Patent Abstract:
A method of use provides an extremely efficient manner of ordering a radio program occurring at approximately the time presented, minimizing the need to remember any details: The method is embodied in a range of tactile and voice controls which people in motion need to have. Security options include voice signatures, button sequences and fingerprint identification. User feedback is embodied in both audio and visual display formats. A method of controlling a radio is claimed which provides for placing an order, querying the ordering system for additional information, initializing a user&#39;s identifying signature, initializing a session by identifying a user, if the user is not properly identified, blocking access to ordering, and in certain embodiments, calling the police. A radio device is claimed supporting an IF signal source containing essential information on the radio program, an embedded controller, user interface as well as a radio transceiver by which the ordering transaction is carried out.

Full Description:
[0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/422,131 which was filed on Oct. 20, 1999. 
     
    
     
       TECHNICAL FIELD  
         [0002]    This invention relates to an ordering method and apparatus for broadcast radio programs used by a person in motion.  
         BACKGROUND ART  
         [0003]    Many people spend significant amounts of time traveling on a regular basis. Commuters using automobiles and mass transport fill the streets and transportation depots of many metropolitan areas several times a day for many hours. Others using bicycles and other wheeled vehicles are seen not only at rush hours, but also at other times throughout the week and on holidays. Still others prefer to long distance running and walking. All of these people have the opportunity to purchase radio receivers which enable them to enjoy broadcast radio programs of a wide variety, including entertainment such as music, dramatic productions, comedies, interviews, story telling sessions, as well as news and other factual radio programs including investment shows as well as advertisements and/or commercials.  
           [0004]    [0004]FIG. 1 depicts typical prior art vehicular radio receivers and cellular telephones. The basic receiver  10  of today often possesses an indicator  2  visually presenting some status information, such as whether the FM receiver is active, and if so, its tuner frequency. There is often a door  4  permitting loading and unloading of audio recording media, such as cassette tapes or CD&#39;s. Other alternatives include downloaded audio files on nonvolatile memory components. There is usually an array of push buttons  6 , which may be arranged in a variety of configurations, which may or may not form a regular pattern. Sometimes there are dials  8 . This basic receiver  10  is usually able to receive both AM and FM broadcasts as well as often play recorded material such as cassette tapes or CDs. Audio output is often achieved in automobiles using speakers  12  and  14  coupled to the receiver  10  by wires  16  and  18 , respectively.  
           [0005]    Other kinds of commuters and travelers usually cannot afford the space of separately detached speakers. Another solution includes a headset  20  including left and right speakers  22  and  24  sometimes with all the electronics for broadcast radio reception being resident in the headset  20 , sometimes with an antenna  30 . Volume and tuning controls  26  are often mounted on the earphone-speaker sections such as  22 . Batteries  28  are often mounted in the headset  20  as shown. A further progression includes an addition of microphone  34  attached by a mount  32  to the headset. Still further refinements include cabling  40  to a unit  42 , which is often mounted on a belt.  
           [0006]    This belt-mounted unit  42  often contains the active electronic components of the basic receiver  10  discussed above. Belt-mounted unit  42  often further contains an indicator  44  visually presenting some status information, a door  46  permitting loading and unloading of audio recording media and an array of push buttons  48 . Such units  42  usually receive both AM and FM broadcasts as well as often play recorded material such as cassette tapes or CDs. Some performing artists use versions of devices resembling these units  20 - 40 - 42  in place of hand held microphones and headsets. In such circumstances, the units act as transceivers, similar to cellular telephones, although with higher fidelity than standard cellular telephones. Additionally, cellular telephones  50  possessing a microphone  52  and earphone  54 , a push button array  56  and sometimes an antenna  58  have become common throughout much of the world.  
           [0007]    [0007]FIG. 2 depicts a simplified block diagram of a typical, prior art broadcast radio receiver. FM antenna  100  is coupled  102  to FM Tuner  104 . FM Tuner  104  is coupled  106  to FM Intermediate Frequency Processor (IF)  110 , from which the stereo audio signals  110  are presented to Analog Multiplexer/Switch  150 . AM antenna  120  is coupled  122  to AM Tuner  124 . AM Tuner  124  presents the audio signal  126  to Analog Multiplexer/Switch  150 . Tape drive  140  is coupled  142  to Tape Preamp  144 . Tape Preamp  144  presents the stereo audio signals  146  to Analog Multiplexer/Switch  150 .  
           [0008]    Analog Multiplexer/Switch  150  is usually manually controlled to select from a collection of inputs such as discussed above. It generates one or more audio signals  162  which are presented to Tone and Volume Control  160 , which generates audio signals  166  which are presented to one or more power amplifiers  164 . Power amplifiers  164  generate one or more audio signals presented  170  to Audio Speaker System  168 . The Audio Speaker System  168  involves one or more speakers, which may reside in a headset, rigidly mounted on the sides of an enclosure such as a boom box, or distributed some distance from each other, as in an automobile. Often the mechanism of presentation  170  to the audio speaker system is through a wire-based physical transport layer, but in certain situations, it may be through a wireless physical transport layer. These systems have been a staple of the consumer electronics market for a quarter of a century, remaining virtually unchanged in that time. However, there are some frustrations associated with such systems and the above mentioned cellular telephones.  
           [0009]    There is a subsidiary FM signal protocol known as RDS in the United States (and often referred to as RDBS in Europe), which has been adopted and deployed in a number of radio markets within the United States. RDS specifies a sub-band within the channel bandwidth of a standard FM broadcast station, which does not interfere with the audio sub-band of the FM transmission. The sub-band is currently used to broadcast digital information such as standard identification information of the standard broadcast station. From certain perspectives, this sub-band can be viewed as a sub-carrier used for additional analog and/or digital information.  
           [0010]    [0010]FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary prior art mobile computer  200  capable of being installed in an automobile. Computer  200  typically is designed to mount on or near the dashboard of an automobile, but could conceptually be mounted on the handle bars of a bicycle. Assembly  202 - 204 - 206  acts as a selection device similar in some ways to a mouse or joy stick. Push plate  204 , when depressed away from its center, selects a region such as  206 . Region  202  in certain situations contains a number of designations useful in selecting specific common options. Display  210  portrays the state of the computer, providing the main user output. Buttons  212 ,  214  and  216  provide a further array of user tactile inputs.  
           [0011]    Systems such as this have recently come onto the market here in the United States. Many of these systems run handheld computer operating systems and often feature menu driven control systems further accessing one or more nonvolatile memory systems, such as CDs, disk drives or nonvolatile semiconductor memories. However, even with such new systems, there are some frustrations associated with this kind of device and the above mentioned radio receivers and cellular telephones. Consider the situation where there is an interest in buying a copy of the radio program either being heard or having just been heard. How is this to be done? Today one faces an inherently frustrating situation. One approach is to somehow note what was played. One might call some distributor on the telephone to order the radio program. This is often at least distracting, if not dangerous, for motorists, whose life and health, as well as the lives and health of those around them, depends upon them staying focused on driving. For other most people in motion, simultaneously dealing with a cellular telephone and a broadcast radio receiver would be quite inconvenient, if not again distracting and potentially dangerous.  
           [0012]    One might wait to visit a store selling such merchandise. This requires that somehow one remember what was played and who performed it at the least. In almost all the situations described above, this is again inconvenient, distracting and potentially dangerous.  
           [0013]    An alternative would be to note the radio program, channel and broadcast time and use this information to order the radio program. Such a system has been recently granted a patent (U.S. Pat. No. 5,539,635). Characteristic of such systems is the following description of the user&#39;s actions to order a radio program taken from the Summary of the Invention (column 2, lines  18-21 ). “A customer uses her telephone to call into the system and gives the date, time, and broadcaster of when she heard each requested program broadcasted.” This would again be inconvenient, distracting and in many circumstances for people in motion, dangerous.  
           [0014]    An additional problem confronts the user in motion: financial information disclosure. Cellular telephones can often be overheard electronically. In mass transports, people in the vicinity of a user may well overhear critical identifying information such as credit card or subscriber numbers. Similar situations often occur for individuals on bicycles and on foot.  
           [0015]    What is needed is a method of ordering radio programs which is convenient, extremely easy to perform while in motion and simultaneously capable of being secure. What is also needed is a class of radio devices supporting such methods of ordering. What is also needed is a method of controlling such radio devices so users may order radio programs in the manners discussed hereinafter.  
         DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION  
         [0016]    The present invention answers all of these needs. The method of use presents an extremely efficient manner of ordering a radio program occurring at approximately the time presented, minimizing the need to remember any details. The method is embodied in a range of tactile and voice controls which people in motion need to have. Security options include voice signatures, button sequences and fingerprint identification. User feedback is embodied in both audio and visual display formats.  
           [0017]    The radio device supports an IF signal source containing essential information on the radio program, an embedded controller, user interface as well as a radio transceiver by which the ordering transaction is carried out. The IF signal source may be digital or analog. The embedded controller contains a writeable nonvolatile memory supporting the control program and security signatures. The user interface supports push buttons, audio input and output to the user, as well as visual output to the user and a fingerprint scanner. The radio transceiver may be embodied as a cellular telephone or bi-directional pager.  
           [0018]    The method of controlling the radio supports the basic actions of placing an order, querying the ordering system for additional information, initializing a user&#39;s identifying signature, initializing a session by identifying a user, blocking access to ordering if the user is not identified, and in certain embodiments, calling the police. In certain embodiments, the user&#39;s identifying signature may include one or more of button sequences, voice signature and fingerprint. These and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed descriptions and studying the various figures of the drawings.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0019]    [0019]FIG. 1 depicts typical prior art vehicular radio receivers;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 2 depicts a simplified block diagram of a typical, prior art broadcast radio receiver;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary prior art mobile computer capable of being installed in an automobile;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart of using a vehicular radio-based program selection and ordering system in accordance with an embodiment;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 5 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1008  of FIG. 4, which selects the radio program near the time of the radio program presentation in accordance with certain embodiments;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 6 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1008  of FIG. 4, which selects the radio program near the time of the radio program presentation in accordance with certain embodiments;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 7 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1012  of FIG. 4, which perceives the radio program selection confirmation in accordance with certain embodiments;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 8 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1012  of FIG. 4, which perceives the radio program selection confirmation in accordance with certain embodiments;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 9 depicts a flowchart of additional operation  1120  of identifying a vehicle owner to operation  1000  of FIG. 4 in accordance to certain embodiments;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 10 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1016  of FIG. 4 responding to radio program selection confirmation in accordance to certain embodiments;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 11 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1124  of FIG. 9 identifying said vehicle owner in accordance to certain embodiments;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 12 depicts a flowchart of additional operation  1190  of initializing the owner identifying signature sequence to operation  1120  of FIG. 9 in accordance to certain embodiments;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 13 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1124  of FIG. 9 identifying said vehicle owner in accordance to certain embodiments;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 14 depicts a flowchart of additional operation  1190  of initializing the owner identifying button sequence to operation  1120  of FIG. 9 in accordance to certain embodiments;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 15 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1124  of FIG. 9 identifying said vehicle owner in accordance to certain embodiments;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 16 depicts a flowchart of additional operation  1270  of initially pressing the fingerprint scanner to operation  1120  of FIG. 9 in accordance to certain embodiments;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 17 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1142  of ordering the radio program selection FIG. 10 in accordance to certain embodiments;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 18 depicts a flowchart controlling a vehicular radio-based program selection and ordering system;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 19 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1404  of FIG. 18 receiving a coded radio program data channel in accordance to certain embodiments;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 20 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1412  of FIG. 18 sensing the radio program in accordance to certain embodiments;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 21 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1416  of FIG. 18 displaying the radio program confirmation in accordance to certain embodiments;  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 22 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1420  of FIG. 18 sensing the response to the displayed radio program confirmation in accordance to certain embodiments;  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 23 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1532  of FIG. 22 ordering the radio program in accordance to certain embodiments;  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 24 depicts another flowchart of operations controlling a vehicular radio-based program selection and ordering system in accordance with certain embodiments;  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 25 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1412  of FIG. 18 determining selection of the sensed radio program in accordance to certain embodiments;  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 26 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1562  of FIG. 22 determining to order the selected radio program in accordance to certain embodiments;  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 27 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1416  of FIG. 18 displaying the radio program confirmation text in accordance to certain embodiments;  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 28 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1416  of FIG. 18 displaying the radio program confirmation text in accordance to certain embodiments;  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 29 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1416  of FIG. 18 displaying the radio program confirmation text in accordance to certain embodiments;  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 30 depicts another flowchart of operations controlling a vehicular radio-based program selection and ordering system in accordance with certain embodiments;  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 31 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1762  of FIG. 30 initializing a usage session for a first user utilizing the signature for the specific user in accordance to certain embodiments;  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 32 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1790  of FIG. 31 blocking access by the first user whenever the comparison is non-matching in accordance to certain embodiments;  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 33 depicts a high level system block diagram showing a computer with several forms of memory which in different embodiments provide residence for programs implementing the disclosed and claimed methods of controlling a vehicular radio;  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 34 depicts a summary flowchart of using a vehicular radio-based program selection and ordering system in accordance with an embodiment;  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 35 depicts a summary flowchart of operations controlling a vehicular radio-based program selection and ordering system in accordance with certain embodiments;  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 36 depicts a system block diagram of a radio for receiving a radio program data channel, and conducting transactions in accordance with certain embodiments;  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 37 depicts a detail system block diagram system block  2002 , a receiver of the radio program data channel as shown in FIG. 36 in accordance with certain further embodiments;  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 38 depicts a detail system block diagram of radio program data channel isolator  2030  as shown in FIG. 37 in accordance with certain further embodiments wherein the external IF signal input port supports an analog signal protocol;  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 39 depicts a detail system block diagram of analog isolation circuit  2050  as shown in FIG. 38 in accordance with certain further embodiments wherein the external IF signal input port supports an analog signal protocol;  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 40 depicts a detail system block diagram of user interface  2020  as shown in FIG. 36 in accordance with certain embodiments supporting a user interface audio output interface providing audio output of the user output data;  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 41 depicts a detail system block diagram of user interface  2020  as shown in FIG. 36 in accordance with certain embodiments supporting a user interface audio input sensor providing an user audio input data stream;  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 42 depicts a detail system block diagram of user interface  2020  as shown in FIG. 36 in accordance with certain embodiments supporting a visual output device providing visual output of the user output data;  
         [0061]    [0061]FIG. 43 depicts a detail system block diagram of user interface  2020  as shown in FIG. 36 in accordance with certain embodiments supporting a user interface tactile input sensor providing an user tactile input data stream;  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 44 depicts a detail system block diagram of user interface tactile input sensor  2140  as shown in FIG. 43 in accordance with certain embodiments supporting a user interface tactile input sensor including a button sensor;  
         [0063]    [0063]FIG. 45 depicts a detail system block diagram of user interface tactile input sensor  2140  as shown in FIG. 43 in accordance with certain embodiments supporting a user interface tactile input sensor including a fingerprint scanner;  
         [0064]    [0064]FIG. 46 depicts a detail system block diagram of radio transceiver  2010  as shown in FIG. 36 in accordance with certain embodiments supporting the radio transceiver including a cellular telephone; and  
         [0065]    [0065]FIG. 47 depicts a detail system block diagram of radio transceiver  2010  as shown in FIG. 36 in accordance with certain embodiments supporting the radio transceiver including a bi-directional pager. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0066]    [0066]FIGS. 1, 2 and  3  refer to prior art and were previously discussed in the Background of the Invention.  
         [0067]    Discussion of Primary Terms as used herein:  
         [0068]    Radio-based programs refer to recognizable programming entities available upon a wireless broadcast physical transport. Radio-based programs include but are not limited to presentations of entertainment, education, news and commentary. Such presentations include but are not limited to copyrighted music, dramatic productions, storytelling, comedies, interviews and news stories. Such presentations also include but are not limited to stock market analyses and reports as well as advertisements and commercials.  
         [0069]    Vehicular radio refers to radio systems supporting reception of broadcast radio-based programs in venues where the listener is either in motion, such as a bicycle, running, roller blading, skateboarding, or driving an automobile, truck, van or motorcycle.  
         [0070]    Vehicle button array refers to one or more buttons which the vehicular radio user may touch or press and which affects the operation of the vehicular radio.  
         [0071]    Embedded controller refers to a digital control system, including but not limited to, a computer coupled to a computer readable memory. Readable memory may include more than one kind of computer memory, such as CD ROMs, disk drives, RAM, nonvolatile semiconductor memory and removable storage devices coupled to the embedded controller by a removable storage interface. Removable storage devices include but are not limited to floppy disks, CD&#39;s, and semiconductor disks. Writeable non-volatile memory refers to non-volatile memory including at least one accessible word which may be purposefully altered. Non-volatility memory will retain its contents when power is no longer supplied to the memory.  
         [0072]    [0072]FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart of using a vehicular radio-based program selection and ordering system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Operation  1000  starts the operations of this flowchart. Arrow  1002  directs the use from operation  1000  to operation  1004 . Operation  1004  performs perceiving a radio program presentation. Arrow  1006  directs the usage from operation  1004  to operation  1008 . Operation  1008  performs selecting the radio program near the time of the radio program presentation. Arrow  1010  directs the usage from operation  1008  to operation  1012 . Operation  1012  performs perceiving the radio program selection confirmation. Arrow  1014  directs the usage from operation  1012  to operation  1016 . Operation  1016  performs responding to the radio program selection confirmation. Arrow  1018  directs the usage from operation  1016  to operation  1020 . Operation  1020  terminates the operations of this flowchart.  
         [0073]    [0073]FIG. 5 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1008  of FIG. 4, which selects the radio program near the time of the radio program presentation in accordance with certain embodiments. Arrow  1040  directs the use from starting operation  1008  to operation  1042 . Operation  1042  performs acoustic signaling selecting of said radio program. Arrow  1044  directs the usage from operation  1042  to operation  1046 . Operation  1046  terminates the operations of this flowchart.  
         [0074]    [0074]FIG. 6 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1008  of FIG. 4, which selects the radio program near the time of the radio program presentation in accordance with certain embodiments. Arrow  1060  directs the use from starting operation  1008  to operation  1062 . Operation  1062  performs pushing at least one button to signal selecting of said radio program. Arrow  1064  directs the usage from operation  1062  to operation  1066 . Operation  1066  terminates the operations of this flowchart.  
         [0075]    [0075]FIG. 7 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1012  of FIG. 4, which perceives the radio program selection confirmation in accordance with certain embodiments. Arrow  1080  directs the use from starting operation  1010  to operation  1082 . Operation  1082  performs hearing a radio program selection description. Arrow  1084  directs the usage from operation  1082  to operation  1086 . Operation  1086  terminates the operations of this flowchart.  
         [0076]    [0076]FIG. 8 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1012  of FIG. 4, which perceives the radio program selection confirmation in accordance with certain embodiments. Arrow  1100  directs the use from starting operation  1010  to operation  1102 . Operation  1102  performs reading a radio program selection description. Arrow  1104  directs the usage from operation  1102  to operation  1106 . Operation  1106  terminates the operations of this flowchart.  
         [0077]    [0077]FIG. 9 depicts a flowchart of additional operation  1120  of identifying a vehicle owner to operation  1000  of FIG. 4 in accordance to certain embodiments. Operation  1120  starts the operations of this flowchart. Arrow  1122  directs the use from operation  1120  to operation  1124 . Operation  1124  performs identifying a vehicle owner. Arrow  1126  directs the usage from operation  1124  to operation  1128 . Operation  1128  terminates the operations of this flowchart.  
         [0078]    [0078]FIG. 10 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1016  of responding to the radio program selection confirmation in accordance to certain embodiments. Arrow  1140  directs the use from starting operation  1016  to operation  1142 . Operation  1142  performs ordering the radio program selection. Arrow  1144  directs the usage from operation  1142  to operation  1146 . Operation  1146  terminates the operations of this flowchart. Arrow  1150  directs the use from starting operation  1016  to operation  1152 . Operation  1152  performs canceling the radio program selection. Arrow  1154  directs the usage from operation  1152  to operation  1146 . Operation  1146  terminates the operations of this flowchart.  
         [0079]    Note that usage may either perform ordering the radio program selection or canceling the radio program selection. Cancellation may be automatic in certain embodiments after a certain predetermined time interval has elapsed.  
         [0080]    [0080]FIG. 11 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1124  of FIG. 9 identifying said vehicle owner in accordance to certain embodiments. Arrow  1170  directs the use from starting operation  1124  to operation  1172 . Operation  1172  performs speaking an owner identifying signature sequence. Arrow  1174  directs the usage from operation  1172  to operation  1176 . Operation  1176  terminates the operations of this flowchart.  
         [0081]    Note that in certain embodiments, operation  1172  may be performed only once during a radio program session. In certain further embodiments, such a radio program session may be terminated if there is no user response within a predetermined time interval.  
         [0082]    [0082]FIG. 12 depicts a flowchart of additional operation  1190  of initializing the owner identifying signature sequence to operation  1120  of FIG. 9 in accordance to certain embodiments. Operation  1190  starts the operations of this flowchart. Arrow  1192  directs the use from operation  1190  to operation  1194 . Operation  1194  performs initializing the owner identifying signature sequence. Arrow  1196  directs the usage from operation  1194  to operation  1198 . Operation  1198  terminates the operations of this flowchart.  
         [0083]    Note that in certain embodiments, operation  1190  may be performed once upon purchasing the device being used. In certain further embodiments, more than one owner identifying signature sequence may be initialized. In certain alternative embodiments, operation  1190  may be performed after purchasing the device being used.  
         [0084]    [0084]FIG. 13 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1124  of FIG. 9 identifying said vehicle owner in accordance to certain embodiments. Arrow  1210  directs the use from starting operation  1124  to operation  1212 . Operation  1212  performs pushing an owner identifying button sequence. Arrow  1214  directs the usage from operation  1212  to operation  1216 . Operation  1216  terminates the operations of this flowchart. Note that in certain embodiments, operation  1212  may be performed only once during a radio program session. In certain further embodiments, such a radio program session may be terminated if there is no user response within a predetermined time interval.  
         [0085]    [0085]FIG. 14 depicts a flowchart of additional operation  1190  of initializing the owner identifying button sequence to operation  1120  of FIG. 9 in accordance to certain embodiments. Operation  1230  starts the operations of this flowchart. Arrow  1232  directs the use from operation  1230  to operation  1234 . Operation  1234  performs initializing the owner identifying button sequence. Arrow  1236  directs the usage from operation  1234  to operation  1238 . Operation  1238  terminates the operations of this flowchart.  
         [0086]    Note that in certain embodiments, operation  1230  may be performed once upon purchasing the device being used. In certain further embodiments, more than one owner identifying button sequence may be initialized. In certain alternative embodiments, operation  1230  may be performed after purchasing the device being used.  
         [0087]    [0087]FIG. 15 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1124  of FIG. 9 identifying said vehicle owner in accordance to certain embodiments. Arrow  1250  directs the use from starting operation  1124  to operation  1252 . Operation  1252  performs pressing a fingerprint scanner. Arrow  1254  directs the usage from operation  1252  to operation  1256 . Operation  1256  terminates the operations of this flowchart.  
         [0088]    Note that in certain embodiments, operation  1252  may be performed only once during a radio program session. In certain further embodiments, such a radio program session may be terminated if there is no user response within a predetermined time interval.  
         [0089]    [0089]FIG. 16 depicts a flowchart of additional operation  1270  of initially pressing the fingerprint scanner to operation  1120  of FIG. 9 in accordance to certain embodiments. Operation  1270  starts the operations of this flowchart. Arrow  1272  directs the use from operation  1270  to operation  1274 . Operation  1274  performs initially pressing the fingerprint scanner. Arrow  1276  directs the usage from operation  1274  to operation  1278 . Operation  1278  terminates the operations of this flowchart.  
         [0090]    Note that in certain embodiments, operation  1274  may be performed once upon purchasing the device being used. In certain further embodiments, more than one owner fingerprint scan may be initialized. In certain alternative embodiments, operation  1274  may be performed after purchasing the device being used.  
         [0091]    [0091]FIG. 17 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1142  of ordering the radio program selection FIG. 10 in accordance to certain embodiments. Arrow  1290  directs the use from starting operation  1142  to operation  1292 . Operation  1292  performs pressing the fingerprint scanner. Arrow  1294  directs the usage from operation  1292  to operation  1296 . Operation  1296  terminates the operations of this flowchart.  
         [0092]    [0092]FIG. 18 depicts a flowchart controlling a vehicular radio-based program selection and ordering system. Operation  1400  starts the operations of this flowchart. Arrow  1402  directs the flow of execution from operation  1400  to operation  1404 . Operation  1404  performs receiving a coded radio program data channel. Arrow  1406  directs execution from operation  1404  to operation  1408 . Operation  1408  performs sensing a radio program. Arrow  1410  directs execution from operation  1408  to operation  1412 . Operation  1412  performs determining selection of said sensed radio program. Arrow  1414  directs execution from operation  1412  to operation  1416 . Operation  1416  performs displaying the radio program confirmation from the received coded radio program data channel whenever the radio program is sensed. Arrow  1418  directs execution from operation  1416  to operation  1420 . Operation  1420  performs sensing a response to the displayed radio program confirmation and said selection of said sensed radio program. Arrow  1422  directs execution from operation  1420  to operation  1424 . Operation  1424  terminates the operations of this flowchart.  
         [0093]    [0093]FIG. 19 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1404  of FIG. 18 receiving a coded radio program data channel in accordance to certain embodiments. Arrow  1440  directs the flow of execution from starting operation  1404  to operation  1442 . Operation  1442  performs sensing an internal radio program data channel. Arrow  1444  directs execution from operation  1442  to operation  1446 . Operation  1446  performs processing the sensed internal radio program data channel to create a radio program data descriptor stream. Arrow  1448  directs execution from operation  1446  to operation  1450 . Operation  1450  terminates the operations of this flowchart.  
         [0094]    [0094]FIG. 20 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1412  of FIG. 18 sensing the radio program in accordance to certain embodiments. Arrow  1470  directs the flow of execution from starting operation  1412  to operation  1472 . Operation  1472  performs sensing a radio program channel number to create a sensed radio channel number. Arrow  1474  directs execution from operation  1472  to operation  1476 . Operation  1476  performs decoding the radio program data descriptor stream based upon the sensed radio channel number to create a radio program data descriptor for the sensed radio program. Arrow  1478  directs execution from operation  1476  to operation  1480 . Operation  1480  terminates the operations of this flowchart. FIG. 21 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1416  of FIG. 18 displaying the radio program confirmation in accordance to certain embodiments. Arrow  1500  directs the flow of execution from starting operation  1416  to operation  1502 . Operation  1502  performs generating a radio program confirmation text. Arrow  1504  directs execution from operation  1502  to operation  1506 . Operation  1506  performs displaying the radio program confirmation text. Arrow  1508  directs execution from operation  1506  to operation  1510 . Operation  1510  terminates the operations of this flowchart.  
         [0095]    [0095]FIG. 22 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1420  of FIG. 18 sensing the response to the displayed radio program confirmation in accordance to certain embodiments. Arrow  1530  directs the flow of execution from starting operation  1420  to operation  1532 . Operation  1532  performs ordering the selected radio program. Arrow  1534  directs execution from operation  1532  to operation  1536 . Operation  1536  terminates the operations of this flowchart.  
         [0096]    Arrow  1540  directs the flow of execution from starting operation  1420  to operation  1542 . Operation  1542  performs determining to cancel the selected radio program. Arrow  1544  directs execution from operation  1542  to operation  1536 . Operation  1536  terminates the operations of this flowchart.  
         [0097]    [0097]FIG. 23 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1532  of FIG. 22 ordering the radio program in accordance to certain embodiments. Arrow  1560  directs the flow of execution from starting operation  1532  to operation  1562 . Operation  1562  performs determining to order the selected radio program. Arrow  1564  directs execution from operation  1562  to operation  1566 , whenever operation  1562  is asserted (Yes). Operation  1566  performs sending a radio program buy message for the selected radio program. Arrow  1568  directs execution from operation  1566  to operation  1570 . Operation  1570  terminates the operations of this flowchart. Arrow  1572  directs execution from operation  1562  to operation  1570 , whenever operation  1562  is not asserted (No).  
         [0098]    [0098]FIG. 24 depicts another flowchart of operations controlling a vehicular radio-based program selection and ordering system in accordance with certain embodiments. Operation  1590  starts the operations of this flowchart. Arrow  1592  directs the flow of execution from operation  1590  to operation  1594 . Operation  1594  performs sensing a vehicle internal audio feedback channel to create a sensed vehicle audio feedback stream. Arrow  1596  directs execution from operation  1594  to operation  1598 . Operation  1598  performs processing the sensed vehicle audio feedback to create a processed vehicle audio feedback. Arrow  1500  directs execution from operation  1598  to operation  1502 . Operation  1502  terminates the operations of this flowchart.  
         [0099]    [0099]FIG. 25 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1412  of FIG. 18 determining selection of the sensed radio program in accordance to certain embodiments. Arrow  1620  directs the flow of execution from starting operation  1412  to operation  1622 . Operation  1622  performs determining the processed vehicle audio feedback to create the determined selection of the sensed radio program. Arrow  1624  directs execution from operation  1622  to operation  1626 . Operation  1626  terminates the operations of this flowchart.  
         [0100]    [0100]FIG. 26 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1562  of FIG. 22 determining to order the selected radio program in accordance to certain embodiments. Arrow  1640  directs the flow of execution from starting operation  1562  to operation  1642 . Operation  1642  performs determining the processed vehicle audio feedback to create the determined ordering of the selected radio program. Arrow  1644  directs execution from operation  1642  to operation  1646 . Operation  1646  terminates the operations of this flowchart.  
         [0101]    [0101]FIG. 27 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1416  of FIG. 18 displaying the radio program confirmation text in accordance to certain embodiments. Arrow  1670  directs the flow of execution from starting operation  1416  to operation  1672 . Operation  1672  performs audio processing the radio program confirmation text to create an audio radio program confirmation script. Arrow  1674  directs execution from operation  1672  to operation  1676 . Operation  1676  performs sending the audio radio program confirmation script to an audio output device. Arrow  1678  directs execution from operation  1676  to operation  1680 . Operation  1680  terminates the operations of this flowchart.  
         [0102]    [0102]FIG. 28 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1416  of FIG. 18 displaying the radio program confirmation text in accordance to certain embodiments. Arrow  1700  directs the flow of execution from starting operation  1416  to operation  1702 . Operation  1702  performs sending a buy query for the selected radio program. Arrow  1704  directs execution from operation  1702  to operation  1706 . Operation  1706  performs receiving a response to the selected radio program buy query. Arrow  1708  directs execution from operation  1706  to operation  1710 . Operation  1710  performs generating the radio program confirmation text from the selected radio program buy query response. Arrow  1712  directs execution from operation  1710  to operation  1714 . Operation  1714  terminates the operations of this flowchart.  
         [0103]    [0103]FIG. 29 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1416  of FIG. 18 displaying the radio program confirmation text in accordance to certain embodiments. Arrow  1730  directs the flow of execution from starting operation  1416  to operation  1732 . Operation  1732  performs presenting said radio program confirmation text to a visual output device. Arrow  1734  directs execution from operation  1732  to operation  1736 . Operation  1736  terminates the operations of this flowchart.  
         [0104]    [0104]FIG. 30 depicts another flowchart of operations controlling a vehicular radio-based program selection and ordering system in accordance with certain embodiments. Operation  1750  starts the operations of this flowchart. Arrow  1752  directs the flow of execution from operation  1750  to operation  1754 . Operation  1754  performs initializing use for a specific user to create a signature for the specific user. Arrow  1756  directs execution from operation  1754  to operation  1758 . Operation  1758  terminates the operations of this flowchart. Arrow  1760  directs the flow of execution from starting operation  1750  to operation  1762 . Operation  1762  performs initializing a usage session for a first user utilizing the signature for the specific user. Arrow  1764  directs execution from operation  1762  to operation  1758 . Operation  1758  terminates the operations of this flowchart.  
         [0105]    Note that operations  1754  and  1762  may be selected through a number of different mechanisms, including but not limited to pushing buttons.  
         [0106]    [0106]FIG. 31 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1762  of FIG. 30 initializing a usage session for a first user utilizing the signature for the specific user in accordance to certain embodiments. Operation  1780  starts the operations of this flowchart. Arrow  1782  directs the flow of execution from operation  1780  to operation  1784 . Operation  1784  performs sampling the first user response to create a first user signature. Arrow  1786  directs execution from operation  1784  to operation  1788 . Operation  1788  performs comparing the first user signature with the signature of the specific user to create a signature comparison. Arrow  1790  directs execution from operation  1788  to operation  1792 . Operation  1792  performs blocking access by the first user whenever the comparison is non-matching. Arrow  1794  directs execution from operation  1792  to operation  1796 . Operation  1796  terminates the operations of this flowchart.  
         [0107]    [0107]FIG. 32 depicts a detail flowchart of operation  1790  of FIG. 31 blocking access by the first user whenever the comparison is non-matching in accordance to certain embodiments. Arrow  1810  directs the flow of execution from starting operation  1790  to operation  1812 . Operation  1812  performs sending a stolen device report based upon the first user signature. Arrow  1814  directs execution from operation  1812  to operation  1816 . Operation  1816  terminates the operations of this flowchart.  
         [0108]    [0108]FIG. 33 depicts a high level system block diagram showing a computer with several forms of memory which in different embodiments provide residence for programs implementing the disclosed and claimed methods of controlling a vehicular radio. Computer  1830  is coupled to Computer Readable Memory  1840  by read access operations as indicated by arrow  1842 . At least one program implementing the method according to the present invention of controlling a vehicular radio may reside in this memory  1842  in accordance with certain embodiments. In certain further embodiments, at least one program implementing the method according to the present invention may reside in a first non-volatile memory  1846 , contained within the memory domain of computer readable memory  1840 . Some or all of this first non-volatile memory  1846 , as well as some or all of the computer readable memory  1840  may be successfully accessed by write operations as indicated by the arrow  1844  from computer  1830 . Certain preferred embodiments of the above memory system include but are not limited to RAM, battery backed up RAM, nonvolatile semiconductor memory, combinations of RAM and nonvolatile semiconductor memory, as well as RAM and disk memory of various kinds. Nonvolatile memory includes but is not limited to one or more devices embodying ROM, EPROM, EEPROM or Flash EEPROM memory technology as well as disk memory including both electromagnetic and optical recording media.  
         [0109]    The coupling access operations  1842  and  1844  may be carried out using a variety of mechanisms including but not limited to computer busses and addressable port communication schemes. Computer busses include but are not limited to multiplexed address and data busses, demultiplexed address and data busses, as well as encoded multiplexed address data busses. Multiplexed computer busses share bus resources for the address and data signals so that most operations involve separate bus states to transfer address and data signals. A number of solid-state disk busses are examples of multiplexed address and data bus. Demultiplexed address and data busses do not share bus resources for the address and data signals allowing for address and data signals to be transferred in a single bus state. PCI bus is an example of such a demultiplexed address and data bus. Encoded multiplexed address and data buses encode these address and data signals so that several bus states are required to transfer at least some of the address or data signals. USB (Universal Serial Bus) is an example of an encoded multiplexed address and data bus. Computer  1830  is further coupled to a second nonvolatile memory  1850  in a fashion supporting read operations as indicated by arrow  1852 . This second nonvolatile memory  1850  may provide the residence of at least one program implementing the disclosed and claimed methods of controlling a vehicular radio. In certain further embodiments, the second nonvolatile memory  1850  may be written as indicated by arrow  1854  from computer  1830 .  
         [0110]    A removable storage device  1860  engaged  1864  with removable storage interface  1862  and readably coupled  1866  to computer  1830  provides a residence for at least one program implementing the disclosed methods of controlling a vehicular radio in accordance with certain embodiments.  
         [0111]    [0111]FIG. 34 depicts a summary flowchart of using a vehicular radio-based program selection and ordering system in accordance with an embodiment. Operation  1900  starts the operations of this flowchart. Arrow  1902  directs the usage from operation  1900  to operation  1000 . Operation  1000  performs operations discussed with regards to FIG. 4 above. Arrow  1904  directs the usage from operation  1000  to operation  1906 . Operation  1906  terminates the operations of this flowchart.  
         [0112]    Arrow  1910  directs the usage from starting operation  1900  to operation  1120 . Operation  1120  performs operations discussed regarding FIG. 9. Arrow  1912  directs the usage from operation  1120  to operation  1906 . Operation  1906  terminates the operations of this flowchart.  
         [0113]    Arrow  1920  directs the usage from starting operation  1900  to operation  1190 . Operation  1190  performs operations discussed regarding FIG. 12. Arrow  1922  directs the usage from operation  1190  to operation  1906 . Operation  1906  terminates the operations of this flowchart.  
         [0114]    Arrow  1930  directs the usage from starting operation  1900  to operation  1230 . Operation  1230  performs operations discussed regarding FIG. 14. Arrow  1932  directs the usage from operation  1230  to operation  1906 . Operation  1906   20  terminates the operations of this flowchart.  
         [0115]    Arrow  1940  directs the usage from starting operation  1900  to operation  1270 . Operation  1270  performs operations discussed regarding FIG. 16. Arrow  1942  directs the usage from operation  1270  to operation  1906 . Operation  1906  terminates the operations of this flowchart. FIG. 35 depicts a summary flowchart of operations controlling a vehicular radio-based program selection and ordering system in accordance with certain embodiments. Operation  1950  starts the operations of this flowchart. Arrow  1952  directs the flow of execution from operation  1950  to operation  1400 . Operation  1400  performs operations discussed regarding FIG. 18. Arrow  1954  directs execution from operation  1400  to operation  1956 . Operation  1956  terminates the operations of this flowchart.  
         [0116]    Arrow  1960  directs the flow of execution from starting operation  1950  to operation  1590 . Operation  1590  performs operations discussed regarding FIG. 24. Arrow  1962  directs execution from operation  1590  to operation  1956 . Operation  1956  terminates the operations of this flowchart.  
         [0117]    Arrow  1970  directs the flow of execution from starting operation  1950  to operation  1750 . Operation  1750  performs operations discussed regarding FIG. 30. Arrow  1972  directs execution from operation  1750  to operation  1956 . Operation  1956  terminates the operations of this flowchart.  
         [0118]    Note that direction of execution to these operations may be achieved by a variety of mechanisms, including but not limited to the pushing of buttons and selection of menu options, possibly as part of an event processing mechanism within an application running on an event driven real-time operating system.  
         [0119]    [0119]FIG. 36 depicts a system block diagram of a radio for receiving a radio program data channel, and conducting transactions in accordance with certain embodiments. An embedded controller  2000  is shown including a computer readable memory  1840  containing a writeable non-volatile memory component  1846 . A receiver  2002  of said radio program data channel is coupled  2004  to the embedded controller  2000  generating a radio program data channel stream readably accessible by the embedded controller.  
         [0120]    A radio transceiver  2010  is coupled to the embedded controller  2012  receiving from the embedded controller transaction output messages. The radio transceiver  2010  generates a transaction input stream  2014  readably accessible by the embedded controller  2000 .  
         [0121]    A user interface circuit  2020  is coupled to said embedded controller  2000  generating user selection data readably accessible  2024  by said embedded controller. The user interface circuit  2020  receives  2022  from said embedded controller  2000  user output data.  
         [0122]    [0122]FIG. 37 depicts a detail system block diagram system block  2002 , a receiver of the radio program data channel as shown in FIG. 36 in accordance with certain further embodiments. The radio further includes an external IF signal input port  2034 . The radio program data channel receiver  2002  includes a radio program data channel  15  isolator  2030  containing an input port  2038  coupled  2032  to said external IF input signal port  2034 . The radio program data channel isolator  2030  further contains a digital output port  2038  coupled  2004  to the embedded controller  2000  providing the radio program data channel stream.  
         [0123]    In certain embodiments the external IF signal input port  2034  may be derived from the output  110  of FM IF stage  108 , as required for reception of the RDBS sub-band. In certain alternative embodiments, the external IF signal input port  2034  may be derived from a different signal protocol transmitted independently of standard FM broadcasts. Such alternative embodiments include but are not limited to other applications AM, FM, Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Wavelet Division Multiple Access, various spread spectrum techniques including but not limited to direct sequence (CDMA), Wideband CDMA employing both spreading and scrambling codes, frequency hopping and time hopping.  
         [0124]    [0124]FIG. 38 depicts a detail system block diagram of radio program data channel isolator  2030  as shown in FIG. 37 in accordance with certain further embodiments wherein the external IF signal input port supports an analog signal protocol. The radio program data channel isolator  2032  includes an analog isolation circuit  2050 . The analog isolation circuit  2050  includes a first analog input port coupled  2044  to the external IF input port  2036  and a first digital output port coupled  2048  to the radio program data channel isolator digital output. The analog isolation circuit  2050  further includes an A/D converter  2040  further comprising a second analog input port  2042  coupled  2044  to the first analog input port and a second digital output port  2046  coupled  2048  to the first digital output port.  
         [0125]    [0125]FIG. 39 depicts a detail system block diagram of analog isolation circuit  2050  as shown in FIG. 38 in accordance with certain further embodiments wherein the external IF signal input port supports an analog signal protocol. The analog isolation circuit  2050  includes bandpass filter  2060  containing an input port  2062  coupled  2064  to the external IF input signal  2036  and further containing a output port  2066  coupled  2068  to the A/D converter input port  2042 .  
         [0126]    [0126]FIG. 40 depicts a detail system block diagram of user interface  2020  as shown in FIG. 36 in accordance with certain embodiments supporting a user interface audio output interface  2080  providing  2082 ,  2084  audio output  2086  of the user output data. Note that in certain embodiments, user interface audio output interface  2080  can provide a digital interface. In certain alternative embodiments, user interface audio output interface  2080  can provide an analog interface. In certain embodiments, user interface audio output interface  2080  can provide feed  2084  a mixer. In certain embodiments, user interface audio output interface  2080  can provide feed  2084  a multiplexer.  
         [0127]    [0127]FIG. 41 depicts a detail system block diagram of user interface  2020  as shown in FIG. 36 in accordance with certain embodiments supporting a user interface audio input sensor  2100  providing  2024  an user audio input data stream to the embedded controller  2000 . Note that in certain embodiments, audio input sensor  2100  may include an A/D converter coupling audio input  2102  to output coupling  2024 . In certain further embodiments, audio input sensor  2100  may further include an amplifier coupled between the A/D converter and audio input  2102 . In certain further embodiments, audio input sensor  2100  may further include a filter coupled between the A/D converter and the audio amplifier.  
         [0128]    [0128]FIG. 42 depicts a detail system block diagram of user interface  2020  as shown in FIG. 36 in accordance with certain embodiments supporting a visual output device  2100  providing visual output  2122  of the user output data  2022 . The visual output device  2100  in certain embodiments includes but is not limited to a Light Emitting Diode Device (LED), which may further include a multiplicity of Light Emitting Diode components. The visual output device  2100  in certain embodiments may include but is not limited to a flat panel display device such as found in a variety of calculators, handheld computers and notebook computers.  
         [0129]    [0129]FIG. 43 depicts a detail system block diagram of user interface  2020  as shown in FIG. 36 in accordance with certain embodiments supporting a user interface tactile input sensor  2140  providing an user tactile input data stream  2024 . FIGS. 44 and 46 demonstrate two embodiments of devices included in user interface tactile input sensor  2140  providing tactile input support. Such figures are not meant to limit the scope of user tactile input, but rather to provide examples advantageous in certain applications. Other examples include but are not limited to touch pads and proximity sensors.  
         [0130]    [0130]FIG. 44 depicts a detail system block diagram of user interface tactile input sensor  2140  as shown in FIG. 43 in accordance with certain embodiments supporting a user interface tactile input sensor  2140  including a button sensor  2160 . Button sensor  2160  includes a button input port  2166  coupled  2164  to button input  2162 . In certain embodiments, button input  2162  includes multiple buttons and an interface circuit. In certain embodiments, button input  2162  included button debounce circuitry. In certain embodiments, button input  2162  provides a binary state value related to pushing or not pushing the related button. In certain embodiments, button input  2162  further provides more detailed motion related information, such as key acceleration and release.  
         [0131]    [0131]FIG. 45 depicts a detail system block diagram of user interface tactile input sensor  2140  as shown in FIG. 43 in accordance with certain embodiments supporting a user interface tactile input sensor  2140  including a fingerprint scanner  2180 . The coupling  2184  of user finger  2182  to input port  2186  of fingerprint scanner  2180  may include a CCD array in certain embodiments. In certain further embodiments, inut coupling  2184  may further include a pressure sensor to indicate when user finger  2182  is positioned for a fingerprint scan. In certain alternative embodiments, input port  2186  may include a CCD array.  
         [0132]    [0132]FIG. 46 depicts a detail system block diagram of radio transceiver  2010  as shown in FIG. 36 in accordance with certain embodiments supporting the radio transceiver  2010  including a cellular telephone  2200 . Cellular telephone  2202  is coupled  2204  to

Technology Classification (CPC): 7