Abstract: A method for efficiently comparing two trinary logic representations, including the steps of creating a first data structure (a VALUE data structure) representative of a first set of properties; creating a second data structure (a KNOWN data structure) representative of whether the first set of properties is known; creating a third data structure (a TARGET data structure) representative of a target set of properties; creating a fourth data structure (a WANT data structure) representative of whether the target set of properties is wanted; and comparing the first, second, third, and fourth data structures using bit-wise binary operations to determine whether the first set of known properties are wanted as a target set of properties. In exemplary embodiments, the bit-wise binary operations are performed according to the Boolean equation: (not WANT) or (KNOWN and ((TARGET xor VALUE))).

Abstract: An audio element cache is provided that is capable of caching audio elements for each user in a personal radio server system. In operation, customized radio content is provided to remote listeners in a personal radio server system by: storing a plurality of audio elements in a file server; retrieving a subset of the plurality of audio elements from the file server by predicting the content desired by a remote listener based on a user profile of the remote listener; storing the subset of the plurality of audio elements in an audio element cache; selecting audio elements to provide to a remote listener from the audio element cache; and transmitting the audio elements to the remote listener. In an embodiment, the plurality of audio elements are stored in the audio element cache when a remote listener logs-on the personal radio server system.

Abstract: A method for overlapping stored audio elements in a system for providing a customized radio broadcast. The method includes the steps of dividing a first audio element into a plurality of audio element components; selecting one of said audio element components; decompressing the selected audio element component; selecting a second audio element; decompressing the second audio element; mixing the decompressed audio element component with the decompressed second audio element to form a mixed audio element component; and compressing the mixed audio element component to form a compressed overlapping audio element component. The compressed overlapping audio element component may replace the selected audio component. The first audio element may be a song, while the second audio element may be a DJ introduction. Accordingly, the compressed overlapping audio element may be broadcast followed by the remaining components of the song audio element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a number audio element for playing a desired number in an audio system.