CA2310200A1 - A system and method for providing broadcast information in multiple formats - Google Patents
A system and method for providing broadcast information in multiple formats Download PDFInfo
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- CA2310200A1 CA2310200A1 CA 2310200 CA2310200A CA2310200A1 CA 2310200 A1 CA2310200 A1 CA 2310200A1 CA 2310200 CA2310200 CA 2310200 CA 2310200 A CA2310200 A CA 2310200A CA 2310200 A1 CA2310200 A1 CA 2310200A1
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L12/00—Data switching networks
- H04L12/02—Details
- H04L12/16—Arrangements for providing special services to substations
- H04L12/18—Arrangements for providing special services to substations for broadcast or conference, e.g. multicast
- H04L12/1859—Arrangements for providing special services to substations for broadcast or conference, e.g. multicast adapted to provide push services, e.g. data channels
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
- H04H20/00—Arrangements for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast
- H04H20/20—Arrangements for broadcast or distribution of identical information via plural systems
- H04H20/22—Arrangements for broadcast of identical information via plural broadcast systems
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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
- H04H60/02—Arrangements for generating broadcast information; Arrangements for generating broadcast-related information with a direct linking to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time; Arrangements for simultaneous generation of broadcast information and broadcast-related information
- H04H60/07—Arrangements for generating broadcast information; Arrangements for generating broadcast-related information with a direct linking to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time; Arrangements for simultaneous generation of broadcast information and broadcast-related information characterised by processes or methods for the generation
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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
- H04H60/02—Arrangements for generating broadcast information; Arrangements for generating broadcast-related information with a direct linking to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time; Arrangements for simultaneous generation of broadcast information and broadcast-related information
- H04H60/06—Arrangements for scheduling broadcast services or broadcast-related services
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Circuits Of Receivers In General (AREA)
Abstract
A system for broadcasting data from a broadcast station via a plurality of different broadcast media comprises a content provider for providing data in a predetermined format; and a data-caster for customizing the data for at least one of a plurality of predetermined broadcast protocols. The content provider further includes a data-miner for receiving data of a predetermined nature; and a content manager for organizing said received data and scheduling said organized data to be broadcast.
Description
A System and Method for Providing Broadcast Information in Multiple Formats The present invention relates generally to a system and method for providing broadcast information, and specifically for providing such information to a plurality of different transmitters in an appropriate format.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Radio broadcasts began decades ago and have become a popular method to convey information between broadcast stations, such as radio stations, and a plurality of users.
to Currently, a majority of the radio broadcasts are accomplished by transmitting either amplitude modulated (AM) or frequency modulated (FM) analog signals. Radio stations generate programs, such as news, weather, music and the like, for transmission to the users. The information is impressed onto a Garner wave and broadcast to the users.
Individual users implement a radio as a tuner for selecting information from one of the radio stations.
FM/AM broadcasting suffers a number of transmission problems. AM broadcasting is expensive to operate because of the inherent inefficiency of AM modulation and the cost to build an AM broadcasting facility. Carrying modulated input signals such as voice, 2o music and the like, the carrier wave typically consumes 75 to 80 percent of the power.
AM is also prone to interference from large metallic structures and power lines. Finally, transmission levels of AM are limited due to night time propagation effects which often result in a diminution of the station coverage area in the order of 30-50% to protect neighboring stations.
For FM broadcasting, a single station requires a plurality of frequencies over which to transmit, especially for a large area. The quality of the audio is better than that of the AM
because of the wider bandwidth, however, FM also has severe transmission impairments in large cities, due to reflections of signal on buildings.
An enhanced FM transmission system, radio data system (FM-RDS), has been developed.
FM-RDS automatically selects the best quality frequency from a number of available frequencies. Further, FM-RDS allows limited text to be transmitted for displaying a program seance name.
Digital audio broadcasting (DAB) has been presented as solution to the above mentioned problems. DAB provides a system for carrying the information such that the transmissions are resistant to interference. DAB provides the ability to transmit text and image data along with the traditional audio data. Furthermore, DAB provides an 1o improved audio data quality broadcast. The capacity of DAB to operate using Single-Frequency-Networks makes it extremely spectrum efficient.
Additionally, alternate broadcast systems are becoming increasingly popular.
Many radio stations simulcast their radio transmissions over the Internet. This provides an audience who can listen to a radio station while sitting at a computer without having to use a radio receiver. Alternately, broadcasts can be made over a wireless network to wireless devices such as pagers, mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and wireless application protocol (WAP) compliant devices.
2o Yet an alternate broadcast system is the recent introduction of Data Radio Channel DARC. The DARC broadcast network allows the transmission of electronic data files on FM radio networks, at a throughput close to 10000 bits/sec. In a similar manner to RDS
networks, this network is based on the existing FM infrastructure. DARC is a multi-application network and many potential applications have been identified such as long message broadcasting, dGPS (differential GPS), transparent data transfers, and applications for motorists. DARC uses Minimum Shift Keying modulation (MSK) which offers good performance in the presence of noise, at the expense of a very low spectral level.
3o However, DAB, DARC, Internet, and wireless broadcasts require new equipment in order to transmit and receive data. Although it may be necessary for the users to purchase new
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Radio broadcasts began decades ago and have become a popular method to convey information between broadcast stations, such as radio stations, and a plurality of users.
to Currently, a majority of the radio broadcasts are accomplished by transmitting either amplitude modulated (AM) or frequency modulated (FM) analog signals. Radio stations generate programs, such as news, weather, music and the like, for transmission to the users. The information is impressed onto a Garner wave and broadcast to the users.
Individual users implement a radio as a tuner for selecting information from one of the radio stations.
FM/AM broadcasting suffers a number of transmission problems. AM broadcasting is expensive to operate because of the inherent inefficiency of AM modulation and the cost to build an AM broadcasting facility. Carrying modulated input signals such as voice, 2o music and the like, the carrier wave typically consumes 75 to 80 percent of the power.
AM is also prone to interference from large metallic structures and power lines. Finally, transmission levels of AM are limited due to night time propagation effects which often result in a diminution of the station coverage area in the order of 30-50% to protect neighboring stations.
For FM broadcasting, a single station requires a plurality of frequencies over which to transmit, especially for a large area. The quality of the audio is better than that of the AM
because of the wider bandwidth, however, FM also has severe transmission impairments in large cities, due to reflections of signal on buildings.
An enhanced FM transmission system, radio data system (FM-RDS), has been developed.
FM-RDS automatically selects the best quality frequency from a number of available frequencies. Further, FM-RDS allows limited text to be transmitted for displaying a program seance name.
Digital audio broadcasting (DAB) has been presented as solution to the above mentioned problems. DAB provides a system for carrying the information such that the transmissions are resistant to interference. DAB provides the ability to transmit text and image data along with the traditional audio data. Furthermore, DAB provides an 1o improved audio data quality broadcast. The capacity of DAB to operate using Single-Frequency-Networks makes it extremely spectrum efficient.
Additionally, alternate broadcast systems are becoming increasingly popular.
Many radio stations simulcast their radio transmissions over the Internet. This provides an audience who can listen to a radio station while sitting at a computer without having to use a radio receiver. Alternately, broadcasts can be made over a wireless network to wireless devices such as pagers, mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and wireless application protocol (WAP) compliant devices.
2o Yet an alternate broadcast system is the recent introduction of Data Radio Channel DARC. The DARC broadcast network allows the transmission of electronic data files on FM radio networks, at a throughput close to 10000 bits/sec. In a similar manner to RDS
networks, this network is based on the existing FM infrastructure. DARC is a multi-application network and many potential applications have been identified such as long message broadcasting, dGPS (differential GPS), transparent data transfers, and applications for motorists. DARC uses Minimum Shift Keying modulation (MSK) which offers good performance in the presence of noise, at the expense of a very low spectral level.
3o However, DAB, DARC, Internet, and wireless broadcasts require new equipment in order to transmit and receive data. Although it may be necessary for the users to purchase new
2 receiver equipment, it is often more difficult and cost prohibitive for the broadcast stations to implement new transmitter equipment and systems. Broadcast stations have to add and integrate the new equipment and new systems along with their existing equipment.
It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least some of the above mentioned disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Io In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention there is provided a system for broadcasting data from a broadcast station via a plurality of different broadcast media.
The system comprises a data-miner for receiving data of a predetermined nature, a content manager for organizing data and scheduling the organized data to be broadcast, and a data-caster for customizing the scheduled data for at least one of a plurality of protocols.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following drawings in which:
zo Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of a multimedia broadcast system;
Figure 2 is a schematic drawing of a data mining module illustrated in figure 1;
Figure 3 is a schematic drawing of a content manager module illustrated in figure I;
Figure 4 is a schematic drawing of a data casting module illustrated in figure 1; and Figure 5 is a schematic drawing of an alternate embodiment to the multimedia broadcast system shown in figure 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
In the description, like numerals refer to like structures in the drawings.
Referring to 3o figure 1, a multimedia broadcast system is represented generally by the numeral 100.
Information providers 102 provide information such as traffic, weather, news, music and
It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least some of the above mentioned disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Io In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention there is provided a system for broadcasting data from a broadcast station via a plurality of different broadcast media.
The system comprises a data-miner for receiving data of a predetermined nature, a content manager for organizing data and scheduling the organized data to be broadcast, and a data-caster for customizing the scheduled data for at least one of a plurality of protocols.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following drawings in which:
zo Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of a multimedia broadcast system;
Figure 2 is a schematic drawing of a data mining module illustrated in figure 1;
Figure 3 is a schematic drawing of a content manager module illustrated in figure I;
Figure 4 is a schematic drawing of a data casting module illustrated in figure 1; and Figure 5 is a schematic drawing of an alternate embodiment to the multimedia broadcast system shown in figure 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
In the description, like numerals refer to like structures in the drawings.
Referring to 3o figure 1, a multimedia broadcast system is represented generally by the numeral 100.
Information providers 102 provide information such as traffic, weather, news, music and
3 the like to a data-mining module (data-miner) 104 via a network 106. In the present embodiment, the network 106 includes the Internet, local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs) and the like. The data-miner 104 parses the information and advances it to content managers 108.
The content managers 108 are responsible for programming and scheduling the information to be broadcast. In addition to the information fed from the data-miner 104, the content managers 108 also have inputs for local content 110. The local content includes information stored on a storage medium and real-time data sources.
The content managers 108 forward the information at its scheduled time to a data casting module (data-caster) 112. The data-caster 112 receives the information from the content manager 108 and customizes it according to one or more of the transmission media over which it is to be broadcast. These media include AM/FM radio 114, FM-RDS 116, DAB
118, DARC 119, Internet 120, and wireless 122 transmissions.
The data-miner 104 is responsible for receiving and processing information sent from the information providers 102. The data-miner 104 then acts as an information provider for the content managers 108. Referring to figure 2, the data-mining section of the system is 2o illustrated in greater detail. Data 206 is retrieved by the information providers 102 and stored on a storage device 202. The information providers 102 further include a transmission module 208 for managing the formatting and transfer of data between the information providers 102 and the data-miner 104. The data-miner 104 includes a requesting/receiving module 212 for managing the retrieval of data from the information providers and a central database 214 for storing the received data.
The data-miner further includes an information receiver that allows automatic connection to an information provider's data streaming service for providing direct broadcast of news headlines, weather information, stock quotes and traffic reports, and the like.
The content managers 108 are responsible for programming and scheduling the information to be broadcast. In addition to the information fed from the data-miner 104, the content managers 108 also have inputs for local content 110. The local content includes information stored on a storage medium and real-time data sources.
The content managers 108 forward the information at its scheduled time to a data casting module (data-caster) 112. The data-caster 112 receives the information from the content manager 108 and customizes it according to one or more of the transmission media over which it is to be broadcast. These media include AM/FM radio 114, FM-RDS 116, DAB
118, DARC 119, Internet 120, and wireless 122 transmissions.
The data-miner 104 is responsible for receiving and processing information sent from the information providers 102. The data-miner 104 then acts as an information provider for the content managers 108. Referring to figure 2, the data-mining section of the system is 2o illustrated in greater detail. Data 206 is retrieved by the information providers 102 and stored on a storage device 202. The information providers 102 further include a transmission module 208 for managing the formatting and transfer of data between the information providers 102 and the data-miner 104. The data-miner 104 includes a requesting/receiving module 212 for managing the retrieval of data from the information providers and a central database 214 for storing the received data.
The data-miner further includes an information receiver that allows automatic connection to an information provider's data streaming service for providing direct broadcast of news headlines, weather information, stock quotes and traffic reports, and the like.
4 The content managers 108 are operated by broadcast stations such as radio stations. The definition of a broadcast station, however, is not limited to radio stations but includes any person or persons wishing to broadcast information. The content managers allow the broadcast stations to schedule the information to be broadcast and allow supplemental data, such as images and text, to be associated with audio. It is possible to provide a plurality of content managers operating concurrently for allowing multiple users to prepare information to be broadcast.
Referring to figure 3, a schematic drawing of a content manager graphical user interface (GUI) is illustrated generally by the numeral 300. The content manager includes an image database which is not presented in the GUI 300. The GUI 300 includes an image database editor 301, an image editor 302, a script editor 304, an audio processor 306, a scheduler 308, and a live-show editor 310.
The image database enables images to be stored along with associated title, artist, compact disc (CD) number and description. The database keeps track of the time the image was first created and the time that it was last modified. Advanced search capabilities provide for a fast simple search from the image database. Users have the ability to browse images from a list of categories, search images using several criteria 2o such as title, artist, keyword and CD number or select images from thumbnail prints.
The image database editor 301 allows users to "drag and drop" images from other applications to the database, and move pictures to and from categories. Users can add, remove, or modify images, text and categories from the image database. The editor further enables the development of multimedia slide shows using text, graphics, web pages, and the like.
The image editor 302 allows additional image manipulation capabilities that enable users to edit pictures using such functions as resizing, rotating, color adjustments, noise 3o removal, text insertion, and various artistic effects. The editing further provides the
Referring to figure 3, a schematic drawing of a content manager graphical user interface (GUI) is illustrated generally by the numeral 300. The content manager includes an image database which is not presented in the GUI 300. The GUI 300 includes an image database editor 301, an image editor 302, a script editor 304, an audio processor 306, a scheduler 308, and a live-show editor 310.
The image database enables images to be stored along with associated title, artist, compact disc (CD) number and description. The database keeps track of the time the image was first created and the time that it was last modified. Advanced search capabilities provide for a fast simple search from the image database. Users have the ability to browse images from a list of categories, search images using several criteria 2o such as title, artist, keyword and CD number or select images from thumbnail prints.
The image database editor 301 allows users to "drag and drop" images from other applications to the database, and move pictures to and from categories. Users can add, remove, or modify images, text and categories from the image database. The editor further enables the development of multimedia slide shows using text, graphics, web pages, and the like.
The image editor 302 allows additional image manipulation capabilities that enable users to edit pictures using such functions as resizing, rotating, color adjustments, noise 3o removal, text insertion, and various artistic effects. The editing further provides the
5 ability to reformat image resolution automatically to a level suitable for DAB
broadcasting.
The script editor 304 provides the ability to present "off air" playback of the audio and multimedia slide shows as they would be presented in a live broadcast. Users are able to edit the duration and order of the frames to achieve that sought after result.
Further, web pages may be captured and transmitted by typing the uniform resource locator (URL) for simulcast via DAB, Internet, or other media capable of broadcasting such information.
to The audio processor 306 allows users to play, edit, and record audio programs in various formats including MP3, WAV, MIDI, and the like.
The scheduler 308 allows the broadcast station to schedule audio along with the associated multimedia content for broadcast. Such broadcast can be the manual or automatic transmission of multimedia slide shows, also referred to as "bundles" of information.
A live-show editor 310 enables dynamically transmitting of multimedia object transfer (MOT) and dynamic label segment (DLS). The live-show editor provides users with the 2o capability to superimpose text on an image and transmit the combination instantly. The live-show editor further enables slide shows to be generated dynamically.
Various modifications to the content manager will be apparent to a person skilled in the art.
The data-caster 112 is responsible for scheduling the broadcast timing for the content managers. The schedule can be priority based, in which case a content manager with a higher priority level will broadcast before a content manager with a lower priority.
Various schemes for organizing the priorities are known in the art of priority based 3o systems. Alternately, the data-caster can maintain a schedule that alots predetermined
broadcasting.
The script editor 304 provides the ability to present "off air" playback of the audio and multimedia slide shows as they would be presented in a live broadcast. Users are able to edit the duration and order of the frames to achieve that sought after result.
Further, web pages may be captured and transmitted by typing the uniform resource locator (URL) for simulcast via DAB, Internet, or other media capable of broadcasting such information.
to The audio processor 306 allows users to play, edit, and record audio programs in various formats including MP3, WAV, MIDI, and the like.
The scheduler 308 allows the broadcast station to schedule audio along with the associated multimedia content for broadcast. Such broadcast can be the manual or automatic transmission of multimedia slide shows, also referred to as "bundles" of information.
A live-show editor 310 enables dynamically transmitting of multimedia object transfer (MOT) and dynamic label segment (DLS). The live-show editor provides users with the 2o capability to superimpose text on an image and transmit the combination instantly. The live-show editor further enables slide shows to be generated dynamically.
Various modifications to the content manager will be apparent to a person skilled in the art.
The data-caster 112 is responsible for scheduling the broadcast timing for the content managers. The schedule can be priority based, in which case a content manager with a higher priority level will broadcast before a content manager with a lower priority.
Various schemes for organizing the priorities are known in the art of priority based 3o systems. Alternately, the data-caster can maintain a schedule that alots predetermined
6 timeslots to predetermined content managers. The content managers can schedule their content only during their alotted time.
The data-caster is further responsible for formatting the data it receives such that it can be transmitted over a plurality of different transmission media protocols.
Referring to figure 4, the data-caster 112 is illustrated in greater detail. The data-caster includes several broadcast modules for formatting the received information. In this particular example, the data-caster has a DAB module 402, a DARC module 412, a FM-RDS module 404, an Internet module 406, a wireless network module 408, and an AM/FM module 410.
Each to of the modules is designed to provide information to the appropriate broadcast device according a predetermined protocol.
Each module has the same input, that is all the data from the content manager, and each module filters the data accordingly. For example, the Internet module 406 forwards all of the information it receives from the content manager, including audio, visual, and text.
FM-RDS, however, cannot send images and therefore the FM-RDS module 404 only forwards the audio and text it receives.
The data-caster is designed to be modular such that other broadcast media can be added 2o without having to make major modifications to the system. All that would be required is a system update, which would be integrated seamlessly for the broadcast station.
The operation of the system is described as follows. A broadcast station subscribes to one or more information providers for providing various types of information.
The subscription determines the type of information transmitted between the broadcast station and the service provider. This information includes news, weather, aviation, stocks, traffic, education, commercials, sports and the like.
As previously described, the data-miner receives content from the information providers 3o and provides the information for the content manager. The data-miner connects to the information provider at predetermined intervals. A typical interval between connections
The data-caster is further responsible for formatting the data it receives such that it can be transmitted over a plurality of different transmission media protocols.
Referring to figure 4, the data-caster 112 is illustrated in greater detail. The data-caster includes several broadcast modules for formatting the received information. In this particular example, the data-caster has a DAB module 402, a DARC module 412, a FM-RDS module 404, an Internet module 406, a wireless network module 408, and an AM/FM module 410.
Each to of the modules is designed to provide information to the appropriate broadcast device according a predetermined protocol.
Each module has the same input, that is all the data from the content manager, and each module filters the data accordingly. For example, the Internet module 406 forwards all of the information it receives from the content manager, including audio, visual, and text.
FM-RDS, however, cannot send images and therefore the FM-RDS module 404 only forwards the audio and text it receives.
The data-caster is designed to be modular such that other broadcast media can be added 2o without having to make major modifications to the system. All that would be required is a system update, which would be integrated seamlessly for the broadcast station.
The operation of the system is described as follows. A broadcast station subscribes to one or more information providers for providing various types of information.
The subscription determines the type of information transmitted between the broadcast station and the service provider. This information includes news, weather, aviation, stocks, traffic, education, commercials, sports and the like.
As previously described, the data-miner receives content from the information providers 3o and provides the information for the content manager. The data-miner connects to the information provider at predetermined intervals. A typical interval between connections
7 is five minutes, but may be longer or shorter depending on the configuration and requirements on the system. Alternately, there may be a permanent connection between the data-miner and service providers. The information provider identifies the data-miner and provides the information for which it has subscribed. The received data is stored in the database and is ready for broadcasting.
The broadcast station uses the content manager to edit any images, audio, and text received from the data-miner. Data received from other sources can also be edited using the content manager. This feature allows the broadcast station to customize image, text, 1o and audio data before broadcasting it. As previously described, the broadcast station can use the content manager to create bundles of information relating image, text, and audio data to be broadcast together.
The broadcast station creates a schedule for presenting the information to the users. The content manager automatically sends the appropriate information to the data-caster according to the schedule. The broadcast station can schedule pre-stored data to be broadcast. In this case, the content manager retrieves the data and sends it to the data-caster. Alternately, the broadcast station can schedule a live data stream to be broadcast.
The content manager receives the data as it is streamed in and sends it to the data-caster.
2o The latter option allows broadcast stations to broadcast live talk shows, interviews, performances, and the like which is often the case in radio.
The data-caster provides several modules for formatting the information for broadcasting.
Each module customizes the information for a different broadcast medium.
Typically the data-caster only provides the modules which the broadcast station desires.
Since the data-caster is modular, modules for additional broadcast media can be added as they become desired by the broadcast station. The data-caster is coupled with hardware required to provide all of the desired services and the output is provided accordingly.
3o In an alternate embodiment illustrated in figure 5, the broadcast station wishes to continue using an AM/FM broadcasting system already in use but wishes to add DAB,
The broadcast station uses the content manager to edit any images, audio, and text received from the data-miner. Data received from other sources can also be edited using the content manager. This feature allows the broadcast station to customize image, text, 1o and audio data before broadcasting it. As previously described, the broadcast station can use the content manager to create bundles of information relating image, text, and audio data to be broadcast together.
The broadcast station creates a schedule for presenting the information to the users. The content manager automatically sends the appropriate information to the data-caster according to the schedule. The broadcast station can schedule pre-stored data to be broadcast. In this case, the content manager retrieves the data and sends it to the data-caster. Alternately, the broadcast station can schedule a live data stream to be broadcast.
The content manager receives the data as it is streamed in and sends it to the data-caster.
2o The latter option allows broadcast stations to broadcast live talk shows, interviews, performances, and the like which is often the case in radio.
The data-caster provides several modules for formatting the information for broadcasting.
Each module customizes the information for a different broadcast medium.
Typically the data-caster only provides the modules which the broadcast station desires.
Since the data-caster is modular, modules for additional broadcast media can be added as they become desired by the broadcast station. The data-caster is coupled with hardware required to provide all of the desired services and the output is provided accordingly.
3o In an alternate embodiment illustrated in figure 5, the broadcast station wishes to continue using an AM/FM broadcasting system already in use but wishes to add DAB,
8 FM-RDS, Internet, and Wireless network capabilities (herein referred to as the "new system"). The output of an auto-playback component 502 of the existing system is routed through the data-caster 112. The broadcast station uses the content manager 108 in a similar manner to that previously described except that the actual scheduling is done by the existing system. Alternately, the output of the auto-playback component 502 is routed directly to an antenna for AM/FM broadcasting and through the data-caster for other broadcasting media.
However, for multimedia broadcasting there is a problem synchronizing the audio data to provided by the auto-playback system with the supplementary data provided by the new system. For example, if it is unknown when a particular song is being played it is possible to display image and text data corresponding to the song after it has been completed and the next song has begun. Therefore, each different segment of data (that is each song, each talk show, each newscast, and the like) is provided with an identifier such as a serial number. When the auto-playback system transmits a segment of data, the audio data is transmitted to the data-caster and the identifier is transmitted to the content manager.
The content manager includes a control monitor module. The control monitor interfaces with radio stations' existing auto-playback systems (for example AudioVault, Dalet, DCS, and the like) to provide full multimedia content broadcasting. The control monitor module is capable of generating a slide show automatically based on the identifier received from the auto-playback system.
When the data-caster receives the information from the existing system, it forwards the audio data to the different broadcast transmitters. The content manager receives the serial number and uses it to retrieve corresponding image and text data. The retrieved data is forwarded to the data-caster. As in the previous embodiment, the data-caster then transmits the supplementary data to the appropriate transmission medium. While there is 3o a delay between the transmission of the audio data and the supplementary data, the delay is minimal and is typically lower than the order of milliseconds. There may, however, be
However, for multimedia broadcasting there is a problem synchronizing the audio data to provided by the auto-playback system with the supplementary data provided by the new system. For example, if it is unknown when a particular song is being played it is possible to display image and text data corresponding to the song after it has been completed and the next song has begun. Therefore, each different segment of data (that is each song, each talk show, each newscast, and the like) is provided with an identifier such as a serial number. When the auto-playback system transmits a segment of data, the audio data is transmitted to the data-caster and the identifier is transmitted to the content manager.
The content manager includes a control monitor module. The control monitor interfaces with radio stations' existing auto-playback systems (for example AudioVault, Dalet, DCS, and the like) to provide full multimedia content broadcasting. The control monitor module is capable of generating a slide show automatically based on the identifier received from the auto-playback system.
When the data-caster receives the information from the existing system, it forwards the audio data to the different broadcast transmitters. The content manager receives the serial number and uses it to retrieve corresponding image and text data. The retrieved data is forwarded to the data-caster. As in the previous embodiment, the data-caster then transmits the supplementary data to the appropriate transmission medium. While there is 3o a delay between the transmission of the audio data and the supplementary data, the delay is minimal and is typically lower than the order of milliseconds. There may, however, be
9 a perceivable delay at a receiving end since various components such as Internet traffic, weather conditions, and the like can alter transmission speeds. This perceivable delay is beyond the scope of the present invention.
Although the invention has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as outlined in the claims appended hereto.
1o
Although the invention has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as outlined in the claims appended hereto.
1o
Claims (2)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEDGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A system for broadcasting data from a broadcast station via a plurality of different broadcast media comprising:
a content provider for providing data in a predetermined format; and a data-caster for customizing said data for at least one of a plurality of predetermined broadcast protocols.
a content provider for providing data in a predetermined format; and a data-caster for customizing said data for at least one of a plurality of predetermined broadcast protocols.
2. A system as defined in claim 1, wherein said content provider further includes:
a data-miner for receiving data of a predetermined nature; and a content manager for organizing said received data and scheduling said organized data to be broadcast.
a data-miner for receiving data of a predetermined nature; and a content manager for organizing said received data and scheduling said organized data to be broadcast.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2310200 CA2310200A1 (en) | 2000-05-29 | 2000-05-29 | A system and method for providing broadcast information in multiple formats |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2310200 CA2310200A1 (en) | 2000-05-29 | 2000-05-29 | A system and method for providing broadcast information in multiple formats |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2310200A1 true CA2310200A1 (en) | 2001-11-29 |
Family
ID=4166324
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2310200 Abandoned CA2310200A1 (en) | 2000-05-29 | 2000-05-29 | A system and method for providing broadcast information in multiple formats |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2310200A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1540906A1 (en) * | 2002-09-05 | 2005-06-15 | South Land Communications Pty Ltd | A system to deliver internet media streams, data and telecommunications |
| WO2007125375A1 (en) * | 2006-05-01 | 2007-11-08 | Nokia Corporation | Method and apparatus for showing images during radio playback |
-
2000
- 2000-05-29 CA CA 2310200 patent/CA2310200A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1540906A1 (en) * | 2002-09-05 | 2005-06-15 | South Land Communications Pty Ltd | A system to deliver internet media streams, data and telecommunications |
| EP1540906A4 (en) * | 2002-09-05 | 2006-11-15 | South Land Comm Pty Ltd | A system to deliver internet media streams, data and telecommunications |
| WO2007125375A1 (en) * | 2006-05-01 | 2007-11-08 | Nokia Corporation | Method and apparatus for showing images during radio playback |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20030529 |