Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US20040116088?dq=5083039
Timestamp: 2017-09-25 08:55:35
Document Index: 28163285

Matched Legal Cases: ['arts 500', 'art 2110', 'art 2110', 'art 3000', 'art 3500', 'art 3700', 'art 3800', 'art 3900']

Patent US20040116088 - Enhanced radio systems and methods - Google Patents
We have disclosed an enhanced radio system that provides for the capture and playback of one or more radio stations. The user may tune to a station, or scan through stations, rewind to hear what was missed, and fast-forward through undesired content. The system allows a user to rate content, and to be...http://www.google.com/patents/US20040116088?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US20040116088 - Enhanced radio systems and methods
Publication number US20040116088 A1
Also published as CA2438998A1, CA2438998C, CA2742644A1, CA2742644C, CA2836213A1, EP1364469A2, US7171174, US7343141, US8788075, US8965313, US20050020223, US20070127726, US20090023406, US20150133046, US20150288472, WO2002067447A2, WO2002067447A3, WO2002067447B1
Publication number 10645928, 645928, US 2004/0116088 A1, US 2004/116088 A1, US 20040116088 A1, US 20040116088A1, US 2004116088 A1, US 2004116088A1, US-A1-20040116088, US-A1-2004116088, US2004/0116088A1, US2004/116088A1, US20040116088 A1, US20040116088A1, US2004116088 A1, US2004116088A1
Inventors Michael Ellis, Caron Ellis
Original Assignee Ellis Michael D., Ellis Caron S.
Patent Citations (38), Referenced by (104), Classifications (57), Legal Events (4)
US 20040116088 A1
1. An apparatus for processing multiple radio signals simultaneously, said apparatus comprising:
(a)a radio receiver module having at least two radio receivers, each receiver capable of continuously receiving a separate unrelated radio signal;
(b)a storage module having a capacity to simultaneously store in a buffer each radio signal received by the radio receiver module for later output by selection of a user; and
(c)a control module having a programmable selection scheme to control functions including received radio signals, stored radio signals and portions thereof, and an output of the stored radio signals and portions thereof;
10. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising a user input module for storing a table of user listening preferences wherein the user listening preference identifiers are derivable from the imbedded code, thereby enabling an output based on the user listening preferences.
20. An apparatus for processing multiple radio signals simultaneously, said apparatus comprising:
(a) a radio receiver module having at least two radio receivers, each receiver capable of continuously receiving a separate unrelated radio signal;
(b) a storage module having a capacity to simultaneously store in a buffer each radio signal received by the radio receiver module for later output by selection of a user; and
21. An apparatus for processing multiple radio signals simultaneously, said apparatus comprising:
22. An apparatus for processing multiple radio signals simultaneously, said apparatus comprising:
(a) a radio receiver module having at least two radio receivers, each receiver capable of receiving a separate radio signal;
(b) a storage module having a capacity to simultaneously store a portion of each radio signal received by the radio receiver module; and
23. An apparatus for processing multiple radio signals simultaneously, said apparatus comprising:
(b) a storage module having a capacity to simultaneously store in a buffer each radio signal received by the radio receiver module for later output by selection of user; and
24. An apparatus for processing multiple radio signals simultaneously, said apparatus comprising:
25. An apparatus for processing multiple radio signals simultaneously, said apparatus comprising:
26. An apparatus for processing multiple radio signals simultaneously, said apparatus comprising:
27. An enhanced radio receiving system comprising:
(a)means for simultaneously receiving simultaneous unrelated radio inputs from a plurality of radio stations;
(b)means for storing in a buffer a portion of all digital radio data received by the radio receivers for later output by selection of a user;
(c)means for converting the stored digital radio data to an analog audio signal;
(d)means for outputting the analog audio signal;
(e)means for controlling the storing of the digital radio data and the converting of the digital radio data to the analog audio signal; and
(f)means for allowing a user to control the controller,
in which the system is additionally configured to allow the received radio input to be stored at the same time as previously stored digital radio data is converted to an analog audio signal and output.
28. An enhanced radio receiving system comprising:
(a)a plurality of radio receivers capable of simultaneously receiving simultaneous unrelated radio inputs from a plurality of radio stations;
(b)a memory device for storing in a buffer a portion of all digital radio data received by the radio receivers for later output by selection of a user;
(c)a digital-to-analog converter for converting the stored digital radio data to an analog audio signal;
(d)an audio output device for outputting the analog audio signal;
(e)a controller for controlling the storing of the digital radio data and the converting of the digital radio data to the analog audio signal; and
(f)a user input device for allowing a user to control the controller,
in which the system is additionally configured to allow the radio input received by the plurality of radio receivers to be stored into the memory device at the same time as previously stored digital radio data is converted to an analog audio signal and output by the audio output device.
29. The system of claim 28 also comprising a two-way communications device.
30. A method of providing previously recorded radio output while simultaneously recording new radio content comprising:
(a) receiving simultaneous radio input data from a plurality of unrelated radio stations from at least one radio source;
(b) storing a portion of all of the received radio data in a digital format into a buffer in a memory device for later output by selection of a user;
(c) converting the stored digital radio data to an analog audio signal;
(d) outputting the analog audio signal in an audio format;
(e) allowing a user to control the storing and the converting; and
(f) allowing the radio input to be stored in the buffer at the same time as previously stored digital radio data in the buffer is converted to an analog audio signal and output in the audio format.
31. The method of claim 30 in which the allowing a user to control comprises allowing the user to initiate a function on the analog output signal selected from the group consisting of pausing, playing, skipping back in time, skipping forward in time, rewinding, fast-forwarding, slow-playing, and slow reversing.
32. The method of claim 30 in which the allowing a user to control comprises allowing the user to initiate recording of a portion of the radio input in the memory device for later playback.
33. The method of claim 30 further comprising allowing the user to specify at least one favorite radio station, and additionally comprising continuously storing radio data from the at least one favorite radio station.
34. The method of claim 30 further comprising continuously storing radio data from a radio station whose signal was output to the audio output device immediately prior to the radio station whose signal is currently being output to the audio output device.
35. The method of claim 30 further comprising scanning through available radio stations and storing radio data from each scanned radio stations prior to playing content from the scanned radio station.
36. The method of claim 30 further comprising allowing the user to select a radio station for audio output from which radio data is currently being stored but from which the radio data is not being output to the audio output device, and additionally comprising allowing the user to listen to content that was recorded prior to the time that the radio station was selected.
37. The method of claim 30 further comprising identifying an item of audio content.
38. The method of claim 37 further comprising acquiring, from an external system, identification data relating to the item of audio content.
39. The method of claim 37 further comprising recognizing the item of audio content using a signature representative of the item.
40. The method of claim 37 further comprising allowing the user to rate the item of audio content.
41. The method of claim 40 further comprising skipping over audio content based on the user rating.
42. The method of claim 40 further comprising automatically switching the outputting to the radio station carrying a recognized item of audio content when it is broadcast, based on the user rating of the recognized item.
43. The method of claim 40 further comprising notifying the user when an item of audio content is recognized on a radio station not currently being used to supply the audio output signal, based on the user rating of the recognized item.
44. The method of claim 30 further comprising selecting a set of recommended radio stations from information about available radio stations based on user information, and presenting the set of recommended radio stations to the user.
45. The method of claim 30 further comprising providing automatic notification of an item selected from the group consisting of a local event of interest and a local facility.
46. The method of claim 30 also comprising communicating with another system using a two-way communications device.
47. The method of 46 further comprising performing a function selected from the group consisting of downloading information about an item of audio content, downloading an identifier for an item of audio content, downloading an audio signature for an item of audio content, downloading information about radio stations, downloading a user's preference profile, synchronizing the user's data between the enhanced radio system and a different enhanced radio system, allowing the user to respond to an item of radio content, allowing the user to send a message to a user of another enhanced radio system, receiving a message from a user of another enhanced radio system, downloading a software update into the memory, downloading an audio clip into the memory, and reporting usage data.
48. The method of claim 30 further comprising playing the analog output signal without a vocal component and displaying song lyrics.
49. The method of claim 30 further comprising providing a telephone function.
50. A radio sing along system comprising:
(a) a radio receiver capable of receiving a radio input from a radio station;
(b) a vocal stripper for removing a vocal track from the received radio input;
(c) an audio output device for playing received audio without the vocal track;
(d) a communication device for receiving textual lyrics for a song; and
(e) a display device for displaying the textual lyrics synchronously with the played audio for the song.
51. A combined radio reception and voice communication system comprising:
(b) a memory device capable of storing a portion of all digital radio data received by the radio receiver;
(c) a digital-to-analog converter for converting the stored digital radio data to an analog audio signal;
(d) a communication device for receiving audio communications; and
(e) an audio output device for outputting the analog audio signal from the digital-to-analog converter and the received audio communications;
in which the memory device is additionally configured to store the received radio input at the same time the audio output device is outputting the received audio communications, and in which the digital-to-analog converter is additionally configured to convert previously stored digital radio data upon completion of the audio communications.
52. A radio reception and response system comprising:
(b) an information reception subsystem for receiving information related to the received radio input;
(c) a communication device capable of initiating a communication; and
(d) a user input device configured to allow a user to initiate a communication using the communication device based on the received information related to the received radio input.
53. A radio reception and messaging system comprising:
(b) a user input device for allowing a user to create a message, and further configured to allow the user to indicate an attribute of the received radio input to include with the message;
(c) a communication device for sending the message to another person.
54. A radio preference sharing system comprising:
(a) a first radio reception system configured to allow a user to define a preference;
(b) a second radio reception system configured to use a preference; and
(c) a communication device configured to allow the preference defined using the first radio reception system to be used by the second radio reception system.
[0052]FIG. 1 is an illustrative block diagram of one embodiment of the enhanced radio system of the present invention;
[0053]FIG. 2 is an illustrative block diagram of the controller of FIG. 1;
[0054]FIG. 3A is an illustrative block diagram of radio sources of FIG. 1;
[0055]FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C are further illustrative block diagrams of alternative embodiments of a portion of FIG. 1;
[0056]FIG. 4 is an illustrative block diagram of the communications device of FIG. 1;
[0057]FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are illustrative flow charts of one embodiment of the enhanced radio method of the present invention;
[0058]FIGS. 6A through 6D are illustrations of various embodiments of the enhanced radio system of the present invention;
[0059]FIG. 7 is an illustrative flow chart showing configuration steps of the enhanced radio method of the present invention;
[0060]FIG. 8 is an illustrative flow chart showing additional configuration steps of the enhanced radio method of the present invention;
[0061]FIG. 9 is an illustrative flow chart showing audio control steps of the enhanced radio method of the present invention;
[0062]FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are illustrative flow charts showing steps relating to recording of radio content using the present invention;
[0063]FIG. 11 is an illustrative flow chart showing steps related to allowing audio content to be downloaded into the enhanced radio system of the present invention;
[0064]FIG. 12 shows an illustrative display screen that may be used for recording radio content in the enhanced radio system of the present invention;
[0065]FIG. 13 is an illustrative flow chart showing steps related to selecting favorite radio stations in the present invention;
[0066]FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 are illustrative flow charts showing steps related to identifying an item of radio content in the enhanced radio system of the present invention;
[0067]FIG. 16 is an illustrative data structure that may be used in the identification of an item of radio content in the enhanced radio system of the present invention;
[0068]FIGS. 17A through 17C are illustrative graphs of data that may be used to identify items of radio content in the enhanced radio system of the present invention;
[0069]FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 are illustrative flow charts showing steps related to grouping items of radio content in the enhanced radio system of the present invention;
[0070]FIG. 20 is an illustrative display screen that may be used in the rating of groups of radio content in the enhanced radio system of the present invention;
[0071]FIG. 21 through FIG. 24 are illustrative flow charts showing steps related to recommending radio stations in the enhanced radio system of the present invention;
[0072]FIG. 25 and FIG. 26 are illustrative data structures that may be use in the enhanced radio system of the present invention;
[0073]FIG. 27 is an illustrative display screen that may be used in the recommending of radio stations in the enhanced radio system of the present invention;
[0074]FIG. 28A and FIG. 28B are illustrative flow charts showing steps related to recommending local events and facilities in the enhanced radio system of the present invention;
[0075]FIG. 29A and FIG. 29B are illustrative display screens that may be used in the recommending of local events in the enhanced radio system of the present invention;
[0076]FIG. 30 is an illustrative flow chart showing steps related to communication features in the enhanced radio system of the present invention;
[0077]FIG. 31 is an illustrative display screen that may be used in an enhanced radio web site in the enhanced radio system of the present invention;
[0078]FIG. 32A and FIG. 32B are illustrative block diagrams showing how a portable device may be used with a computer and the enhanced radio system of the present invention for downloading data;
[0079]FIGS. 33A through 33C are illustrative display screens that may be used in a radio response feature in the enhanced radio system of the present invention;
[0080]FIG. 34 is an illustrative flow chart showing steps related to providing a radio response feature in the enhanced radio system of the present invention;
[0081]FIG. 35 is an illustrative flow chart showing steps related to providing a user message feature in the enhanced radio system of the present invention;
[0082]FIGS. 36A through 36F show illustrative display screens that may be used in providing a user message feature in the enhanced radio system of the present invention;
[0083]FIG. 37 is an illustrative flow chart showing steps for reporting radio usage data in the enhanced radio system of the present invention;
[0084]FIG. 38 is an illustrative flow chart showing steps for providing a karaoke mode in the enhanced radio system of the present invention;
[0085]FIG. 39 is an illustrative flow chart showing steps for integrating radio and telephone functions in the enhanced radio system of the present invention;
[0086]FIG. 40 is an illustrative flow chart showing steps for providing a scan feature in the enhanced radio system of the present invention;
[0087]FIG. 41 is an illustrative memory map for one embodiment of the enhanced radio system of the present invention; and
[0088]FIG. 42 is an overview of the features of our invention.
[0100]FIG. 2 shows an illustrative block diagram of controller 145 of FIG. 1. This subsystem may include processor 210, which may, for example be a microprocessor or other type of processing unit. Controller 145 may include local memory 220. Memory 220 may be used for storing software 225, which may run in processor 210. Memory 220 may also be used to store data 227, which may also be used by processor 210. Controller 145 may also include additional control circuitry 230, which may be used, for example, for communication with other subsystems in enhanced radio system 10 (FIG. 1) (ERS), and to process data sent to and received from the other subsystems.
[0101]FIG. 3A shows another illustrative block diagram of an ERS and multiple radio sources. This figure shows that a single system may have multiple radio sources 100 (FIG. 1) of multiple types. For example, the system may include FM radio antenna 310, AM radio antenna 312, satellite radio antenna 314, cable radio signal input 316, and Internet radio input 318. These types of radio sources are merely illustrative. An enhanced radio embodiment may include any combination of these and other types of radio sources.
[0102]FIG. 3B shows an illustrative block diagram of an embodiment 320 performing the function of a portion of an ERS of FIG. 1. In particular, an example of radio source 100 is embodied in analog radio signal input 325. Radio receiver 110 and digitizer 115 are embodied in tuner 330, demodulator 332, decoder 334, and demuliplexor 336. In this embodiment, digital radio content may be received in analog radio signal input 325. Tuner 330 may tune the carrier frequency for the digital radio content. Demodulator 332 may demodulate the signal from the format modulated when broadcast. Decoder 334 may decode the particular digital encoding scheme (e.g., MPEG-2) used to carry the digital data within the signal. Demultiplexor 336 may extract the digital radio data for a particular radio station from several digital radio stations that may be multiplexed within the single carrier signal. The digital data may then be stored into memory 120.
[0103]FIG. 3C shows an illustrative block diagram of another embodiment 340 performing the function of a portion of an ERS of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, radio source 100 is embodied in Internet 345, and radio receiver 110 and digitizer 115 are embodied in modem 350 and computer 355. Computer 355 may retrieve radio data from Internet 345 using modem 350. Modem 350 may be, for example, a wireless, telephone, DSL, or cable modem. Modem 350 may also be used as communications device 155. Computer 355 may store radio data in memory 120. User controls 140 may be embodied in mouse 360 and keyboard 365. Display device 150 may be embodied in monitor 370. Digital-to-analog converter 125 may be embodied in sound card 380, and audio output 130 may be embodied in speakers 385.
[0104]FIG. 4 shows illustrative block diagram of communications device 155 of FIG. 1. Communications device 155 may be used by an ERS for receiving data from and sending data to external systems. Communications device 155 may include modem 410, which may be, for example, a telephone, wireless, cable, or DSL modem. Communications device 155 may include wireless transceiver 420, which may be, for example, a paging transceiver. Communications device 155 may include computer networking equipment 430, which may include, for example, appropriate Ethernet hubs, routers, Ethernet transceivers, wireless Ethernet transceivers, and the like. Computer networking equipment 430 may connect enhanced radio system to an in-home network, for example, which may in turn be used for accessing an external network, such as the Internet. Communications device 155 may include portable memory device 440, which may, for example, be a flash memory card, a smart card, a PDA, etc. Portable memory device 440 may be used for transferring data between an ERS and an eternal system.
[0106]FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B show illustrative flow charts 500 and 550, respectively, of a process used by an ERS (FIG. 1) to acquire and play radio signals. In step 510 of FIG. 5A, an ERS may receive radio input, for example using radio receiver 100. In step 520, the radio input may be stored in memory 120. If it is determined that the signal is analog in step 511, the signal may be digitized in step 525 prior to storing it. In step 530, a user may be allowed to control the storing of radio data, using, for example, user controls 140. In step 535, older stored radio data may be overwritten. For example, the radio data may be stored in a circular buffer, and the newest data may continuously overwrite the oldest data as the newest data is written. The size of the circular buffer may be fixed, it may be variable based on available memory, or it may be controlled by the user. The size of the circular buffer may be changed over time.
[0109]FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D show four specific embodiments of an ERS. FIG. 6A shows an enhanced radio embodiment 600 configured to be used in an automobile. Enhanced radio unit/front panel 610 may be mounted in the automobile dashboard 605 and connected to the automobile antenna 606 and sound system 608 (e.g., amplifiers and speakers). Front panel 610 may include a variety of buttons and other controls, such as volume controls 612, tuning controls 614, AUDIO button 616, SOURCE button 618, SCAN button 620, SEARCH button 622, and PRESET/NUMBER buttons 624. Front panel 610 may also include REWIND button 626 for rewinding radio content, PAUSE button 628 for pausing radio play, FAST-FORWARD button 630 for fast-forwarding through radio content, SKIP-BACK button 632 for skipping back to earlier radio content, PLAY button 634 for resuming radio play, SKIP-FORWARD button 636 for skipping forward to later radio content, LIKE button 638 for indicating preferred radio content, DISLIKE button 640 for indicating radio content that is not preferred, and RECORD button 642 for recording radio content. Front panel 610 may include display 644 and voice input 648. Any of these controls may also be available on a remote control (not shown). Front panel 610 may also include connector 646 for communications device 155 (FIG. 1). Connector 646 may be, for example, a connector for a mobile telephone, or a PC Card slot for a memory card.
[0110]FIG. 6B shows an enhanced radio embodiment 650 configured to be used portably. It includes a main unit 652, which may include controls 654 and mounting means 656. Controls 654 may be substantially similar to controls shown in FIG. 6A. Mount may be configured, for example, to attach to a user's clothing. Embodiment 650 may also include speakers (e.g., headphones) 658, antenna (not shown), and connection 659 (e.g., wireless or wired) for sending audio signals from main device 652 to speakers 658. It may also include connector 662 for connecting to communications device 155 (FIG. 1). Connector 662 may be, for example, a telephone connector or an Ethernet connector, or a PC Card slot for a memory card. Embodiment 650 may alternatively contain communications device 155, which may be, for example, an infrared transceiver or a radio frequency transceiver.
[0111]FIG. 6C shows an enhanced radio embodiment 670 configured to be used in an environment such as a home or office. Embodiment 670 may include main unit 672, which may include front panel 674. Remote control 676 may also be used. Main unit 672 may be connected to speakers 678, recording device 680, antenna 684, or other components of a home entertainment system. Subsystems such as amplifiers and speakers may be incorporated into the enhanced radio system main device, or they may be external to it, allowing a user to connect to existing equipment. Embodiment 670 may also include connector 682 for connecting to communications device 155 (FIG. 1). Connector 662 may be, for example, a telephone connector or an Ethernet connector, or a PC Card slot for a memory card. Embodiment 670 may alternatively contain communications device 155, which may be, for example, an infrared transceiver or a radio frequency transceiver.
[0112]FIG. 6D shows an enhanced radio embodiment 690 configured to be used in a shower 692. Embodiment 690 may be design to be resistant to the heat and moisture found in a shower. It may include keypad 694, display 698 and communications device 696. Other components may be sealed inside of the unit. For example, embodiment 690 may include a clock 699.
[0113]FIG. 7 shows process 700 for configuring the enhanced radio system for different environments. In step 710, the system may be configured to be used in a stationary environment, such as a home or office. This may include allowing the system to be connected to a user's home entertainment system. It may include higher quality sound components than might be used in a more mobile environment. It may also include a design that is suited for placement on a shelf, in a rack, in a home entertainment console, or the like. In step 715, the system may be configured to be used in a shower. This may include designing the system to be resistant to heat and moisture. In step 720, the system may be configured to be used in an automobile. This may include configuring the system to be mounted in a car's dashboard and to be connected to a car audio system. It may also include configuring the controls for the convenience of a driver, such as having buttons that are easy for a driver to see and activate, or including a voice control. In step 730, the system may be configured to be portable. This may include using light components and designing for durability. It may also include a mounting system that can be worn, and the ability to connect to headphones or other portable speaker systems.
[0115]FIG. 8 shows more details of step 740 of FIG. 7. In step 810, the user may be given the ability to change the output device. For example, the user may be able to easily disconnect the headphones and connect a main device to a car audio system, to convert a system from a portable environment to the car environment. In step 820, the user may be given the ability to change the user input device. For example, the user may be able to use a front panel in one environment and a remote control in another. In step 830, different mounts may be provided. For example, the system may be mounted both in an automobile dashboard and on the user's clothing. In step 840, the user may be allowed to change the communications device. This may include, for example, connecting to a mobile telephone modem in an automobile and connecting to an in-home network at home. In step 850, the user may be given the ability to connect to different radio sources. For example, the user may connect the system to a car antenna when the system is mounted in a car, and may connect the system to a home network and a cable radio system when using the system at home. The steps in this process may be performed in any order, and all steps are optional.
[0129]FIG. 10B shows more details of step 1010, allowing the user to specify the content to be recorded. The steps in this process may be performed in any order, and all steps are optional. In step 1012, the user may be allowed to specify the start and end of the content to be recorded. For example, the user may rewind to the start of the content of interest using REWIND button 626 or SKIP-BACK button 632, and then press RECORD button 642 to indicate the start of the content to be recorded. The user may then use the PLAY button, 634, FAST-FORWARD button 630 or SKIP-FORWARD button 636 to find the end of the content of interest, and then press RECORD button 642 again to indicate the end of the content to be recorded.
[0134]FIG. 12 shows illustrative screen 1200 that may be displayed on monitor 370 (FIG. 3) to allow the user to select an item to be recorded. Selection 1210 may allow the user to instruct the system to record the current song, as disclosed with regard to steps 1110 and 1120 of FIG. 11 above. Selection 1220 may allow the user to instruct the system to record content based on station, start time, and end time, as disclosed with regard to step 1130 of FIG. 11 above. Selection 1230 may allow the user to instruct the system to record a specific radio program scheduled to air on a specific radio station at a specific time, as disclosed with regard to step 1140 of FIG. 11 above.
[0153]FIG. 15 shows more details of step 1410 of FIG. 14, identifying an item of radio content, and is illustratively discussed in conjunction with the block diagram of FIG. 3 and the embodiment of FIG. 6A. The steps in this process may be performed in any order, and all steps are optional. At 1510, the item may be identified based on a user indication. In substep 1512, the user may be allowed to indicate the start of the item, for example by pressing LIKE button 642 when listening to the start of the item. In substep 1514, the user may be allowed to indicate the end of the item, for example by pressing LIKE button 642 a second time when listening to the end of the item. The user may also be allowed to select the item from a radio schedule in substep 1516. The schedule may, for example, be displayed on monitor 370, and the user may click on a desired item in the schedule, using mouse 360.
[0160]FIG. 16 shows an illustrative data structure 1600 that may be used to store information about a content item. Field 1605 may store the duration (e.g., in seconds) of the item. The duration may also be measured in units of data storage required for the item, such as bytes. The record may also store a compression factor if necessary to determine how to decompress the audio data. Field 1610 may store a pointer to the stored audio content. This may be a pointer to the block of memory holding the audio data, a pointer the first block of data if the audio data is stored in multiple blocks, a list of addresses of multiple memory blocks used to store the audio data, a file name of audio data stored on a disk drive, or other such pointer.
[0163]FIGS. 17A through 17C illustrate data related to the audio signal that may be used to identify an item and differentiate it from another adjacent item. Graph 1700 of FIG. 17A shows power 1705 vs. time 1710 for an incoming audio signal. This graph shows an initial portion 1712 of the audio with one power characteristic, a second portion 1714 of the audio with a second audio characteristic, and a third portion 1716 of the audio with a third characteristic. In this example, second portion 1714 corresponds to a period of silence, and third portion 1716 has a higher peak and average power than first portion 1712.
[0167]FIG. 19 shows more detail of step 1810, the grouping of items of audio content, and is illustratively discussed in conjunction with the block diagram of FIG. 3 and the embodiment of FIG. 6A. All steps in this process are optional, and may be performed in any suitable order. In step 1905, groups may be created based on user-specified criteria. For example, the user may enter criteria using keyboard 365, mouse 360, and monitor 370. In another embodiment, the user may specify criteria using buttons on front panel 610 and display 644. Criteria may be specified using voice input 648. Criteria may also be specified by allowing the user to indicate a specific item and creating a group based on a characteristic of the item.
[0171]FIG. 20 shows illustrative screen 2000 which may be displayed on monitor 370 (FIG. 3) to allow a user to configure a group. Pull-down list 2010 may allow the user to select a specific group, such as a genre of music. In this example, the user has selected alternative rock. Pull-down list 2020 may allow the user to enter a rating for the group. In this case, the user has specified that he or she hates alternative rock music. The system may allow the user to enter a preference for or against the group, as well level of interest. For example, the user may be allowed to specify a strong or weak like or dislike, or ambivalence toward the group.
[0173]FIG. 21 shows illustrative process 2100 for providing radio station recommendations to a user. All steps in this process are optional, and may be performed in any suitable order. For example, a user may be traveling in an unfamiliar region, and may be listening to the enhanced radio system in a personal or rental car. The user may wish to quickly and easily find stations that match her preferences.
[0175]FIG. 22 shows more detail of step 2110 of FIG. 21, acquiring user information. All steps in this sub-process are optional, and may be performed in any suitable order. In step 2210, the user may be allowed to enter user information. For example, a screen such as screen 2000 of FIG. 20 may be used by the user to specify likes and dislikes. In step 2220, the system may determine user information automatically by monitoring the content the user listens to. For example, the system may add points to a specific song, artist, genre, or other type of item or grouping, based on the user listening to an entire item. The system may assign additional points if the user rewinds or skips back to the start of an item to hear it in its entirety or to hear it again. The system may subtract points if the user skips over an item. In step 2230, the system may download user information. For example, the user may have entered preferences in a web site, and the system may access that web site using communications device 155 (FIG. 1) to obtain that information. The system may also download user information from another enhanced radio system that the user may have previously used. The system may alternatively load the user information from a portable memory device 440 (FIG. 4), such as a flash memory card, a smart card, a PDA, or the like. The user may have loaded the information into the portable memory device 440 from another enhanced radio system. Portable memory device 440 may be used to hold a user profile, and may be loaded into multiple enhanced radio systems as they are used by the user, so that the user' preferences may be available in each location.
[0176]FIG. 23 shows more detail of step 2130, acquiring information about available radio stations, and is illustratively discussed in conjunction with the block diagram of FIG. 1. All steps in this sub-process are optional, and may be performed in any suitable order. In step 2310, the system may acquire information about available radio stations from information sent with the radio station the user is listening to. For example, information about the radio station may be embedded in the radio signal, and the system may extract that information and store it. The signal may also include information about other stations that the user is not listening to, but which may be available. The system may collect this information over time as it is sent to create a list of all available radio stations.
[0181]FIG. 24 shows more detail of step 2140, presenting the recommended radio stations to the user. All steps in this sub-process are optional, and may be performed in any suitable order. In step 2410, the system may display a list of recommended radio stations. For example, the list may be displayed on monitor 370 (FIG. 3) or display 644 (FIG. 6A). The user may be allowed to scroll or page through the list if it does not fit on a single display screen. In step 2420, the user may be allowed to select from the displayed list of radio stations, for example using mouse 360 (FIG. 3), keyboard 365 (FIG. 3), a button on front panel 610 (FIG. 6A), voice input 648 (FIG. 6A), or remote control 676 (FIG. 6C). When the user selects an item from the list, the system may immediately switch to that station, may display more information about the radio station, may assign the radio station to one of the enhanced radio presets, or may take other suitable action.
[0184]FIG. 25 shows illustrative data structure 2500 for storing user preferences. It may include field 2510 for storing information about music formats the user likes. It may include field 2520 for storing information about music formats the user does not like. It may include field 2530 for storing information about talk formats the user likes. It may include field 2540 for storing information about talk formats the user does not like. It may include field 2550 for storing information about performing artists the user likes. It may include field 2560 for storing information about performing artists the user does not like. It may also include one or more fields 2570 for storing information about how the user's preferences change over time, for example if the user likes listening to different types of content on different days of the week or at different times of the day. All fields shown are optional, and other information relating to the user's preferences may be stored. If desired, the enhanced radio system may store the preferences for multiple users.
[0185]FIG. 26 shows illustrative data structure 2600 for storing information about a radio station, for example in a radio station database. Field 2610 may store the station call letters or other identifying name. Field 2620 may store the format of the radio station, for example as a text string, or as a selection from a table of known formats. Field 2630 may store a list of performing artists typically played by the station. Field 2640 may include a schedule of programs airing on the radio station. Field 2650 may include information about the geographical region served by the radio station. Field 2660 may store the broadcast frequency, or other information necessary for receiving the station. Field 2670 may include the telephone number of the radio station. All fields shown are optional, and other fields may be included in the radio station database as desired.
[0186]FIG. 27 shows illustrative display screen 2700 which may be used to present recommended radio stations to a user. Recommended station list 2790 may be presented to user. If more stations are recommended than will fit onto a single screen, the system may allow the user to scroll or page to view additional selections. Each selection may include information such as broadcast frequency 2710, call letters 2720, and station format 2730. Each selection may also include on-screen buttons 2740 that may be selected by the user to immediately start listening to the station, buttons 2750 to view a schedule of programming on the station, and buttons 2760 to view a play list for the station. Other items may be shown on screen 2700 as well. This screen may be displayed in different formats depending on the characteristics of display device 150 and user controls 140 of FIG. 1.
[0187]FIG. 28A shows illustrative process 2800 for recommending local events to a user, and is illustratively discussed in conjunction with FIG. 1. The steps of this process may be performed in any suitable order, and any steps may be omitted if desired. In step 2805, the system may acquire user information, such as user preferences. Flow chart 2110 of FIG. 22, discussed above, shows an illustrative process for acquiring user preferences. In step 2810, the system may acquire geographic position information, for example using global positioning system monitor 160, or by monitoring which radio stations are available and comparing them with a database of radio stations and geographical regions served by them. In step 2815, the system may acquire information about local events. Events may include concerts, celebrity appearances, signings, radio station events, contests, etc. Event information may be acquired using communications device 155. In step 2820, the system may select one or more recommended events. Events may be selected by comparing information about each event with user information, and selecting events that most closely match user preferences. In step 2825, the system may present one or more recommended events to the user, for example on display device 150.
[0188]FIG. 28B shows illustrative process 2850 for recommending local facilities to a user, and is illustratively discussed in conjunction with FIG. 1. The steps of this process may be performed in any suitable order, and any steps may be omitted if desired. In step 2855, the system may acquire user information, such as user preferences. Flow chart 2110 of FIG. 22, discussed above, shows an illustrative process for acquiring user preferences. In step 2860, the system may acquire geographic position information, for example using global positioning system monitor 160, or by monitoring which radio stations are available and comparing them with a database of radio stations and geographical regions served by them. In step 2865, the system may acquire information about local facilities. Facilities may include concert venues, tourist attractions, radio stations, stores, hotels, restaurants, other local businesses, etc. Facility information may be acquired using communications device 155. In step 2870, the system may select one or more recommended facilities. Facilities may be selected by comparing information about each facility with user information, and selecting facilities that most closely match user preferences. In step 2875, the system may present one or more recommended facilities to the user, for example on display device 150.
[0189]FIGS. 29A and 29B show illustrative display screens 2900 and 2920 for recommending local events to a user listening to an enhanced radio system in an automobile, and are discussed illustratively in conjunction with FIG. 6A. Screen 2900 may be shown on display 644 when the user indicates a desire to find local events. The user may be prompted to press a button, such as SEARCH button 622, to begin the search. In display screen 2920, the first search result may be displayed. The Joe Jackson concert 2922 may be recommended because the user has a preference for that performing artist. The system may also display prompt 2924 to press FAST-FORWARD button 630 to advance to the next search result, and display prompt 2926 to press LIKE button 638 to view information about the event. Displayed information may include date and time, location, price, where to buy tickets, a phone number to obtain additional information, directions to the concert venue, or other appropriate information. The system may also display a prompt allowing the user to buy one or more tickets interactively. Local facility information may be similarly shown on display 644.
[0190]FIG. 30 shows flow chart 3000 of a process to provide communication features in an enhanced radio system, and is discussed illustratively in conjunction with FIG. 1. Any steps from this process may be performed in any suitable order if desired. The system may use communications device 155 to provide these features. In step 3005, the system may download information about radio stations, such as a radio station database. In step 3010, the system may download a user profile, which may include user preferences and other user information. In step 3015, the system may synchronize data between two enhanced radio systems, for example by copying user preferences, station presets, and other information from one system to the other. In step 3020, the system may access an enhanced radio web site to perform functions such as retrieve data, upload data, or present a web page to the user. In step 3025, the system may download information about local events and local facilities. In step 3030, the system may allow a user to respond to radio content, such as automatically telephoning a radio station or advertiser. In step 3035, the system may allow the user to send a message to another enhanced radio user. In step 3040, the system may receive a message from another enhanced radio user and present the message to the user. In step 3045, the system may download a software update. In step 3050, the system may allow a user to download a song or other audio content to store in memory 120 and play back later. In step 3055, the system may report usage data to a central facility.
[0191]FIG. 31 shows illustrative enhanced radio web page 3100. A user may be able to access web page 3100 using a web browser running on computer 355, and it may be displayed on monitor 370 of FIG. 3. Web page 3100 may include link 3105 to view concert information and purchase concert tickets. Link 3110 may allow a user to view information about concert venues. Link 3115 may allow the user to purchase CDs or other music products. Link 3120 may allow the user purchase other products. Link 3125 may allow the user to enter a contest. Link 3130 may allow the user to play a music trivia game. Link 3135 may allow the user to view profiles of performing artists. Link 3140 may allow the user to access a music information database. Link 3145 may allow the user to define his profile, including songs, artists, genres, and radio stations that he likes and doesn't like. Link 3150 may allow the user to access a desktop radio feature, to listen to music on the computer. Link 3155 may allow the user to access a database of radio stations. Link 3160 may allow the user to view schedules of programs on radio stations. Link 3165 may allow the user to synchronize user information and other data with an enhanced radio system. Advertisement 3170 may be targeted based on user preferences and history. These links are merely illustrative. Other links may be provided if desired. Other web page designs are also possible.
[0192]FIGS. 32A and 32B are block diagrams showing how an enhanced radio system may synchronize data with another enhanced radio system or with an enhanced radio web site. In FIG. 32A, personal computer 3210 may be connected to portable memory device 440 of FIG. 4. The memory device may be a flash memory car, a smart card, a mobile telephone, a PDA, or other such device. Personal computer 3210 may connect to memory device 440 via any appropriate connection, such as serial port, infrared, universal serial bus (USB), PC Card bus, or any other suitable connection. Information, such as a user profile, station presets, a radio database, radio station schedules, event information, facility information, music information (e.g., audio signatures, information about songs, artists, genres, etc.), or other such information, may be transferred over the connection from personal computer 3210 to portable memory device 440.
[0195]FIGS. 33A through 33C show illustrative screens that may be shown on display device 150 (FIG. 1) as part of a two-way response feature. Such a feature may assist a user in responding to radio content, such as a commercial, a contest, a call-in show, a concert promotion, or the like. This feature may use a mobile telephone connected to an ERS, or other communications device 155 (FIG. 1). In screen 3310 of FIG. 33A, the user may be provided a telephone number 3312 to respond to radio content. The user may also be prompted 3314 to press a button to initiate a direct connection. In the case that the user presses the prompted button, the system may automatically dial the telephone (e.g., the mobile phone in the user's car), and make the voice connection through voice input 648 and car speakers 608 of FIG. 6A. The radio content may be paused or muted while the connection is in progress.
In substep 3438, the system may allow the user to participate in a call-in show. For example, listeners may be invited to call in to a radio show. The radio station phone 5 number may be retrieved from a radio station database. The system may display the phone number for the radio station on display device 150 (FIG. 1). Similarly, the system may allow the user to make a song request to a radio station in step 3440 by auto-dialing the radio station or displaying the radio station phone number for the user.
[0209]FIG. 35 shows flow chart 3500 of an illustrative process for allowing the user to send a message to a user of another enhanced radio system. Any suitable subset of these steps may be performed in any suitable order. In step 3505, the user may be allowed to send an instant message to another user, which the other user may receive and listen to or view immediately. In step 3510, the user may be allowed to send an electronic mail message to another user, which the other user may receive and listen to or view at a later time. In step 3515, the system may create a voice connection between the two users. In any of these cases, the system may allow the user to specify an electronic address or name for the other user. The system may also allow the user to maintain a list of other users to make sending messages simpler.
[0211]FIGS. 36A though 36F show illustrative display screens for allowing a user to send a message to another user, and are illustratively discussed in conjunction with the embodiment of FIG. 6A. These display screens may be shown on display 644. Display screen 3600 of FIG. 36A may be shown when the user chooses to send a message. It may include option 3602 to send an instant message, option 3604 to send an electronic mail message, and option 3606 to create a voice connection. The user may select an option, for example, by pressing the indicated button on front panel 610 or remote control 676 (FIG. 6C), or by speaking a command using voice input 648.
[0217]FIG. 37 shows flow chart 3700 of an illustrative process to collect and report enhanced radio usage data. The steps of this process may be performed in any suitable order, and any steps may be omitted if desired. In step 3710, the system may collect information on radio stations that the user listens to. The information may include information on days and times that stations were listened to. It may also include information on particular songs, commercials, shows, and other content that the user may have actually heard, as well as indications of content the user may have skipped over.
[0220]FIG. 38 shows illustrative flow chart 3800 of a process to provide a karaoke feature, and is discussed illustratively in conjunction with the block diagram of FIG. 1. The steps of this process may be performed in any suitable order, and any steps may be omitted if desired. In step 3810, the system may receive the vocal portion of the audio from a radio station separately from the rest of the audio signal. Alternatively, the radio station may transmit information indicating the frequencies used for the vocal portion of the audio. In step 3820, the system may receive the lyrics for a song. The lyrics may be received as part of the radio signal along with the audio signal for the song. Alternatively, the system may acquire the lyrics separately using communications device 155. In step 3830, the system may indicate the availability of the karaoke feature to the user when the incoming radio signal supports it, for example on display device 150. In step 3840, the system may allow the user to select karaoke mode, for example with user controls 140. In step 3850, the system may remove the vocal portion of the audio. It may simply ignore the portion of the incoming signal with the vocal, or it may perform a filter on the signal to remove the vocal frequencies. Preferably, the vocal should be removed as the audio is read from memory 120. This will allow the vocal (and lyrics) to be stored in memory, and accessed later. For example, the user may alternately listen to the audio both with and without lyrics. In step 3860, the lyrics may be displayed, for example on display 644 (FIG. 6A) or monitor 370 (FIG. 3).
[0221]FIG. 39 shows flow chart 3900 of an illustrative process for providing an integrated telephone feature, and is discussed illustratively in conjunction with the block diagram of FIG. 6A. The steps of this process may be performed in any suitable order, and any steps may be omitted if desired. In step 3910, the system may allow a telephone service to be connected to the enhanced radio system. For example, a mobile telephone may be connected to the system. Alternatively, the system may be connected to a wired telephone line.
[0225]FIG. 40 shows a flow chart of an illustrative process for providing an enhanced radio scan feature, and is illustratively discussed in conjunction with the embodiment of FIG. 6A. Any steps of this process may be omitted if desired. In step 4010, the user may be allowed to initiate scan mode. For example, the user may press SCAN button 620 on front panel 610 or remote control 676 (FIG. 6C). In step 4020, the system may begin recording one or more stations scheduled to be selected soon. For example, the system may assign five receivers to the scan feature. One receiver may be assigned to the currently selected station, and the other four receivers may be assigned to the four stations to be selected next. The system may use these four receivers to scan for stations in advance of when they will be played for the user.
[0229]FIG. 41 shows illustrative memory map 4100 of data stored in memory 120 (FIG. 1). Radio input buffers 4105 may be used to store the most recent radio inputs received from one or more radio stations. This area of memory may be assigned dynamically, with different radio stations having buffers of different sizes. A new area of memory may be allocated when a radio receiver is tuned to a new station, and the area may be increased or decreased in size as the user selects or deselects the station or performs other functions.
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U.S. Classification 455/132, 455/230
International Classification H04H60/80, H04H60/91, H04H60/16, H04H20/34, H04H60/43, H04H60/74, H04H60/17, H04B17/40, H04H60/63, H04H60/37, H04H60/40, H04H60/47, H04H60/46, H04H60/72, H04H60/51, H04H60/58, H04H60/33, H04H60/85, H04H60/65, H04H1/00, H04M1/725, H04B1/20, H04H60/27
Cooperative Classification H04H60/82, H04H60/16, H04M1/72558, H04H60/80, H04H40/18, H04H60/46, H04H60/72, H04H60/58, H04M2250/74, H04H60/43, H04H60/47, H04H60/85, H04H60/63, H04H60/74, H04H20/34, H04H60/40, H04H60/51, H04H60/37, H04H60/17, H04H60/65, H04M1/6083, H04H60/91, H04H60/27, H04H60/33, H04M1/72522, H04H2201/40, H04B1/20
European Classification H04B1/20, H04M1/725F1, H04H60/27, H04H60/33, H04H60/80