US20100262269A1 - Structure and method for selecting, controlling and sending internet-based or local digital audio to an am/fm radio or analog amplifier - Google Patents
Structure and method for selecting, controlling and sending internet-based or local digital audio to an am/fm radio or analog amplifier Download PDFInfo
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- US20100262269A1 US20100262269A1 US12/760,451 US76045110A US2010262269A1 US 20100262269 A1 US20100262269 A1 US 20100262269A1 US 76045110 A US76045110 A US 76045110A US 2010262269 A1 US2010262269 A1 US 2010262269A1
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/16—Sound input; Sound output
- G06F3/162—Interface to dedicated audio devices, e.g. audio drivers, interface to CODECs
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
- H04H20/00—Arrangements for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast
- H04H20/53—Arrangements specially adapted for specific applications, e.g. for traffic information or for mobile receivers
- H04H20/61—Arrangements specially adapted for specific applications, e.g. for traffic information or for mobile receivers for local area broadcast, e.g. instore broadcast
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
- H04H20/00—Arrangements for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast
- H04H20/02—Arrangements for relaying broadcast information
- H04H20/08—Arrangements for relaying broadcast information among terminal devices
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
- H04H60/00—Arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linking to broadcast information or broadcast space-time; Broadcast-related systems
- H04H60/68—Systems specially adapted for using specific information, e.g. geographical or meteorological information
- H04H60/73—Systems specially adapted for using specific information, e.g. geographical or meteorological information using meta-information
- H04H60/74—Systems specially adapted for using specific information, e.g. geographical or meteorological information using meta-information using programme related information, e.g. title, composer or interpreter
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
- H04H60/00—Arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linking to broadcast information or broadcast space-time; Broadcast-related systems
- H04H60/76—Arrangements characterised by transmission systems other than for broadcast, e.g. the Internet
- H04H60/81—Arrangements characterised by transmission systems other than for broadcast, e.g. the Internet characterised by the transmission system itself
- H04H60/82—Arrangements characterised by transmission systems other than for broadcast, e.g. the Internet characterised by the transmission system itself the transmission system being the Internet
Definitions
- 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.
- a remote device such as an AM/FM radio or amplifier
- 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.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the system in accordance with the present invention, shown connected to a host personal computer, which, in turn, is connected to the Internet.
- FIG. 2 is a data flow diagram of the base station which forms part of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the base station which forms a part of this invention.
- FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a remote device or navigator which forms a part of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a repeater which forms part of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the various PC software modules which form the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a flow diagram for the audio player software module in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a flow diagram for the remote device manager software module in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of the audio driver software module in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of the remote device driver software module in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an Internet accessing software module in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a basic user interface structure.
- FIG. 13 is an exemplary user interaction diagram.
- FIG. 14 is an exemplary diagram of a remote device manager in accordance with the present invention.
- FIGS. 15-23 are exemplary screen shots for display on the remote device in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 24A and 24B are block diagrams of the navigator software architecture in accordance with the present invention.
- FIGS. 25-29 are scenario oriented user interaction diagrams.
- FIG. 30 is a flow diagram of the USB firmware.
- 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.
- FIG. 1 shows the various components in the system and how they interact with one another.
- a host personal computer (PC) 100 which may be connected to the Internet which acts as the home audio server.
- the host PC 100 is preferably a Pentium or better microprocessor running Windows 95 or better.
- 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 .
- FIG. 2 diagrams the flow of audio data and the changes this data undergoes as it passes through the various components of the system.
- the Internet connected computer 100 sends digital audio data 220 to the base station 200 .
- the digital audio data 220 is passed to the audio processor 202 , for example, a Texas Instruments, Model No. TMS320VC5416, for decoding, if the digital audio data 220 is in an encoded format, such as MP3.
- the audio processor 202 takes the decoded audio data 221 and passes it to the stereo digital to analog converter, or DAC 207 , for example, a Texas Instrument, Model No. TLC320AS77C, for conversion to analog.
- the stereo DAC 207 passes the analog audio 222 to the audio transmitter 209 , which wirelessly transmits the analog audio 222 to the repeater 240 .
- the audio receiver 241 for example, in the repeater 240 receives the analog audio 222 and provides audio output 104 for connection to a stereo 105 .
- the audio output 104 also goes to the FM transmitter 243 , for example, for rebroadcast onto an unused FM radio channel for reception by a nearby FM radio 106 .
- the data transceiver 211 and data antenna 212 are part of a separate schematic design and circuit board.
- FIG. 3 shows the various functional hardware blocks within the base station 200 and how the base station 200 interacts with the other components in the system.
- the base station 200 may connect to an Internet connected host computer (PC) 100 through a USB cable 103 .
- the USB interface controller 201 for example, an (MFR) Model No. TUSB3200, handles communications with the host PC 100 .
- the USB interface controller 201 reads the code it runs from the USB firmware ROM 205 described below.
- the USB interface controller 201 is responsible for passing digital audio data 220 from the host PC 100 to the audio processor 202 so that the digital audio data 220 can be decoded, if it is in an encoded format, such as MP3.
- the USB interface controller 201 also handles data communications between the host PC 100 and the navigator 260 through the data transceiver 211 , which wirelessly transmits and receives the data communications.
- the audio processor 202 takes the digital audio data 220 and decodes it, if necessary. It then passes the decoded audio data 221 to the stereo DAC 207 , which converts the decoded audio data 221 to analog audio 222 .
- the analog audio 222 passes through some audio filtering 208 before going to the audio transmitter 209 , for example, which wirelessly transmits the analog audio 222 to the repeater 240 .
- the audio processor 202 reads the code it runs from the DSP firmware ROM 206 .
- FIG. 30 outlines the base station USB firmware flow.
- the USB interface controller firmware determines the type of access from the Internet connected computer 100 . If the access type is for transmit data to the navigator 260 , then the USB interface controller firmware writes the data to the data transceiver 211 . The data transceiver 211 then transmits the data to the navigator 260 . The USB interface controller firmware returns acknowledge to the Internet connected computer 100 for the data transmit access to indicate data transmission is complete. If the access type is for receive data from the navigator 260 , then the USB interface controller firmware checks the data transceiver 211 to see if there is any receive data available.
- the USB interface controller firmware If there is no receive data available, then the USB interface controller firmware returns no data available to the Internet connected computer 100 . If the data transceiver 211 has receive data available, then the USB interface controller firmware reads the receive data from data transceiver 211 . The USB interface controller firmware then returns the receive data to the Internet connected computer 100 . If the access type is audio data, the USB interface controller firmware passes the audio data directly to the audio processor 202 .
- 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 .
- the navigator 260 acts as a remote device manager or remote control and allows the user to receive feedback from and provide input to audio applications 110 running the host PC 100 .
- Data communications pass between the host PC 100 and the navigator 260 through the base station 200 .
- the base station 200 is connected to the host PC 100 through a USB cable 103 .
- the base station 200 then wirelessly transmits and receives the data communications with the navigator 260 , giving the navigator 260 mobility within the range of the wireless communications.
- FIG. 4 illustrates this interaction between the host PC 100 , the base station 200 , and the navigator 260 , as well as outlining the hardware functional blocks within the navigator 260 .
- the navigator 260 receives and transmits the data communications using the data transceiver 211 .
- the processor 261 handles the data communications with the data transceiver 211 .
- the processor 261 takes user input from the user controls 264 , which may be typically buttons and dials, and sends this information to the data transceiver 211 for wireless transmission to the base station 200 and eventually back to the audio applications 110 running on the host (PC) 100 .
- the processor 261 receives update information from the audio applications 110 through the data transceiver 211 , which the processor 261 then makes available to the user by updating the graphic information on the liquid crystal display panel, or LCD 266 .
- the processor 261 reads the code it runs from the flash memory 263 , which is also used to store information that must survive power cycling of the navigator 260 .
- the processor 261 uses random access memory, or RAM 262 , for executing code and storing volatile information, this is information that is subject to change or does not need to survive power cycling of the 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 .
- the repeater 240 is composed of four sections, the repeater controller 242 , the user controls 244 , the audio receiver 241 , and the FM transmitter 243 .
- the repeater controller 242 which in this example is a Microchip PIC16C57, interprets the selections for the user controls 244 .
- the repeater 240 ( FIG. 5 ) provides fairly straightforward hardware functionality.
- FIG. 5 outlines the various functional blocks within the repeater 240 and its interaction with the other components in the system.
- the base station 200 wirelessly transmits analog audio 222 for reception by the audio receiver 241 in the repeater 240 .
- the audio receiver 241 provides audio output 104 for connection to a stereo 105 .
- the audio output 104 also goes to the FM transmitter 243 , which rebroadcasts the audio output 104 onto an unused FM radio channel for reception on a nearby FM radio 106 .
- 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.
- the software for the system is used to retrieve digital audio data from audio files on a local disk and/or Internet streaming audio data.
- the system organizes the audio data as a playlist.
- the playlist is transferred to the remote device 260 ( FIGS. 1 and 14 ).
- a user may simply select and play a clip by using control buttons, generally identified with the reference numeral 1600 , on the remote device 260 .
- the remote device 260 sends commands to the base station 200 ( FIG. 1 ) which transfers the audio signals to a repeater 240 allows remote audio devices, such as a stereo 105 ( FIG. 1 ) or an FM radio, to play the clip by way of a repeater 240 .
- FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the software modules resident in the host PC 100 for controlling the system. These software modules include a tuner software module 1602 , an audio player software module 1604 , a USB audio driver software module 1606 , a remote device manager software module 1608 , a remote device driver software module 1610 and an Internet access software module 1612 .
- FIGS. 7-12 are representative flow diagrams for each of the software which are modules discussed below.
- 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 ( FIG. 1 ) or streamed audio content 111 from the Internet to the host PC 100 .
- the tuner is may be implemented as a software juke box, such as Microsoft Windows Media Player Version 7.0.
- 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.
- the audio player software module 1604 ( FIG. 6 ) plays the audio and runs in the background and functions in a similar manner as other audio players, such as Real Networks G2 Player and Microsoft Windows Media Player.
- the audio player software module 1604 is adapted to play local and Internet digital music files, Internet radio stations and other Internet streaming audio sources.
- the system checks in step 1614 whether the audio file is a local audio file. If so, the system reads the entire audio file in step 1616 . The system interprets the audio data according to audio format and sends the audio data to the USB audio driver software module 1606 in steps 1618 and 1620 until the entire file is read. Once the system determines that the entire file is read, the system issues a command in step 1624 that the entire file has been read.
- step 1614 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.
- the remote device manager software module 1608 services requests by the remote device 260 .
- 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 .
- the system sends initialization settings to the remote device 260 is 1654 and returns to step 1640 to await additional commands.
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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 .
- step 1646 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 .
- step 1648 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 ( FIG. 1 ) or whether the music is streamed audio content 111 in step 1672 . If the music is local music, the system searches a local database in step 1674 and sends the results to the remote device 260 in step 1676 . However, if the music is streamed audio content 111 , the system sends a request to the Internet accessing component module 1612 ( FIG. 6 ) in step 1678 and requests the Internet music content server for the result in 1680 . The system then sends the results to the remote device 260 in step 1676 .
- the system may also contain certain utilities.
- the system may contain a utility for updating software on the remote device 260 .
- 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 .
- the USB audio driver software module 1606 receives audio data from the audio player software module 1604 and sends to the base station 200 ( FIG. 1 ) by way of the USB bus 103 .
- a flow diagram for the USB audio driver is illustrated in FIG. 9 .
- the USB audio driver copies the audio driver data into a local buffer in step 1684 .
- the system writes the data from the local buffer to a USB port on the host PC in steps 1686 and 1688 .
- the USB audio driver continues writing the audio data to the USB port until all of the data and the local buffer as been written to the USB port.
- the USB remote device driver software module 1610 receives data and commands from the remote device manager software module 1608 ( FIG. 6 ) and writes to the remote device 260 ( FIG. 1 ) by way of a USB port.
- the USB remote device driver software module 1610 also receives data from the remote device 260 by way of the USB port and forwards it to the remote device manager software module 1608 .
- USB remote device driver software module 1610 A flow diagram for the USB remote device driver software module 1610 is illustrated in FIG. 10 .
- the USB remote device driver 1610 is responsive to the remote device manager software module 1608 for passing various data, such as track, album, artist, genre, playlist, radio station or other types of data to the remote device manager device driver software manager 1608 . This information is written to a USB port on the host PC 100 in step 1690 .
- the USB remote device driver software module 1610 provides bidirectional communication between the remote device 260 and the remote device manager software module 1608 and the remote device 260 in steps 1692 , 1694 and 1696 .
- 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 FIG. 11 .
- the Internet accessing component software module 1612 communicates with servers on the Internet using hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP). Data may be presented in extensible mark-up language (XML) format and XML parser, available from Microsoft Corporation may be used to parse the XML documents.
- HTML extensible mark-up language
- FIG. 12 illustrates the local software within the remote device 260 .
- the local software includes a user interface component 1698 as well as a wireless communication access component 1700 . These components 1698 and 1700 are used to send user's requests to the remote device manager software module 1608 ( FIG. 6 ) and provide data to the user from the remote device manager software module 1608 by way of the USB remote device driver software module 1610 .
- FIG. 14 An exemplary embodiment of the remote device 260 is illustrated in FIG. 14 .
- the remote device 260 is housed in a housing 1702 and includes control panel portion 1704 which may carry a number of control buttons 1600 as well as a display 1704 which forms a user interface, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 13 and described below.
- 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 .
- FIGS. 24A and 24B An exemplary navigation schematic for navigating through the various screens available by the remote device 260 is illustrated in FIGS. 24A and 24B .
- the screens illustrated in FIGS. 15-23 are merely exemplary screens.
- the various configurations of the user interface 1708 are shown for all of the various configurations of the system.
- Exemplary configurations are illustrated in FIGS. 19-23 .
- scenario-oriented user interaction diagram for various conditions such as shut-down, power save mode and wake-up main screen and search.
- the remote device 260 includes a display 1706 for providing a user interface, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 13 .
- the user interface generally identified with the reference numeral 1708 , may include a prominent status area which may include a play status area 1712 for displaying the status of a particular sound clip.
- the prominent status area 1710 may also include an active track meta data portion 1714 for displaying the particular soundtrack to which the current clip belongs.
- the prominent status area 1710 may also include a time remaining portion 1716 and volume/mute status portion 1718 .
- the time remaining portion 1716 identifies the remaining time in a sound clip presently selected.
- the volume/mute status portion 1718 identifies the mute status of the device.
- 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 ( FIG. 15 ) or selections from intermediate screens such as the screen 1730 ( FIG. 18 ).
- the functional options area 1722 is similar to the functional title area and displays options for selection, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 16 .
- the functional view area 1724 may be used to predominately display music title list information, musical title content or may provide an on-screen keyboard 1732 , for example, as illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20 .
- 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 FIGS. 16-23 .
- Exemplary screens are illustrated in FIGS. 15-23 .
- a home screen 1728 may be displayed.
- the home screen 1728 enables the user to select one of the options in the functional view area 1728 .
- the next screen 1740 is illustrated in FIG. 16 .
- “My Playlist” is now displayed in the functional title area 1720 .
- the various options available in this state are displayed in the functional options area 1722 .
- a user is given the option of creating a new playlist or removing a playlist.
- a list of current user playlists is displayed in the functional view area 1724 .
- the cursor is moved to the desired playlist, for example, by way of the navigation cursor buttons 1600 on the control panel 1704 .
- a “Rock-n-Roll” playlist has been selected in FIG. 16 .
- FIG. 17 illustrates another screen shot in which the navigation cursor is moved to the “Blues Traveler” selection in the functional view area 1724 .
- the system goes to screen 1744 as illustrated in FIG. 18 .
- the functional title area 1720 prompts the user with a search.
- the functional options area 1722 enables the user to search from various sources.
- an additional number selectable options, selectable by way of the navigation cursors are presented in the functional view area 1724 .
- the options presented in the functional view area 1724 provide the user with various options.
- the screen 1732 and 1746 illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20 respectively, illustrate the use of the on-screen keyboard to enable searching.
- the on-screen keyboard allows data to be searched by simply selecting a letter by way of the navigator buttons on the on-screen keyboard.
- all of the playlists by artists are then illustrated in a lower portion of the functional view area 1724 , which allows the particular composer to be selected by simply scrolling with the navigator buttons.
- the system presents screen 1748 , which identifies various compositions by the selected composer in the functional view area 1724 .
- the various compositions can be selected by way of the select/tag control button 1600 on the control panel 1704 .
- the soft key 1736 which, in this example, is an “add items” command, allows the selected compositions to be added to the playlist.
- the functional view area 1724 indicates that the four (4) selected items have been added to the end of the “Rock-n-Roll” playlist.
- the screen 1752 ( FIG. 33 ) is presented. This screen allows various user options such as adding additional items to the playlist, removing items from the playlist, reorganizing the playlist and renaming the playlist.
Abstract
Description
- 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.
- 1. 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.
- Briefly, 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:
-
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the system in accordance with the present invention, shown connected to a host personal computer, which, in turn, is connected to the Internet. -
FIG. 2 is a data flow diagram of the base station which forms part of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the base station which forms a part of this invention. -
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a remote device or navigator which forms a part of the present invention. -
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a repeater which forms part of the present invention. -
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the various PC software modules which form the present invention. -
FIG. 7 is a flow diagram for the audio player software module in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 8 is a flow diagram for the remote device manager software module in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of the audio driver software module in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of the remote device driver software module in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an Internet accessing software module in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a basic user interface structure. -
FIG. 13 is an exemplary user interaction diagram. -
FIG. 14 is an exemplary diagram of a remote device manager in accordance with the present invention. -
FIGS. 15-23 are exemplary screen shots for display on the remote device in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 24A and 24B are block diagrams of the navigator software architecture in accordance with the present invention. -
FIGS. 25-29 are scenario oriented user interaction diagrams. -
FIG. 30 is a flow diagram of the USB firmware. - 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.
FIG. 1 shows the various components in the system and how they interact with one another. At the center of this system is a host personal computer (PC) 100 which may be connected to the Internet which acts as the home audio server. - 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 connectedcomputer 100 receivestreaming audio content 111, such as from Internet radio stations, from the Internet 101 over anetwork connection 102, through a modem or network interface card, or use locally storedaudio files 112, such as MP3 encoded audio, and send thisdigital audio data 220 to thebase station 200, through, for example, a Universal Serial Bus, orUSB cable 103. Thebase station 200 decodes thedigital audio data 220, if necessary, and then converts this decodeddigital audio data 221 toanalog audio signals 222. Thebase station 200 then transmits theanalog audio signals 222 to a receiver orrepeater 240. Therepeater 240 providesaudio output 104 for connection to an audio playback device, such as astereo 105. Therepeater 240 may also be configured to, for example, rebroadcast theaudio output 104 onto an unused FM radio channel for reception by anearby FM radio 106. The user interacts with the remote device ornavigator 260 to communicate wirelessly through thebase station 200 withaudio applications 110 running on the Internet connectedcomputer 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. - One of the main functions of the system is the flow of audio data from the Internet connected
computer 100 through thebase station 200, and finally to therepeater 240 andstereo 105 orFM radio 106.FIG. 2 diagrams the flow of audio data and the changes this data undergoes as it passes through the various components of the system. The Internet connectedcomputer 100 sendsdigital audio data 220 to thebase station 200. Inside thebase station 200, thedigital audio data 220 is passed to theaudio processor 202, for example, a Texas Instruments, Model No. TMS320VC5416, for decoding, if thedigital audio data 220 is in an encoded format, such as MP3. Theaudio processor 202 takes thedecoded audio data 221 and passes it to the stereo digital to analog converter, or DAC 207, for example, a Texas Instrument, Model No. TLC320AS77C, for conversion to analog. Thestereo DAC 207 passes theanalog audio 222 to theaudio transmitter 209, which wirelessly transmits theanalog audio 222 to therepeater 240. Theaudio receiver 241, for example, in therepeater 240 receives theanalog audio 222 and providesaudio output 104 for connection to astereo 105. Theaudio output 104 also goes to theFM transmitter 243, for example, for rebroadcast onto an unused FM radio channel for reception by anearby FM radio 106. Thedata transceiver 211 anddata antenna 212 are part of a separate schematic design and circuit board. -
FIG. 3 shows the various functional hardware blocks within thebase station 200 and how thebase station 200 interacts with the other components in the system. Thebase station 200 may connect to an Internet connected host computer (PC) 100 through aUSB cable 103. On thebase station 200, theUSB interface controller 201, for example, an (MFR) Model No. TUSB3200, handles communications with thehost PC 100. TheUSB interface controller 201 reads the code it runs from theUSB firmware ROM 205 described below. TheUSB interface controller 201 is responsible for passingdigital audio data 220 from thehost PC 100 to theaudio processor 202 so that thedigital audio data 220 can be decoded, if it is in an encoded format, such as MP3. TheUSB interface controller 201 also handles data communications between thehost PC 100 and thenavigator 260 through thedata transceiver 211, which wirelessly transmits and receives the data communications. Theaudio processor 202 takes thedigital audio data 220 and decodes it, if necessary. It then passes the decodedaudio data 221 to thestereo DAC 207, which converts the decodedaudio data 221 toanalog audio 222. Theanalog audio 222 passes through someaudio filtering 208 before going to theaudio transmitter 209, for example, which wirelessly transmits theanalog audio 222 to therepeater 240. Theaudio processor 202 reads the code it runs from theDSP firmware ROM 206. -
FIG. 30 outlines the base station USB firmware flow. When a USB access is received from the Internet connectedcomputer 100 to thebase station 200, the USB interface controller firmware determines the type of access from the Internet connectedcomputer 100. If the access type is for transmit data to thenavigator 260, then the USB interface controller firmware writes the data to thedata transceiver 211. Thedata transceiver 211 then transmits the data to thenavigator 260. The USB interface controller firmware returns acknowledge to the Internet connectedcomputer 100 for the data transmit access to indicate data transmission is complete. If the access type is for receive data from thenavigator 260, then the USB interface controller firmware checks thedata transceiver 211 to see if there is any receive data available. If there is no receive data available, then the USB interface controller firmware returns no data available to the Internet connectedcomputer 100. If thedata transceiver 211 has receive data available, then the USB interface controller firmware reads the receive data fromdata transceiver 211. The USB interface controller firmware then returns the receive data to the Internet connectedcomputer 100. If the access type is audio data, the USB interface controller firmware passes the audio data directly to theaudio processor 202. - Additional functionality is provided through a
unique ID 203 and a real-time clock 204. Theunique ID 203 allowsdigital audio data 220 to only be accessible from aparticular base station 200 through encoding of thedigital audio data 220 based on theunique ID 203 for aparticular base station 200. The real-time clock 204 allows use ofdigital audio data 220 to expire based on the current time value in the real-time clock 204. - The navigator 260 (
FIG. 4 ) acts as a remote device manager or remote control and allows the user to receive feedback from and provide input toaudio applications 110 running thehost PC 100. Data communications pass between thehost PC 100 and thenavigator 260 through thebase station 200. Thebase station 200 is connected to thehost PC 100 through aUSB cable 103. Thebase station 200 then wirelessly transmits and receives the data communications with thenavigator 260, giving thenavigator 260 mobility within the range of the wireless communications.FIG. 4 illustrates this interaction between thehost PC 100, thebase station 200, and thenavigator 260, as well as outlining the hardware functional blocks within thenavigator 260. Thenavigator 260 receives and transmits the data communications using thedata transceiver 211. This is the same type ofdata transceiver 211 that is used within thebase station 200. Theprocessor 261, for example, a Motorola Model No. MC68EZ328, handles the data communications with thedata transceiver 211. Theprocessor 261 takes user input from the user controls 264, which may be typically buttons and dials, and sends this information to thedata transceiver 211 for wireless transmission to thebase station 200 and eventually back to theaudio applications 110 running on the host (PC) 100. Theprocessor 261 receives update information from theaudio applications 110 through thedata transceiver 211, which theprocessor 261 then makes available to the user by updating the graphic information on the liquid crystal display panel, orLCD 266. Theprocessor 261 reads the code it runs from theflash memory 263, which is also used to store information that must survive power cycling of thenavigator 260. Theprocessor 261 uses random access memory, orRAM 262, for executing code and storing volatile information, this is information that is subject to change or does not need to survive power cycling of thenavigator 260. - Control of the
navigator 260 rests in theprocessor 261, which in this example is implemented with a Motorola MC68EZ328. Theprocessor 261 interprets the input from the user controls 264 and sends this information back to thehost PC 100 through thedata transceiver 211. Theprocessor 261 also receives and interprets display update information fromaudio applications 110 running on the Internet connectedcomputer 100 from thedata transceiver 211. The display information is sent to the liquid crystal display panel, or LCD, 266. Theprocessor 261 may control an infrared LED, orIR transmitter 265, for example, a LumEx, Model No. OED-CL-1556SN, that is used to control audio playback devices, such as astereo 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 thenavigator 260. Theprocessor 261 also usesexternal 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 thenavigator 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 theprocessor 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 theentire navigator 260. - Additional functionality may be provided through the power handler and
battery charger 267, which is controlled by theprocessor 261 and is responsible for power management, to conserve battery life, and charging of thebatteries 268. There may also be an infrared orIR transmitter 265 that allows thenavigator 260 to control audio playback equipment, such as astereo 105. - As shown in
FIG. 5 , therepeater 240 is composed of four sections, therepeater controller 242, the user controls 244, theaudio receiver 241, and theFM transmitter 243. Therepeater controller 242, which in this example is a Microchip PIC16C57, interprets the selections for the user controls 244. - The repeater 240 (
FIG. 5 ) provides fairly straightforward hardware functionality.FIG. 5 outlines the various functional blocks within therepeater 240 and its interaction with the other components in the system. Thebase station 200 wirelessly transmitsanalog audio 222 for reception by theaudio receiver 241 in therepeater 240. Theaudio receiver 241 providesaudio output 104 for connection to astereo 105. Theaudio output 104 also goes to theFM transmitter 243, which rebroadcasts theaudio output 104 onto an unused FM radio channel for reception on anearby FM radio 106. - Radio channel selection for both the
audio receiver 241 and theFM transmitter 243 is handled by therepeater controller 242, which receives user inputs from the user controls 244, such as buttons. The user controls 244 indicate to therepeater controller 242 the desired user selection of a specific FM radio channel for theFM transmitter 243 to broadcast on. The user controls also indicate the desire by the user for theaudio receiver 241 to scan for transmission from thebase station 200 on all defined transmission frequencies. - The software for the system, illustrated in
FIGS. 6-12 , is used to retrieve digital audio data from audio files on a local disk and/or Internet streaming audio data. The system organizes the audio data as a playlist. The playlist is transferred to the remote device 260 (FIGS. 1 and 14 ). A user may simply select and play a clip by using control buttons, generally identified with thereference numeral 1600, on theremote device 260. In response, theremote device 260 sends commands to the base station 200 (FIG. 1 ) which transfers the audio signals to arepeater 240 allows remote audio devices, such as a stereo 105 (FIG. 1 ) or an FM radio, to play the clip by way of arepeater 240. -
FIG. 6 . is a block diagram of the software modules resident in thehost PC 100 for controlling the system. These software modules include atuner software module 1602, an audioplayer software module 1604, a USB audiodriver software module 1606, a remote devicemanager software module 1608, a remote devicedriver software module 1610 and an Internetaccess software module 1612.FIGS. 7-12 are representative flow diagrams for each of the software which are modules discussed below. - 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 (FIG. 1 ) or streamedaudio content 111 from the Internet to thehost PC 100. The tuner is may be implemented as a software juke box, such as Microsoft Windows Media Player Version 7.0. - 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. - The audio player software module 1604 (
FIG. 6 ) plays the audio and runs in the background and functions in a similar manner as other audio players, such as Real Networks G2 Player and Microsoft Windows Media Player. The audioplayer software module 1604 is adapted to play local and Internet digital music files, Internet radio stations and other Internet streaming audio sources. - Referring to
FIG. 7 , initially, in response to an audio source, the system checks instep 1614 whether the audio file is a local audio file. If so, the system reads the entire audio file instep 1616. The system interprets the audio data according to audio format and sends the audio data to the USB audiodriver software module 1606 insteps step 1624 that the entire file has been read. - 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 instep 1626. If the connection to the clip provider web server is successful, as determined instep 1628, the system reads the audio data over the Internet instep 1626. The audio data is interpreted according to audio format isstep 1632 and sent to theUSB audio driver 1606 instep 1634 until the entire clip has been played as indicated instep 1636. After the entire clip has been played, the system goes to step 1624 and issues a command to end playing of the clip. - The remote device
manager software module 1608 services requests by theremote device 260. As such, commands from theremote device 260 are read instep 1640. The system then decodes the commands insteps step 1652, the system sends initialization settings to theremote 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 instep 1642, the system finds the address of the clip instep 1656 and sends the address of the music clip to the audioplayer software module 1604 and optionally other information, such as the title, artist, album and name of clip to theremote device 260 for display instep 1658. Instep 1660, the system initiates theaudio 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 instep 1644, the system sends the request to the Internet accessingcomponents software module 1612 instep 1646 which causes the clip to be downloaded instep 1648. After the clip is downloaded, the system returns to step 1640. - If the system determines in
step 1646 that the command from theremote device 260 is to buy music, the system performs a financial validation instep 1666. Once the validation is complete, the request to purchase music is sent to the Internet accessingcomponent software module 1612 instep 1668 which, in turn, downloads the purchased music instep 1670. - If the system determines in
step 1648 that the command from theremote device 260 is to browse music, the system first determines instep 1672 whether the music is a locally stored digital audio file 112 (FIG. 1 ) or whether the music is streamedaudio content 111 instep 1672. If the music is local music, the system searches a local database instep 1674 and sends the results to theremote device 260 instep 1676. However, if the music is streamedaudio content 111, the system sends a request to the Internet accessing component module 1612 (FIG. 6 ) instep 1678 and requests the Internet music content server for the result in 1680. The system then sends the results to theremote device 260 instep 1676. - 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 instep 1650 that the command from theremote device 260 is to update software, the system flashes the software on theremote device 260 instep 1682 and returns to step 1640. - The USB audio
driver software module 1606 receives audio data from the audioplayer software module 1604 and sends to the base station 200 (FIG. 1 ) by way of theUSB bus 103. A flow diagram for the USB audio driver is illustrated inFIG. 9 . In response to audio data, the USB audio driver copies the audio driver data into a local buffer instep 1684. After the audio data is copied to a local buffer, the system writes the data from the local buffer to a USB port on the host PC insteps 1686 and 1688. The USB audio driver continues writing the audio data to the USB port until all of the data and the local buffer as been written to the USB port. - The USB remote device
driver software module 1610 receives data and commands from the remote device manager software module 1608 (FIG. 6 ) and writes to the remote device 260 (FIG. 1 ) by way of a USB port. The USB remote devicedriver software module 1610 also receives data from theremote device 260 by way of the USB port and forwards it to the remote devicemanager software module 1608. - A flow diagram for the USB remote device
driver software module 1610 is illustrated inFIG. 10 . The USBremote device driver 1610 is responsive to the remote devicemanager software module 1608 for passing various data, such as track, album, artist, genre, playlist, radio station or other types of data to the remote device manager devicedriver software manager 1608. This information is written to a USB port on thehost PC 100 instep 1690. As mentioned above, the USB remote devicedriver software module 1610 provides bidirectional communication between theremote device 260 and the remote devicemanager software module 1608 and theremote device 260 insteps - 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 accessingcomponent software module 1612 also manages music downloads and other Internet accesses. An exemplary architecture for the Internet accessingcomponent software module 1612 is illustrated inFIG. 11 . The Internet accessingcomponent software module 1612 communicates with servers on the Internet using hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP). Data may be presented in extensible mark-up language (XML) format and XML parser, available from Microsoft Corporation may be used to parse the XML documents. -
FIG. 12 illustrates the local software within theremote device 260. The local software includes auser interface component 1698 as well as a wirelesscommunication access component 1700. Thesecomponents FIG. 6 ) and provide data to the user from the remote devicemanager software module 1608 by way of the USB remote devicedriver software module 1610. - An exemplary embodiment of the
remote device 260 is illustrated inFIG. 14 . As shown, theremote device 260 is housed in ahousing 1702 and includescontrol panel portion 1704 which may carry a number ofcontrol buttons 1600 as well as adisplay 1704 which forms a user interface, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 13 and described below. - The use of the
control buttons 1600 on thecontrol panel portion 1704 are merely exemplary. It is also contemplated that thecontrol buttons 1600 can be integrated into a touch-screen display, for example, as manufactured by Samsung. In such an embodiment, theremote device 260 would consist of simply thedisplay 1706 mounted on thecontrol panel 1704. It is also contemplated that any number of thecontrol buttons 1600 can be incorporated into a touch-screen display such that some of thehardware control buttons 1600 remain as hardware control buttons as some are integrated into the touch-screen display 1706. - An exemplary navigation schematic for navigating through the various screens available by the
remote device 260 is illustrated inFIGS. 24A and 24B . The screens illustrated inFIGS. 15-23 are merely exemplary screens. As shown in the navigation schematic inFIGS. 24A and 24B , the various configurations of theuser interface 1708 are shown for all of the various configurations of the system. Exemplary configurations are illustrated inFIGS. 19-23 . In addition, scenario-oriented user interaction diagram for various conditions such as shut-down, power save mode and wake-up main screen and search. - As indicated above, the
remote device 260 includes adisplay 1706 for providing a user interface, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 13 . The user interface, generally identified with thereference numeral 1708, may include a prominent status area which may include a play status area 1712 for displaying the status of a particular sound clip. Theprominent status area 1710 may also include an active trackmeta data portion 1714 for displaying the particular soundtrack to which the current clip belongs. Theprominent status area 1710 may also include atime remaining portion 1716 and volume/mute status portion 1718. Thetime remaining portion 1716 identifies the remaining time in a sound clip presently selected. The volume/mute status portion 1718 identifies the mute status of the device. - In addition to the
prominent status area 1710, the user interface may also include afunctional title area 1720 and afunctional options area 1722 as well as afunctional view area 1724 andbottom bar area 1726. Thefunctional title area 1720 may be used to display current selections, for example, selections from the home screen 1728 (FIG. 15 ) or selections from intermediate screens such as the screen 1730 (FIG. 18 ). Thefunctional options area 1722 is similar to the functional title area and displays options for selection, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 16 . Thefunctional view area 1724 may be used to predominately display music title list information, musical title content or may provide an on-screen keyboard 1732, for example, as illustrated inFIGS. 19 and 20 . - The
bottom bar area 1726 may include a left soft key 1734 and rightsoft 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 inFIGS. 16-23 . - Exemplary screens are illustrated in
FIGS. 15-23 . Initially on power-up, ahome screen 1728 may be displayed. Thehome screen 1728 enables the user to select one of the options in thefunctional view area 1728. As shown, assuming “My Playlists” is selected from thehome screen 1728 inFIG. 15 , thenext screen 1740 is illustrated inFIG. 16 . In this screen, “My Playlist” is now displayed in thefunctional title area 1720. The various options available in this state are displayed in thefunctional options area 1722. - In the example illustrated in
FIG. 16 , a user is given the option of creating a new playlist or removing a playlist. In addition, a list of current user playlists is displayed in thefunctional view area 1724. Assuming a user desires to make a selection from a current user playlist, the cursor is moved to the desired playlist, for example, by way of thenavigation cursor buttons 1600 on thecontrol panel 1704. As shown, a “Rock-n-Roll” playlist has been selected inFIG. 16 . -
FIG. 17 illustrates another screen shot in which the navigation cursor is moved to the “Blues Traveler” selection in thefunctional view area 1724. Assuming “Rock-n-Roll” has been selected, the system goes toscreen 1744 as illustrated inFIG. 18 . In this screen, thefunctional title area 1720 prompts the user with a search. Thefunctional options area 1722 enables the user to search from various sources. After selecting one of the options in thefunctional options area 1722, an additional number selectable options, selectable by way of the navigation cursors, are presented in thefunctional view area 1724. The options presented in thefunctional view area 1724 provide the user with various options. - The
screen FIGS. 19 and 20 respectively, illustrate the use of the on-screen keyboard to enable searching. In particular, the on-screen keyboard allows data to be searched by simply selecting a letter by way of the navigator buttons on the on-screen keyboard. In this example, illustrated inFIGS. 19-20 , all of the playlists by artists are then illustrated in a lower portion of thefunctional view area 1724, which allows the particular composer to be selected by simply scrolling with the navigator buttons. Once a particular composer is selected, the system presentsscreen 1748, which identifies various compositions by the selected composer in thefunctional view area 1724. The various compositions can be selected by way of the select/tag control button 1600 on thecontrol panel 1704. - As shown in
FIG. 21 four (4), compositions have been selected. The soft key 1736 which, in this example, is an “add items” command, allows the selected compositions to be added to the playlist. As illustrated in screen 1750 (FIG. 22 ), thefunctional view area 1724 indicates that the four (4) selected items have been added to the end of the “Rock-n-Roll” playlist. - After the items have been added to the playlist, the screen 1752 (
FIG. 33 ) is presented. This screen allows various user options such as adding additional items to the playlist, removing items from the playlist, reorganizing the playlist and renaming the playlist. - 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 (21)
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