Apparatus for distributing subscription and on-demand audio programming

• US 5,557,541 A
• Filed: 07/21/1994
• Issued: 09/17/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 07/21/1994
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Ironworks Patents LLC
• Original Assignee: Information Highway Media Corporation
• Inventors: Schulhof, Nathan, Janky, James M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Voeltz, Emanuel T.
• Assistant Examiner(s): PEESO, THOMAS R
• Application Number:
  US08/279,244
• Time in Patent Office: 789 Days
• Field of Search: 364/514 R, 348/7, 348/6, 348/13, 360/19.1, 360/15, 455/4.2, 370/69.1, 358/342
• US Class Current: 700/94
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 20/00007 Time or data compression or expansion audio compression based on psychoacoustics G10L19/00; data processing for reproducing audio data at different playback speeds G10L21/04; video compression H04N19/00; data compression per se H03M7/30
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/40 Arrangements for broadcast specially adapted for accumulation-type receivers
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/23 using cryptography, e.g. encryption, authentication, key distribution

Abstract

A distribution system for audio program materials includes a portable audio storage and retrieval device that is programmable from a high speed data transfer system, and that includes a high-capacity data storage medium, a base control interface for identifying and accepting program material, a mobile control interface for displaying the identity of recorded material for playback selection, a recording mechanism for accepting very high speed digital data from an external source at rates faster than real time, and a playback mechanism for retrieving the stored data from the storage medium and for converting the data into audio signals for playback.

Claims

1. A system for distributing subscription and on-demand audio programming, comprising:

a high-capacity data storage medium;

a base control interface for identifying and accepting program material;

a mobile control interface for displaying the identity of recorded material for playback selection;

a recording mechanism for accepting very high speed digital data from an external source, at rates faster than real time;

a playback mechanism for retrieving stored data from said storage medium and for converting said data into audio signals for playback and;

means for detecting program material resolution and for reproducing said program material in accordance therewith.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a power management system for accepting power from any of a battery, a DC source, and an AC adapter.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a counter for monitoring storage medium capacity and utilization.

4. A method for distributing subscription and on-demand audio programming, comprising the steps of:

attaching a portable device to a cable television converter;

selecting a dedicated data exchange channel;

providing a menu display that includes a catalog of available audio program material;

selecting desired audio program material;

tracking the duration of each selection;

determining when the capacity of the storage medium in the portable device has been reached;

choosing a payment display;

authorizing billing for the program material;

returning the cable television to a normal viewing mode of operation;

transferring said audio program material to said portable device;

providing a visual or audible indication when said portable device has completed reception of the requested audio program material;

removing the portable device from the base location; and

placing the portable device at mobile location for playback as desired.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising the step of:

monitoring storage medium capacity and utilization.

6. A method for distributing subscription and on-demand audio programming comprising the steps of:

attaching a portable device to a cable television converter;

selecting a dedicated data exchange channel;

providing a menu display that includes a catalog of available audio program material;

selecting desired audio program material;

tracking the duration of each selection;

determining when the capacity of the storage medium in said portable device has been reached;

choosing a payment display;

authorizing billing for said program material;

returning the cable television to a normal viewing mode of operation;

transferring said audio program material to said portable device;

providing a visual or audible indication when said portable device has completed reception of the requested audio program material;

removing said portable device from the base location;

placing said portable device at a mobile location for playback as desired;

detecting program material resolution; and

reproducing said program material in accordance therewith.