WO2006058337A2

WO2006058337A2 - System and method for using the radio data system (rds) and an fm transmitter with a portable device

Info

Publication number: WO2006058337A2
Application number: PCT/US2005/043180
Authority: WO
Inventors: Oren Blonstein
Original assignee: Acco Brands Usa Llc
Priority date: 2004-11-29
Filing date: 2005-11-29
Publication date: 2006-06-01
Also published as: WO2006058337A3

Abstract

A method (200) for transmitting description information using a radio data system (RDS) is provided The method (200) includes capturing description information for a digital file being stored in a portable device (202) The description information is formatted in a format compatible with RDS (204) and the formatted description information is sent to the output device (206) The formatted description information is output while the digital file is being outputted on the output device (206)

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING THE RADIO DATA SYSTEM (RDS) AND AN FM TRANSMITTER WITH A PORTABLE DEVICE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority from co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/ 631675, filed November 29, 2004, entitled "Using the Radio Data

System (RDS) and an FM Transmitter to Broadcast Song Information from Digitized Songs," which is hereby incorporated by reference, as if set forth in full in this document, for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to the use of an FM transmitter and a radio data system (RDS) to transmit description information for digital files being output by a portable device.

[0002] With the proliferation of music encoded into a digital format (music turned into a file), portable devices that store the digital files have become very popular. These portable devices may hold many songs. This is vastly different from storing songs on a compact disc in which case only 10 to 15 songs can be stored on the disc. In contrast, the portable devices may hold thousands of songs on local storage. Accordingly, because of the convenience of having so many songs stored on one portable device, the use of the portable device to output songs has become very popular.

[0003] In one use, the portable device may be used to output songs through a car radio. Typically, the portable device sends the songs for output on the radio through an FM transmitter. Description information for the song being transmitted to the output device is typically displayed on a screen of the portable device. When driving a car, the display on the portable device is typically hard and particularly dangerous to view. To view information about a song being played, the driver of a car picks up the portable device and looks at its display while driving. It is undesirable for a user to look at the display of the portable device to determine description information for a song being transmitted to the output device. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to using a radio data system (RDS) to transmit description information for digital files being output by a portable device. In one embodiment, description information is determined for a digital file being output from a portable device. The portable device may be a portable music player. The description information is stored in a first format in the portable device. The portable device makes the description information available (e.g., outputs the information) and it may be made available in a second format. The second format may be different from the first format or be the same as the first format.

[0005] The description information is then formatted to an RDS format compatible with RDS. The RDS format may be a third format different from the first and/or second format. The formatted description information can then be sent to an output device using RDS through a wireless connection. The description information is then displayed on a display of the output device.

[0006] In one embodiment, amethod for transmitting description information using a radio data system (RDS) is provided. The method comprises: determining description information for a digital file being stored in a portable device, the description information being received from the portable device in a first format; formatting the description information in the first format to an RDS format compatible with RDS; and sending the description information to an output device through a wireless communication medium, wherein the description information is output substantially at a time when an audio signal for the digital file is being output on the output device.

[0007] In another embodiment, a system for transmitting description information using a radio data system (RDS) is provided. The system comprises: a portable device configured to store one or more digital files, each digital file including description information for the file; and a transmitter configured to communicate with the portable device, the transmitter comprising: a description information determiner configured to determine description information for a digital file being stored in the portable device; a RDS information formatter configured to format the description information from a first format to an RDS format compatible with RDS; and a RDS transmitter configured to send the description information to the output device using the RDS, wherein the description information is output substantially at a time when an audio signal for the digital file is being outputted on the output device.

[0008] In another embodiment, a transmitter configured to transmit description information using a radio data system (RDS) if provided. The transmitter comprises: a description information receiver configured to determine description information for a digital file from a portable device, the description information being received from the portable device in a first format; a formatter configured to format the description information for audio signal in the first format to an RDS format compatible with RDS; and an antenna configured to send the description information to an output device through a wireless communication medium, wherein the description information is output at a time when the audio signal for the digital file is being output on the output device.

[0009] A further understanding of the nature and the advantages of the inventions disclosed herein may be realized by reference of the remaining portions of the specification and the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Fig. 1 depicts a system for transmitting description information for digital files using a radio data system (RDS) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Fig. 2 depicts a simplified flowchart of a method for transmitting description information for digital files using RDS according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Fig. 3 shows the data flow of description information using a portable device and a transmitter according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Fig. 4 shows a transmitter that is configured to retrieve description information stored in different formats from different portable devices according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Fig. 5 depicts an embodiment of a portable device that may be used.

[0015] Fig. 6 shows a block diagram of a transmitter according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Fig. 1 depicts a system 100 for transmitting description information for digital files using a radio data system (RDS) according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, system 100 includes a transmitter 102, a portable device 104, and an output device 106.

[0017] Portable device 104 may be any device configured to output digital files. For example, portable device 104 may be a portable music device, such as an iPod™, personal digital assistant (PDA), cellular and/or smart phone, laptop computer, desktop computer, etc. Portable device 104 is configured to store digital files, such as songs, pictures, etc. In one embodiment, digital files are stored in one or more formats, such as MP3, Advanced Audio Coding (AAC), Real Audio (RA), etc.

[0018] In one embodiment, portable device 104 may output the digital files as an audio signal. The audio signal is an analog signal. This analog audio signal may be outputted on a device, such as headphones, a stereo, an FM transmitter, etc. In another embodiment, portable device 104 may output the digital files as uncompressed, unencoded data representing an audio signal. Another device, such as transmitter 102, may convert the outputted data to the analog audio signal. For discussion purposes, it is assumed that portable device 104 outputs an analog audio signal.

[0019] Transmitter 102 is configured to transmit the audio signals that are output from portable device 104 using an FM carrier to output device 106. An FM carrier may be any signal carrying an audio signal. Embodiments of an FM transmitter that can be used to send audio signal to output device 106 are described in U.S. Patent No 6,782,239 B2, entitled "Wireless Output Input Device Player", which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Transmitter 102 also includes an antenna 108 to communicate with output device 106 using a wireless communication medium. Although transmitter 102 is shown as being separate from portable device 104, it will be recognized that transmitter 102 may be integrated into portable device 104. Any suitable wireless communication medium may be used. In one embodiment, the wireless communication medium may include the transmission medium between a car's antenna and the antenna of transmitter 102.

[0020] Portable device 104 outputs the audio signals through a connection such as a wire connection (e.g., a serial port, Universal Serial Bus (USB), or firewire connection), or wireless connection. Transmitter 102 may take this audio signal and transmit it over an FM carrier. Other methods may be used to transmit the audio signals or description information, such as using Bluetooth, a USB connection, or any other wireless or wired connections. The FM carrier is received at output device 106 and the audio signal is output.

[0021] Portable device 104 also includes a display 116, such as an LCD screen, that is used to display description information for the audio signals being outputted, menus, etc. As shown, a song name and artist name are displayed on display 116. This may be the name and artist of the song currently being played on portable device 104.

[0022] Output device 106 may be any device configured to receive an FM carrier and output an audio signal. Output device 106 may be or include an FM tuner configured to output the audio signal received through the FM carrier. For example, output device 106 may be a car stereo, home stereo, computer with an FM tuner card, etc. An antenna 110 is provided that receives audio signal. Accordingly, when an audio signal is transmitted over the FM carrier, output device 106 receives the audio signal, and outputs the audio through, for example, a speaker 114.

[0023] Output device 106 can also receive information transmitted using RDS through antenna 110. The information can then be displayed in output device 106 on a display 112. Display 112 may be any display, such as an LCD screen. As shown, the song name and artist name that is displayed on display 116 of portable device 104 is displayed on display 112 of output device 106. Thus, description information may be mirrored on both displays.

[0024] In addition to transmitting the audio signals to output device 106, transmitter 102 is configured to communicate with portable device 104 to determine description information for digital files outputted to output device 106. In one embodiment, digital files stored on portable device 104 include description information. Description information can be information about a song such as an artist, song name, album name, song duration, and other information. In one embodiment, description information maybe in the form of ID3 tags (in the case of MP3 files). Other formats may store description information in other forms.

[0025] As will be described below with respect to Fig. 3, the description information may be stored in a custom or manufacturer's predefined protocol (e.g., an AAC format). Also, the description information may be defined by a standard protocol. In one embodiment, transmitter 102 is configured to provide the appropriate queries to extract the description information for digital files. Transmitter 102 may be connected to a port on the portable device 104 to extract description information for each digital file. [0026] Transmitter 102 is then configured to transmit the description information to output device 106 using RDS. RDS is used to transmit station, artist, and song information. In Europe, it is commonly used to transmit safety and traffic information, hi one embodiment, car and home stereos are now equipped with radio data system enabled receivers. When information is transmitted using RDS, the information is displayed on a display of the output device 106.

[0027] Radio Data System, or RDS, is a standard for sending small amounts of digital information using conventional FM radio transmits. The RDS system standardizes several types of information that can be transmitted in fields, including station identification, a RadioText field, etc. Any of the fields may be used to send description information for songs, time, etc.

[0028] RDS may be referred to as Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS) for the U.S. version of RDS, but the U.S. version is generally referred to as RDS. The term "RDS" as used in this application refers to any standard used to send description information over a wireless connection, and includes both RDS and RBDS. The two standards are nearly identical, with only slight differences, mainly in which numbers are assigned to each of 31 musical and other program formats the RBDS system can identify. The two standards are described in "Specification of the Radio Data System (RDS) for VHF/FM Sound Broadcasting in the Frequency Range from 87.5 to 108.0 MHz", CENELEC EN 50067:1998, and "United States RBDS Standard, Specification of the Radio Broadcast Data System

(RBDS)", National Radio Systems Committee, National Association of Broadcasters, 1998. Although these standards are discussed, it will be recognized that other RDS standards may be appreciated. Also, the RDS standards may be similar enough that a single transmitter 102 may be compatible with both standards.

[0029] Both standards use a 57kHz subcarrier to carry data at 1187.5 bits per second. The 57kHz is chosen for being the third harmonic (3x) of the pilot tone for FM stereo, so it would not cause interference or intermodulation with it, or with the stereo difference signal at 38kHz (2x). The data format utilizes error correction. RDS defines many features, including how private (in-house) or other undefined features (such as differential GPS) can be "packaged" in unused program groups.

[0030] In one embodiment, the description information received from portable device 104 is not in a format compatible with an RDS specification. Accordingly, transmitter 102 is configured to format the description information to a RDS format according to the RDS specification. After formatting, the description information can be sent through an FM carrier using RDS.

[0031] The audio signal is also sent over an FM carrier. The description information is sent using the same FM carrier. The description information is then displayed on display 112 of output device 106. Thus, a user can view the description information on output device 106. This is very useful because the display of an output device 106 may be more easily viewed than a display on portable device 104. For example, a display on a car stereo is easier for a driver to read than a display on a MP3 player that is lying on a passenger seat.

[0032] Transmitter 102 may have any suitable features. For example, transmitter 102 may also include a DC (for a car) or AC (for an outlet of a wall) charger that powers transmitter 102. It may also charge and/or power portable device 104. A mechanism to hold and mount a portable device 104 may also be included with transmitter 102. For example, the FM transmitter may be in the form of a cradle that holds portable device 104. Further, a remote control that has play controls (play, pause, forward, backward) and possibly a display, such as an LED or LCD screen, that may also display the description information may be provided. Further, special buttons on transmitter 102 may allow the user to cycle through a playlist on portable device 104. Examples of transmitters 102 are described in U.S. Provisional Application No. __/ , entitled "Transmitter with Flexible Support Member", filed November 2, 2005 (Atty. Docket No. 14572P-080400US) and U.S. Patent No. 6,591,085, which are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all reasons.

[0033] Fig. 2 depicts a simplified flowchart 200 of a method for transmitting description information for digital files using RDS according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] In step 202, the description information is received. The description information may be received through any methods. For example, portable device 104 and transmitter 102 may be connected through a USB or other connection. Also, the description information may be received by transmitter 102 wirelessly (e.g., Bluetooth) or by any other communication methods.

[0035] The description information may be received in many ways. For example, transmitter 102 queries for description information from portable device 104. In one embodiment, transmitter 102 may record description information for every digital file in portable device 104. Transmitter 102 may then format the description information for RDS transmission. When transmitter 102 detects that a digital file is being outputted, the description information for that digital file may be sent to output device 106 using RDS.

[0036] In another embodiment, description information for a current file being sent to output device 106 in response to a query from another device. The queries may be repeated for every new file that is output by portable device 104.

[0037] In yet another embodiment, portable device 104 may send the description information without a query. For example, the information is sent at regular intervals or whenever a song changes. In this case, there may be an initial step where the regular reporting of information is initialized. For example, an initial query may be sent to initialize the regular reporting or portable device 104 may be configured to automatically send the description information.

[0038] In step 204, the description information is formatted into an RDS format compatible with an RDS specification. For example, the description information may be stored in a first format in portable device 104. Portable device 104 makes the description information available (e.g., outputs the information). The description information may be made available in a second format. The second format may be different from the first format or be the same as the first format.

[0039] The description information is then formatted to an RDS format compatible with RDS. The RDS format may be a third format different from the first and/or second format. Accordingly, transmitter 102 is configured to convert the description information into a format that can be sent to output device 106 using RDS.

[0040] In step 206, the RDS information is sent to output device 106 using RDS. The information is sent such that the description information is outputted on output device 106. For example, transmitter 102 may be sending audio signals for a digital file from portable device 102 over a certain FM carrier to output device 106. Accordingly, in order to display the description information for the audio signal for the digital file, the description information is sent using the same frequency. The description information is then displayed on output device 106.

[0041] Fig. 3 shows the data flow of description information using portable device 104 and transmitter 102 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Transmitter 102 includes a receiver 310, an RDS information creator 312, an FM communication creator 314, and an FM transmitter 316. These entities may be implemented in hardware, software, or any combination thereof.

[0042] Portable device 104 includes a plurality of files 302 and a controller 310. Each file 302 includes description information 304 (labeled "ID") and audio information 306 (e.g., a digital song). Any number of files 302 may be stored in portable device 104.

[0043] In one embodiment, description information 304 may be outputted according to a manufacturer's predefined protocol. The manufacturer may be the owner or maker of portable device 104, a standards organization, etc. In some cases, the owner or maker of portable device 104 may choose to store files 302 in their own manufacturer's predefined format. Different interfaces may be provided by different manufacturers to output description information.

[0044] Queries may be used to retrieve description information 304 from files 302. Embodiments of the present invention are configured to provide the correct queries in a format accepted by portable device 104. For example, the queries may be in the manufacturer's predefined format. Thus, transmitter 102 is able to query for and receive description information 304 from files 302. It should be noted that description information 304 may be outputted in the same format or a different format from the format in which files 302 are stored.

[0045] Controller 318 is configured to take digital files 302 and output audio signals. For example, controller 318 may uncompress and unencode files 302 into audio signals. As shown, description information 304 is outputted as description information 305 and audio information is outputted as audio signals 307. Both description information 305 and audio signals 307 may be outputted as audio signals. Also, description information 305 and audio signals 307 may be in the same or different format from description information 304 and audio information 304. Description information 305 and audio signals 307 may be outputted according to a format defined by an interface of portable device 104.

[0046] Connector 308 may be used to send description information 305 and audio signals 307 to transmitter 102. Connector 308 may be a port or any other connection device, such as a wireless receiver/transmitter. In one embodiment, connector 308 may be a serial port, USB port, firewire port, etc. [0047] Receiver 310 receives description information 305 and audio signals 307 for file 302 generated from description information 304 and audio information 306 of file 302 as output by portable device 104. The description information may be received through the same connector 308 as the audio signals or through a separate connector. For example, description information 305 and audio signals 307 both may be sent through one connection, or description information 304 may be sent through a first connection (e.g., a wired connection) and audio information 306 may be sent through a second connection (e.g., a wireless connection).

[0048] Description information 305 may be processed by RDS information creator 312 and audio signals 307 may be processed by FM communication creator 314. Although creators 312 and 314 are shown as separate modules, it will be understood that the functions of either module may be combined.

[0049] RDS information creator 312 is configured to convert description information 305 into information compatible with RDS. If the format of description information 305 is known, then according to an RDS specification, description information 305 may be converted into an RDS format.

[0050] Description information 305 may be displayed on a display of an output device 106 using different techniques using RDS. For example, description information may be sent by inserting the information in one of the various fields specified in the RDS standard. For example, in one embodiment, description information 305 may be formatted for RDS use by inserting the information in successive Program Service name segments of Type OA or OB RDS message groups. Output device 106 may thus display description information 305 as though it were the name of the Program Service (i.e., the name of a radio station). Successive transmissions may format different parts of description information 305 into the Program Service name, with the effect that the full description information scrolls through the display of output device 106.

[0051] In another embodiment, description information 305 may be formatted for RDS use by insertion in the RadioText segments of Type 2A or 2B RDS message groups. Output device 106 may thus display the information as program-related information.

[0052] FM communication creator 314 is configured to take the audio signals and convert them into a format such that it can be transmitted over an FM carrier. Techniques describing converting audio signals 307 to a format for transmission over an FM carrier are described in U.S. Patent No. 6,782,239 B2, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0053] The RDS information and audio information are sent to FM transmitter 316, which then is configured to transmit the audio information and RDS information over an FM carrier to output device 106. FM transmitters are commercially available. In one embodiment, while the audio signals are being played on output device 106, the RDS information may be displayed. However, the RDS information may be displayed at any time, such as before the playing of the audio information during the playing, at the end, or after. Accordingly, a user can see the description information for song 306 on output device 106.

[0054] As described above, different portable devices 104 may output description information 305 and audio signals 307 using different interfaces. Accordingly, Fig. 4 shows a transmitter 102 that is configured to retrieve description information 305 that is output through different interfaces from different portable devices 104 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] As shown, portable devices 104-1 , 104-2, and 104-3 store files 302-1 , 302-2, and 303-3. Description information 304 maybe stored in different formats, such as AAC, MP3, and WMA (Windows Media Access format) in different portable devices 104. Each portable device 104 may have a different interface. Accordingly, different queries may have to be used in order to retrieve description information 305. Also, different formats may be provided by different interfaces, which may require different conversions to RDS.

[0056] ID format determiner 402 is configured to determine a format that is being used to by portable devices 104. In one embodiment, ID format determiner 402 may send a query to portable device 104 to determine the format in which description information 305 is being output. The answer to the query may be used to determine the format. For example, the query may specifically ask what format. Or, the query may be for information, such as description information 305, that ID format determiner 402 may analyze to determine the format. Further, a user may input the format that portable device 104 is using into transmitter 102. For example, the user may input portable device 104 is an Apple iPod ™. hi this case, ID format determiner 402 determines that description information 305 is output using a certain interface.

[0057] As shown, ID format determiner 402 sends queries #1, #2, and #3 to portable devices 104-1, 104-2, and 104-3. The queries are configured to determine description information 305. The queries may be different depending on which queries are needed for the different interfaces.

[0058] Once the description information 305 is received, it can be sent to different format processors 404. For example, for each format #1, #2, and #3, format processors 404-1, 404- 2, and 404-3 may be provided. Although different processors 404 are shown, it will be understood that any number of processors 404 may be provided to process different formats.

[0059] Each processor 404 is configured to take the description information 305 in different formats and convert it into RDS information. For example, description information received in a first format can be converted into RDS information and description information received in a second format can be converted into RDS information. Because these formats may be different, different processors 404 are provided to perform the conversions. The RDS information is then sent to FM transmitter 316, which can transmit the description information with the audio signals being played.

[0060] Accordingly, flexibility is provided to a user in that transmitter 102 may be used with different portable devices 104. Different portable devices 104 from different manufacturers may thus be used with transmitter 102.

[0061] Various portable devices may be used with transmitter 102. Fig. 5 depicts an embodiment of portable device 104 that may be used. As shown, portable device 104 includes a display 502 and a control panel 504. Display 502 is configured to display any description information for a song being played. Also, display 502 may display any other information, such as menus that are used to determine which song should be played, etc. The display may be made of any suitable type, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD).

[0062] Control panel 504 may control the operation of portable device 104. In one embodiment, controller 504 is a wheel that may be used to scan through information displayed on the display 502. Menu items or songs may also be selected using a button 510.

[0063] Connector 308 may be used to connect to transmitter 102. Also, connector 308 may be used to connect to a power source when not connected to transmitter 102 in addition to being connected to transmitter 102. For example, an AC/DC wall adaptor may be used to power portable device 104.

[0064] Headphones 508 may also be connected to the jacks 506. Jacks 506 may be any jacks that can provide audio signals to devices, such as headphones 508. Although this portable device 102 is shown, it will be understood that other portable devices 102 may be used, such as cellular phones, etc.

[0065] Fig. 6 shows a block diagram of system including a portable device 104 and elements of a transmitter 102 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, audio signals may be received at an isolation amplifier 602. Pre-emphasis module 604 provides pre-emphasis time-constants and low pass filter 606 provides low pass filtering. The signal is then passed to an FM transmitter chip 608. Such chips are commercially available from manufacturers such as Rohm.

[0066] FM transmitter chip 608 is configured to coordinate transmission of audio signals and RDS information. FM transmitter signals are received from a microcontroller 610, which indicate RDS information should be sent with audio signals that are received.

[0067] The RDS information is generated from description information 305 that is received at microcontroller 610. Microcontroller 610 initiates the display the information on a display (e.g., LCD) 611. Also, microcontroller 610 sends description information 305 to a digital to analog converter 612, which converts description information 305 from digital to analog. The analog information is sent through a bandpass filter 614. The bandpass filter may use a frequency that is 57kHz in one embodiment. The signal is then passed through a phase locked loop 616.

[0068] FM transmitter chip 608 then sends description information 305 and audio signals 307 through a filter 616. Description information 305 and audio signals 307 are then sent through a wireless communication medium to an output device using antenna 108.

[0069] Portable device 104 may be powered using a power source 618. Also, power source 618 may be used to power transmitter 102. In one embodiment, power source 618 may be a cigarette lighter that provides a 12V source. Also, power source 618 may include batteries, a computer, or any other power source. Power may be provided through a fuse 620 and a filter 622 in one embodiment. Also, a low drop regulator 624 may be used to provide power to transmitter 102.

[0070] Embodiments of the present invention provide many advantages. For example, description information for digital files being outputted to output device 106 from a portable device 104 may be displayed on output device 106. A display for output device 106 may be more conveniently located for viewing. For example, a car stereo display may be configured such that a user can easily view the display, such as it may be on a car's console. In contrast, a display for portable device 104 may not be easily viewed by a user. For example, if portable device 104 is an MP3 player, it may be located in a position (on a passenger seat) that makes it difficult to view for a driver. Thus, displaying the description information on output device 106 is safer and more convenient.

[0071] The present invention can be implemented in the form of control logic in software or hardware or a combination of both. The software can be created by one of ordinary skill in the art using any suitable programming language including C, C++, etc. The control logic may be stored in an information storage medium as a plurality of instructions adapted to direct an information-processing device to perform a set of steps disclosed in embodiment of the present invention. Based on the disclosure and teachings provided herein, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate other ways and/or methods to implement the present invention.

[0072] The above description is illustrative but not restrictive. Many variations of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the disclosure. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but instead should be determined with reference to the pending claims along with their full scope or equivalents.

[0073] All patents, patent applications, and publications noted above are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method for transmitting description information using a radio data system (RDS), the method comprising: determining description information for a digital file being stored in a portable device, the description information being received from the portable device in a first format; formatting the description information in the first format to an RDS format compatible with RDS; and sending the description information to an output device through a wireless communication medium, wherein the description information is output substantially at a time when an audio signal for the digital file is being output on the output device.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: sending a query to the portable device for the description information; and receiving the description information from the portable device in response to the query.

3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising automatically receiving the description information from the portable device.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the description information is output on a FM carrier that the audio signal for the digital file is being outputted through.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the digital file comprises a digital format of a song.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the description information comprises an ID3 tag.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the output device comprises a FM tuner configured to receive the formatted description information and the audio signal.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the description information comprises communicating with the portable device through a wired or wireless connection to receive the description information.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the description information is stored in a second format in the portable device.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the first format and the second format are a same format or a different format.

11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first format comprises an MP3 format, an AAC format, a RA format, or a WMA format.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the portable device comprises a portable music player, and wherein the output device comprises a car stereo.

13. A system for transmitting description information using a radio data system (RDS), the system comprising: a portable device configured to store one or more digital files, each digital file including description information for the file; and a transmitter configured to communicate with the portable device, the transmitter comprising: a description information determiner configured to determine description information for a digital file being stored in the portable device; a RDS information formatter configured to format the description information from a first format to an RDS format compatible with RDS; and a RDS transmitter configured to send the description information to the output device using the RDS, wherein the description information is output substantially at a time when an audio signal for the digital file is being outputted on the output device.

14. The system of claim 13, further comprising the output device, wherein the output device is configured to output the description information.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein the RDS transmitter comprises an FM transmitter configured to output the formatted description information over an FM carrier.

16. The system of claim 13, wherein the transmitter comprises an FM communication formatter configured to format the audio signal from the digital file to a format that is sent over an FM carrier.

17. The system of claim 13, wherein the portable device comprises an interface, wherein the transmitter communicates with the portable device through the interface using queries compatible with the interface.

18. A transmitter configured to transmit description information using a radio data system (RDS), the transmitter comprising: a description information receiver configured to determine description information for a digital file from a portable device, the description information being received from the portable device in a first format; a formatter configured to format the description information for audio signal in the first format to an RDS format compatible with RDS; and an antenna configured to send the description information to an output device through a wireless communication medium, wherein the description information is output at a time when the audio signal for the digital file is being output on the output device.

19. The transmitter of claim 18, further comprising: a query module configured to send a query to the portable device for the description information, wherein the description information receiver is configured to receive the description information from the portable device in response to the query.

20. The transmitter of claim 18, further comprising wherein the description information receiver is configured to automatically receive the description infoπnation from the portable device.

21. The transmitter of claim 18, wherein the description information is output on a FM carrier that the digital file is being outputted through.

22. The transmitter of claim 18, wherein the output device comprises a FM tuner configured to receive the formatted description information and the audio signal.

23. The transmitter of claim 18, wherein the description information is stored in a second format in the portable device.

24. The transmitter of claim 23, wherein the first format and the second format are a same format or a different format.

25. The transmitter of claim 18, wherein the first format comprises an MP3 format, an AAC format, a RA format, or a WMA format.