Structure and method for selecting, controlling and sending internet-based or local digital audio to an AM/FM radio or analog amplifier

• US 7,702,403 B1
• Filed: 11/10/2000
• Issued: 04/20/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 08/31/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: DigiMedia Tech, LLC (IP Investments Group LLC)
• Original Assignee: Tarquin Consulting Company LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Inventors: Bi, Depeng, Gladwin, Stephen Christopher, Spurgat, Jeffrey Jonathan, Cortopassi, Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): Woo; Stella L
• Application Number:
  US09/709,772
• Time in Patent Office: 3,448 Days
• Field of Search: 700/94, 379/101.01, 379/90.01
• US Class Current: 700/94
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/162 Interface to dedicated audio devices, e.g. audio drivers, interface to CODECs
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/08 among terminal devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/61 for local area broadcast, e.g. instore broadcast
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/74 using programme related information, e.g. title, composer or interpreter
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/82 the transmission system being the Internet

Abstract

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.

Claims

1. A system for enabling digital audio data files to be played on a remote conventional audio device, the system comprising:

a host PC configured to be connected to the Internet, said host PC configured to store digital data files and receive streaming digital data files; and

a playback system including a base station, said base station remote from said host PC and configured to be operably connected to said host PC and coupled to one or more conventional playback devices, said base station configured to receive said digital data files from said host PC and convert said digital data files to a predetermined format compatible with one or more conventional playback devices defining converted digital files, said base station including a receiver for receiving said digital data files and a transmitter for transmitting said converted digital data files to said one or more conventional playback devices.

2. The system is recited in claim 1, wherein said conventional device is a radio.

3. The system is recited in claim 2, wherein said radio is an FM radio.

4. The system is recited in claim 1, wherein said playback system is configured to receive audio signals from said base station and provide an audio output suitable for a conventional stereo.

5. The system is recited in claim 1, further including a remote control device, remote from said playback system, for controlling said transmission of said digital data files to said base station.