U.S. patent application number 10/806201 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-22 for systems and methods for the identification and/or distribution of music and other forms of useful information.
Invention is credited to Depke, Bernadette, Depke, Robert, Houlihan, Brian.
Application Number | 20050210181 10/806201 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34987687 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050210181 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Depke, Bernadette ; et
al. |
September 22, 2005 |
Systems and methods for the identification and/or distribution of
music and other forms of useful information
Abstract
The present invention relates generally to the field of
telecommunications systems and methods. More specifically, the
present invention is directed to systems and methods for
identifying and/or distributing music and other types of useful
information for users in a very simple and convenient manner. A
variety of systems and methods are disclosed which provide users
with quick and convenient access to various forms of information,
such as, for example, audio information including music and news
items as well as coupons and other information. The systems and
methods allow users to store data representative of a time of
transmission and preferably a source of transmission so that data
of interest may be identified for ordering an/or downloading.
Inventors: |
Depke, Bernadette; (Orland
Park, IL) ; Depke, Robert; (Orland Park, IL) ;
Houlihan, Brian; (Orland Park, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROBERT J. DEPKE
LEWIS T. STEADMAN
TREXLER, BUSHNELL, GLANGLORGI, BLACKSTONE & MARR
105 WEST ADAMS STREET, SUITE 3600
CHICAGO
IL
60603-6299
US
|
Family ID: |
34987687 |
Appl. No.: |
10/806201 |
Filed: |
March 22, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
711/100 ;
707/E17.009 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G10H 2240/305 20130101;
G06F 12/0246 20130101; H04L 67/06 20130101; G05B 15/02 20130101;
G06Q 30/0625 20130101; G10H 2240/125 20130101; G06F 3/165 20130101;
G06F 3/0482 20130101; G06F 3/04842 20130101; G06Q 30/0633 20130101;
G06F 16/40 20190101; G06F 16/60 20190101; G06Q 20/12 20130101; G06F
16/634 20190101; G06F 16/68 20190101; G06F 3/04847 20130101; G06F
16/639 20190101 |
Class at
Publication: |
711/100 |
International
Class: |
G06F 012/00; G06F
012/14; G06F 012/16; G06F 013/00; G06F 013/28; G11C 005/00; H03M
001/00; G10H 007/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A system for downloading data comprising: a memory containing
information representing a time of transmission and a source of
transmitted data of interest; and a mechanism for designating
storage of time of transmission and a source of transmitted data of
interest into the memory.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the memory is a EEPROM
memory.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the memory is a magnetic disc
drive memory.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the memory is RAM.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is incorporated into a
television.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is incorporated into a
radio.
7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a means for
correlating stored time of transmission and a source of transmitted
data of interest with information specifically identifying data of
interest.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the data of interest is
music.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the data of interest is news
data.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the data of interest is product
related.
11. A method for downloading data comprising the steps of: storing
in a memory information representing a time of transmission and a
source of transmitted data of interest.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the memory is a EEPROM.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the memory is a magnetic disc
drive.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the memory is RAM.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein a television is used to provide
information representing the time of transmission and source of
transmitted data.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein a radio is used to provide
information representing the time of transmission and source of
transmitted data
17. The method of claim 11, further comprising correlating stored
time of transmission and a source of transmitted data of interest
with information specifically identifying data of interest.
18. The method of claim 11, wherein the data of interest is
music.
19. The method of claim 11, wherein the data of interest is news
data.
20. The method of claim 11, wherein the data of interest is product
related.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of
telecommunications systems and methods. More specifically, the
present invention is directed to systems and methods for
identifying and/or distributing music and other types of useful
information for users in a very simple and convenient manner. A
variety of systems and methods are disclosed which provide users
with quick and convenient access to various forms of information,
such as, for example, audio information including music and news
items as well as coupons and other information.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Music and other forms of audio information are currently
made available to consumers for purchase through retail stores in
the form of compact discs, cassette tapes and other tangible media.
Audio information is also currently presented to consumers through
both radio and television. More recently, audio information has
been made available to consumers through the Internet where audio
files are downloaded to consumer's personal computers or other
electronic devices.
[0005] One of the shortcomings of these existing systems is that
the consumers who desire to receive a particular artist track or
other form of audio information must be aware of both the artist
name and the title of the song that the consumer desires to
purchase. In the conventional music and audio information
distribution systems described above, it is often difficult for a
consumer to possess sufficient information in order to know both
the artist and the name of a particular song that the consumer
wishes to purchase.
[0006] For example, this may occur when an individual is listening
to the radio while driving a car and the person hears a particular
song that he or she finds to be enjoyable. While it is true that
most radio stations will identify both the song and the artist for
music that has been played by the station, this information is not
always readily available and accessible to the consumer. An
individual who hears a song played over the radio may be
preoccupied with other tasks and therefore be unable to write down
the necessary information for subsequently purchasing the song.
Alternatively, the consumer may not be paying attention to the
broadcast announcer at the time the announcer briefly describes the
artist and track or other designating information concerning the
desired audio information. As a result, although the individual may
wish to purchase this song, he or she is unable to do so without
investing additional time to determine the artist and track that is
desired.
[0007] One additional deficiency of conventional music and other
audio information distribution techniques is that they require that
the consumer maintain the necessary identifying information until
such time as the consumer is ready to purchase the music.
Currently, consumers typically go to stores where they purchase CDs
which contain the music that is desired by the consumer. This may
not occur until several days or even weeks after the consumer has
originally heard the song or other audio information. At this later
point in time, the consumer may have forgotten or lost the
requisite identifying information. As a result, the consumer may
not make the necessary trip to the store for purchasing the desired
song or other information. While it is true that the Internet has
provided consumers with alternate and perhaps more convenient means
for purchasing music, even this distribution channel suffers from
the same problem which requires that the purchaser possess
sufficient identifying information concerning a particular
song.
[0008] Conventional distribution channels for music also suffer
from shortcomings that typically prevent consumers from making spur
of the moment purchases of music. As noted above, when a person
hears a song over the radio, in order for the individual to
purchase the song he or she is required to physically go to a store
or log onto a computer in order to obtain the desired music. The
problem with these distribution channels is that they typically
prevent the user from making an instantaneous decision to purchase
a particular song. Consumers will typically not go out of their way
in order to make such a spur of the moment purchase. As a result,
when the consumer finally is at a store which sells music, the
consumer may have forgotten about the song or simply made the
decision not to purchase the song. This represents a very
significant loss of potential business for the music industry.
[0009] Although the Internet has solved some of the accessibility
problems of more conventional distribution channels, the Internet
has several significant shortcomings in regard to the distribution
of music. The primary shortcoming is that consumers may simply
download an MP3 file without paying for the music. This represents
a very substantial cost to the music industry in lost revenues. In
order to overcome this deficiency, the music industry must provide
some more convenient means for distributing music to consumers.
Accordingly, there remains a need in the field for more convenient
distribution channels which are readily accessible to consumers and
which provide artist with fair and appropriate compensation for
their works.
[0010] Thus, there remains a need for systems and methods which
provide consumers with simple and convenient mechanisms for
providing and maintaining information that identifies the artist
and song which is heard by a listener. There also remains a need
for systems and methods which provide consumers with convenient
access to music that a consumer wishes to purchase.
[0011] It has now also been recognized that some of the
deficiencies and shortcomings of the conventional music
distribution channels are also inherently present in other
conventional information distribution techniques. For example, one
area of information distribution that suffers from similar
shortcomings is in the marketing of products. Conventional
advertising techniques which employ radio and television
advertisements rely upon consumers to recall the advertisements
when they are shopping for products. While print ads provide
consumers with the ability to redeem coupons as a tangible reminder
of the product, there is no analogous mechanism for radio or
television advertisements. Accordingly, there remains a need in the
field for systems and methods which provide consumers with
convenient access to information on products distributed through
television and radio ads.
[0012] Yet another shortcoming of the existing radio and television
systems is that they do not provide users with the ability to
immediately access information relating to a particular news item.
For example, an individual listening to a radio station may hear a
news item concerning a treatment for a specific medical condition
with which the individual is familiar because of a friend or
relative who has the particular condition. Currently, the
individual who hears the news item is unable to relay any specific
information concerning the news item to the person with the medical
condition beyond that which the individual is able to remember.
Often, this information is forgotten altogether before it is
related to the person who is particularly concerned about the
information.
[0013] It is apparent that there are a number of shortcomings in
the existing conventional systems for distributing information
including music and news. In light of the foregoing, one object of
the present invention is to provide systems and methods that
identify and maintain information in a readily accessible format
concerning an artist and song that is heard by a radio listener.
Another object and advantage of the present invention is to provide
systems and methods that allow consumers to have convenient access
to music and other types of audio information. Yet another object
and advantage of the present invention is to provide distribution
channels that are readily accessible to consumers and which ensure
that artists receive fair and appropriate compensation for their
works. Yet another object and advantage of the present invention is
to provide consumers with quick and convenient access to other
forms of information such as news items and marketing information
such as, for example, coupons.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] In accordance with a first preferred exemplary embodiment of
the present invention, a radio, television or other electronic data
receiver is provided with a memory that may be utilized for storing
information that is sufficient to identify both the artist and a
particular track that the listener may wish to purchase. Those
skilled in the art will appreciate that the storage of this
information may be achieved in a variety of different manners or
formats. Additionally, the information that has been stored may be
utilized in a variety of different ways in order to provide the
user with the desired music or other audio information.
[0015] In accordance with a first exemplary embodiment, the systems
and methods of the present invention rely upon time of reception
information and information identifying the transmitting station in
order to determine the particular artist and track that the
listener finds to be enjoyable. In accordance with a first
preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention, a plurality of
radio stations post play list information preferably on one or more
web sites that provides a correlation between the time at which a
particular track has been played and the station identification
information. This information may be used for identifying and/or
ordering a particular song. For example, a user listening to a
particular station (WXXX) at 3:02 PM on a particular day who hears
a song that is of interest to the individual will be able to
identify the song with the time of reception and station
information by correlating this information with the corresponding
play list information.
[0016] In a first preferred exemplary embodiment, the user need
only access a single web site with the stored transmitting station
and time information in order to identify the desired artist and
track. In accordance with a preferred exemplary embodiment, a user
who hears a particular song that is desirable over a radio enabled
with this technology simply presses a button which initiates
storage of the transmitting station and time information in an
electronic memory that records a designation of the transmitting
station and the pertinent time information. In a preferred
exemplary embodiment, this information is stored in a flash memory
element such as, for example, a Memory Stick or similar flash
memory product. Through this technique, the user is able to store a
significant amount of information that identifies songs and/or
other information that the user desires.
[0017] Although a flash memory or EEPROM is preferred due to the
non-volatile nature of these memory products, those skilled in the
art will appreciate that other alternate data storage devices may
be utilized as well including, for example, magnetic media such as
hard disk drives, magnetic tape, CDs, DVDs and random access memory
(RAM). The radio or other device such as, for example, a
television, may have the memory for storing this information
built-in or it may be only temporarily connected thereto for the
purpose of storing the pertinent information. Those skilled in the
art will also appreciate that an interim storage device may also be
utilized whereby the information is temporary stored in a first
memory and thereafter transferred to a subsequent storage device
for ordering the desired song or other information.
[0018] Information may also be stored in a memory associated with a
remote-control device such as, for example, the remote-control unit
of a television. This embodiment is particularly suitable for
storing information pertaining to television news items as well as
coupons and the like. In such an embodiment, a separate button is
preferably easily used for storing information pertaining to the
transmitting station and the time at which the information was
transmitted. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that a
new or dedicated button need not be provided and that the multiple
selection of an existing button or the selection of a combination
of existing buttons may be utilized to cause the storage of the
necessary information. For example, based on protocol the
initiation of the storage process could be provided simply by
pressing the enter button where no change of channels has occurred.
The system could recognize this key selection as a request for
storing current channel information and the time as noted.
[0019] The stored information concerning the transmitting station
and time at which a particular song or other information was played
or transmitted by the station is subsequently correlated with
information that specifically identifies the artist and song of
interest, or news item or advertisement etc. This correlation may
be accomplished in a variety of different ways. In accordance with
a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the user
removes a flash memory unit such as, for example, a Memory Stick
device or similar product from a radio or other device that is
enabled with this technology. The memory device is then inserted
into a reader associated with a computer or other processing device
that is preferably provided with access to the Internet. The user
is then able to access a web site containing the relevant
correlation information so that the user may associate a specific
artist and song and/or any other desired data with the information
that has been stored in the memory device. In accordance with a
preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a computer
program is utilized in order to automatically provide the user with
a list of the desired songs and/or other information. This occurs
by automatically accessing one or more web sites that provide the
ability to correlate the transmitting station and time information
with other relevant data. Those skilled in the art will appreciate
that the correlation could be provided in a variety of different
ways.
[0020] For example, in one exemplary embodiment a fully automated
system is able to receive the necessary information from a memory
associated with the web site and thereafter automatically process
the information in order to provide a user with the option of
purchasing music, downloading the corresponding news items and/or
associated information as well as automatically receiving
electronic coupon data that is associated with an advertisement
that was transmitted by a particular station at a specific
time.
[0021] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that removable
memory media need not be utilized and the entire system may include
any necessary hardware and/or software or firmware for ordering the
information or music as necessary. Alternatively, the device may be
linked directly or indirectly with a further system such as a
computer or other data processing device that is preferably capable
of interacting with the Internet.
[0022] For example, the device incorporating this technology may be
implemented as a music storage unit that may include a hard drive
or other electronic storage media wherein the device also either
includes or maybe interfaced with a network interface card or a
wireless connection to the Internet. In such an embodiment, the
device would preferably automatically be capable of accessing the
necessary correlation information that is preferably provided in a
memory associated with a web site for identifying a particular song
and/or other desired information and thereafter automatically
transferring the music or other relevant information to a further
storage media that is preferably associated with the device.
[0023] As a result, the user is able to identify one or more songs
or other information that the user may be interested in purchasing.
Advantageously, the web site that is capable of interacting with
the device and which may be used for requesting the information is
preferably configured to provide the user with the ability to
purchase the desired music in a variety of different ways.
[0024] In accordance with one option that is provided in the
preferred exemplary embodiment, the user is able to request and pay
for a download of the complete song or other information. Prior to
ordering, the user may be presented with the ability to review the
data or song(s) and/or portions thereof. The song or other
information may be transmitted to the user for storage on a memory
associated with either the original device or another electronic
system preferably after payment has been secured. In alternate
embodiment the user may request that a personalized compact disc be
created containing each of the desired songs. The ordering web site
may also provide the user with the ability to listen to other songs
from the identified artists so that similar songs may be purchased
as well in a similar fashion. Alternatively, the web site will
provide the user with the ability to order the complete original
artist disks containing the songs that the user previously
designated as being desirable.
[0025] In one preferred exemplary embodiment, the user is provided
with a subscription to a service which allows the user to download
a certain limited number of songs and/or other information over a
fixed amount of time. Alternatively, payment may be used to enable
download of a fixed amount of data.
[0026] In yet another alternate preferred exemplary embodiment, the
user's system is provided with software that will automatically
generate an electronic mail message with an attachment, file or
other message or another automated transfer of information
preferably through the Internet that contains the pertinent
transmitting station and time information. In accordance with this
alternate preferred exemplary embodiment, the user is able to
purchase songs without having to interact directly with a web site.
In this preferred alternate exemplary embodiment, the software
which is preferably operating on the user system provides the user
with the ability to selectively order either individual tracks,
complete original artist disks, or customized disks containing user
selected songs.
[0027] In accordance with a further alternate exemplary embodiment,
a telephone that is preferably Web enabled may be designed to
interact with the memory element in order to generate and transmit
a message requesting identification and/or the purchase of
particular audio tracks. As noted above, in any of these
embodiments, the song or other information may be automatically
transferred to the user device or another user specified location
such as, for example, a personal computer that is connected to the
Internet or which is capable of receiving an electronic mail
message containing the requested information.
[0028] In accordance with yet another alternate preferred exemplary
embodiment, the user is able to bring in the memory element or
device to a store that sells music. In accordance with this
exemplary embodiment, the store will provide a computer or other
reading device for reading the relevant station and time
information in order provide correlation between the transmitting
station and time as well as the desired artist and track. The user
is then able to purchase the identified songs directly from the
store either as original artist disks or as customized disks that
the store provides which have been recorded with the desired songs.
Alternatively, the store may simply order the customized disks
containing the desired songs for subsequent delivery to the
user.
[0029] It has also been recognized that it is desirable to provide
systems and methods for retrofitting existing radio systems with
the capability of providing users with convenient systems and
methods for identifying and ordering audio information. In
accordance with one such alternate exemplary embodiment, the user
is able to identify a particular song of interest simply by
pressing a button on an electronic box. The box includes circuitry
for designating a particular radio station and preferably includes
its own clock for user convenience. In accordance with this
exemplary embodiment, the user presses a button to designate
selection of the current time and a keypad is provided for the user
to enter numeric designations for the station identification. The
box includes a memory for storing this information and preferably
includes a removable memory element such as, for example, flash
memory embodied as a Memory Stick or similar product. The unit may
also preferably include preset buttons similar to car stereos which
may be used to more quickly designate a desired transmitting
station. The stored information may subsequently be utilized in
order to conveniently identify desired songs for purchase.
[0030] In accordance with yet another alternate preferred exemplary
embodiment, an aftermarket product such as the box described above
alternately includes a transmitting element. The transmitting
element is activated when the user presses the memory activation
button to select a desired song. By pressing the button user has
designated the relevant time information based on the internal
clock of the system. The transmitting element is utilized to
transmit a low-power FM signal that may be swept across the entire
FM band. Alternatively, the channel or station identifying signal
is preferably transmitted at only a selected number of limited
frequencies corresponding to the limited number of stations that
are usually tuned by the user. The transmitting element preferably
transmits one or more tone pulses at each frequency and the box
includes a microphone and decoding circuitry to identify when the
tone signals have been received. When this occurs, the system can
automatically identify the transmitting station and the identified
time and transmitting station is thereafter stored for subsequent
retrieval.
[0031] In yet another preferred alternate exemplary embodiment, an
automated telephone service is provided for automatically
generating the desired artist and track information based on user
entry of transmitting station information and information
identifying the time of the desired transmission. The user is able
to interact with this automated telephone system to purchase the
desired song or songs in similar fashion to the previously
described systems. The user is able to selectively purchase either
an entire original artist disk or only selectively identified
songs. Similar to the embodiments described above, a user could
purchase a system subscription that entitles the user to purchase a
certain number of songs over a given period of time, for example.
The system then provides the user with a hard copy of a disc
containing the desired information or the desired music and/or
information may be transmitted to the user via the Internet as an
attachment to an electronic mail file or the user may be allowed to
download the requested music and/or other data via a secure web
site.
[0032] As noted above, it has now been further recognized that the
systems and methods of present invention have broader applications
beyond the music industry. For example, in yet another alternate
preferred exemplary embodiment, users are able to designate news
stories or sports information in similar fashion. Specifically, for
example, users are able to simply push a button on an enabled radio
or aftermarket product and designate relevant time and transmitting
station identification information. The information is then
utilized for the purpose of transmitting the complete story as well
as related information electronically to the user. Additionally,
the transmitted information may also include further links or yet
additional information that is relevant to the particular story.
The recipient is then able to read all of the relevant information
and/or forward this information to other individuals who may be
interested in the information.
[0033] For example, this alternate preferred exemplary embodiment
of the present invention may be particularly useful for those who
listen to news stations. When a particular story comes on the radio
in which the user has a particular interest or is aware of other
individuals who may be interested in the story, the user simply
presses the button to record the transmitting station and time
information. The complete story and/or other pertinent information
may then be subsequently downloaded from a web site that provides
correlation between the designated transmitting station and
transmission time information and the relevant text or other
information. Such a system could either be funded through
additional advertising revenue associated with the Web interface of
the download a web site or the user may be requested to pay for a
subscription to the data as noted above.
[0034] In yet another alternate preferred exemplary embodiment of
the present invention, it has also been recognized that marketing
information may be similarly transmitted to recipients. This
information can be extremely valuable to both consumers and the
companies who advertise products. In accordance with this alternate
preferred exemplary embodiment, users may be provided with the
opportunity to generate coupons or other similar discounts on
desired products based on interaction-with this technology. For
example, when a person listening to a radio hears an advertisement
for a product in which the user is interested, the user may be
provided with the option of pushing the button to designate the
relevant information and the user will be able to access a web site
which provides correlation between transmission station time and
product advertisement information. This may be subsequently
utilized in generating discounts for consumers as well as providing
valuable feedback information concerning the effectiveness of
advertising through particular media.
[0035] In yet another alternate exemplary embodiment, similar
technology is utilized to generate coupons or other discounts in
conjunction with the remote control of a television. In this
alternate preferred exemplary embodiment, when an advertisement is
transmitted over a particular channel, the user simply hits a
button on the remote control which designates the advertisement as
being of interest to the individual. This information is
subsequently stored for later use in generating discounts or a
coupon for the recipient. Because both the station information and
time are recorded, the seller is able to receive significant
information which would otherwise be unavailable. This information
can be extremely useful in developing subsequent marketing
campaigns.
[0036] The systems and methods of the present invention may be
utilized for the purpose of ordering other information including
such things as, for example music videos and the like. Furthermore,
the systems and methods described herein are not limited to the
specific physical embodiments and the expressly defined information
which is provided to users as described herein.
[0037] The following detailed description provides yet additional
information concerning specific implementations, however, these
exemplary embodiments should not be considered in anyway limiting
as to utilization of the concepts of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] FIG. 1 illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of the
systems and methods of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 2 illustrates a second exemplary embodiment of the
systems and methods of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 3 illustrates a third exemplary embodiment of the
systems and methods of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 4 illustrates a fourth exemplary embodiment of the
systems and methods of the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 5 illustrates a fifth exemplary embodiment of the
systems and methods of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 6 illustrates a sixth exemplary embodiment of the
systems and methods of the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 7 illustrates a seventh exemplary embodiment of the
systems and methods of the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 8 illustrates an eighth exemplary embodiment of the
systems and methods of the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 9 illustrates a ninth exemplary embodiment of the
systems and methods of the present invention;
[0047] FIG. 10 illustrates a tenth exemplary embodiment of the
systems and methods of the present invention; and
[0048] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the systems
and methods of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0049] FIG. 1 illustrates a first preferred exemplary embodiment of
the present invention which is shown generally at 10 wherein a
radio, television or other receiver 12 is provided with a memory
element 14 which is utilized for storing information that is
sufficient to identify both the artist and a particular track
and/or other information that the user may wish to purchase or
otherwise receive. As noted above, the storage of this information
may be achieved in a variety of different manners. Additionally,
the information that has been stored may be utilized in a variety
of different ways in order to provide the user with the desired
music or other information. Preferably, computer software or
firmware is utilized to control a microprocessor in the device in
order to automatically store the identifying information such as,
for example, the time of transmission and currently tuned station
information. The user is able to effect storage of this information
preferably by pushing a single button or a combination buttons on
the device. Additionally, storage of this information by the user
could be triggered in any number of known ways in which to indicate
that desired data should be stored.
[0050] In accordance with the first exemplary embodiment, the
systems and methods of the present invention rely upon time of
reception information and information identifying the transmitting
station in order to determine the particular artist and track that
the listener finds to be enjoyable as well as other information
that may be of interest to the listener or viewer.
[0051] In accordance with the first preferred exemplary embodiment
of the invention, a plurality of radio stations or other
transmitting entities 15 post play list information preferably on a
single web site 16 that provides a correlation between the time at
which a particular track has been played and the station
identification information. This information may be used for
identifying and/or ordering a particular song. For example, a user
listening to a particular station (WXXX) at 3:02 PM on a particular
day who hears a song that is of interest to the individual will be
able to identify the song with the time of reception and station
information simply by pushing a single button that automatically
records this information.
[0052] More specifically, in accordance with this exemplary
embodiment a user is able to simply hit a record button associated
with the radio or television 12 that causes the device to store the
current time and tuner or channel/station information in the memory
14 associated with the device. This allows the user to conveniently
maintain information relating to songs that are particularly
interesting and/or other important information such as, for
example, a new story or information concerning a new product or
other advertisement and/or coupon. Although additional information
could be stored, this is not necessary as the user is able to
subsequently discern the requisite information at a later time
based on this initial limited amount of data.
[0053] The user is able to conveniently designate a variety of
coupons, news items and/or music for subsequent purchase,
downloading and or review. As noted above, the memory 14 is
preferably comprised of a nonvolatile memory such as, for example
EEPROM or flash memory so that the designated information may be
maintained even after the device 12 is turned off. Advantageously,
the user is able to conveniently accumulate the identifying data
over virtually any period of time. At the user's convenience, the
user is able to access the desired corresponding information. As
noted above, in the preferred exemplary embodiment this is
accomplished by access to the web site 16.
[0054] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more
web sites may be utilized but it is preferable that a single web
site be utilized to maintain all of the information. This maybe
accomplished by the cooperation of participating radio stations or
other transmitting entities that simply transfer their respective
play list and transmission time information to a common entity so
that the single entity may utilize the play list information in
order to compile a master listing so that many users could simply
access a single site in order to acquire any desired music
information or coupons regardless of the original transmission
source.
[0055] It should be appreciated that this is not necessary and that
a user could access a plurality of sites that would have the
requisite information. For example, in an alternate arrangement,
each of the transmitting stations participating in the program may
desire to receive revenue based on orders generated from consumers
who have listened to their particular station. Accordingly, in an
alternate arrangement a computer program is utilized in order to
automatically access the necessary information from a plurality of
web sites. More specifically, in such an embodiment, the computer
program utilized in ordering the desired information is programmed
to access web sites corresponding to each of the transmitting
stations that have been recorded by the system so that the desired
information may be determined based upon transmission time data. In
this alternate arrangement, each of the transmitting stations may
also derive revenue based upon user volume and/or sales
transactions associated with the stations ordering web site.
[0056] Regardless of the specific implementation, it should be
recognized that greater or lesser degrees of automation may be
utilized for transferring the information of interest. More
specifically, the systems and methods out of the present invention
may be implemented via a fully automated system wherein once the
user has designated certain songs or other information as being of
interest, the system may be programmed to automatically download
these designated songs or the other information of interest to an
electronic memory of a user device. Alternatively, in a less
automated approach, a web site may request that the user
specifically designate those songs or other items of information
for purchase. The user may be provided with the ability to
specifically designate an item for purchase or downloading after
additional preview. In such an exemplary implementation of the
system, the user may be required to manually enter or otherwise
specifically designate (such as by clicking the cross-referenced
items on a web page) the desired songs or other items of
information for preview and/or purchase.
[0057] In a first preferred exemplary embodiment, the user need
only access the web site 16 with the stored transmitting station
and time information in order to identify the desired artist and
track by correlating this information through use of the play list
and transmission time data that is maintained in the memory
associated with the web site 16. In accordance with the preferred
exemplary embodiment, a user who hears a particular song that is
desirable over a radio enabled with this technology simply presses
a button which initiates storage of information (currently tuned
station and current time data) in an electronic memory
[0058] As noted, although a flash memory or EEPROM is preferred due
to the non-volatile nature of these memory products, those skilled
in the art will appreciate that other alternate data storage
devices may be utilized as well including, for example, magnetic
media, CDs, and random access memory. The radio may have the memory
built-in or only temporarily connected such as when a removable
memory device is utilized.
[0059] The stored information concerning the transmitting station
and time at which a particular song was played by the station is
subsequently correlated with information that specifically
identifies the artist and song of interest. This may be
accomplished in a variety of different ways. In accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the user removes a
flash memory unit such as, for example, a memory stick device or
similar product from a radio or other device 12 that is enabled
with this technology.
[0060] FIG. 2 illustrates use of the device when ordering music or
other desired information after the stored transmitting station and
time data has been compiled in the memory 14. In accordance with
this preferred exemplary embodiment, the memory device 14 is
removed from the user device 12 illustrated in FIG. 1 and inserted
into a reader associated with a computer 22 that is preferably
provided with access to the Internet as shown. The memory 14
preferably contains data representative of a plurality of time of
transmission entries and corresponding transmitting station/channel
information or frequency of transmission information. This data is
stored by the device each time the user designates that a
particular transmitting station is transmitting information of
interest. By hitting a button, for example, the device
automatically stores the requisite information.
[0061] It should be recognized by those skilled in the art that it
is not necessary to utilize a removable memory which is removed
from a user device and subsequently inserted into a computer such
as the computer 22 illustrated in FIG. 2. More specifically, in an
alternate arrangement, the user device may itself be capable of
automatically interfacing with the Internet and a fully automated
version of the device may be capable of independently automatically
downloading user designated information including music.
Alternatively, the device itself may be capable of interfacing with
a personal computer such as through a USB connection, infrared
link, wireless network connection or any other direct or indirect
data transmission.
[0062] In accordance with the illustrated exemplary embodiment,
once the user has connected the memory 14 with the computer 22, the
user is then able to access a web site 16 containing the relevant
correlation information so that the user may associate specific
artist and tracks or other desired information with the
transmission time and station of transmission information that has
been stored in the memory device 14. Those skilled in the art will
appreciate that the memory device 14 need not be removed from the
initial receiving device 12 and that the radio or television or
other user device 12 may be used to directly interface with the web
site 16 provided that the device 12 has the capability of
interfacing with the Internet or some other device that is so
capable.
[0063] A computer program that is implemented on the user computer
22 or the device of the alternate embodiment is preferably utilized
in order to provide the user with a list of the desired songs
and/or other information that has been correlated with the compiled
data initially stored in memory 14. In accordance with the
preferred exemplary embodiment the computer program operating on
computer 22 initially determines the transmitting station
information for a first data entry. The transmitting station
information may be stored directly in the memory device 14 by the
user device 12 for subsequent access. Alternatively, this
information may be determined by the computer 22 based upon stored
frequency of transmission data or channel of transmission data.
Regardless of whether it is stored by the user device or
subsequently determined, it is necessary to perform some analysis
in order to accurately determine a transmitting station.
[0064] More specifically, the actual station of transmission
information cannot be determined based upon frequency of
transmission or tuned channel information because neither
television channels nor radio frequencies have uniform designations
throughout all geographic regions of the United States or other
countries. This is due to the typical reuse of transmission
frequencies for radio and television transmitting stations
throughout the country. Accordingly, it is necessary to correlate
frequency of transmission and channel of transmission data with an
actual radio or television station. In an alternate arrangement
this information could simply be otherwise designated.
[0065] In order to provide this correlation, in the preferred
exemplary embodiment, a user is requested to enter ZIP code
information. It should be recognized that other geographic
information could be utilized as well such as a user's city or
other geographic designations including latitude and longitude, for
example. Additionally, it may be necessary to request that the user
provide information concerning whether the data was acquired by a
user device receiving transmission through a cable or satellite
system. These requests are preferably performed by the computer 22
so that it may make the necessary determination which correlates
frequency of transmission and channel of transmission with an
actual radio or television transmitting station. In order to
perform the correlation, simple lookup tables, database entries or
other known or developed data storage techniques are preferably
used by the computer 22. These lookup tables may be stored in a
memory associated with the computer 22 or they may be accessed from
a remote web site which maintains this information.
[0066] This aspect of the system operation simply provides the
identification of the specific transmitting station based on the
user device tuner information. In recognition of the fact that
different cable or satellite broadcast service providers transmit
different stations over different channels or frequencies, in a
system that is compatible with these broadcast systems, users are
requested to specify whether they subscribe to cable television or
some other service so that the actual transmitting entity may be
identified.
[0067] Regardless of how or where the transmitting station
identification data is stored, the user is able to identify a
specific transmitting station based upon the stored tuner
information and the geographic designation. It is preferred that
the computer 22 perform the correlation because this information
changes periodically and it will be very easy for the computer
program operating on computer 22 to periodically confirm the
correlation data and/or update this information. For example, the
transmitting station information will change when one station
assumes the transmitting frequency of another. It should be
apparent that if a further web site is used as noted above, it is
not necessary for the computer 22 to perform the update. Rather the
above-mentioned web site will be preferably programmed to
periodically request transmitting station confirmation information
to ensure the integrity of the system.
[0068] It should be specifically recognized that the task of
identifying the specific transmitting station can be performed
either by the user computer 22, the web site computer 16 which
provides access to the list information, the original user device
12 or even some other processing unit.
[0069] In the preferred exemplary embodiment, the user device 12
will simply store in memory 14 tuner information such as the
currently tuned frequency of a radio or the currently tuned channel
of a television. Thereafter, the system, preferably through use of
computer 22 will specifically identify the transmitting station for
a specific entity. After the computer 22 has identified the
transmitting station for a plurality of user request entries and
preferably all of the currently outstanding user specified entries
stored in the memory 14, the computer 22 is programmed to interface
with the web site 16 in order to specifically identify the
information of interest based upon the precise transmitting station
information and the time of transmission data.
[0070] It should also be recognized that the web site 16 and/or a
computer associated with the web site 16 may provide the necessary
correlation calculation between the stored frequency of
transmission or channel transmission data stored in the memory 14
and the actual transmitting station. In such an alternate
embodiment, all that is required is that the web site 16 or the
computer associated with the web site be provided with the lookup
table information noted above and the user's geographical data. It
is preferred that the user's computer 22 perform the specified
determination.
[0071] Regardless of how or where the determination of the precise
transmitting station is made, the computer 22 is thereafter able to
identify the specific information of interest based upon a
correlation with information contained in a further database that
is preferably maintained in a server associated with the web site
16. This final correlation may be performed by either the computer
22 or another computer or processing device associated with the web
site 16. The database which is preferably associated with web site
16 contains, for example, the station play list and transmission
time information. This database may alternatively contain
information designating the transmission of an advertisement and/or
news item at a particular time by a particular transmitting
station.
[0072] In accordance with the preferred exemplary embodiment, the
system, the user is then able to preferably selectively order
and/or download any songs or other useful information. At this
point, the system may allow the user to preview a portion of the
song and or other songs prior to ordering. It should also be
recognized that a single web site containing all of the requisite
information is not necessary and that other arrangements are
possible as noted above.
[0073] For example, FIG. 3 illustrates an alternate preferred
exemplary embodiment wherein a plurality of individual web sites
that each contain station play list and transmission time data are
provided. This embodiment is useful in situations where each
transmitting station has not agreed to transfer its prior play list
and transmission time data to a common source. In this arrangement
the computer 22 preferably runs a computer program which enables a
user to identify each of the web sites 16 associated with the
transmitting stations that have been designated as being associated
with the frequency of transmission and/or channel of transmission
data recorded into memory 14. This can easily be accomplished by
automatically identifying the appropriate web site associated with
each transmitting station. More specifically, in the preferred
exemplary embodiment a database is utilized or some other memory
construct which provides the necessary correlation.
[0074] It is important to recognize that the specific transmitting
station information need not be designated and stored in memory 14.
However, it may be stored as noted below. All that is necessary is
the tuner information and the time of transmission data. When this
information is designated, the computer program running on computer
22, one of the web sites with which the user interacts or some
other computer, or alternatively another microprocessor controlled
user device is preferably programmed to identify the specific
transmitting station by correlating the stored tuner information
with the particular geographic region within which the user is
located. For example, this may be easily accomplished by having the
user enter into the computer 22 a ZIP code, city or other current
location information. Data correlating transmitting station with
frequency of transmission for particular ZIP code may be readily be
provided through the Internet for this purpose. More specifically,
by identifying ZIP code information or other geographical data one
could easily identify the transmitting station associated with a
particular frequency of transmission for that ZIP code as noted
above. Alternatively, the specific transmitting station data may be
directly recorded in the memory 14.
[0075] Similarly, television channel information could easily be
correlated with actual station of transmission station based on ZIP
code data and whether the user obtains programming through cable
television or some other form of transmission. Once this
information has been determined, it is a trivial matter to identify
the web site associated with a particular station for the necessary
interaction. This may ultimately be accomplished through
interaction with a further web site. In any event, through the use
of data presented on one or more web sites, users are able to
obtain the necessary correlation in order to identify the specific
information of interest for ordering and or downloading.
[0076] It should also be recognized that the step of correlating a
specific transmitting frequency or channel with an actual radio or
television station or other entity can be eliminated in an
alternate exemplary embodiment wherein the user device itself is
preferably programmed to automatically provide the transmitting
station correlation information. For example, in an embodiment
wherein a remote-control unit of the television or a radio device
is utilized, the device may be programmed to automatically
associate a specific transmitting station such as, for example, (W.
X. X. X.) with a particular tuned frequency or channel. This
correlation could be performed based upon user entered data. For
example, when initially programming the device, the user may be
requested to enter in a specific station identification for a
particular channel, frequency or preset. Accordingly, in such an
embodiment, the intermediate step of subsequently correlating this
data with the original tuner information is not necessary.
[0077] It should also be noted that there are other ways of
performing the intermediate task of identifying the specific
transmitting station of interest in order to identify the specific
web site containing the further correlation information specifying
the transmitted data and transmission time information. For
example, in a further alternate embodiment, the system is able to
identify the appropriate web site containing the desired further
correlation information based upon the specified transmitting
station information and the user's geographical data. Specifically,
this may be accomplished through interaction with a web site
containing a database that correlates the frequency or channel of
transmission data and the user's geographical information directly
with the web site containing the appropriate stored data. Such an
arrangement would eliminate the need to specifically identify a
particular transmitting station.
[0078] FIG. 4 illustrates the actual ordering and/or requesting of
the music or other information of interest by a user. Once a user
has identified one or more songs or other information which the
user desires to access, the user then interfaces with an ordering
web site 24 via the user computer 22. The ordering web site may
actually be the same web site previously designated 16 or yet an
additional web site. In an embodiment wherein the ordering web site
22 is the same as the web site 16 which provides the correlation
information, the user may be provided with an example of the music
or other information that has been previously designated by
correlating the time of transmission information with the
transmitting station information. More specifically, the user may
be provided with a link that provides the user with access to a
portion of the song to confirm that the user wishes to purchase the
entire track. Additionally, the user may be provided with other
tracks from the same album or other songs from other albums by the
same artist for ordering.
[0079] It should also be recognized that the ordering web site 24
actually be embodied as a kiosk or other standalone unit which
preferably includes its own processing device in order to provide
the user with a correlation between the original data stored in the
memory 14 and the information of interest. In such an embodiment,
the user may actually associate the memory 14 with the ordering web
site or other computer device. Alternatively, the user may actually
bring in the radio or other aftermarket product to physically
connect with or otherwise interact with the ordering device 24.
[0080] In an alternate preferred exemplary embodiment, the user is
able to request custom CDs. This may be performed either online or
directly at a kiosk or other location. In yet another embodiment,
the user is able to download the music into a personal music
storage device such as an Ipod or other listening device. In such
an embodiment, the memory 14 may actually be the hard drive or
other memory within which the actual data of interest is stored or
may be a separate memory that is otherwise associated with the
device or radio. In such a device the music can be categorized or
inserted into play lists that are desired by the user. As noted
above, the information that may be accessed and/or downloaded by a
user includes such other forms of data as news items and any
corresponding supporting information such as technical literature
and the like. Users may also download coupons and/or coupon or
other discount related information that correspond to
advertisements that were transmitted by a station designated by the
user with the device.
[0081] In an alternate embodiment, the user is able to access a
separate Web site 24 that automatically orders the song or other
information for the user based upon the identifying information
previously stored in the user device containing the user designated
time and tuner or station of transmission information. In this
alternate embodiment, the user may also be automatically presented
with some of the information related to the designated data so that
the user may make a final decision as to whether he or she wishes
to purchase or otherwise download the song or other information.
For example, the user may be presented with a part of the song that
may be ordered.
[0082] Through the use of the devices described above, the user is
able to identify one or more songs and/or other information that
the user may be interested in purchasing. Advantageously, the web
site 24 is configured to provide the user with the ability to
purchase the desired music in a variety of different ways. In
accordance with one option that is provided in the preferred
exemplary embodiment, the user is able to request that a
personalized compact disc be created containing each of the desired
songs. The web site or other ordering location/device may also
provide the user with the ability to listen to other songs from the
identified artists so that similar songs may be purchased as well
in a similar fashion. Alternatively, the web site or user ordering
device will provide the user with the ability to order the complete
original artist disks containing the songs that the user previously
designated as being desirable.
[0083] In an alternate preferred exemplary embodiment, the user
computer 22 is provided with specialized computer software that
will automatically generate an electronic mail message with an
attachment, file or message that contains the pertinent
transmission source and time information for ordering the music or
other information. This is illustrated in FIG. 5. In accordance
with this alternate preferred exemplary embodiment, the user is
able to purchase songs without having to interact directly or
automatically with a web site. In this alternate embodiment,
ordering is accomplished simply by transmitting an electronic mail
message or other message from the user computer 22 to another
entity such as a computer or web site 26 which will respond by
transmitting the desired information back to the consumer in a
desired format. In such an embodiment, the correlation is performed
in similar fashion to that described above with reference to the
alternate embodiments.
[0084] For example, a user of such a system will preferably access
a computer 22 or other electronic devices that includes a computer
program or other software or firmware which preferably
automatically generates an electronic mail message or other
electronic message that contains the relevant stored transmission
data. In response to this message, a receiving web site or other
computer 26 may be used to automatically transmit the desired song
or other information as a response that corresponds to the
transmission source and time data that was sent via the electronic
mail message. This embodiment is particularly suitable for ordering
coupons because the user is not required to purchase the item but
rather simply receive the coupon corresponding to the transmitted
commercial. In this embodiment, it is preferred that the computer
program automatically generate a message or attachment in a
predetermined format so that the receiving device may more readily
process the request for information generated by the user computer
22 or the actual user device as noted above. Specifically, for
example, the user device such as the radio television or remote
control may actually directly interact with an ordering unit.
[0085] More specifically, in this embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5,
the user is able to automatically order any desired information
based on the initial correlation designating the desired data to be
received based upon the transmission time and transmitting
frequency or channel information. In this particular embodiment is
particularly preferred that a remote-control device such as a
remote control device for a television be connected to the computer
22 through a USB port. The use of the remote control embodiment is
particularly suitable for identifying coupon information. For
example, this may occur when a user is watching a television
program and an advertisement indicates that a coupon is available
through the system if the user presses the designated
remote-control button or combination of buttons. As noted above,
user selection of an advertisement may be accomplished simply by
selection of the enter button without an alternate channel
selection. The currently tuned channel or transmitting station
information and time information would then be stored in a memory
associated with the remote-control or even the television or radio
itself.
[0086] FIG. 6 illustrates this alternate exemplary embodiment of
the present invention which is shown generally at 30. In this
exemplary embodiment a remote-control unit 32 includes a memory
device that is not shown for the sake of convenience. The internal
memory device of the remote-control unit 32 preferably is comprised
of EEPROM or flash memory so that there is no data loss if there is
a loss of power such as when the battery runs out. However, other
types of memory may also be utilized. The device also preferably
includes a clock which may be utilized for designating time of
transmission information. The memory device may be removable flash
memory as noted above or in an alternate embodiment the
remote-control unit itself may interface directly with a computer
such as the computer 22 or other device capable of interacting with
the Internet. Alternatively, communication may be made directly
with an intelligent remote-control 32 that itself includes a
network interface card or the like or it may interface with a
computer via a USB connection or an infrared link or other
hardwired or wireless connectivity. In a further alternate
embodiment, the device may access additional information via
telephone lines.
[0087] In this preferred exemplary embodiment, the remote-control
also alternately includes a specific coupon ordering button 35 that
is used for designating when an advertisement has indicated that
such a coupon is available. As noted above, based on convention,
the system may automatically designate the current time and channel
information for storage whenever the enter button is selected
without a change of the channel. Alternatively, based on
convention, a user may selectively request a coupon or other
discount that may be associated with a particular advertisement. It
should be apparent that it is not necessary that the advertisement
provide such an indication. The user of such a device could simply
designate advertisements that were viewed and which the user would
like to receive either additional information or discounts for the
product.
[0088] After user has designated one or more products for which the
user would like to receive either additional information or the
actual coupon, the user then either removes a memory from the
remote unit 32 or otherwise interfaces the remote-control unit 32
with the Internet so that any necessary web site may be accessed.
For example, the web sites include web sites which provide the
necessary data correlation information or the actual ordering web
site. FIG. 6 illustrates alternative possibilities for interfacing
the stored data with the ordering web site 24 via the Internet.
This embodiment is also particularly suitable for identifying news
stories that may have additional information of interest for the
user. More specifically, a news item describing a new medical
procedure or potential cure for an illness may provide links to
additional information including, for example, any supporting
technical literature. The user of the system is thus to access the
original news item as well as this additional information in the
same manner that songs are accessed and ordered.
[0089] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, it should also be
noted that it is not necessary for the remote-control unit 32 or
its removable memory to be directly interfaced with a computer or
other device for interaction via the Internet. Particularly where
coupons are concerned, the user may actually bring the entire
remote-control unit 32 or its removable memory device into a store
so that the appropriate discount may be directly applied when
purchasing products. In utilizing this approach, a computer at the
store would simply download information from the remote control
unit 32 or memory device which identifies the coupons viewed by
user based upon the transmission time data and transmitting station
identification or tuner data. The computer unit at the store would
then perform the necessary correlation information in order to
identify coupons for the user. In alternate arrangement, this
process may be performed in advance whereby an account with a
particular store or other entity is created and a computer program
provides interaction with the stored data so that coupon data or
other advertising premiums can be credited to a user account. This
user data may then be utilized by the store for providing
appropriate discount based on user purchases at the store or
remotely, for example, via the Internet.
[0090] It will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art that the remote-control 32 unit will be able to easily
designate a currently viewed station based upon previous user
entries designating channels to be viewed prior to selection of the
order coupon button. It should also be apparent that a special
button 35 need not be provided and that a user may be instructed to
invoke a series of keystrokes in order to order the coupon for a
particular product advertisement. This particular exemplary
embodiment is also particularly suitable for obtaining marketing
information based upon the actual user response and use of these
electronic coupons based upon advertisement designation. Actual
electronic coupon usage can be compiled and used for identifying
those advertisements that are particularly persuasive and
well-placed based upon actual consumer response. This is easily
accomplished by accumulating the actual usage data from the stores.
The compilation of this data can be acquired via a web site such as
the web site 16 described above or directly at a store, for
example. It should also be noted that the memory described in
relation to the remote unit 32 for storing user designation data
could actually be located on the user device or even an aftermarket
unit.
[0091] In accordance with a further alternate exemplary embodiment,
a telephone that is preferably Web enabled may be designed to
interact with the memory element in order to generate and transmit
a message requesting identification and/or the purchase of
particular audio tracks and/or other information such as coupons
and like. This is described in more detail below with reference to
FIG. 9.
[0092] In accordance with yet another alternate preferred exemplary
embodiment, the user is able to bring in either the entire user
device 12 illustrated in FIG. 1 or the memory element 14 associated
with the device to a store that sells music. In accordance with
this exemplary embodiment, the store will provide a computer or
other reading device for determining the relevant transmitting
station and time information in order provide correlation between
the transmitting station and time as well as the desired music.
This determination is preferably based upon the data correlation
described above. The user is then able to purchase the identified
songs directly from the store either as original artist disks or
customized disks that the store provides which have been recorded
with the desired songs. Alternatively, the stored may simply order
the customized disks containing the desired songs for subsequent
delivery to the user.
[0093] It has also been recognized that it is desirable to provide
systems and methods for retrofitting existing radio systems and
televisions with the capability of providing users with convenient
systems and methods for identifying and ordering audio information.
One such alternate exemplary embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 7
with reference to the system 40. In accordance with one such
exemplary embodiment, the user is able to identify a particular
song of interest simply by pressing a button on a designator box
42. The aftermarket designator box 42 is preferably separate but
also alternatively may be connected to a conventional radio or
television 43 which is not directly enabled with the technology of
the present invention. The station designator box 42 includes
circuitry for designating a particular radio or television
transmission station and preferably includes its own internal clock
44 for user convenience. However, it is recognized that the user
could actually enter in the time of transmission information as
well for subsequent storage.
[0094] In accordance with this exemplary embodiment, the user
presses a button 46 on the designator box in order to designate
selection of the current time and a keypad 48 is preferably
provided for the user to enter alphanumeric designations for the
station identification whenever a user hears a particular song from
the radio or television 43 that is of interest to the user. The
designator box 42 includes a memory 50 for storing the currently
tuned station and time of transmission information and preferably
this memory element is embodied as a removable memory element such
as, for example, flash memory such as a Memory Stick or similar
product. The unit may also alternatively preferably include preset
buttons similar to conventional car stereos which may be used to
more quickly designate a desired transmitting station. The stored
information may subsequently be utilized in order to conveniently
identify desired songs for purchase and for designating other
information to be downloaded as described in detail above. It
should also recognized that unit itself may interface directly with
a computer such as the computer 22 or other ordering device c that
is preferably apable of interacting with the Internet for the
purpose of ordering songs or other information of interest.
Alternatively, communication may be made directly with an
intelligent remote-control 32 that itself includes a network
interface card or the like our may interface with a computer via a
USB connection or an infrared link or other hardwired or wireless
connectivity.
[0095] In an alternate embodiment, the aftermarket designator 42
replaces the keypad 48 or additionally includes an infrared signal
detector. In this alternate arrangement, which is preferably
utilized with televisions, the user is able to designate the type
of remote-control signaling protocol utilized by the user so that
the device 42 may be able to automatically receive the necessary
tuner information. In such a device, the clock 44 provides the
necessary time of transmission information whenever the user
requests designation of desired information.
[0096] This embodiment of the system allows users to designate
songs or other information of interest without having an entirely
new radio or television system that is independently capable of
storing the relevant data.
[0097] In accordance with yet another alternate preferred exemplary
embodiment, an aftermarket product such as the box described above
further includes a transmitting element. This alternate embodiment
is illustrated in FIG. 8 with reference to the system 60. The
transmitting element 68 in the data storage unit 62 is activated
when the user presses the single memory activation button 64 to
select a desired song or otherwise designate desired information.
By pressing the button 64, the user has designated the relevant
time information based on the internal clock of the system. It
should readily be apparent that this clock should be synchronized
with an accurate clock so that the information may be correctly
identified.
[0098] The transmitting element 68 in the unit 62 is utilized to
transmit a low-power FM signal that is swept across the entire FM
band. The transmitting element transmits one or more tone pulses at
each frequency and the data storage unit 62 includes a microphone
74 and decoding circuitry that is not illustrated. The decoding
circuitry is used to identify when the tone signals have been
received via the microphone 74. Essentially, the radio receiver
generates audible tones in response to the transmission of these
tone signals by the transmitting element 68 and these audible tones
are utilized to confirm the particular station to which the user's
radio is currently tuned. The transmitting element 68 transmits a
low-power FM signal that is received by the radio receiver 69 so
that the radio receiver 69 is able to generate an audio signal
which includes the tones.
[0099] When this occurs, the system can automatically identify the
transmitting station and information relating to the time and
transmitting station is thereafter stored for subsequent retrieval.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of such a device, the
device is preferably programmed to only transmit the tones at a
limited number of frequencies corresponding to the frequencies of
transmission for a limited number of transmitting stations that the
user typically selects.
[0100] In yet another preferred alternate exemplary embodiment, an
automated telephone service is provided for automatically
generating the desired artist and track information based on user
entry of transmitting station information and information
identifying the time of the desired transmission. This alternate
preferred exemplary embodiment of the system is illustrated in FIG.
9 with reference to the system 80. In accordance with this
alternate embodiment of the system, a user is able to access an
ordering system 82 in real-time such as, with a cellular telephone
84 and the like.
[0101] The user is able to interact with an automated telephone
system to purchase the desired song or songs in similar fashion to
the previously described systems. Preferably, in accordance with
the preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a user
sets up an account with the ordering system service provider. The
ordering system 82 is preferably able to automatically identify the
user such as, for example, through caller ID information associated
with the telephone 84 which may be a cellular telephone or more
conventional device. Alternatively, the cellular telephone may be a
Web enabled device so that the device may access the ordering
system 82 via the Internet.
[0102] In accordance with the preferred exemplary embodiment, a
user who hears a particular song of interest need only call or
otherwise contact the ordering system 82 so that the user may
identify the current transmitting station. As a result, because
this occurs in real-time, the ordering system 82 is able to
determine the particular song or other information which the user
desires to acquire. This is readily accomplished based on access to
play list information in similar fashion to the correlation
procedures described above. Preferably, the ordering system 82,
maintains access to play list information from a variety of
transmitting stations. This is preferably accomplished by providing
Internet access to one or more web sites which maintain this
information.
[0103] Access to this information may be accomplished in a variety
of different ways. For example, the information may be compiled in
a database and participating transmitting stations will transmit
their play list information so that the system may acquire the data
and update that a database. Alternatively, the ordering system 82
may use a computer to access the Internet and identify the desired
information based upon the play list information stored at a
participating transmitting stations web site. It should be readily
apparent that the play list information could be accessed by the
ordering system in a variety of different manners and the
particular way in which the system accesses this information is not
important. The ordering system 82 may actually utilized the Web
interface technology described above for acquiring the correlation
information.
[0104] The ordering system 82 allows the user to selectively
purchase either an entire original artist disk or only selectively
identified songs. The system then provides the user with a hard
copy of a disc containing the desired information. Alternatively,
the desired information is transmitted to a user device for storage
and playback. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of this
implementation, a user preferably set up an account with the
ordering system 82. As a result, the user may be entitled to order
a predetermined number of songs every month, for example.
[0105] In utilizing the system, when a user hears a particular song
or other item of interest over a radio, for example the user
contacts the ordering system with a cellular telephone 84
preferably through the conventional telephone system 85 or
alternatively through the Internet. Preferably, the ordering system
82 is provided with an automated voice response system whereby the
user is able to simply enter via the telephone keypad 87 the
station of transmission information. The user is also preferably
able to indicate whether the song or other desired data is
currently playing or whether the desired data was transmitted at an
earlier point in time. In alternate embodiment, where the cellular
telephone 84 also includes a radio, the device may automatically
transfer information sufficient to identify the transmitting
station and time of transmission because the device itself will
maintain the information internally in similar fashion to the
devices described above. Similarly, the cellular telephone 84 may
actually interface with another user device in order to access
stored time of transmission and tuned station information so that a
plurality of songs or other pieces of information may be
automatically ordered.
[0106] It has now been further recognized that the systems and
methods of present invention have broader applications beyond the
music industry. For example, in yet another alternate preferred
exemplary embodiment, users are able to designate news stories or
sports information in similar fashion. Specifically, for example,
users are able to simply push a button on an enabled radio,
television or other aftermarket product and designate relevant time
and transmitting station identification information. The
information is then stored so that it may be subsequently utilized
for the purpose of requesting the complete news story
electronically to the user. This is accomplished in similar fashion
to the ordering of music described above. Additionally, when the
user requests news items, the system also preferably provides
further links or the direct transmission of yet additional
information that is relevant to the particular story. The recipient
is then able to read all of the relevant information and/or forward
this information to other individuals who may be interested in
information.
[0107] For example, this alternate preferred exemplary embodiment
of the present invention may be particularly useful for those who
listen to news stations. When a particular story comes on the radio
in which the user has a particular interest or is aware of other
individuals who may be interested in the story, the user simply
presses the button to record in the transmitting station and time
information. The complete story and/or other pertinent information
may then be subsequently downloaded from a web site that provides
correlation between the designated transmitting station and
transmission time information and the relevant text or other
information. The user may also receive links so that additional
relevant information can be accessed.
[0108] FIG. 10 illustrates operation of the systems and methods of
the present invention when utilized in conjunction with an overall
music storage and management system which is shown generally at
100. In accordance with this embodiment of the present invention, a
user's radio device also includes a corresponding storage mechanism
such as a portable hard disk drive or other memory such as EEPROM
or any other digital data storage 102. The hard disk drive or
digital data storage 102 is preferably utilized for storage of the
user's music files as well as play list information. Additionally,
the device preferably also includes a radio and a transmission
frequency or station and time of transmission storage designator
such as the one described above. The desired data designating
information (time of transmission and frequency or station of
transmission) may be stored in the digital storage 102 or in a
separate memory such as a memory 14 described above.
[0109] In accordance with this exemplary embodiment of the system,
a user is able to choose between selecting a particular radio
station as a source for music or the user is able to alternately
listen to one of the music files stored on the system. When using
the radio portion of the system, the user may designate a currently
transmitted song as being of interest so that it may be purchased
by the user in similar fashion to the system described above.
[0110] More specifically, the user radio 104 includes a plurality
of preset transmission station selection buttons 106 which enable
quick and convenient user selection of a desired radio station.
Alternatively, the user is provided with the ability to select
previously recorded songs for playback. The user may select a
random selection or a song from a predefined play list. The
exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10 includes two play list
buttons 108. As known in the art, play lists may be directed to a
specific type of music or artist, for example.
[0111] In utilizing the device illustrated in FIG. 10, a user is
thus able to choose between listening to either a current
transmission or prerecorded songs. The user selects a current
transmission by choosing one of the plurality of radio stations
that have been programmed into the preset selection buttons of the
radio 104 as is known in the art. Alternatively, the user may
manually tune the radio to a desired station. Additionally, the
user may choose pre-recorded songs by selecting a play list for
example the in the play list selection buttons 108.
[0112] When listening to a song from a radio station, the user may
determine that the currently transmitted song should be added to
the digital storage 102. In accordance with the preferred exemplary
embodiment, the device includes a request or add to list designator
109. By pressing button 109, the user is able to designate the
currently transmitted song as being of interest for subsequent
purchase. In the preferred exemplary embodiment, the device then
stores the current time and currently tuned station or tuner
information so that the user may subsequently order a desired song
or other data as described above. As noted above, it is preferred
that the device accumulate a number of user purchase designations
or requests so that a number of data items may be downloaded at a
single time.
[0113] In the preferred exemplary embodiment, the actual device 104
or a memory associated with the device 104 (for example the digital
storage memory 102 or an alternate memory such as the memory 14
described above) is interfaced either directly or via computer such
as computer 22 described above directly or indirectly with a
database or data structure which provides the requisite correlation
between currently tuned information and time of transmission to a
desired song or other item of interest so that the user may request
a song for downloading or other ordering. In a fully automated
system, a user will subscribe to a service that provides a certain
number of songs for downloading every month, for example. The user
is then able to automatically download desired songs into digital
storage 102 simply by designating the songs by storing the time of
transmission and tuner/station of transmission information.
Thereafter, either the user device such as the radio 104 itself, or
another processor controlled unit such as the computer 22 when
interfaced with the memory or device 104 will automatically request
and preferably handled transmission of the desired song into the
digital storage 102. Alternatively, as described with respect to
one of the alternate embodiments above, the user may be presented
with the option of confirming a request for download based on
presentation of a portion of a song or other information.
[0114] Accordingly, a user is able to automatically update songs
stored in digital storage 102 simply based upon an instantaneous
selection or request of the user. In alternate arrangements, the
system will allow the user to preview a song in order to confirm
the desired to purchase a particular song. In accordance with the
preferred exemplary embodiment, at least the digital storage memory
102 is portable so that a user may connect this unit with a sound
system of an automobile as well as a home audio system so that the
user is able to access stored audio information and order
additional information or music both at home and on the road. At
the very least, this memory unit 102 or 14 of a portable device
such as when embodied as a car stereo is preferably synchronized
with a corresponding storage associated with a home audio system so
that the user has access to all audio information at anytime. In
the preferred exemplary embodiment, the synchronization process
between the two devices also preferably includes the automatic or
selective downloading of user designated songs for addition to the
audio data maintained in digital storage 102. By managing play
lists, the user is also able to add and delete items from these
lists.
[0115] It has also been recognized that the systems and methods of
the present invention have applications to the field of audio
listening devices which are compatible with direct satellite
broadcast transmission technology. One advantage to these systems
is that they typically provide users with the ability to
specifically identify a particular artist and song based on
digitally transmitted identification information. However, it is
not believed that these systems currently provide users with the
ability to conveniently order a desired song. Accordingly, the
storage techniques described herein may also be utilized in
conjunction with a satellite broadcast system for the purpose of
acquiring a list of desired songs for subsequent purchase.
[0116] More specifically, in a system that is compatible with
satellite or other digital broadcast technology, an enhanced
version of such a system includes the ability to automatically
designate a particular song for storage and or downloading. This is
accomplished in similar manner to the system described with
reference to FIG. 10. However, in this alternate embodiment, the
system at least directly stores and accumulates data which
specifically identifies the desired information of interest such
as, for example, the artist and title of the songs that a user
wishes to purchase or otherwise download. In this embodiment it is
thus not necessary to subsequently correlate the time of
transmission and frequency or station of transmission information
with the desired information of interest.
[0117] One further advantage of direct broadcast satellite systems
is that they typically provide high quality digital transmission
which would be suitable for direct storage into a storage device
such as digital storage 102 referenced in FIG. 10. However, one of
the problems with instantaneously designating a currently
transmitted song for downloading is that the first portion of the
song is typically missed because a user will have designated a song
for storage only after part of the song as already been played.
[0118] Accordingly, it is preferred that the system include
sufficient memory to dynamically store the preceding several
minutes of user selected broadcast so that a user may be able to
instantaneously select a song for storage and thereby be able to
acquire the entire song without having to further request this
audio information.
[0119] Regardless of the way in which the audio information is
requested and stored on digital storage 102, the user is provided
with the ability to designate one or more play lists to which any
new song should be added. Accordingly, by using the systems and
methods of the present invention, a user is able to easily choose
between current radio transmissions or stored music such as those
associated with play lists, for example, while also being provided
with the ability to readily identify new songs for addition to the
user's play lists. As noted above, the digital storage unit 102 may
be the only storage member for the user's music or alternatively,
the user may have a home digital storage and a portable digital
storage which are synchronized so that the user is provided with
convenient access to desired music at all times.
[0120] FIG. 11 is an illustrative example of the type of
information that is stored in accordance with the systems and
methods of the present invention. In this exemplary embodiment,
time of transmission information is correlated with the specific
data that is transmitted at the corresponding time. For example,
news items, commercials, and songs 152 are each designated as
falling within their corresponding time slot 151. The systems and
methods of present invention use the designating information that
is correlated by this data structure or database so that a user may
either directly download or subsequently request the corresponding
information. For example, the data structure 150 described in FIG.
11 may actually contain web pages or designations thereof, files or
additional links or content which are particularly useful in
reference to specific news items of interest. Commercials or
products that are designated by a user are specifically identified
by the data structure which may contain or provide links to
electronic coupons or other product information.
[0121] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any memory
construct or data structure may be utilized for providing
correlation between a particular station of transmission and time
of transmission and the desired data. It should be apparent that
the data may be arranged in a variety of different formats in order
to provide the necessary correlation information. For example, the
database or the stored data construct could be alternatively
arranged for a plurality of different transmitting stations. The
data associated with a particular time of transmission and
contained in the database may actually be the data of interest such
as a news item or an actual digital representation of the song or
it may simply be a more specific designation which allows the user
to subsequently access or otherwise download the data. For example,
the data construct could be arranged to provide a link to a further
site or web page that allows the user to specifically order or
download the now identified information. More specifically, the
desired data may actually reside in the database or data construct
along with additional items of interest such as web pages, files or
additional links. Alternatively, the data may simply more
specifically and directly identify the information of interest so
that the user may thereafter interact with a further web site for
actually ordering and downloading the information.
[0122] In regard to the clocks described above in relation to the
various embodiment of the system, it should be noted that the
clocks may maintain actual time or relative time so that the system
may simply interact with the clock in order to determine current
time in relation to the system relative time so that the desired
information may be identified.
[0123] The various embodiments which have been described above are
exemplary only and should in no way be considered in any way
limiting as to the scope of the present invention.
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