U.S. patent application number 10/993803 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-24 for apparatus for distributing and playing audio information.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sonic Box, Inc.. Invention is credited to Sass, Jonathan.
Application Number | 20050065625 10/993803 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34314312 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050065625 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sass, Jonathan |
March 24, 2005 |
Apparatus for distributing and playing audio information
Abstract
The present invention comprises a system that allows the user to
select, receive and listen to audio programs that are stored or
made available at a location remote to the user. A receiver is
provided that allows the user to start a program at a selected
position in the program, move forward and backward within a
program, and pause and resume a program. The receiver comprises a
network interface, user controls, an audio decompresser, an audio
output driver, a central processing unit (CPU), and a power supply.
The receiver may also comprise a radio broadcast receiver and a
media player.
Inventors: |
Sass, Jonathan; (Truckee,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CROCKETT & CROCKETT
24012 CALLE DE LA PLATA
SUITE 400
LAGUNA HILLS
CA
92653
US
|
Assignee: |
Sonic Box, Inc.
Mountain View
CA
|
Family ID: |
34314312 |
Appl. No.: |
10/993803 |
Filed: |
November 20, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10993803 |
Nov 20, 2004 |
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08984772 |
Dec 4, 1997 |
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6823225 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
700/94 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04H 60/25 20130101;
H04H 20/38 20130101; H04H 60/27 20130101; H04H 60/46 20130101; H04H
20/82 20130101; H04H 60/51 20130101; H04H 60/21 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
700/094 |
International
Class: |
G06F 013/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A method for selecting information in a system for distributing
audio programs and information over the internet comprising:
identifying a user of the system for distributing audio programs
over the Internet; identifying user characteristics of the user;
determining relevant information based on the user characteristics,
said relevant information selected from a group of relevant
information comprising: commercials, programs, news, weather, and
system generated messages stored on a server; determining an
insertion point of the relevant information in the audio program;
and playing the relevant information at the insertion point in the
audio program for the user.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein user characteristics may be any
characteristic selected from the list of characteristics
comprising: age, sex, preferences, profession, income, residence,
language, interests and audio receiver ownership.
3. A method for selecting information in a system for distributing
audio programs and information over the internet comprising:
identifying a user of the system for distributing audio programs
over the Internet; identifying user characteristics of the user;
determining relevant information based on the user characteristics,
said relevant information selected from a group of relevant
information comprising: commercials, programs, news, weather, and
system generated messages stored on a server; and selecting an
arrangement of programs based on the relevant information
determined.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein user characteristics may be any
characteristic selected from the list of characteristics
comprising: age, sex, preferences, profession, income, residence,
language, interests, and audio receiver ownership.
5. A method for selecting information in a system for distributing
audio programs the internet comprising: an audio receiver
automatically connecting to an audio server; requesting a list of
programs that are currently available from the audio server to a
particular user of the system; transmitting a list of programs
available from the audio server to the user to the audio receiver;
selecting a program from the list of programs available to the
user; and transmitting the selected program from the audio server
to the audio receiver.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 08/984,772 filed on Dec. 4, 1997.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONS
[0002] The present invention relates to a system for distributing
audio information. More particularly, the present invention allows
a user to select and retrieve audio information from a server or
source on a communication network, the audio information being
transmitted to a receiver in a stream of data and the receiver
being able to play the data as it is received.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS
[0003] Various systems had been developed for distributing audio
information to users. For example, the systems disclosed in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,557,541 and 5,572,442, both issued to Schulhoff et al.,
use a storage/playback device to store and play audio information.
The storage/playback device is inserted into a docking station that
is interfaced with a communication network. The audio information
is then transferred to the storage/playback device via the docking
station.
[0004] One of the disadvantages of this system is that it requires
the user to preselect the programs the user wishes to listen to or
use. It does not allow the user to contemporaneously select and
play a program. The user must plan ahead and store the programs
that the user wishes to listen to at a later time. Furthermore,
this system is not capable of playing live broadcasts. The program
must be prerecorded so that it can be transferred to the
storage/playback device. Most users would find these to be
undesirable constraints. The portable storage/playback device also
cannot receive audio information independently. It must be
interfaced with a docking device in order to receive the
information.
[0005] What is needed, is an audio system that allows a user to
contemporaneously select, receive, and play live and prerecorded
audio programs. This provides users with a much greater degree of
flexibility and it allows users to spontaneously select and receive
a program. What is also needed is a system that is highly
transportable, independent, and does not require the use of a
docking station to receive audio data.
[0006] What is also needed is an audio distribution system that is
capable of intelligently providing information to users. Prior art
distribution systems, such as radio broadcasts, provide
information, such as weather, news and commercials, which is
believed to be relevant to the majority of its listeners. However,
this information is often irrelevant to a large portion of
listeners. Information can be much more effectively provided if it
is selected based upon a users individual characteristics and
transmitted to that individual.
SUMMARY
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a system
for distributing audio information.
[0008] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
system that allows the user to contemporaneously select, receive,
and play a selected audio program.
[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
system for a portable receiver that may receive programs over a
communication network and play the programs as they are
received.
[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
system that is capable of distributing live programs.
[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
receiver with a user interface that is, convenient to the user.
[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
receiver that allows a user to pause a program and resume listening
to the program at the point the program was paused.
[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
receiver that allows a user to fast forward and fast reverse a
program.
[0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
system that is capable of using satellites to transmit audio data
to a receiver.
[0015] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
audio system that is capable of transmitting a plurality of streams
of data to a receiver for storage or output.
[0016] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a system that is capable of intelligently selecting, playing, and
arranging audio programs for individual listeners.
[0017] These and other objects and advantages will be realized from
the following specification and claims.
[0018] The present invention comprises a system that allows the
user to select, receive and listen to audio programs that are
stored or made available at a location remote to the user. A
receiver is provided that allows the user to start a program at a
selected position in the program, move forward and backward within
a program (as with a tape player), and pause and resume a program.
The receiver comprises a network interface, user controls, an audio
decompresser, an audio output driver, a central processing unit
(CPU), and a power supply. The receiver may also comprise a radio
broadcast receiver and a media player.
[0019] The system of the present invention comprises at least one
server connected to a communication network. The server stores
programs and network addresses of programs that are available to
the user. Under normal operation, the server would transmit an
audio program to the receiver in an optionally compressed stream of
data over the communication network. The receiver would receive the
stream of data, decompress the data, and generate output for the
user. The server may also store a list of network addresses for
servers or sources that store particular programs. When the user
selects a program, the server transmits a network address to the
receiver that then automatically begins communication with a source
to receive data for the chosen program.
[0020] The communication network of the present invention may
comprise a variety of communication means, such as radio frequency
transmitters and receivers, communication wires and cables, and
communication satellites. Any of a variety of well known network
protocols may be used.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the system of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a method by which a program is
selected and played.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the user interface of the
present invention.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of method of selecting and arranging
information relevant to a user.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONS
[0025] s seen in FIG. 1, the present invention comprises a system
generally indicated as reference number 10. The system comprises a
receiver 12, a server 14, and a communication network 16.
[0026] Receiver 12 may be portable so that it can be transported
like a radio or tape player. Alternatively, receiver 12 may be
permanently mounted in a vehicle or at a fixed location. Receiver
12 may comprise the following major components: user controls 18, a
central processing unit (CPU) 20, an audio decompressor 24, an
audio output device 28, a network interface 30, a power supply 32,
a media player 33, a memory device 34, a configuration manager 35,
a detachable memory device 36, and a radio receiver 37.
[0027] User controls 18 allow a user to operate receiver 12. 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 18 comprise a front panel with buttons
and knobs and an alphanumeric display. Alternatively, user controls
18 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.
[0028] Audio decompressor 24 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 24 will accept a compressed input data stream and will
produce an uncompressed output data stream. Audio compressor 24 may
be implemented in dedicated hardware, or it may be a software
algorithm running on CPU 20. It is recognized that program data may
not be compressed in which case audio decompressor 24 would not be
needed.
[0029] CPU 20 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 12. CPU 20 is responsible for receiving and
implementing commands from user controls 18 such as selecting a
program or adjusting volume, establishing a data connection to and
communicating with server 14, controlling the data flow from server
14 through network 16 to network interface 30 and to audio
decompresser 24, controlling the audio decompression process,
controlling audio output 28, and other functions necessary for
controlling receiver 12. For example, CPU 20 may have hardware
and/or software inserted commercials into a program. This may
require CPU 20 to store commercial data, pausing a program at a
desired location, and playing the commercial data.
[0030] The operating system of receiver 12 may be highly automated
to require minimum input by the user so that the device is easy to
use. For example, when receiver 12 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.
[0031] Audio output 28 receives decompressed digital data from
audio decompresser 24, converts the digital data to analog form,
and then drives speakers or an output port. Audio output 28 also
accepts commands from CPU 20 to set volume and tone.
[0032] Network interface 30 connects to communication network 16
and facilitates communications. The type of network interface 30
depends on the type of communication network used. For example, if
network 16 is the Internet, network interface 30 may be a digital
modem and cellular transceiver for connecting to the Internet over
cellular communication lines. The cellular transceiver allows
receiver 12 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 12 is kept in one location, a
phone line and a standard personal computer modem could be used to
connect receiver 12 to the Internet. A satellite communication
transmitter and receiver could also be used to connect receiver 12
to network 16. Communication over network 16 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.
[0033] Power supply 32 conditions and supplies power to receiver
12. Power supply 32 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 12.
[0034] Media player 33 may be provided for retrieving audio data
stored on storage media. Media player 33 may be capable of using
magnetic tapes, optical disks, or other storage devices. Media
player may be integrated into receiver 12 to avoid redundant
components and it may be detachable.
[0035] Memory device 34 is used to store data that is used by
receiver 12. 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
34 may be used to temporarily store programs that are received by
receiver 12. In this way, memory 34 may act as a buffer to store
packets of data that are received to prevent interruptions of audio
output that may occur when network 16 is slow or communication is
momentarily interrupted.
[0036] Receiver 12 may also be capable of receiving a plurality of
streams of data. In this event, memory device 34 may store one or
more streams of data while another stream of data is used by
receiver 12. Memory 34 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.
[0037] Configuration manager 35 may be a specialized hardware
and/or software component for configuring receiver 12. This
component may be capable of sensing the operating environment and
adjusting the operation of receiver 12 accordingly. Configuration
manager 35 may also be capable of identifying the user and applying
stored user preferences to receiver 12.
[0038] 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 36, 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 36 may be purchased individually by a user. Detachable
memory device 36 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 36 may also store other information that
is relevant to the user, such as user preferences.
[0039] It may be necessary from time to time to update the software
and data on receiver 12. Software updates may be necessary to
update the operating system, update network addresses for servers
and sources on network 16, and update communication software.
Updates may be transferred automatically from server 14 through
network 16. Alternatively, detachable memory 36 may be used to
transfer data and software.
[0040] Radio receiver 37 may be provided for receiving standard
radio frequency broadcasts. Radio receiver 37 may be integrated
into receiver 12 to reduce redundant components. Radio receiver 37
may also be detachable from receiver 12.
[0041] Network 16 allows receiver 12 and server 14 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 16 may include any number of servers and
devices that may be accessed by receiver 12.
[0042] Server 14 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 14 comprises a network interface 38,
a central processing unit (CPU) 40, and a memory device 42. Network
interface 38 is similar to network interface 30 of receiver 12 in
that it facilitates communication over network 16.
[0043] CPU 40 controls server 14 and communicates with other
devices over network 16. CPU 40 may be any number of designs and
configurations that are well known in the art.
[0044] Memory 42 stores program information and may store actual
program data. Memory 42 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 42 may be grouped according to
the type of data.
[0045] Station guide 44 is a catalog or list of programs and
program information. The data in station guide 44 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.
[0046] The network address of each program indicates where on
network 16 the program can be retrieved. A particular program may
be stored on server 14 or on another server or source connected to
network 16.
[0047] When receiver 12 connects to server 14, server 14 may, if
requested, transmit data from station guide 44 to receiver 12.
Different users may have access to different portions of station
guide 44 depending upon their level of service provided to the
user. After receiver 12 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 12 requests transmission of the program data from
the appropriate server or source. If receiver 12 already has the
network address of a particular station or source selected by the
user, receiver 12 may communicate directly with the station or
source and receiver 12 need not contact server 14.
[0048] Station content 46 is actual program data that may be
provided by server 14. If a user selects a program on server 14,
server 14 will transmit the program data to receiver 12. Server 14
may also receive programs from an external source for storage in
memory 42 and for contemporaneous transmission. For example, server
14 may receive a radio program from a radio station 50 over a
communication means 52. As the radio station's transmission is
received, server 14 can simultaneously store the data in memory 42
and can transmit the data to receiver 12. In the preferred
embodiment, server 14 compresses program data as it is received so
that it can be more efficiently stored and transmitted over network
16. Communication means 52 may be radio frequency transmissions, a
phone line, or satellite communication. Server 14 may also receive
data from a network source 54 over network 16. Source 54 may be any
content provider or another server. If receiver 12 has the network
address of radio station 50 and source 54, which are connected to
network 16, receiver 12 can communicate directly with these content
providers and receive program data directly
[0049] Memory 42 also includes station manager 48 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 46. Station
manager 48 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 42
and/or station guide 44. The listings can be added by anyone with
access but changes and additions may be required to be approved by
an administrator of server 14. 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.
[0050] Memory 42 may also include commercial manager 49. 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 49 allows server 14 to play commercials and information
that are more appropriate for the area of the listener. For
example, station manager 49 may include data for commercials that
correspond to different locations. When a receiver communicates
with server 14, server 14 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 49 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.
[0051] Server 14 is preferably capable of transmitting multiple
streams of data to a single receiver 12. This allows receiver 12 to
receive sets of data that may be used separately. For example,
receiver 12 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.
[0052] There are a number of features and capabilities of system 10
that are currently not available in the prior art. To fully
appreciate and understand the novelty of system 10, 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 10 is able
to combine features from each of the above devices. Receiver 12 is
similar to a radio in that it provides audio output from a remote
source.
[0053] 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 14 or another server or network source connected to the
network 16. 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
16.
[0054] 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
12 accesses programs provided at anyone of numerous remote
locations connected to network 16.
[0055] 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.
[0056] User controls 18 and the operating system of receiver 12 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 12. 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 12 and user
controls 18 are also much smaller and cheaper to manufacture than a
personal computer.
[0057] Receiver 12 may be configured using three methods; using a
configuration manager 35 of receiver 12, using a master station, or
configuration by a manufacturer or seller. The configuration of
receiver 12 determines the operating parameters, such as the
communication protocols to use, and presets for receiver 12.
Configuration manager 35 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.
[0058] Receiver 12 has a physical interface, such as a button,
which will place receiver 12 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.
[0059] Configuration manager 35 also includes means for configuring
receiver 12 to its operating environment. Preferably, configuration
manager 35 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.
[0060] A user may also configure receiver 12 using an independent
computer that has access to network 16. 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 12 using a computer
interface, such as a parallel port or detachable memory device
36.
[0061] Receiver 12 can be preconfigured by a manufacturer or
supplier. The configuration may also be changed by the supplier or
operating company remotely through network 16 or by supplying the
user with detachable memory device 36.
[0062] The receiver can be configured for "pay per listen." For
example, detachable memory device 36 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.
[0063] In order to access a "station" the receiver must be
connected to network 16. Because different networks may be used,
the user may indicate a particular network or configuration manager
35 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.
[0064] 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 80. A user may scan a list of
programs that are currently available to the user 82. Receiver 12
could automatically connect to server 90 and request a list of
programs that are currently available to the particular user 84.
Server 90 would transmit a list of programs back to receiver 12
that would present the list to the user on a display.
[0065] At this point, a user would select a program 86 and would
initiate play by pushing a play button or by some other user
interface means 88. 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 88. The receiver,
detecting a pause signal 94, would then retrieve the address in the
previous pause position 100 and request the server to begin
transmission of the program at the pause position 102. 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 96. If the address is not known, the receiver
obtains the address from server 90 and stores it 98. At this point
the receiver would request that the server begin transmission of
the selected program 102. The server would begin transmission and
the receiver would receive the data 104. The receiver then
decompresses the data 106 and generates an audio signal 108.
[0066] The receiver continuously looks for input commands by the
user, such as a pause command 110. If no pause command is detected,
the receiver continues to receive the data from server 90. 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.
[0067] FIG. 3 represents a user interface that may be used to
implement the present invention. A display 140 may be used to
display information in alphanumeric form. Information displayed may
include a selected program, a list of programs, current status of
receiver 12, the current time, and many other kinds of information.
An LED 142 may be used to indicate if receiver 12 is currently on.
Buttons 144, 146, 148, and 150 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 152 may be provided which is used to
scan programs on a particular category or list of programs. A
button 154 may be provided for playing the currently indicated
program. A button 156 may be used to pause and resume a particular
program. A button 158 may be used to set a user preset. Buttons 160
and 162 may be used to scroll through a list of programs, stations,
or commands presented on display 140. A knob 164 may be used to
control the volume of the audio output of receiver 12. Button 166
may be used to configure receiver 12. For example, phone numbers
may be added to connect to a communication network.
[0068] System 10 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 10 may determine
commercials that are relevant to a user and play them at selected
points in a program.
[0069] The method would begin by identifying a user 200. This may
be performed by receiver 12 by a number of different methods. For
example, receiver 12 may require an access code to be entered by
the user that identifies the user or receiver 12 may detect the
user from information on detachable memory device 36.
Alternatively, the user may be assumed to be the person who is
registered as the owner of receiver 12. The user's characteristics
would then be identified 202. This may be performed by referencing
user characteristics stored in data base 204. Data base 204 may
comprise information and configuration manager 35, detachable
memory device 36, memory 34, or memory 42 of server 14. User
characteristics may include a large variety of information, such as
age, sex, preferences, profession, income, residence, language, and
interests.
[0070] 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 database
204 which may comprise memory 34, detachable memory device 36, or
memory 42 of server 14. The information may include commercials,
programs, news, weather, and system generated messages. If the
selected information is stored in memory 42 of server 14, the
information is transmitted to receiver 12 for storage or play.
[0071] 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 10 may wait until there
is a break in the activity to play a commercial. Alternatively,
system 10 may play a selected commercial in place of a commercial
that is transmitted in the same date stream as the program.
[0072] Once the insertion point or arrangement has been determined,
system 10 would play the information or program for the user 210.
In this way, system 10 allows for the intelligent selection and
arrangement of programs and information for the user.
[0073] 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.
[0074] 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 example given.
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