WO2000059120A1

WO2000059120A1 - Arrangement for receiving radio by internet

Info

Publication number: WO2000059120A1
Application number: PCT/FR2000/000747
Authority: WO
Inventors: Philippe De Renty
Original assignee: Philippe De Renty
Priority date: 1999-03-25
Filing date: 2000-03-24
Publication date: 2000-10-05
Also published as: AU3439100A; FR2791499A1

Abstract

According to the invention, a screen (8) and buttons (9) enabling selection of an audio signal network source, a connector (3) that is used to receive audio signals emanating from said source via a computer, and a transmitter for local radio broadcast of said audio signals are integrated into a device (1). The invention enables conventional radio reception and sound reproduction devices (24) to be used in order to listen to audio signals that are broadcast by a network such as Internet.

Description

ARRANGEMENT FOR INTERNET RADIO RECEPTION

The present invention relates to the field of data processing, and more precisely to the field of access to radio via the Internet. Many radio stations - hereinafter radio stations - are broadcast not only conventionally by local broadcasting on given frequencies, but also via the Internet. Other sites on the Internet offer audio programs which are not necessarily broadcast. It is therefore possible to receive, via the Internet, audio programs of all kinds, such as concerts, speeches, speeches, and others; it is possible to listen to these audio programs on a correspondingly equipped computer or multimedia computer.

There are also websites which allow a user to establish an Internet connection with radio stations, even if he does not know the Internet addresses of the different radio stations; as an example of such a site, mention may be made of the address site www.comfm.fr, which in January 1999 contained a list of hypertext links to more than 1,800 radio stations from 98 countries; we can also mention the server giving the address of the radios associated with the site of the magazine Rolling Stones (registered trademark), at the address www.rsradio.com. Another example is the site www.broadcast.com.

In this way, the Internet network makes it possible to offer amateurs a worldwide choice among radio stations, and no longer a choice limited by the local and international allocation of AM / GO frequencies in the vicinity of their home, or more generally of the listening place. This mode of access to the radio nevertheless has the disadvantage of being associated with Internet access, and therefore linked to a computer. Thus, only the computer user can listen to the programs on his multimedia equipped computer; on the other hand, it is not possible to reproduce the programs on the usual devices for the reception of the radio or listening to it, such as radio receiver or tuner, and stereophonic chains. To listen to radios transmitted over the Internet, it is necessary to use the sound reproduction equipment associated with a computer, that is to say the speakers integrated into or connected to the computer; this leads to duplication of equipment. In addition, listening to radio over the Internet requires, with the solutions of the prior art, knowledge of the Internet, and is not easy for a novice user.

A solution to this problem is proposed in WO-A-99 38266, filed before and published after the priority date of the present application. This document proposes a smart radio, that is to say a conventional radio, which is provided with a socket. telephone. The socket connects to the telephone network, and allows the intelligent radio to directly access a station broadcast by the Internet, without requiring any particular computer knowledge for the user. In another embodiment, this document proposes a tuner, which also allows direct access to a station broadcast on the Internet, and which provides on an audio output the signals received from the Internet. In a third embodiment, this document proposes a device which makes it possible to record the audio signals received from a network.

Internet. This device is capable of connecting to the Internet and allows, as in the other embodiments, the selection of a station by the user, as on a conventional radio set. The audio signals received are recorded, and can then be retransmitted towards a conventional radio device, for example by radio transmission with frequency modulation or with amplitude modulation.

The various devices proposed in this document are intended to replace a computer and to avoid a user intrinsic manipulations in the operation of a computer. This document therefore suggests that you should not use a computer to listen to Internet radio stations.

In addition, US-A-5 319 716 provides an adapter, which makes it possible to listen to compact discs played in a portable disc player in a car.

The adapter receives the audio signals supplied by the disc player, and retransmits them in the form of radio waves to the antenna of the automobile; it is proposed to retransmit on a frequency which is not used in the geographical area.

The adapter allows you to listen to the discs played by the portable disc player using the radio equipment installed in the vehicle. WO-A-96 32783 provides an analog interface, but for a cellular telephone. The cell phone is installed in an interface box, and the signals received from the cell phone are converted into radio signals, and retransmitted to be picked up by the vehicle antenna and listened to through the vehicle's radio installation.

The invention proposes a solution to these problems. It makes it possible to use for listening to radios diffused by Internet the existing equipment for the reproduction of sound, such as stereophonic chains or more generally all the usual radiophonic equipment; it simplifies access to radio stations broadcast by network, and in particular by the Internet.

More specifically, the invention provides an apparatus for radio broadcasting of audio signals broadcast over a network, comprising means for storing at least one source of audio signals on the network, means for receiving audio signals from this source and radio broadcasting means of the audio signals coming from the receiving means. Preferably, the means for receiving audio signals comprise a connection to network access equipment. In other words, the means for receiving audio signals are in fact means for receiving, from equipment for accessing the network, audio signals coming from the source. In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises means for selecting a source of audio signals. These means preferably include a screen on which addresses of signal sources are displayed.

Advantageously, the selection means select the source from among the sources stored in the storage means. In one embodiment, the reception means comprise a connector for connection to a network access device such as a computer.

The broadcasting means may include a frequency modulation transmitter. One can for example use one or more frequencies between 863 and 865

MHz. This transmitter has for example a power between 5 and 15 mW, and preferably a power close to 10 mW. It advantageously has an adjustable frequency.

The invention also provides a method for listening to audio signals broadcast on a network, comprising a step of selecting a source of audio signals on the network, a step of receiving audio signals from this source and a radio broadcasting step of the audio signals.

The step of receiving audio signals preferably comprises receiving from network access equipment audio signals from the source. Preferably, the diffusion step comprises local diffusion at low power. The method can also include a step of memorizing the address of at least one source of audio signals on the network. The selection step is preferably carried out among the addresses stored in the storage step.

The invention finally provides a radio receiver, or a sound reproduction device, having a specific receiver for the reception of signals broadcast by such a device. The specific receiver advantageously has a reception band between 863 and 865 MHz.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description of embodiments of the invention, given by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings, which show - Figure 1, a schematic representation an apparatus according to the invention; Figure 2, a block diagram of an apparatus according to the invention and associated devices. The invention is described below with reference to the example of radio stations; it does not only apply to these radio stations, but more generally to all sites broadcasting audio programs on the Internet.

The invention is also described with reference to the Internet; it also applies to similar networks, and in particular to the planned successors of the Internet.

The invention proposes to locally transmit the audio signals received on the Internet, on the usual radio waves or on a specific frequency. These signals are for example emitted on a frequency little used, with a weak power; the invention thus makes it possible to use the usual radio reception equipment, as well as the sound reproduction equipment associated therewith; it is thus possible in a home, a restaurant, a disco or other to use the existing radio reception devices and high-fidelity channels. It is also possible, if a frequency which is not a usual radio frequency is used, to provide in the usual radio reception equipment, or in the sound reproduction equipment, a suitable receiver.

The invention further proposes to group together on a single device the elements allowing the broadcasting of the signals coming from an audio signal source. It proposes in particular to group in the device means for receiving signals from the source of audio signals from the network, means for broadcasting the audio signals received, and means for memorizing addresses of sources of audio signals. The invention allows the user to prepare a list of addresses of audio signal sources, typically a list of radio stations, according to his own tastes - with a classification by country, by State, by city, by genre, Or other.

Furthermore, the invention proposes to use existing equipment, such as a computer, to access the network. The apparatus of the invention therefore does not normally include the hardware means of access to the network - modems or the like - but simply an interface to a separate piece of equipment for accessing the network.

Advantageously, means can be added to the device allowing the selection of a source of audio signals; in this way, the invention can be used simply, without requiring numerous maneuvers on the part of the user wishing to choose a radio station broadcast by Internet. The invention thus provides the user with ergonomics close to the radio devices to which he is accustomed.

Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an apparatus 1 according to the invention; in the embodiment of the figure, this device has the appearance of a mouse pad. As just explained, the device has means for receiving audio signals from the Internet; in the example of the figure, these receiving means consist of a connector 3 mounted at the end of a wire 4; the connector is intended to be connected to a computer; we can in particular for this purpose use a serial port, a mouse port, or a USB port; more generally, the device of the invention can be connected to any port to which audio signals are redirected from a source of audio signals on the Internet.

In other words, the device of the invention does not receive signals directly from the Internet, but receives signals from the network via a network access device - in the example a computer. This avoids having to provide in the device of the invention all the hardware and software means for accessing the network, such as modems, processors, etc. This also allows the device of the invention to be programmed simply, without the need to know the network access provider and all the parameters attached. The device of the invention is therefore not intended to replace an existing network access device, but on the contrary to supplement it to allow the broadcasting on existing equipment of audio signals received from the network by a device access to the network. The apparatus of the invention also has means for radio broadcasting of the audio signals received on the connector; in the example of the figure, these means consist of a transmitter 5 with a power of the order of 10 mW; the transmitter is a transmitter in the usual radio band, or a transmitter in another band, and for example between 863 and 865 MHz. These means can also have an antenna 6, which in the example of the figure forms the outline of the device; such a power, or more generally a power between 5 and 15 mW allows good reception by radio receiving devices located in a close environment, such as for example radio receivers located in the same apartment or in the same house. This power value is also suitable for transmissions in another band, for example in the band from 863 to 865 MHz which is mentioned below. This power does not cause significant disturbance in the vicinity, so much so that it is tolerated by American regulations. Examples of transmitters capable of transmitting with such power, without significant electromagnetic interference, are available on the FCC website at www.fcc.gov/mmb/prd/lpfm.

The transmission frequency can be chosen so as to be received by conventional radio reception equipment; in western countries, one can use a transmission frequency band in the frequency modulation band between 79.5 and 108 MHz, which would be little used by FM radio stations One can also use other frequency bands , or other types of modulation, as explained below.

It is in particular possible to use for the invention the frequencies in the band called "Wireless Audio Applications" (wireless audio applications), which ranges from 863 to 865 MHz. In this case, a power of 10 mW is appropriate. This frequency band is not usually available on radio receivers (more commonly known as "tuners"); it is possible in this case to provide in the radio receivers reception means adapted to receive signals in this frequency band. Such a receiver can also be added to sound reproducing devices which are not radio receivers. One could for example add such a receiver in a high-fidelity chain.

Preferably, the frequency at which the transmitter operates can be adjusted by the user; an adjustment screw can be provided for this purpose, allowing the user to modify the transmission frequency of the transmitter; this avoids any interference with neighboring devices, or with a pre-existing frequency on the FM band or on another band. The frequency variation range can be of the order of 0.5 MHz, which is enough to avoid interference.

The apparatus of the figure further presents means 2 for storing addresses of sources of audio signals; in the simplest embodiment, these storage means contain a radio station address, which is the default address; provision can also be made to store more than one address in the storage means. Any conventionally known means can be used for the storage means. The apparatus preferably has means for selecting a source of audio signals on the network; in the example of the figure, these means comprise a screen 8 on which are displayed the addresses of the various sites broadcasting on the network audio signals, and more specifically radios. The selection means also comprise selection buttons 9, which allow movement of a cursor or of a marker among the addresses displayed, and which can also allow the scrolling of these addresses. These buttons can be used for storing addresses in the storage means 2 of the device.

It is possible to provide for a selection of the source of the audio signals either from the addresses stored in the storage means 2 and displayed on the screen 8, or from a set of sources offered from the computer, for example from a website, such as explained below. Screen 8 is controlled from the computer to which the device is connected, so as to display the different sites; in return the computer receives from the device the choices made by the user using the buttons. The operation of the device is explained in more detail below with reference to FIG. 2.

In the example of the figure, provision has also been made for supplying power to the device via an adapter 10; one could also provide a power supply via the computer. The apparatus of the invention can also present, as in the embodiment of the figure, a second screen 11, for displaying information, such as for example advertising or other information, from the network; it is clear that the screens 8 and 1 1 can constitute a single display device, part of which would display the addresses and another part of the advertising information.

It is also possible to provide on one or other of the screens the display of indications that

- The apparatus of the invention is running;

- the audio signal is retransmitted in monophony or stereophony.

We can plan to display other information depending on the application. Figure 2 shows a block diagram of an apparatus according to the invention and associated devices. We recognize in Figure 2 the device of the invention and a computer 20 for accessing the Internet 21, as symbolized by the arrow 22. In addition, the figure shows a radio receiver, in the form of a tuner 24.

The operation of the apparatus of the invention is as follows; the device is connected to the computer by the reception means; the computer provides access to the Internet. A program in the computer makes it possible to control the device according to the invention.

Using the information supplied by the user, using the selection buttons, the computer program detects that the device of the invention has been turned on by a user. It therefore displays information on screen 8 allowing the user to choose from the various websites broadcasting audio signals over the network. The data displayed can be data stored locally on the computer; it may also be data downloaded from an Internet site, for example from the device manufacturer's site. Once this information is displayed on the screen, the user can use the selection buttons to choose from the various audio signal sources available to him. One can also provide the possibility for the user to enter using the device of the invention a site address which is not offered.

In another operating mode of the device, which can be a default operating mode as soon as addresses have been registered in the storage means, the addresses stored in the storage means can be displayed on screen 8 . It is also possible to display on the second screen user assistance indications, or even advertising information.

The choice made is transmitted to the computer by the connector and the computer program uses the choice to access the Internet site selected by the user; the audio signals received from the selected site are returned to the device of the invention, via the connector. Since the Internet is a packet transmission network, it is possible for a computer user to receive audio signals intended for the device, and at the same time use the network connection for another purpose.

The audio signals received by the computer from the network are retransmitted to the device of the invention, always via the connector 3 and its wire; the signals are then retransmitted by the transmitter, in the form of radio signals which can be received by a conventional radio receiver 24, on the radio frequency of the transmitter. It is clear that the digital signals transmitted by the network are transformed into analog signals to be emitted in the form of radio waves by the transmitter. This transformation is usually carried out in the transmitter. A conventional device, such as the receiver 24 can then receive the signals transmitted by the device of the invention; in this way, as indicated above, it is possible to receive and reproduce audio signals broadcast over the Internet, using existing radio devices.

We also understand that the operation of the invention, after the installation of the program in the computer, is very simple: it suffices to select the source of audio signals on the device of the invention, using the buttons , and then select on the radio receiver the transmission frequency of the device. The invention is therefore much simpler in use than searching the Internet for sites broadcasting audio signals. In the example of FIG. 2, a conventional tuner is used for the reception of the signals, insofar as the signals are transmitted in the conventional frequency band. One could also use a separate frequency band (like the one mentioned above); in this case, the device used for sound reproduction or for reception can be fitted with a specific receiver. It can for example be a tuner, with a specific receiver, and a switch making it possible to pass from the conventional frequency band to the frequency band of the specific receiver.

The description of the invention does not specify the electronic means used for controlling the buttons, screens and the transmitter, as well as the exact nature of these components; these are choices of implementation which are within the reach of those skilled in the art of electronics.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the examples and embodiments described and shown, but it is susceptible of numerous variants accessible to those skilled in the art. It is clear that the invention, if it has been described in the preferred embodiment of an apparatus having the shape of a mouse pad, can be implemented in other devices. The invention has also been described in the case where a computer is used as a means of access to the Internet network; it also applies if you use other means to access the network, such as a device access to the Internet connected to a television, or other devices; these devices also constitute a "computer" within the meaning of the present description.

If an antenna is provided, the antenna can be placed not only on the outline of the device, but also in a groove made in the device, or in another configuration.

In the preferred embodiment, the program accessing the network is stored and executed in the computer; depending on the nature of the network access means, the program can also be stored and executed in the apparatus of the invention.

In the preferred embodiment shown in the figure, the selection means are in the device; one could also use storage means in the device and selection means on the computer screen.

In addition to the selection buttons shown, one could use a touch screen or other similar device for the selection means.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for radio broadcasting of audio signals broadcast over a network, comprising - storage means (2) of at least one source of audio signals over the network;

- means for receiving (3, 4) audio signals from this source;

- radio broadcasting means (5, 6) of the audio signals coming from the reception means.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises means for selecting (8,9) a source of audio signals.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the selection means comprise a screen (8) on which addresses of signal sources are displayed.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the selection means selects the source from the sources stored in the storage means.

5. The device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the reception means comprise a connector (3) for connection to a network access device such as a computer.

6. The apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the broadcasting means comprise a transmitter (5) with frequency modulation.

7. The apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the broadcasting means comprise a transmitter (5) with a frequency between 863 and 865 MHz.

8. The device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the transmitter has a power between 5 and 15 mW, and preferably a power close to 10 mW.

9. The device according to claim 6, 7 or 8, characterized in that the transmitter has an adjustable frequency.

10. The apparatus of one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the means for receiving (3, 4) of audio signals comprise a connection to a network access equipment.

11. A method for listening to audio signals broadcast over a network, comprising

a step of selecting a source of audio signals on the network;

- a step of receiving audio signals from this source;

- a stage of radio broadcasting of audio signals.

12. The method according to claim 1 1, characterized in that the step of receiving audio signals comprises receiving from a network access equipment audio signals from the source.

13. The method according to claim 1 1 or 12, characterized in that the diffusion step comprises local diffusion at low power.

14. A method according to claim 11, 12 or 13, characterized in that it further comprises a step of memorizing the address of at least one source of audio signals on the network.

15. A method according to claim 14, characterized in that the selection step is carried out among the addresses stored in the storage step.

16. A radio receiver, having a specific receiver for the reception of signals broadcast by an apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 10.

17. The receiver according to claim 16, characterized in that the specific receiver has a reception band between 863 and 865 MHz.

18. A sound reproduction apparatus, having a specific receiver for the reception of signals broadcast by an apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 10.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that the specific receiver has a reception band between 863 and 865 MHz.