STRUCTURE AND METHOD FOR SELECTING, CONTROLLING AND SENDING INTERNET-BASED OR LOCAL DIGITAL AUDIO TO AN AM/FM RADIO OR ANALOG AMPLIFIER
A system and method that allows digital audio files, either streaming or stored to be controlled and selected and provides an analog audio signal for broadcast by a radio or amplifier without interfering with the operation of the host PC. A remote device is provided which facilitates control of the system.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/709,722, filed Nov. 10, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,702, 403, issued on Apr. 20, 2010, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/649,981, filed on Aug. 29, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,879,865, issued on Apr. 12, 2005, which claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/151,714 filed on Aug. 31, 1999. The above-listed applications and patents are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for selecting and controlling digital audio signals from stored files or streaming digital audio signals and generating an analog signal to a remote device, such as an AM/FM radio or amplifier by way of a host personal computer (PC) without interfering with the operation of the host PC.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There is an ever-increasing amount of audio content available as digital computer files, for example in MP3 format, (like those found at www.mp3.com) or as streaming digital audio, for example, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,579,430 hereby incorporated by reference. These new types of audio content can be played on a personal computer with a sound card, but cannot be played on a radio or stereo that is designed to receive and amplify analog audio signals. There are several techniques for converting a digital audio source to an analog signal that could be used by analog radio or amplifier, but these techniques interfere with the operation of the host PC and would require use of the PC to select and control the audio, for example, on an analog radio. Thus, there is a need to provide a system which enables Internet-based or digital audio to be played, for example, on an analog radio without tying up a personal computer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONBriefly, the present invention relates to a system and method that allows digital audio files, either streaming or stored, to be controlled and selected, and provides an analog audio signal for broadcast by a remote device, such as radio or amplifier, without interfering with the operation of the host PC. A remote device is provided which facilitates operation of the system.
These and other advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following specification and attached drawing wherein:
This application is related to copending commonly-owned patent applications, filed on even date: “Business Method,” Attorney Docket No. 11748/14, hereby incorporated by reference.
The present invention is adapted to interface with a host personal computer (PC) which, in turn, is adapted to be connected to virtually any web server in order to obtain audio sources.
The host PC 100 is preferably a Pentium or better microprocessor running Windows 95 or better. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the host PC 100 may be controlled to select and play and convert various forms of digital music, for example, from the Internet or from stored digital files for broadcast by remote audio device, such as a stereo or radio, under the control of a remote device or navigator which enables the host PC to run other applications if desired. Audio applications 110 running on the Internet connected computer 100 receive streaming audio content 111, such as from Internet radio stations, from the Internet 101 over a network connection 102, through a modem or network interface card, or use locally stored audio files 112, such as MP3 encoded audio, and send this digital audio data 220 to the base station 200, through, for example, a Universal Serial Bus, or USB cable 103. The base station 200 decodes the digital audio data 220, if necessary, and then converts this decoded digital audio data 221 to analog audio signals 222. The base station 200 then transmits the analog audio signals 222 to a receiver or repeater 240. The repeater 240 provides audio output 104 for connection to an audio playback device, such as a stereo 105. The repeater 240 may also be configured to, for example, rebroadcast the audio output 104 onto an unused FM radio channel for reception by a nearby FM radio 106. The user interacts with the remote device or navigator 260 to communicate wirelessly through the base station 200 with audio applications 110 running on the Internet connected computer 100 in order to change the Internet radio station, select a music playlist, and purchase goods, among other things without interfering with the operation of the host PC 100.
Base Station and Repeater Audio Data FlowOne of the main functions of the system is the flow of audio data from the Internet connected computer 100 through the base station 200, and finally to the repeater 240 and stereo 105 or FM radio 106.
Additional functionality is provided through a unique ID 203 and a real-time clock 204. The unique ID 203 allows digital audio data 220 to only be accessible from a particular base station 200 through encoding of the digital audio data 220 based on the unique ID 203 for a particular base station 200. The real-time clock 204 allows use of digital audio data 220 to expire based on the current time value in the real-time clock 204.
Navigator Hardware ArchitectureThe navigator 260 (
Control of the navigator 260 rests in the processor 261, which in this example is implemented with a Motorola MC68EZ328. The processor 261 interprets the input from the user controls 264 and sends this information back to the host PC 100 through the data transceiver 211. The processor 261 also receives and interprets display update information from audio applications 110 running on the Internet connected computer 100 from the data transceiver 211. The display information is sent to the liquid crystal display panel, or LCD, 266. The processor 261 may control an infrared LED, or IR transmitter 265, for example, a LumEx, Model No. OED-CL-1556SN, that is used to control audio playback devices, such as a stereo 105, that supports infrared control.
The processor 261 uses external random access memory, or RAM, 262, which can come in a 4 megabyte by 16-bit configuration, for executing code and for storing information that doesn't need to survive a power down of the navigator 260. The processor 261 also uses external flash memory 263, which can come in a 1 megabyte by 16-bit configuration, for storing the code to be executed as well as storing information that must survive a power down of the navigator 260.
The user controls 264 may be composed of a set of 16 buttons which may be arranged in a 4.times.4 array and scanned by the processor 261. This reduces the number of signals required on the processor 261 to support the user controls 264. An always powered-up button (even when power is turned off to the rest of the navigator 260) may be used to turn power on to the entire navigator 260.
Additional functionality may be provided through the power handler and battery charger 267, which is controlled by the processor 261 and is responsible for power management, to conserve battery life, and charging of the batteries 268. There may also be an infrared or IR transmitter 265 that allows the navigator 260 to control audio playback equipment, such as a stereo 105.
Repeater Hardware ArchitectureAs shown in
The repeater 240 (
Radio channel selection for both the audio receiver 241 and the FM transmitter 243 is handled by the repeater controller 242, which receives user inputs from the user controls 244, such as buttons. The user controls 244 indicate to the repeater controller 242 the desired user selection of a specific FM radio channel for the FM transmitter 243 to broadcast on. The user controls also indicate the desire by the user for the audio receiver 241 to scan for transmission from the base station 200 on all defined transmission frequencies.
SoftwareThe software for the system, illustrated in
The tuner software module 1602 provides a user interface which allows a user to edit and create playlists, download locally stored digital audio files 112 (
The configuration of the tuner software module 1602 may be saved into a local database. The database may be implemented using CodeBase 6.5 database engine.
Audio PlayerThe audio player software module 1604 (
Referring to
If the system determines in step 1614 that the audio source is not a local audio file, the system automatically connects to the clip provider web server in step 1626. If the connection to the clip provider web server is successful, as determined in step 1628, the system reads the audio data over the Internet in step 1626. The audio data is interpreted according to audio format is step 1632 and sent to the USB audio driver 1606 in step 1634 until the entire clip has been played as indicated in step 1636. After the entire clip has been played, the system goes to step 1624 and issues a command to end playing of the clip.
Remote Device ManagerThe remote device manager software module 1608 services requests by the remote device 260. As such, commands from the remote device 260 are read in step 1640. The system then decodes the commands in steps 1642, 1644, 1646, 1648 and 1650. During initial start up, as indicated in step 1652, the system sends initialization settings to the remote device 260 is 1654 and returns to step 1640 to await additional commands.
If the system determines that the command from the remote device 260 is a command to play a clip, as determined in step 1642, the system finds the address of the clip in step 1656 and sends the address of the music clip to the audio player software module 1604 and optionally other information, such as the title, artist, album and name of clip to the remote device 260 for display in step 1658. In step 1660, the system initiates the audio player 1604 software module to play the clip. After the clip is played, the system loops back to 1640.
If the system determines that the command from the remote device 260 is to download a clip as ascertained in step 1644, the system sends the request to the Internet accessing components software module 1612 in step 1646 which causes the clip to be downloaded in step 1648. After the clip is downloaded, the system returns to step 1640.
If the system determines in step 1646 that the command from the remote device 260 is to buy music, the system performs a financial validation in step 1666. Once the validation is complete, the request to purchase music is sent to the Internet accessing component software module 1612 in step 1668 which, in turn, downloads the purchased music in step 1670.
If the system determines in step 1648 that the command from the remote device 260 is to browse music, the system first determines in step 1672 whether the music is a locally stored digital audio file 112 (
The system may also contain certain utilities. For example, the system may contain a utility for updating software on the remote device 260. Thus, if the system determines in step 1650 that the command from the remote device 260 is to update software, the system flashes the software on the remote device 260 in step 1682 and returns to step 1640.
USB Audio DriverThe USB audio driver software module 1606 receives audio data from the audio player software module 1604 and sends to the base station 200 (
The USB remote device driver software module 1610 receives data and commands from the remote device manager software module 1608 (
A flow diagram for the USB remote device driver software module 1610 is illustrated in
Internet Accessing Component
The Internet accessing component software module 1612 communicates with the Internet to retrieve music data, such as artists, albums, tracks and radio stations. Internet accessing component software module 1612 also manages music downloads and other Internet accesses. An exemplary architecture for the Internet accessing component software module 1612 is illustrated in
An exemplary embodiment of the remote device 260 is illustrated in
The use of the control buttons 1600 on the control panel portion 1704 are merely exemplary. It is also contemplated that the control buttons 1600 can be integrated into a touch-screen display, for example, as manufactured by Samsung. In such an embodiment, the remote device 260 would consist of simply the display 1706 mounted on the control panel 1704. It is also contemplated that any number of the control buttons 1600 can be incorporated into a touch-screen display such that some of the hardware control buttons 1600 remain as hardware control buttons as some are integrated into the touch-screen display 1706.
Remote Device Manager User InterfaceAn exemplary navigation schematic for navigating through the various screens available by the remote device 260 is illustrated in
As indicated above, the remote device 260 includes a display 1706 for providing a user interface, for example, as illustrated in
In addition to the prominent status area 1710, the user interface may also include a functional title area 1720 and a functional options area 1722 as well as a functional view area 1724 and bottom bar area 1726. The functional title area 1720 may be used to display current selections, for example, selections from the home screen 1728 (
The bottom bar area 1726 may include a left soft key 1734 and right soft key 1736. The left soft key 1734 and 1736 may be used for paging through the screens and issuing commands. Exemplary soft keys include “back”, “search”, “continue”, “add items”, for example as illustrated in
Exemplary screens are illustrated in
In the example illustrated in
The screen 1732 and 1746, illustrated in
As shown in
After the items have been added to the playlist, the screen 1752 (
Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Thus, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described above.
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. A base station for enabling content to be played on a remote playback device, comprising:
- at least one interface configured to be connected, directly or indirectly, to a separate host and to a remote component;
- a receiver configured to receive digital data from the host;
- a converter configured to convert the digital data to a predetermined format compatible with the remote component; and
- a transmitter configured to transmit the converted data to the remote component.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the remote component includes at least one of the remote playback device and a repeater.
4. The system of claim 2, wherein the remote component is a repeater configured to receive the transmitted data via a wireless communications channel and to rebroadcast the received data onto an FM channel.
5. The system of claim 2, wherein the remote component is an FM radio.
6. The system of claim 2, wherein the digital data includes audio content.
7. The system of claim 2, wherein the received digital data is audio content streamed via the Internet.
8. The system of claim 2, wherein the base station further comprises:
- a digital signal processor configured to decode the received digital data and to provide the decoded digital data to a digital to analog converter; and
- a digital to analog converter configured to convert the decoded digital data into an analog signal, wherein the transmitter is further configured to transmit the analog signal as the converted data.
9. The system of claim 2, wherein the base station further comprises:
- an identifier; and
- a real-time clock, and wherein the base station is further configured to selectively control access to the content based on the identifier, a current time value of the real-time clock, and access control data encoded in the digital data.
10. The system of claim 2, wherein the base station is further configured to be interfaced to the host via a universal serial bus interface.
11. The system of claim 2, further comprising:
- a remote control device configured to be wirelessly interfaced to the base station, the remote control device including: a display configured to display information, provided by the base station, that relates to the content; and at least one control configured to receive an input and to operate the base station based on the received input.
12. A method of playing content on a remote playback device, comprising:
- receiving, at an adapter device, digital data, including the content, from a host;
- converting, by the adapter device, the content into a predetermined analog data format compatible with the remote playback device; and
- transmitting, by the adaptor device, the converted data to the playback device.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein transmitting the converted data includes:
- transmitting the converted data from the adapter device to a repeater; and
- rebroadcasting the converted data from the repeater to an FM radio.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein the content includes streamed audio content.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein receiving the digital data from the host includes:
- receiving the digital data from the host via a universal serial bus interface.
16. The method of claim 12, wherein converting the content includes:
- decoding the content; and
- converting the decoded content into an analog signal.
17. A computer-readable storage medium with an executable program stored thereon, wherein the program instructs a device to perform steps enabling playback of content on a remote playback device, comprising:
- receiving digital data, including the content, from a host;
- converting the content into a predetermined analog data format compatible with the remote playback device; and
- transmitting the converted data to the playback device.
18. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 17, wherein the content includes streamed audio content.
19. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 17, wherein converting the content comprises:
- decoding the content; and
- converting the decoded content into an analog signal.
20. An apparatus for enabling content to be played on a remote playback device, comprising:
- means for receiving digital data, including the content, from a host;
- means for converting the content into a predetermined analog data format compatible with the remote playback device; and
- means for transmitting the converted data to the playback device.
21. A system for enabling content to be played on a remote playback device, comprising:
- an adapter configured to communicate with a host, the adapter also configured to be connected to a remote analog device, the adapter including: means for receiving the digital audio data from the host and converting the digital audio data to analog audio data for playback by the remote analog device without interfering with the operation of the host; and means for receiving signals from a remote control device and controlling the host to play digital audio content selected from the remote control device; and
- the remote control device including:
- means for receiving the digital content information from the adapter;
- means for displaying the digital content information;
- means for receiving a selection of digital audio content; and
- means for transmitting signals representative of the selected digital audio content to the adapter.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 14, 2010
Publication Date: Oct 14, 2010
Inventors: Stephen Christopher Gladwin (Chicago, IL), Depeng Bi (Buffalo Grove, IL), Jeffrey Jonathan Spurgat (Verona, WI), Michael Cortopassi (Arlington Heights, IL)
Application Number: 12/760,451
International Classification: G06F 17/00 (20060101);