Abstract: Although current radio receivers support playback of audio from multiple sources, none support easy searching for content across these sources. There is no mechanism for locating specific content independent of the source that it is found on. The invention is to have an entertainment system which utilizes metadata to offer a feature that will allow the user to listen to any audio source based on their listening preference. This invention also allows the user of a radio receiver to be able to easily locate music of a particular genre without regard to the actual source. This invention further provides a mechanism for the music stored on a hard drive to be used to create a personalized radio station, complete with inserts of localized information.

Abstract: A media system and method of accessing music data files are provided. The media system includes a memory storage device, wherein a plurality of music data files are accessed based upon classifications that correspond to a plurality of categories that have a successive relationship to one another. A processor performs the steps including selecting a first category, selecting at least a portion of the music data files based upon the first category, and displaying at least one classification that corresponds to the first category. The processor further performs the steps of receiving a command to select one of the displayed classifications, selecting at least a portion of the music data files based upon the selected classification and a second category, and displaying at least one classification associated with the selected music data files, wherein the displayed classification is based upon the first category, the second category, and the selected classification.

Abstract: A music playlist is automatically generated based on a user-selected tempo pattern, and optionally, a user-selected time duration (i.e., play time) over which the selected tempo pattern will play. The user can select a predefined tempo pattern or create a custom tempo pattern. The available music files are scanned based on tempo, and music files meeting the user's tempo components are selected and arranged according to the selected tempo pattern and time duration.

Abstract: A system for use in a radio receiver that provides quick access to previously selected audio includes processor logic that evaluates at least a first user-selected audio that has been previously enabled and a second user-selected audio that is currently enabled. An input controller is dynamically coded by the processor logic for recalling audio information associated with the first user-selected audio when the second user-selected audio is being evaluated by the processor logic based upon the length of time the second user selected audio remains in an enabled state. The input controller is an audio recall button located on a user-interface of the receiver and includes an indicia window that displays recall information stored in memory of a processor during the evaluation of the second user-selected audio.

Abstract: A method of synchronizing a voice user interface (VUI) with a graphical user interface (GUI) includes a number of steps. Initially, a first screen is displayed that has an associated first plurality of voice commands that are available for controlling a first application. Upon receiving an event, a second screen is displayed in response to the event with the second screen being associated with a second application. A second plurality of voice commands, which are available for controlling the second application, are then activated and the first plurality of voice commands are deactivated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for maximizing the use of a display screen space of an electronic device, such as a portable calculator or a mobile phone. The present invention involves providing a display screen electronically formatted to contain a plurality of multi-purpose fields that accommodates a variety of functions such as displaying operation or field labels, receiving data input, displaying data output, or facilitating editing. The present method allows the field labels to be replaced by data entry field, essentially by overwriting in the same screen area. The present invention further provides an electronic device capable of performing the method for maximizing the use of a display screen space described herein.

Abstract: A vehicle audio system is provided that includes an audio receiver having a radio tuner and random access media reader capable of accessing audio data files such as those stored on a compact disc. The audio system includes a switch selectively operable in at least two modes, the switch operable in a first mode for tuning the radio tuner, and operable in a second mode for fast track searching and selecting for playback one of the audio data files. The audio system also includes software enabling a processor to read the filenames of the audio data files stored on a compact disc, sort the filenames into an alphabetical index, and display and access the audio data files in the order of the alphabetical index.