request  222 , other search schemes using techniques such as fuzzy logic, wildcard searches, and partial parameters that use search requests such as “Great Ball**”, “Great Balls Fire” “**Balls of Fir**”, etc., may also be employed in accordance with the present invention. 
     In another example, the record request  222  can include an RDS parameter such as a time of a clock time information field. In this fashion, a record request  222  can be set to record from 1:00 pm-2:00 pm, that perhaps corresponds to the time of a favorite show. In operation, radio record module  125  decodes received RDS signal  106  into received RDS data, extracts the time from the clock time information field and compares this extracted data to the RDS parameter of the record request  222 —in this case “1:00 pm”. When it is 1:00 pm, the received RDS data matches the RDS parameter of the record request  222  and the radio record module  125  asserts the record signal  128  and begins recording the associated audio signal  104 , in this case, the favorite show. In an embodiment, the recording ends after the stop time is reached, in this case 2:00 pm. 
     While the examples above have been described in terms of a single RDS parameter, multiple RDS parameters can be included in a single record request  222 . For example, a record request  222  can include a song title and artist name, such as “Great Balls of Fire” and “Jerry Lee Lewis”. In an embodiment of the present invention the record request  222  includes a plurality of RDS parameters and the radio record module  125  asserts the record signal  128  when the received RDS data  106  compares favorably to each of the plurality of RDS parameters. In the alternative, radio record module  125  can assert the record signal  128  when the received RDS data  106  compares favorably to one of the plurality of RDS parameters. In an embodiment, the record request  222  can include an “OR mode” indicator or an “AND mode” indicator to determine if all of the RDS parameters must be matched to begin recording or if only one parameters needs to match. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the record request  222  also includes a desired channel, and wherein the radio record module  125  generates optional channel selection signal  126  to tune the radio stage  102  to the selected channel. For instance, a record request  222  can include data that indicates, “record the station KFMA at 89.5 MHz from 1:00 pm-2:00 pm”. In addition, the desired channel designation can optionally be used in conjunction with any of the other examples provided above. 
     Record module records and stores the associated audio signal  106  as a digital audio file in a format such as Windows Media Architecture (WMA), a Motion Picture Expert Group (MPEG) audio format such as MP3, MP4 files, PRO, Ogg Vorbis, Advanced Audio Coding (ACC) or other digital file format. Audio system  125  includes audio playback module  130  that generates an audio playback signal  136  from the digital audio file. Audio system  125  includes an output selection switch  132 , that produces an audio output  138  that includes the audio playback signal  136  when a playback mode signal  134  is asserted, and that includes the associated audio signal  104  when the playback mode signal  136  is deasserted. The playback mode signal  136  is generated by user interface module  140  in response to an action of a user. This allows the user to select between the live audio stream of associated audio channel  104  or the playback of a digital audio file, regardless of whether or not an audio program is being recorded. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, user interface module  140  further includes a keyboard, pointing device, buttons, touch screen or other input device and a display, sound generator, lights or other output devices that allow the user to interact with the device. The user interface module  140  generates channel selection signal  142  that can (manually) select a particular channel of radio stage  102 . The user interface can be coupled to record module  125  to store record request  222  generated by a user, to select digital audio files for playback, to generate record signal  128  to manually command the radio record module  125  to begin recording, to select the playback mode, and to either assert or deassert the playback mode signal  134 . In an embodiment of the present invention, the user interface module  140  is further operable to generate a user indication in response to the record signal  128  being asserted. In this fashion, the user has feedback that the recording of associated audio signal  104  has commenced or is in progress, either in response to the user manually selecting the record mode or in response to the record mode being entered by radio record module  125  in response to a record request  222 . 
     Audio system  50  optionally includes host interface  144  that is couplable to a host device  150  and that is operable, when coupled, to receive audio file data  146  from the host device  150  and transmit stored data  148 , such as digital audio files created from recorded audio programming, to the host device  150 . In this embodiment, audio playback module  130  is further operable to generate the audio playback signal  136  based on the received audio file data  146 . In operation, the user can couple the audio system  50  to a host device  150 , such as a computer and download and store additional digital audio files for selection by user interface module  140  and playback by audio playback module  130  or to upload recorded programs. Further discussion regarding the operation of optional host interface  144  is presented in association with  FIG. 3 . 
     Each of the various modules of audio system  50  can be implemented in hardware, firmware, software or a combination thereof, in accordance with the broad scope of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, one or more functions of radio stage  102 , radio record module  125 , audio playback module  130 , host interface  144 , output selection switch  132  and user interface module  140  can be implemented with a processing device that is uses a microprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array, programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals (analog and/or digital) based on operational instructions that are stored in memory. Note that when the processing device implements one or more of its functions via a state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry, the memory storing the corresponding operational instructions may be embedded within, or external to, the circuitry comprising the state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry. 
       FIG. 3  presents a pictorial diagram of a handheld audio system and host devices that can be coupled thereto in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, handheld audio system  80  includes an audio system such as audio system  50  that includes optional host interface  144 . Handheld audio system  80  can be operably coupled to a host device  150  such as computer  82  (that may be a personal computer, workstation, server or access point), laptop computer  84 , or any other device that may transceive data with the handheld audio system  80 . 
     With the handheld audio system  80  is coupled to the host device  150 , the host interface  144  facilitates the transfer of data between the host device  150  and handheld audio system  80 . For example, audio file data  146  received from the host device  150  is first received via the host interface  144  as received data. Depending on the type of coupling between the host device  150  and the handheld audio system  80 , the received data will be formatted in a particular manner. For example, if the handheld audio system  80  is coupled to the host device  150  via a universal serial bus (USB) cable, the received data will come from host device  150  in accordance with the format proscribed by the USB specification. The host interface  144  converts the format of the received data (e.g., USB format) into received audio data  146  in a format used by radio record module  125  to store the data by removing overhead data that corresponds to the format of the received data and storing the remaining data as data words. In this mode, the handheld audio system  80  is functioning as extended memory of the host device  150  (e.g., like a thumb drive). 
     When coupled, the host device  150  can optionally retrieve data from radio record module  125  as if it were part of the memory of host device  150 . When requested by host device  150 , stored data  148  is provided to the host interface  144 , which converts the format of the stored data  146  from the format of the handheld audio system  80  into the format of the coupling between the handheld audio system  80  and the host device  150 . The host interface  144  then provides the formatted data to the host device  150  via the coupling. 
     The coupling between the host device and the handheld audio system  80  may be a wireless connection or a wired connection. For instance, a wireless connection, provided by transceiver module  30  may be in accordance with Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11x, and/or any other wireless LAN (local area network) protocol, IrDA, etc. The wired connection may be in accordance with one or more Ethernet protocols, Firewire, USB, etc. Depending on the particular type of connection, the host interface  144  includes a corresponding encoder and decoder. For example, when the handheld audio system  80  is coupled to the host device via a USB cable, the host interface  144  includes a USB encoder and a USB decoder. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, when the handheld audio system  80  is coupled to the host device  150  via a wired connection or direct coupling, the host device  150  may power the handheld audio system  80  such that the battery is unused and/or may further recharge a battery of handheld audio system  80 . 
       FIG. 4  presents a block diagram of a radio record module in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, radio record module  125  includes a radio data system (RDS) decoder module  204 , that decodes a received RDS signal  106 , that has an associated audio signal  104 , into received RDS data  206 . In particular, RDS decoder module  204  includes an analog to digital converter (ADC) that samples the received RDS signal  106  into a digital signal, decodes and extracts the received RDS data  206  from the various RDS information fields. 
     In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, radio stage  102  includes an analog to digital converter (ADC) and a digital section for performing one or more steps in the demodulation of received radio signal  100 . In this embodiment, associated audio signal  104  and/or received RDS signal  106  can be digital signals and, in particular, the ADC of RDS decoder module  204  can be omitted. 
     Memory module  210  stores a record request  222 . Comparison module  208  compares the received RDS data  206  to one or more RDS parameters  214  of the record request  222  and asserts record signal  128  when the received RDS data  206  compares favorably to the RDS parameter  214 . Recording module  200  records the associated audio signal  104  in response to the record signal  128  being asserted and creates a digital audio file  212  that is stored in memory module  210 . 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the memory module  210  stores a plurality of record requests  222  and the comparison module  208  is operable to compare the received RDS data  206  to the RDS parameter  214  of a plurality of the record requests, and to assert the record signal if any of the record requests are satisfied. 
       FIG. 5  presents a block diagram of a radio record module in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, a radio record module  125 ′ is presented that can be used in place of radio record module  125  in implementing audio system  50 . Radio record module  125 ′ includes many similar elements of radio record module  125  that are referred to by common reference numerals. In this embodiment, record request  222  includes a selected channel and channel selection module  220  generates optional channel selection signal  126 , based on the selected channel of record request  222 . In this embodiment, record request  222  includes a record time that defines a time for recording module  125 ′ to begin recording. Channel selection module  220  determines the current time from either an internal clock that is free running, an internal clock that is synchronized to clock time information from received RDS data  206  or directly from clock time information from received RDS data  206 . Channel selection module asserts channel selection signal  126  to tune radio stage  102  to the selected channel, a predetermined time period, such as a time slightly greater than the longest anticipated settling time of radio stage  102 , before the recording time begins. 
       FIG. 6  presents a block diagram of a radio record module in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, a radio record module  125 ″ is presented that can be used in place of radio record module  125  and/or  125 ′ in implementing audio system  50 . Radio record module  125 ″ includes many similar elements of radio record module  125  that are referred to by common reference numerals. In this embodiment, a catalog generation module  216  generates catalog data  218 , associated with the digital audio file  212 , that includes an RDS parameter of the received RDS data  206 . Memory module  210  stores the catalog data  218  in a catalog, along with storing the digital audio file  212 . 
     In operation, the storage of catalog data  218  in a catalog of memory module  210 , allows the digital audio file  212  to be easily accessed by the user at some later time for playback. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, user interface module  140  generates a user catalog indication that includes the catalog data  218  associated with the digital audio file  212 , and that selects the digital audio file for playback in response to a user selection. Further, user interface module  140  is operable to generate a user record indication in response to the record signal  128  being asserted. In particular, the inclusion of one or more RDS parameters in the catalog data allows the user to remember what has been recorded, and to sort through multiple stored digital audio files  212  to select a particular digital audio file to be played back by audio playback module  130 . In an embodiment of the present invention, the RDS parameter includes a radio program title song title and/or artist name of a radio text information field. The RDS parameter can further include other RDS data such as a time of a clock time information field, a program type (such as news, sports, weather, oldies, jazz, etc.) of a program type information field, or a station identity (such as a station call sign or other station identifier) of a program service information field. By way of example, a recording of Jerry Lee Lewis&#39;s song, “Great Balls of Fire”, can be stored in memory module  210  with associated catalog data  218  that includes information such as: the station call sign or other station identifier, the start time, ending time, and/or duration of the song, the song title and artist, and any other RDS parameters derived RDS data. 
       FIG. 7  presents a block diagram of a radio record module in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, a radio record module  125 ′″ is presented that can be used in place of radio record module  125 ,  125 ′ and/or  125 ′ in implementing audio system  50 . Radio record module  125 ′″ includes many similar elements of radio record module  125 ′ that are referred to by common reference numerals. In this embodiment, a catalog generation module  216  generates catalog data  218  associated with the digital audio file  212  that optionally includes the RDS parameter of the record request  222 . 
     In this embodiment, if the recording of associated audio signal  104  is initiated by user interface module  140  when a user chooses to manually enter the record mode, such as when he or she hears a song or program to record, the digital audio file  212  can be stored with catalog data  218  that is derived from the received RDS data that is associated with that particular broadcast. On the other hand, if the recording of associated audio signal  104  is initiated by comparison module  208  finding a match between received RDS data  206  and a record request  222 , the digital audio file  212  can be stored with catalog data  218  that includes an RDS parameter of the record request  222 . Further, the catalog data  218  can optionally include RDS parameters from both the record request  222 , and the received RDS data  206 . For instance, if the user generates a record request  222  to record a song by Jerry Lee Lewis, this information can be included in the catalog data  218  along with the other information regarding the song derived from received RDS data  206  such as: the station call sign or other station identifier, the start time, ending time, and/or duration of the song, the song title, and any other RDS parameters derived RDS data. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, record requests  222  can be one-time only or designated as one time only. In this fashion, after a program is recorded with received RDS data  206  that matches the record request  222 , the record request is deleted to avoid duplicate recordings. For instance, a request to record “Great Balls of Fire” or KMFA on 1:00 pm-2:00 pm on Jan. 2, 2004, would be deleted after being recorded. 
     In addition or in the alternative, record requests can be multiple use or designated as multiple use with either a maximum number of recordings that is predetermined, selected by the user or that is unlimited. For instance, a predetermined or selected number of episodes of a program such as “Car Talk”, or songs by “Bob Marley”, could be recorded and stored until an episode is deleted. In the event of multiple recordings, certain RDS parameters can be checked against the catalog data  218  to determine if the recording would be a duplicate. For instance, if the record request  222  is for songs by Jerry Lee Lewis, before recording “Great Balls of Fire”, the catalog data  218  is searched to determine if Great Balls of Fire is currently stored in memory—to avoid a duplicate recording. In this fashion, the recording module  200  does not generate the digital audio file  212  when at least a portion of the received RDS data  206 , such as the song title, compares favorably (such as by matching) the catalog data corresponding to a digital audio file already stored in memory. 
       FIG. 8  presents a block diagram of a record module in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, record module  200  includes an ADC module  250  for converting the associated audio signal  104  into digital audio signal  252  that is stored in a buffer  258 . Audio encoder module  254 , encodes the digital audio signal  252  into a digital audio file  212  for storage in memory module  210 . Audio encoder module  254  is enabled when record signal  128  is asserted and disabled when record signal  128  is deasserted so as to record associated audio signal  104  only when desired in response to a record request  222  or optionally, when manually commanded to record by user interface module  140 . 
     As discussed in conjunction with  FIG. 4 , radio stage  102  optionally includes an analog to digital converter (ADC) and a digital section for performing one or more steps in the demodulation of received radio signal  100 . In this embodiment, associated audio signal  104  and/or received RDS signal  106  can be digital signals and, in particular, the ADC module  250  can be omitted. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the record module records an audio program of the associated audio signal as a digital audio file in response to a record signal being asserted, wherein the recording module generates the digital audio file automatically beginning at the start of the radio program and automatically ending at the end of radio program. Audio encoder module  254  begins the digital audio file  212  at a point of digital audio signal  252  from buffer  258  that corresponds to the beginning of the audio program to be recorded. If, for instance, an RDS parameter matches a record request  222  or the record signal  128  is otherwise asserted after a song to be recorded has begun, the beginning of the song can be identified in the buffer the record module analyzing the data backward in time until a pause occurs such as by detecting silence in the digital audio signal, detecting the music in the digital audio signal, detecting voice-only in the digital audio signal, detecting a transition between these different types of digital audio signals (silence/music, silence/voice, voice/music, etc.), a program start sequence is recognized, or for a predetermined amount of time that is calculated, based on the estimated detection latency of record module  200  in response to the detection of a matching RDS parameter, to encompass the beginning of an audio program to be recorded. In this fashion, the record module  200  includes at least a portion of the digital audio signal  252  in the digital audio file  212  that was buffered by buffer  258  prior to receiving the received RDS data  206  and prior to the record signal  128  being asserted. Similarly the end of the audio program can be detected based on the expiration of the expected program duration, a change in RDS data indicating that the program has ended by detecting silence in the digital audio signal, detecting the music in the digital audio signal, detecting voice-only in the digital audio signal, detecting a transition between these different types of digital audio signals (silence/music, silence/voice, voice/music, etc.), or by other methods. 
     While the buffer  258  of record module  200  is shown as buffering the digital audio signal  252  prior to encoding by audio encoder module  254 , in an alternative embodiment, buffer  258  can be placed after audio encoder module  254  to buffer data that has been encoded. In this embodiment, the audio file can be discarded if no recording is requested, or trimmed in the event that a recording is commenced and the buffer contains buffered audio data that begins prior to the beginning of the program to be recorded. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, ADC module  250  is implemented using a delta sigma modulator, delta modulators, flash converters and other analog to digital converter methods, with or without significant over-sampling, could likewise be used in alternative embodiments of the present invention. Also, alternative delta sigma architectures could be used such as multi-stage noise shaping (MASH), multi-bit quantizers, and higher or lower order loops. 
       FIG. 9  presents a graphical representation of the contents of a memory module in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, memory module  210  includes catalog  306  of catalog data  218 , stored record requests  304 , such as record requests  222 , digital audio files  302 , such as digital audio files  212  created by record module  125  or  125 ′ from recording associated audio signal  104 . In addition, memory module includes digital audio files  300  such as audio file data  146  received from a host device  150 , and also other stored digital audio files. In an embodiment of the present invention, memory module  210  includes 64 Mbytes or greater of storage capacity, including additional storage capacity for storing operation instructions used by a processing device used in the implementation of audio system  50 , or for the storage of any other type of information that may be stored in a digital format. While the catalog data  218  is shown above as being stored in a separate catalog  306 , the catalog data  218  can alternatively be stored in the filename or as tags that are stored in association with the digital audio files  302 , in separate files for each set of catalog data associated with a digital audio file  302 , or in association with a directory, such as an operating system directory, etc. Many possible data structures are possible that allow the catalog data  218  to be searched and for the associated digital audio file  302  to be retrieved. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, memory module can be a single memory device or a plurality of memory devices. Such a memory device may include a read-only memory, random access memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory, and/or any device that stores digital information. 
       FIG. 10  presents a block diagram of a memory module in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, memory module  210  includes a memory interface  314  for accessing an internal memory  312  and removable memory card  310 . In an embodiment of the present invention, removable memory card  310  can include non-volatile memory in a format such as CompactFlash, SmartMedia, Memory Stick, Secure Digital (SD) card, xD card or other memory card format. In an embodiment of the present invention, removable memory card  310  can store digital audio files  300  that may be loaded on memory card  310 , when memory card  310  is coupled or connected to a remote device, such as host device  150 . In addition, memory card  310  can store digital audio files  302  and associated catalog data  218  that are recorded by radio record module  125  or  125 ′. 
       FIG. 11  presents a pictorial diagram of an audio system and elements of a user interface in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, an audio system  400 , such as audio system  50 , is shown that includes a display  401  for providing a user indication, a plurality of buttons  402  for generating signals in response to actions of a user, and time/date display  408 . 
     In operation, audio system  400  generates a user catalog indication that includes a display  406  of catalog data  212  associated with a plurality of digital audio files  212 . A particular digital audio file  212 , in this case, the program “Car Talk” that was recorded from the station KABC on Jan. 8, 2006, can be selected for playback in response to a user selection by moving floating curser box  410  over the particular displayed catalog entry and by pressing either the “play” button or the “sel” (select) button. Audio system  400  commands audio playback module  130  to retrieve the selected digital audio file  212  from memory  210  and to generate an audio playback signal  136  from the digital audio file. Audio system  400  also asserts a playback mode signal  134  in response, and switches output selection switch  132  to produce an audio output  138  that includes the audio playback signal  136 . 
     Audio system  400  is further operable to generate a user record indication  404  in response to the record signal  128  being asserted. In this fashion, the user can monitor which program is currently being recorded. In addition, audio system  400  includes an Radio button that, when pressed by the user, deasserts playback mode signal  134  that switches output selection switch  132  to produce an audio output  138  that includes the associated audio signal  106 . 
       FIG. 12  presents a flowchart representation of a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use in conjunction with one or more of the features and functions presented in association with  FIGS. 1-11  In step  500 , a record request having an RDS parameter, is stored. In step  502 , a received radio data system (RDS) signal, that has an associated audio signal, is decoded into received RDS data. In step  504 , the received RDS data is compared to the RDS parameter of the record request. In step  506 , the method determines if the received RDS data compares favorably to the RDS parameter. If not, the method continues. If so, the method executes step  508  where a record signal is asserted and step  510 , where the associated audio signal is recorded in response to the record signal being asserted. 
     In embodiments of the present invention, the RDS parameter includes a radio program title, a song title, and/or a artist name of a radio text information field, a time of a clock time information field, and/or a program type of a program type information field. 
     In an embodiment, step  502  includes storing a plurality of record requests and step  504  includes comparing the received RDS data to the RDS parameter of a plurality of the record requests. In an embodiment, step  510  includes recording the associated audio signal into a digital audio file. 
     In an embodiment, the record request includes a plurality of RDS parameters and the step of asserting includes asserting the record signal when the received RDS data compares favorably to each of the plurality of RDS parameters. Alternatively, the record request includes a plurality of RDS parameters and the step of asserting includes asserting the record signal when the received RDS data compares favorably to one of the plurality of RDS parameters. 
     As discussed in association with  FIG. 8 , step  502  further includes buffering the associated audio signal and step  510  optionally includes beginning the recording of the audio signal at a point of the audio signal that corresponds to the beginning of the audio program to be recorded. If, for instance, an RDS parameter matches a record request after a song to be recorded has begun, the beginning of the song can be identified in the buffer by moving backward in the data until a pause occurs, a program start sequence is recognized, or a predetermined amount of time, calculated based on the estimated detection latency to encompass the beginning of an audio program to be recorded. 
       FIG. 13  presents a flowchart representation of a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use in conjunction with one or more of the features and functions presented in association with  FIGS. 1-11  and for use particularly with the method of  FIG. 12 . In this embodiment, the record request includes the channel, and wherein method further includes step  520  for generating a channel selection signal that is based on the record request. 
       FIG. 14  presents a flowchart representation of a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use in conjunction with one or more of the features and functions presented in association with  FIGS. 1-13 . In step  600 , a received radio data system (RDS) signal, that has an associated audio signal, is decoded into received RDS data. In step  602 , the associated audio signal is converted to a digital audio signal in response to a record signal being asserted. In step  604 , the digital audio signal is encoded into a digital data file. In step  606 , catalog data associated with the digital audio file is generated, the catalog data including an RDS parameter of the received RDS data. In step  608  the digital audio file and catalog data are stored. (need to replace “directory” with catalog in  FIG. 14 ,  606 ). 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the catalog data includes one or more RDS parameters of the received RDS data. These RDS parameters can be a radio program title of a radio text information field; a song title of a radio text information field; a artist name of a radio text information field; a program type of a program type information field, a station identity of a program service information field, a time of a clock time information field and/or a station identity of a program service information field. 
       FIG. 15  presents a flowchart representation of a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use in conjunction with one or more of the features and functions presented in association with  FIGS. 1-13  and for use particularly with the method of  FIG. 14 . In step  620 , a user catalog indication is generated that includes the catalog data associated with the digital audio file. In step  622 , the digital audio file is selected for playback in response to a user selection. 
       FIG. 16  presents a flowchart representation of a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use in conjunction with one or more of the features and functions presented in association with  FIGS. 1-15  and for use particularly with the method of  FIG. 14 . In step  630 , a user record indication is generated in response to the record signal being asserted. 
       FIG. 17  presents a flowchart representation of a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use in conjunction with one or more of the features and functions presented in association with  FIGS. 1-16  and for use particularly with the method of  FIG. 14 . In step  640 , a playback mode signal is generated in response to an action of a user. In step  642 , an audio playback signal is generated from the digital audio file when the playback mode signal is asserted. In step  644 , an audio output is produced that includes the associated audio signal when the playback mode signal is deasserted. 
       FIG. 18  presents a flowchart representation of a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use in conjunction with one or more of the features and functions presented in association with  FIGS. 1-17 . In step  700 , a record request is stored, the record request having an RDS parameter. In step  702 , a received RDS signal, that has an associated audio signal, is decoded into received RDS data. In step  704 , the received RDS data is compared to the RDS parameter of the record request. In step  706 , the method determines if the RDS data compares favorably to the RDS parameter. If not, the method continues. If so, steps  708 ,  710  and  712  are performed. In step  708 , a record signal is asserted. In step  710 , a digital audio file is generated from the associated audio signal. In step  712 , catalog data associated with the digital audio file is generated and stored in a catalog, wherein the catalog data includes the RDS parameter of the record request. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, step  712  further includes generating catalog data that includes at least one RDS parameter of the received RDS data. Further, either the RDS parameter of the received RDS data or the RDS parameter of the record request includes at least one of: a radio program title; a song title; a artist name; and a program type, a station identity or a time. In  FIG. 18  need to replace “directory” with catalog in  712  block. 
     As discussed in association with  FIG. 8 , step  702  further includes buffering the associated audio signal and step  710  optionally includes beginning the recording of a digital audio file at a point of the audio signal that corresponds to the beginning of the audio program to be recorded. If, for instance, an RDS parameter matches a record request after a song to be recorded has begun, the beginning of the song can be identified in the buffer by moving backward in the data until a pause occurs, a program start sequence is recognized, or a predetermined amount of time, calculated based on the estimated detection latency to encompass the beginning of an audio program to be recorded. 
     As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, the term “substantially” or “approximately”, as may be used herein, provides an industry-accepted tolerance to its corresponding term and/or relativity between items. Such an industry-accepted tolerance ranges from less than one percent to twenty percent and corresponds to, but is not limited to, component values, integrated circuit process variations, temperature variations, rise and fall times, and/or thermal noise. Such relativity between items ranges from a difference of a few percent to magnitude differences. As one of ordinary skill in the art will further appreciate, the term “operably coupled”, as may be used herein, includes direct coupling and indirect coupling via another component, element, circuit, or module where, for indirect coupling, the intervening component, element, circuit, or module does not modify the information of a signal but may adjust its current level, voltage level, and/or power level. As one of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate, inferred coupling (i.e., where one element is coupled to another element by inference) includes direct and indirect coupling between two elements in the same manner as “operably coupled”. As one of ordinary skill in the art will further appreciate, the term “compares favorably”, as may be used herein, indicates that a comparison between two or more elements, items, signals, etc., provides a desired relationship. For example, when the desired relationship is that signal  1  has a greater magnitude than signal  2 , a favorable comparison may be achieved when the magnitude of signal  1  is greater than that of signal  2  or when the magnitude of signal  2  is less than that of signal  1 . 
     In preferred embodiments, the various circuit components are implemented using 0.35 micron or smaller CMOS technology. Provided however that other circuit technologies, both integrated or non-integrated, may be used within the broad scope of the present invention. Likewise, various embodiments described herein can also be implemented as software programs running on a computer processor. It should also be noted that the software implementations of the present invention can be stored on a tangible storage medium such as a magnetic or optical disk, read-only memory or random access memory and also be produced as an article of manufacture. 
     Thus, there has been described herein an apparatus and method, as well as several embodiments including a preferred embodiment, for implementing a handheld audio system, audio system, and radio record module. Various embodiments of the present invention herein-described have features that distinguish the present invention from the prior art. 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosed invention may be modified in numerous ways and may assume many embodiments other than the preferred forms specifically set out and described above. Accordingly, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all modifications of the invention which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.