Multiple radio signal processing and storing method and apparatus

• US 7,171,174 B2
• Filed: 08/20/2003
• Issued: 01/30/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 02/20/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: 3D Radio, LLC
• Original Assignee: Caron S. Ellis, Michael David Ellis
• Inventors: Ellis, Michael D., Ellis, Caron S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Urban, Edward F.
• Assistant Examiner(s): CHOW, CHARLES CHIANG
• Application Number:
  US10/645,928
• Publication Number:
  US 20040116088A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,259 Days
• Field of Search: 455/132, 455/131, 455/130, 455 301- 305, 455/3.06, 455/414.1, 455/412.1, 455/186.1, 4551161-1613, 455/158.1, 455/133, 455/410, 455/411, 455/563, 455/344, 455/345, 455/550.1, 455/575.1, 455/561, 455/424, 455/425, 455/456.5, 455/179.1, 455/456.6, 455/221, 455/214, 455/69, 455/70, 455/24, 455/526, 455/405, 455/413, 455/67.7, 455/426.1, 455/448, 455/226.3, 455/161.1, 455/184.1, 348/554, 348/571, 348/555, 348/557, 348/725, 348/729, 348/732, 348/731, 348/553, 369/1, 369/4, 369/13.01, 369/6, 369/7, 369/5, 381/1, 381/46, 381/92, 381/104, 725/58, 725/88, 725/89, 725/102, 725/134, 725/100, 725/142, 725/37, 386/92, 386/96
• US Class Current: 455/132
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/20 for coupling gramophone pick-up, recorder output, or microphone to receiver
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/34 using an out-of-band subcarrier signal
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 2201/40 characterised in that additional data relating to the broadcast data are available via a different channel than the broadcast channel
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 40/18 Arrangements characterised by circuits or components specially adapted for receiving
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/16 on playing information
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/17 on recording information
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/27 Arrangements for recording or accumulating broadcast information or broadcast-related information
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/33 Arrangements for monitoring the users' behaviour or opinions
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/37 for identifying segments of broadcast information, e.g. scenes or extracting programme ID
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/40 for identifying broadcast time
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/43 for identifying broadcast channels
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/46 for recognising users' preferences
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/47 for recognising genres
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/51 of receiving stations
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/58 of audio determination or detection of speech characteristics in general G10L25/00; speech recognition in general G10L15/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/63 for services of sales data processing systems or methods specially adapted for electronic commerce G06Q30/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/65 for using the result on users' side
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/72 using electronic programme guides [EPG] focusing on identifying broadcast space time H04H60/39 ; menu type display of EPG in television receivers H04N21/47
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/74 using programme related information, e.g. title, composer or interpreter
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/80 characterised by transmission among terminal devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/82 : the transmission system being the Internet
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/85 : which are mobile communication networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/91 : Mobile communication networks for accessing the Internet H04H60/85
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/6083 : by interfacing with the vehicle audio system
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72403 : with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72442 : for playing music files
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/74 : with voice recognition means

Abstract

We have disclosed an enhanced radio system that provides for the capture and playback of one or more radio stations. The user may tune to a station, or scan through stations, rewind to hear what was missed, and fast-forward through undesired content. The system allows a user to rate content, and to be notified when that content is being played on any station. The system may make radio station recommendations. The system allows the user to respond easily to radio content, download audio content, and send radio content to another user. The system may provide other radio related and radio content related information. The system may provide a karaoke mode. The system may also allow the user to integrate a telephone with the radio. The system may report usage information to a collection facility.

Claims

1. An apparatus configured for radio programming that processes multiple radio signals simultaneously, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a radio receiver module having at least two radio receivers, each receiver configured for continuously receiving a separate unrelated radio program signal;

(b) a storage module configured to simultaneously store in a buffer at least an audio portion of every radio signal received by the two radio receivers for later output by selection of a user; and

(c) a control module having a programmable selection scheme to control functions including received radio signals, stored radio signals and portions thereof and an output of the stored radio signals and portions thereof;

wherein a user can select a stored radio signal from the buffer in the storage module for the output.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the output further comprises an audio signal for a sound generating device.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the output further comprises a signal for a storage medium.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the programmable selection scheme further comprises a user selectable output of a previously stored portion of a radio signal.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the programmable selection scheme further comprises selecting received radio signals based on pre-selected radio signals.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the programmable selection scheme further comprises selecting received radio signals based on time of output algorithms.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the programmable selection scheme further comprises selecting received radio signals based on a sequential scan of available radio signals and a storing of each scanned radio signal in a buffer of the storage module up to a buffer limit, and simultaneously outputting a selected radio signal.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a user input module for storing a table of user listening preferences.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a recognition module to recognize an imbedded code in a received radio signal.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising a user input module for storing a table of user listening preferences wherein user listening preference identifiers are derivable from the imbedded code, thereby enabling an output based on the user listening preferences.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a recognition module having a set of stored audio signatures to recognize an incoming radio signal.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a communication module.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the communication module comprises a telephone signal receiver, an output signal override device and an audio output device, wherein said output from said storage module is an audio output sent to the audio output device, and the override device replaces the audio output with the telephone signal.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the communication module further comprises a message receiver means functioning to receive a personal message addressed to a user.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the communication module further comprises a message transmission means functioning to send a message.

16. The apparatus of claim 12 further comprising a use history tracking means functioning to track a use of the apparatus.

17. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the communication module further comprises a control module programmable selection scheme parameter receiver.

18. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the communication module further comprises a database receiver, the control module further comprises a user preference scheme means functioning to provide the user with an output based on the user'"'"'s preference scheme.

19. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a signal conditioning module means functioning to separate a vocal portion from an instrumental portion of the radio signal.

20. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is mobile.

21. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the one of the separate unrelated radio signals is user selected for reception using the control module.

22. An apparatus configured for radio programming that processes multiple radio signals simultaneously, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a radio receiver module having at least two radio receivers, each receiver configured for continuously receiving a separate unrelated radio signal;

(b) a storage module configured to simultaneously store in a buffer at least an audio portion of every radio signal received by the two radio receivers for later output by selection of a user; and

(c) a user input module for storing a table of user listening preferences.

23. An apparatus configured for radio programming that processes multiple radio signals simultaneously, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a radio receiver module having at least two radio receivers, each receiver configured for continuously receiving a separate unrelated radio program signal;

(b) a storage module configured to simultaneously store in a buffer at least an audio portion of every radio signal received by the two radio receivers for later output by selection of a user; and

(c) a recognition module having a set of stored audio signatures to recognize an incoming radio signal.

24. An apparatus configured for radio programming that processes multiple radio signals simultaneously, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a radio receiver module having at least two radio receivers, each receiver configured for receiving a separate radio signal.

(b) a storage module configured to simultaneously store a portion of at least an audio portion of every radio signal received by the two radio receivers; and

(c) a communication module;

wherein the communication module comprises a telephone signal receiver, an output signal override device and an audio output device, wherein said output from said storage module is an audio output sent to the audio output device, and the override device replaces the audio output with the telephone signal.

25. An apparatus configured for radio programming that processes multiple radio signals simultaneously, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a radio receiver module having at least two radio receivers, each receiver configured for continuously receiving a separate unrelated radio program signal;

(b) a storage module configured to simultaneously store in a buffer at least an audio portion of every radio signal received by the two radio receivers for later output by selection of user; and

(c) a communication module;

wherein the communication module further comprises a message receiver means functioning to receive a personal message addressed to a user.

26. An apparatus configured for radio programming that processes multiple radio signals simultaneously, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a radio receiver module having at least two radio receivers, each receiver configured for continuously receiving a separate unrelated radio program signal;

(b) a storage module configured to simultaneously store in a buffer at least an audio portion of every radio signal received by the two radio receivers for later output by selection of user; and

(c) a communication module;

wherein the communication module further comprises a message transmission means functioning to send a message.

27. An apparatus configured for radio programming that processes multiple radio signals simultaneously, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a radio receiver module having at least two radio receivers, each receiver configured for receiving a separate radio signal;

(b) a storage module configured to simultaneously store at least an audio portion of every radio signal received by the two radio receivers; and

(c) a communication module;

said communication module further comprising a use history tracking means functioning to track a use of the apparatus.

28. An apparatus configured for radio programming that processes multiple radio signals simultaneously, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a radio receiver module having at least two radio receivers, each receiver configured for continuously receiving a separate unrelated radio program signal;

(b) a storage module configured to simultaneously store in a buffer at least an audio portion of every radio signal received by the two radio receivers for later output by selection of a user, and

(c) a communication module;

wherein the communication module further comprises a database receiver, the control module further comprises a user preference scheme means functioning to provide the user with an output.

29. A method configured for radio programming that processes multiple radio signals simultaneously, said method comprising:

continuously-receiving at least two unrelated radio program signals by at least two receivers of a radio receiver module;

simultaneously storing in a buffer at least an audio portion of every unrelated radio signal received by the two radio receivers for later output by selection of a user;

controlling a programmable selection scheme to control functions including received radio signals, stored radio signals and portions thereof, and an output of the stored radio signals and portions thereof; and

selecting a stored radio signal from the buffer in the storage module for the output.

30. The method of claim 29 further comprising signaling a storage device with the output.

31. The method of claim 29 further comprising signaling a sound generating device with the output.

32. The method of claim 29 further comprising conditioning a signal to separate a vocal portion from an instrumental portion of the radio signal.

33. The method of claim 29 wherein the controlling further comprises controlling a user selectable output of a previously stored portion of radio signal.

34. The method of claim 29 wherein the controlling further comprises selecting received radio signals based on a sequential scan of available radio signals, storing each scanned radio signal in a buffer of the storage module up to a buffer limit, and simultaneously outputting a selected radio signal.

35. The method of claim 29 further comprising:

storing a table of user listening preferences;

recognizing an imbedded code in a received radio signal;

deriving user listening preference identifiers from the imbedded code; and

enabling an output based on the user listening preferences identifiers.

36. The method of claim 29 further comprising recognizing an incoming radio signal from a set of stored audio signatures.

37. The method of claim 29 further comprising performing a function selected from the group consisting of downloading audio content, receiving a control module programmable selection scheme parameter, and receiving a database signal.

38. The method of claim 29 wherein the functions further include sending a personal message addressed to a user.

39. The method of claim 29 wherein the the functions further include receiving a personal message addressed to a user.

40. The method of claim 29 wherein the functions further include sending the output to a telephone signal.

41. The method of claim 29 wherein the functions further include performing a function comprising reporting usage data.

42. The method of claim 29 wherein the receiving is performed in a mobile device.

43. The method of claim 29 wherein the receiving comprises receiving a user-selected one of the separate unrelated radio signals.

44. A computer readable medium having instructions thereon for performing steps configured for radio programming for processing multiple radio signals simultaneously, the steps comprising:

continuously receiving at least two unrelated radio program signals by at least two receivers of a radio receiver module;

simultaneously storing in a buffer at least an audio portion of every unrelated radio signal received by the two radio receivers for later output by selection of a user;

controlling a programmable selection scheme to control functions including received radio signals, stored radio signals and portions thereof, and an output of the stored radio signals and portions thereof; and

selecting a stored radio signal from the buffer in the storage module for the output.

45. The computer readable medium of claim 44 further comprising the step of signaling a storage device with the output.

46. The computer readable medium of claim 44 further comprising the step of signaling a sound generating device with the output.

47. The computer readable medium of claim 44 further comprising the step of conditioning a signal to separate a vocal portion from an instrumental portion of the radio signal.

48. The computer readable medium of claim 44 wherein the controlling further comprises controlling a user selectable output of a previously stored portion of a radio signal.

49. The computer readable medium of claim 44 wherein the controlling further comprises selecting received radio signals based on a sequential scan of available radio signals, storing each scanned radio signal in a buffer of the storage module up to a buffer limit, and simultaneously outputting a selected radio signal.

50. The computer readable medium of claim 44 further comprising the steps of:

storing a table of user listening preferences;

recognizing an imbedded code in a received radio signal;

deriving user listening preference identifiers from the imbedded code; and

enabling an output based on the user listening preferences identifiers.

51. The computer readable medium of claim 44 further comprising the step of recognizing an incoming radio signal from a set of stored audio signatures.

52. The computer readable medium of claim 44 further comprising the step of performing a function selected from the group consisting of downloading audio content, receiving a control module programmable selection scheme parameter, and receiving a database.

53. The computer readable medium of claim 44 further comprising the step of performing a function comprising sending a personal message addressed to a user.

54. The computer readable medium of claim 44 wherein the functions include receiving a personal message addressed to a user.

55. The computer readable medium of claim 44 wherein the functions include sending the output to a telephone signal.

56. The computer readable medium of claim 44 wherein the functions include reporting usage data.

57. The computer readable medium of claim 44 wherein the receiving comprises receiving a user-selected one of the separate unrelated radio signals.