Apparatus for distributing and playing audio information

ABSTRACT

A system and method for distributing audio information is disclosed. The system comprises a receiver, a server, and a communication network. The receiver allows a user to select and receive audio information that is stored at a location remote to the user. The server stores data and network addresses of programs that are available to the user. The communication network facilitates communication between the receiver, the server, and other devices attached to the network. The server or a network source may transmit audio data to the receiver that contemporaneously receives and plays the data for the user.

INFORMATION

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

REFERENCE NUMERALS

system

receiver

server

network

user controls

CPU

user feedback

audio decompressor

output device

network interface

power supply

media player

memory device

configuration manager

detachable memory device

radio receiver

network interface

CPU

memory device

station guide

station content

station manager

commercial manager

radio station

communication means

source

method block

method block

method block

method block

method block

method block

method block

method block

method block

method block

method block

method block

method block

method block

method block

method block

method block

display

LED

button

button

button

button

button

button

button

button

button

button

knob

button

method block

data base

method block

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As seen in FIG. 1, the present-invention comprises a system generally indicated as reference number . The system comprises a receiver , a server , and a communication network .

Receiver

Receiver may be portable so that it can be transported like a radio or tape player. Alternatively, receiver may be permanently mounted in a vehicle or at a fixed location. Receiver may comprise the following major components: user controls , a central processing unit (CPU) , an audio decompressor , an audio output device , a network interface , a power supply , a media player, , a memory device , a configuration manager , a detachable memory device , and a radio receiver .

User controls allow a user to operate receiver . The user may perform such functions as selecting a desired program, setting volume and tone, pausing and resuming a program, fast forwarding and fast reversing through a program, and storing configuration information, such as preferred or frequently listened to programs. User controls comprise a front panel with buttons and knobs and an alphanumeric display. Alternatively, user controls may comprise more sophisticated control devices, such as voice recognition so that the user can enter commands verbally and speech synthesis for providing feedback information to the user.

Audio decompressor is responsible for decompressing digital audio data by any of a number of methods that are well known in the art. Typically, audio programs stored remotely will be compressed for efficient storage and transmission. Audio decompressor will accept a compressed input data stream and will produce an uncompressed output data stream. Audio compressor may be implemented in dedicated hardware, or it may be a software algorithm running on CPU . It is recognized that program data may not be compressed in which case audio decompressor would not be needed.

CPU may be a standard microprocessor, such as an INTEL PENTIUM processor, or a custom design microprocessor with a memory device and input/output channels to communicate with the other components of receiver . CPU is responsible for receiving and implementing commands from user controls such as selecting a program or adjusting volume, establishing a data connection to and communicating with server , controlling the data flow from server through network to network interface and to audio decompresser , controlling the audio decompression process, controlling audio output , and other functions necessary for controlling receiver . For example, CPU may have hardware and/or software inserted commercials into a program. This may require CPU to store commercial data, pausing a program at a desired location, and playing the commercial data.

The operating system of receiver may be highly automated to require minimum input by the user so that the device is easy to use. For example, when receiver is turned on, it may automatically determine the kind of network in use and may automatically begin communication with a network server or source without prompting the user.

Audio output receives decompressed digital data from audio decompresser , converts the digital data to analog form, and then drives speakers or an output port. Audio output also accepts commands from CPU to set volume and tone.

Network interface connects to communication network and facilitates communications. The type of network interface depends on the type of communication network used. For example, if network is the Internet, network interface may be a digital modem and cellular transceiver for connecting to the Internet over cellular communication lines. The cellular transceiver allows receiver to be mobile while communicating over the Internet. Other wireless technologies that are well known in the art may also be used. Alternatively, if receiver is kept in one location, a phone line and a standard personal computer modem could be used to connect receiver to the Internet. A satellite communication transmitter and receiver could also be used to connect receiver to network . Communication over network may be performed in a way that is well known in the art using well known protocols, such as TCP/IP, CDPD, SLIP, TELNET, CSLIP, and PPP.

Power supply conditions and supplies power to receiver . Power supply may include batteries or a means to convert external power to internal power. For example, household electricity or a car battery may be converted to the internal power required by receiver .

Media player may be provided for retrieving audio data stored on storage media. Media player may be capable of using magnetic tapes, optical disks, or other storage devices. Media player may be integrated into receiver to avoid redundant components and it may be detachable.

Memory device is used to store data that is used by receiver . This may include system configuration data, user preference, and operating system data. Although the present invention is not intended to permanently store program data, memory may be used to temporarily store programs that are received by receiver . In this way, memory may act as a buffer to store packets of data that are received to prevent interruptions of audio output that may occur when network is slow or communication is momentarily interrupted.

Receiver may also be capable of receiving a plurality of streams of data. In this event, memory device may store one or more streams of data while another stream of data is used by receiver . Memory may be any of a number of memory devices that are well known in the art, such as semiconductor based random access memory, flash memory, or a hard disk drive.

Configuration manager may be a specialized hardware and/or software component for configuring receiver . This component may be capable of sensing the operating environment and adjusting the operation of receiver accordingly. Configuration manager may also be capable of identifying the user and applying stored user preferences to receiver .

A user may be required to pay for access to some servers, programs, or stations. Payment may be accomplished in a number of different ways. A detachable memory device , such as a PCMCIA card, flash read only memory, disk drive, smart card, debit card, credit card, telephone card, or compact disk drive, may be used to store encrypted identification numbers that a network device would use to grant access to a particular receiver. Detachable memory device may be purchased individually by a user. Detachable memory device may be programmed to allow access for a predetermined amount of time or access may be granted on a subscription basis where the user makes regular payments. Detachable memory device may also store other information that is relevant to the user, such as user preferences.

It may be necessary from time to time to update the software and data on receiver . Software updates may be necessary to update the operating system, update network addresses for servers and sources on network , and update communication software. Updates may be transferred automatically from server through network . Alternatively, detachable memory may be used to transfer data and software.

Radio receiver may be provided for receiving standard radio frequency broadcasts. Radio receiver may be integrated into receiver to reduce redundant components. Radio receiver may also be detachable from receiver .

Network

Network allows receiver and server to communicate with each other. Many different kinds of communication networks that are well known in the art may be used to facilitate communication, such as wide area networks and local area networks. The communication means of the network may be any of the communication means that are well known in the art. The communication means may include the Internet, telephone lines, satellites, fiber optic cables, and radio frequency transmitters and receivers. Network may include any number of servers and devices that may be accessed by receiver .

Server

Server operates much like a standard server on a communication network. It stores data and programs and allows remote devices to access the data. Various computers and storage devices that are well known in the art may be used as the server in the present invention. Server comprises a network interface , a central processing unit (CPU) , and a memory device . Network interface is similar to network interface of receiver in that it facilitates communication over network .

CPU controls server and communicates with other devices over network . CPU may be any number of designs and configurations that are well known in the art.

Memory stores program information and may store actual program data. Memory may be a hard disk drive, tapes and a tape drive, compact disks and a compact disk drive, or a combination of these devices. The data on memory may be grouped according to the type of data.

Station guide is a catalog or list of programs and program information. The data in station guide may include the name of programs, the dates of creation of each program, the network address of each program, an alternative address of each program, the length of each program, and other information.

The network address of each program indicates where on network the program can be retrieved. A particular program may be stored on server or on another server or source connected to network .

When receiver connects to server , server may, if requested, transmit data from station guide to receiver . Different users may have access to different portions of station guide depending upon their level of service provided to the user. After receiver has received station guide data, it will present a list of programs currently available to the user. The user may then select a program to play. Using the address of the program, receiver requests transmission of the program data from the appropriate server or source. If receiver already has the network address of a particular station or source selected by the user, receiver may communicate directly with the station or source and receiver need not contact server .

Station content is actual program data that may be provided by server . If a user selects a program on server , server will transmit the program data to receiver . Server may also receive programs from an external source for storage in memory and for contemporaneous transmission. For example, server may receive a radio program from a radio station over a communication means . As the radio station's transmission is received, server can simultaneously store the data in memory and can transmit the data to receiver . In the preferred embodiment, server compresses program data as it is received so that it can be more efficiently stored and transmitted over network . Communication means may be radio frequency transmissions, a phone line, or satellite communication. Server may also receive data from a network source over network . Source may be any content provider or another server. If receiver has the network address of radio station and source , which are connected to network , receiver can communicate directly with these content providers and receive program data directly.

Memory also includes station manager which is a database and software for administering programs and station data and for allowing content providers to add their station and programs to the listings stored in station content . Station manager can be made available to all who have access to it through the Internet or other network. Software is provided for adding, changing, or deleting listings that are stored in memory and/or station guide . The listings can be added by anyone with access but changes and additions may be required to be approved by an administrator of server . The listing may include, but are not limited to, such data as station names, category and group of each station, and the network address of each station. By including data on the category of stations and programs, users can retrieve programs by the type of content provided. For example, if a user wanted to listen to a sports program, the user can view a list of sports programs and select a specific program or station in a category. Other possible categories include news, every category and subcategory of music, comedy, specific performers, language, gospel, live events (e.g. concerts and performances), financial, weather, traffic and information relevant to a geographic and location.

Memory may also include commercial manager . The present invention makes it possible for users in many regions to hear radio broadcasts and stations from outside of their current geographical area. In some cases, the commercials that are broadcasted will not be appropriate for the area. Commercial manager allows server to play commercials and information that are more appropriate for the area of the listener. For example, station manager may include data for commercials that correspond to different locations. When a receiver communicates with server , server can identify the receiver's geographic location based on its network address or its identification number that is assigned to the receiver when the receiver is initially registered. Commercial manager would then play commercials for the user's region. Other options include removing commercials completely from a program or playing commercials and information that address the user's interest or demographic profile.

Server is preferably capable of transmitting multiple streams of data to a single receiver . This allows receiver to receive sets of data that may be used separately. For example, receiver may receive commercial data while it is receiving and playing a program for a user. The commercial data may then be played at an appropriate time.

Advantages

There are a number of features and capabilities of system that are currently not available in the prior art. To fully appreciate and understand the novelty of system , it is best to consider the device as compared to known products, such as a radio, a tape recorder/player, and a personal computer. System is able to combine features from each of the above devices. Receiver is similar to a radio in that it provides audio output from a remote source. However, the user may select a particular program as well as a broadcast station. As an example, when a radio is tuned to a particular station, the user must listen to whatever program is currently being broadcasted on that station. In contrast, the present invention allows a user to select a particular program to be played at any given time. The program need only be provided by server or another server or network source connected to the network . In addition to selecting a particular program, a user also has the option of selecting a broadcast station to listen to a contemporaneous broadcast. However, the broadcast station may be located anywhere in the world as long as it is connected to network .

When a program is selected, the user can take advantage of a number of features. The user can move quickly forward and backward through the program to skip portions of the program which do not interest the user. The user can also pause the program and can switch to another program and then return to the first program, beginning where the user paused. These features are reminiscent of a tape player. A tape player can also move quickly forward and backward, can pause a program, and can switch programs. However, the present invention precludes the need for the user to have physical possession of the program storage media. Instead, receiver accesses programs provided at anyone of numerous remote locations connected to network .

A key feature of the present invention is the ability to access any program at any location accessible by the network to which the device is connected. If the network happens to be the Internet, then the device can play a program from nearly anywhere in the world. This is superior to a radio that typically has a very limited range of reception.

User controls and the operating system of receiver are simple like that of a radio or tape player to allow a user to easily operate the receiver. A user may operate the device while performing other tasks, such as driving a car, with a minimum of attention given to receiver . This is an advantage over a personal computer that requires a much greater degree of attention and operational skill and knowledge. Since the present invention is designed for performing a specific task, receiver and user controls are also much smaller and cheaper to manufacture than a personal computer.

Receiver Configuration

Receiver may be configured using three methods; using a configuration manager of receiver , using a master station, or configuration by a manufacturer or seller. The configuration of receiver determines the operating parameters, such as the communication protocols to use, and presets for receiver .

Configuration manager provides a mechanism for a user to configure the receiver. For example, programs can be assigned to a button, types of programs can be selected, or a group of programs can be scanned.

Receiver has a physical interface, such as a button, which will place receiver in its configuration mode. The user may scroll through various menus to select a program or station and assign it to a button. The physical interface may resemble the interface of a radio. A user will find the station that he/she is interested in (by scanning through categories or lists of stations) and select the preset button to assign to that station.

Configuration manager also includes means for configuring receiver to its operating environment. Preferably, configuration manager can automatically sense the type of network connection being used and select the appropriate communication protocol and network addresses to be used with that network.

A user may also configure receiver using an independent computer that has access to network . The user may use a graphical user interface on the computer to perform the configuration. Once the configuration is selected, the configuration can be transferred to receiver using a computer interface, such as a parallel port or detachable memory device .

Receiver can be preconfigured by a manufacturer or supplier. The configuration may also be changed by the supplier or operating company remotely through network or by supplying the user with detachable memory device .

The receiver can be configured for “pay per listen.” For example, detachable memory device may be required to be inserted into the device to allow a provider to charge a user for a program. The configuration may also include an expiration time or date, similar to pay phone cards.

In order to access a “station” the receiver must be connected to network . Because different networks may be used, the user may indicate a particular network or configuration manager may automatically sense the type of network. Once the type of network is selected, the system can be configured by the user or the system to determine how and when to connect to the network. For example, if the connection is via cellular modem, the system may connect as soon as the receiver is turned on. If the connection is via a cable system, the connection may be active at all times.

Method of Operation

FIG. 2 represents a flow chart of a method of operation for the present invention. A user session may begin at three different locations as indicated by start block . A user may scan a list of programs that are currently available to the user . Receiver could automatically connect to server and request a list of programs that are currently available to the particular user . Server would transmit a list of programs back to receiver that would present the list to the user on a display.

At this point, a user would select a program and would initiate play by pushing a play button or by some other user interface means . In some cases, a program may have been paused by this particular user at a previous time. For example, a user may have been driving in his car and when he reached his destination, he paused the program he was listening to and exited the car. When the user returns he may wish to continue to listen to the program where he had left off. In this event, the user may touch a dedicated button that would request that the server begin transmission at the point he paused the program . The receiver, detecting a pause signal , would then retrieve the address in the previous pause position and request the server to begin transmission of the program at the pause position . If the user does not wish to begin the program at the pause position, the receiver then determines if the address of the selected program is known to the receiver . If the address is not known, the receiver obtains the address from server and stores it . At this point the receiver would request that the server begin transmission of the selected program . The server would begin transmission and the receiver would receive the data . The receiver then decompresses the data and generates an audio signal .

The receiver continuously looks for input commands by the user, such as a pause command . If no pause command is detected, the receiver continues to receive the data from server . If the receiver detects a pause signal, the receiver would store the address of the program and the position the user activated the pause function.

FIG. 3 represents a user interface that may be used to implement the present invention. A display may be used to display information in alphanumeric form. Information displayed may include a selected program, a list of programs, current status of receiver , the current time, and many other kinds of information. An LED may be used to indicate if receiver is currently on. Buttons , , , and may be used to store user presets so that a user could go directly to a program or station that the user often listens to. A button may be provided which is used to scan programs on a particular category or list of programs. A button may be provided for playing the currently indicated program. A button may be used to pause and resume a particular program. A button may be used to set a user preset. Buttons and may be used to scroll through a list of programs, stations, or commands presented on display . A knob may be used to control the volume of the audio output of receiver . Button may be used to configure receiver . For example, phone numbers may be added to connect to a communication network.

Information Selection Method

System of the present invention may utilize an information selection method like that described in FIG. 4 for determining information to be presented to a user. This method can be used to determine the information, data, or programs that are presented to a user. For example, system may determine commercials that are relevant to a user and play them at selected points in a program.

The method would begin by identifying a user . This may be performed by receiver by a number of different methods. For example, receiver may require an access code to be entered by the user that identifies the user or receiver may detect the user from information on detachable memory device . Alternatively, the user may be assumed to be the person who is registered as the owner of receiver . The user's characteristics would then be identified . This may be performed by referencing user characteristics stored in data base . Data base may comprise information and configuration manager , detachable memory device , memory , or memory of server . User characteristics may include a large variety of information, such as age, sex, preferences, profession, income, residence, language, and interests.

Once the user's characteristics have been determined, information that is relevant to the user is selected. The information that is relevant to the user may be stored on data base which may comprise memory , detachable memory device , or memory of server . The information may include commercials, programs, news, weather, and system generated messages. If the selected information is stored in memory of server , the information is transmitted to receiver for storage or play.

Once relevant information is selected, the insertion point of the information or the arrangement of programs is determined. For example, if a commercial has been selected, it may be determined that the commercial will be played when a program that is currently playing is completed. If the user is receiving a live broadcast, such as a sporting event, system may wait until there is a break in the activity to play a commercial. Alternatively, system may play a selected commercial in place of a commercial that is transmitted in the same date stream as the program.

Once the insertion point or arrangement has been determined, system would play the information or program for the user . In this way, system allows for the intelligent selection and arrangement of programs and information for the user.

Summary

It may now be realized that the present invention provides a novel apparatus for making audio information available to users. The system of the present invention comprises a receiver, a server, and a communication network. The receiver is capable of interactively communicating with a user and the server. The network facilitates communication between the receiver and other devices attached to the network. The system allows the user to select, receive, and listen to a program in a contemporaneous manner. The present invention also comprises means for intelligently arranging and playing audio information.

Although the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by the examples given.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a method by which a program is selected and played.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the user interface of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of method of selecting and arranging information relevant to a user.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority of provisional patent application No. 60/040,289 filed on Feb. 12, 1997.

CLAIMS

1. A system for distributing audio programs and information over the internet, said internet comprising a plurality of content servers with unique addresses, said content servers capable of serving audio data directly or indirectly to receiving client computers or appliances, said internet also comprising a plurality of receiving client computers or appliances adapted for connection to the internet, said system comprising: at least one additional server, said additional server having storage means for storing address information for the plurality of content servers, said additional server programmed to permit receiving client computers or appliances to select a content server, said additional server being programmed to negotiate transmission of audio data from the plurality of content servers to receiving client computers requesting such transmission; wherein the receiving client computer or appliance is programmed with software for communicating with the additional server and selecting a content server address from amongst the addresses stored in the additional server and thereafter receiving audio data from the selected content server; wherein the additional server additionally comprises means for identifying geographic data pertaining to the receiving client computer; means for storing geographically correlated audio content, where the geographically correlated audio content is correlated to the geographic data; and means for transmitting the geographically correlated audio data to the receiving client computer in place of a portion of the audio content transmitted by the selected content server.

2. A system for distributing audio programs and information over the internet, said internet comprising a plurality of content servers with unique addresses, said content servers capable of serving audio data directly or indirectly to receiving client computers or appliances, said internet also comprising a plurality of receiving client computers or appliances adapted for connection to the internet, said system comprising: at least one additional server, said additional server having storage means for storing address information for the plurality of content servers, said additional server programmed to permit receiving client computers or appliances to select a content server, said additional server being programmed to negotiate transmission of audio data from the plurality of content servers to receiving client computers requesting such transmission; wherein the receiving client computer or appliance is programmed with software for communicating with the additional server and selecting a content server address from amongst the addresses stored in the additional server and thereafter receiving audio data from the selected content server; wherein the additional server additionally comprises means for identifying geographic data pertaining to the receiving client computer; means for storing geographically correlated audio content, where the geographically correlated audio content is correlated to the geographic data; means for transmitting the geographically correlated audio data to the receiving client computer simultaneously with transmission of the audio data; and the receiving client computer is additionally programmed to simultaneously receive and play the audio content from the selected content server and receive and store the geographically correlated audio data for playback after reception.

3. A system for distributing audio programs and information over the internet, said internet comprising a plurality of content servers with unique addresses, said content servers capable of serving a stream of audio data directly or indirectly to receiving client computers or appliances, said internet also comprising a plurality of receiving client computers or appliances adapted for connection to the internet, said system comprising: at least one additional server, said additional server having storage means storing address information for the plurality of content servers, said additional server programed to permit receiving client computers or appliances to select a content server, said additional server being programmed to negotiate transmission of audio data from the plurality of content servers to receiving client computers requesting such transmission; wherein the receiving client computer or appliance is programmed with software for communicating with the additional server and selecting a content server address from amongst the addresses stored in the additional server and thereafter receiving a stream of audio data from the selected content server; wherein the additional server additionally comprises means for identifying geographic data pertaining to the receiving client computer; means for storing geographically correlated audio content, where the geographically correlated audio content is correlated to the geographic data; and means for transmitting the geographically correlated audio data to the receiving client computer in place of a portion of the stream of audio content transmitted by the selected content server.

4. A system for distributing audio programs and information over the internet, said internet comprising a plurality of content servers with unique addresses, said content servers capable of serving a stream of audio data directly or indirectly to receiving client computers or appliances, said internet also comprising a plurality of receiving client computers or appliances adapted for connection to the internet, said system comprising: at least one additional server, said additional server having storage means storing address information for the plurality of content servers, said additional server programmed to permit receiving client computers or appliances to select a content server, said additional server being programed to negotiate transmission of audio data from the plurality of content servers to receiving client computers requesting such transmission; wherein the receiving client computer or appliance is programmed with software for communicating with the additional server and selecting a content server address from amongst the addresses stored in the additional server and thereafter receiving a stream of audio data from the selected content server; wherein the additional server additionally comprises means for identifying geographic data pertaining to the receiving client computer; means for storing geographically correlated audio content, where the geographically correlated audio content is correlated to the geographic data; means for transmitting the geographically correlated audio data to the receiving client computer simultaneously with transmission of the a stream of audio data; and the receiving client computer is additionally programmed to simultaneously receive and play the stream of audio content from the selected content server and receive and store the geographically correlated audio data for playback after reception.

COPYRIGHT

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