Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
  • H04H60/00—Arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linking to broadcast information or broadcast space-time; Broadcast-related systems
  • H04H60/76—Arrangements characterised by transmission systems other than for broadcast, e.g. the Internet
  • H04H60/81—Arrangements characterised by transmission systems other than for broadcast, e.g. the Internet characterised by the transmission system itself
  • H04H60/93—Wired transmission systems
  • H04H60/96—CATV systems
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F16/00—Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor
  • G06F16/60—Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor of audio data
  • G06F16/63—Querying
  • G06F16/635—Filtering based on additional data, e.g. user or group profiles
  • G06F16/637—Administration of user profiles, e.g. generation, initialization, adaptation or distribution
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F16/00—Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor
  • G06F16/60—Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor of audio data
  • G06F16/68—Retrieval characterised by using metadata, e.g. metadata not derived from the content or metadata generated manually
• • 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
  • H04H60/27—Arrangements for recording or accumulating broadcast information or broadcast-related information
• • 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
  • H04H60/61—Arrangements for services using the result of monitoring, identification or recognition covered by groups H04H60/29-H04H60/54
  • H04H60/66—Arrangements for services using the result of monitoring, identification or recognition covered by groups H04H60/29-H04H60/54 for using the result on distributors' side
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
  • H04H60/00—Arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linking to broadcast information or broadcast space-time; Broadcast-related systems
  • H04H60/76—Arrangements characterised by transmission systems other than for broadcast, e.g. the Internet
  • H04H60/81—Arrangements characterised by transmission systems other than for broadcast, e.g. the Internet characterised by the transmission system itself
  • H04H60/93—Wired transmission systems
  • H04H60/94—Telephonic networks
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
  • H04N21/80—Generation or processing of content or additional data by content creator independently of the distribution process; Content per se
  • H04N21/81—Monomedia components thereof
  • H04N21/8106—Monomedia components thereof involving special audio data, e.g. different tracks for different languages
  • H04N21/8113—Monomedia components thereof involving special audio data, e.g. different tracks for different languages comprising music, e.g. song in MP3 format
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N7/00—Television systems
  • H04N7/16—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
  • H04N7/173—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal

Definitions

• the present invention relates generally to audio transmission, receiving, and playback systems, and is more specifically directed to a system that automatically disseminates user- preferred audio recordings from a service center to a receiving unit at the user's location, and wherein the receiving unit uses a recording recorder or recorder/player to record the audio information onto a medium that is easily transported and from which it can be played back, such as audio cassette tape.
• Some of these tools do not require a personal computer in order to yield benefits to society from the communications revolution. If used correctly high-speed data links into the home have tremendous potential not just in the field of the Internet, but in the field of audio transmission, receiving, and playback systems. People have a desire for entertainment. To satisfy this desire some people read books, others listen to the radio, still others watch television. Take for example a lazy student who would like to listen to some music. Previously the lazy student would have to get out of bed, get dressed, take a walk to the music store, select the music of his/her choice, purchase the music on CD or cassette tape, and bring the music home. All of this involves a considerable time investment on the part of the lazy student.
• the present invention provides a better way to deliver customized audio information and entertainment to the people who live in today's world.
• the present invention provides a way to send information directly to the user's home where it will be recorded onto media that is easily transported and widely available, such as standard magnetic audio cassette tape, for future playback by the user at a time and place of the user's own choosing.
• VanLeeuwenUS Pat. 5,654,747 andHendricks US Pat. 5,990,927 describe inventions that can generate electromagnetic control signals in order to control a standard VCR. This is similar to one of the alternative embodiments of the present invention. However the focus in the art mentioned above is on the control of a VCR, a device designed to present video primarily. The material does not address the need to control standard audio recording devices. In addition, the inventions do not address the issue of controlling standard recording devices that do not make use of an electromagnetic controller.
• the present invention includes a system and methods for the delivery of audio information to a large group of subscribers on a regular basis.
• the audio information can be educational, recreational, or informational in nature.
• the system consists of a service center, a base unit, and an audio player/ recording device.
• Each base unit is designed to be installed on the user's premises, thus the service center delivers audio information to a plurality of base units.
• the service center stores user profile information, stores compressed audio recordings for future delivery, transmits compressed audio information to each base unit, and acts as an interface for users.
• the base unit provides status information to the service center, receives service center transmissions, stores the compressed audio information contained in the transmissions, and delivers the audio information to an audio player/ recording device such as a standard cassette tape deck.
• the base unit delivers the audio information by taking control of the tape deck connected to the base unit, and by delivering an audio signal to the standard recording device.
• the signal is input to the standard recording device where it is recorded onto a standard magnetic tape audio cassette.
• cassettes are easily transported, widely used, and commonly available to everyday people.
• a method is described that is performed by the base unit to exert control over the audio player device such that the audio information is downloaded to the cassette in an unattended fashion, without interaction on the part of the user. Communication between the service center and each base unit is done over a data network that operates on top of the Public Switched
• the distribution of audio information from the service center to each base unit is done in a manner that maximizes the efficient use of system resources in an effort to reduce the cost of the system.
• a distribution id is described that accomplishes this goal through the use of network management tools and logic.
• Transmission of user-preferred audio recording from the service center to the base unit is done automatically, without the need for regular user interaction. It is an advantage of the present invention that it provides users with a delivery system that can deliver audio recordings onto standard audio cassette tapes in a cost-effective manner. Audio cassette tapes are widely used and available to consumers today. The ubiquity of audio cassette tape players in cars, stereo systems, and portable players, makes playback of the delivered information easy and convenient. It is an advantage of the present invention that it provides users with a delivery system that maximizes the use of resources. Resources owned by the users of the system, and system resources. The invention makes use of resources already owned and available to users such as a telephone, an audio cassette recorder, and standard off-the-shelf audio cassettes. Likewise the invention maximizes the number of users that can be served by a single service center thereby lowering the cost of the service on a per user basis.
• FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the service center and one of the multiple subscriber base units of the present invention, with standard recording device.
• FIG. 2 is a detailed schematic diagram of working components contained in the control interface port and the user switch portions of the base unit.
• FIG. 3 is a flow diagram detailing the procedure that a user must follow in order for a recording to be made onto a cassette tape from a standard magnetic tape recording device.
• FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of the distribution method used by the service center to distribute audio information to each base unit connected to the service center.
• FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the invention: a base unit that i »ls a standard recording device by transmitting an electromagnetic wave control signal.
• FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of the invention: a base unit that works in cooperation with a personal computer, making use of the computer's resources to perform some of the work involved with downloading and processing an audio message from the service center.
• FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of the invention: a base unit that has a standard magnetic tape recording device built into it. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
• FIG. 1 presents a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a system 95 according to the present invention.
• the system 95 of this invention is a delivery system that is composed of three major components: a service center 33, and a multitude of subscriber base units (here one base unit 77 is shown), that each interface with a user-owned and supplied recording device 80.
• the service center 33 functions as a centralized data repository and distribution point. It contains data storage in the form of non- volatile media 38 that holds user profile data and a compressed library of audibly expressed recordings for distribution to users, as well as a centralized means of communication in the form of a network interface 32 to contact user base units 77.
• the communications platform 14 of the preferred embodiment is the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and the means of communication is an Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) modem 16.
• PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network
• ADSL Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Line
• the ADSL modem 16 serves to connect each subscriber base unit 77 with the service center 33 over a data network provided by the local network service provider.
• the system is designed to accommodate a variety of communication means and can use any device capable of interfacing with the base unit 77.
• Some examples include a cable modem for use on a CAble Television (CATV) network transmission platform or a wireless technology such as digital PCS.
• CATV CAble Television
• the base unit is intended to interface with a variety of audio player devices.
• the base unit 77 connects to a standard, user-supplied, magnetic audio tape recording device 80 and delivers audio information and entertainment to the recording device 80 where it is recorded to a standard audio cassette tape 82 under the control of the base unit 77.
• the base unit 77 can be designed to connect to other types of audio player devices including a recordable CD or a solid-state player device.
• FIG 5 is a diagram of a base unit 77 for use with a recording device 80 that has an infrared or other electromagnetic wave remote controller. It is intended that the technique used to interface the base unit 77 to the audio player device 80 not be limited to these few examples. Those skilled in the art will recognize a number sibilities for controlling an audio player device depending on the device.
• FIG 6 depicts the subject invention for use with a desktop computer system for those users who own a desktop computer and wish to use it.
• FIG. 7 depicts a base unit with an integral recording device for use by users who do not own a recording device that is suitable for interface with the base unit 77.
• the system 95 delivers audio information in a unidirectional manner, from the service center 33 to the user base unit 77, and delivery is always initiated by the service center 33 under a fixed time schedule that is configured by the user.
• the delivery schedule is stored as part of the user's profile which is kept on the non- volatile data storage media 38 and can be altered by users at any time. Alteration of the delivery schedule can be accomplished by individual users through a plurality of PSTN telephone lines 17 connected to an Interactive Voice Response (TVR) unit 30.
• TVR Interactive Voice Response
• the INR acts as an interface for the user through which the user can modify personal profile data stored by the database 22, add to existing personal profile data, speak to a customer service representative 29, or modify the delivery service by simply entering commands from his/her telephone keypad 18. It is intended that the service center interface for users be simple and convenient.
• the service center 33 also stores compressed audio recordings on the non-volatile storage media 38.
• the audio recordings and the user profile information are stored in an identifiable fashion, under the control of the database software 22, and executed by the media controller 36.
• the recordings are accessed by the CPU resources 34, under the direction of a control program stored on non- volatile memory such as an EPROM 52, for distribution to user base units 77 as described below.
• Audibly expressive works such as music and voice recording are stored on the non- volatile data storage media 38 in a digital, compressed data format and input to the service center through the input device 26.
• Audio recordings that are input to the service center 33 as a first analog audio signal will be converted to a digital signal by the Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) 25 before being passed to the Digital Signal Processor or DSP 20.
• the DSP 20 will format the digital signal received from the ADC 25 and subsequently apply compression to the resulting digital data before passing the data to the database software 22 for storage.
• the audio input device 26 be capable of inputting audio information to the service center 33 from the various forms that the information may be transmitted on. This includes previously recorded media such as an audio tape cassette, CD, or a digital audio tape, DAT, spontaneously recorded information such as that collected from i rophone, or previously formatted data which may be transmitted over a connection to the Internet or over a T-carrier service.
• the non- volatile storage media 38 of the service center 33 may talce a variety of forms including a Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks (RAID) array, a 4mm tape drive, computer hard disk drive, Bernoulli drive, recordable CD, or other form depending on current trends in digital data storage technology.
• the audio recording data stored on the nonvolatile storage media 38 is periodically collected by the CPU 34, temporarily stored in volatile system memory 28, formatted, and transmitted to user base units via the network interface 32.
• the network interface 32 can be a single xDSL modem, a collection of xDSL modems, or a T-carrier to a network service provider, depending on the number of base units 77 that need to be served by a single service center 33.
• the CPU 34 Before transmission begins the CPU 34, under the direction of the network management program 50, requests current status information from each base unit 77 (step 404, FIG. 4). Once this information is received from the base unit 77, the CPU 34 transmits the audio information to users who desire information and records the successful transmission via the accounting software 24 which operates on the service center CPU resources 34. The process by which the CPU 34 collects desired user information from the non- volatile media 38 and prepares to transmit will be discussed next.
• Audio recordings input to the service center are stored on the non-volatile data storage media 38 in an addressable location that can be cross-referenced by a category description reference number.
• Category description reference numbers are comprised of two numbers, a general category number and an index number. Each general category heading provides a rough description of the content of the audio recordings stored under it, and is established by service center personnel 29 as a means to organize the repository of audio recordings stored on the nonvolatile media 38. Every audio recording stored by the service center 33 has a unique index number. However many different audio recordings can have the same general category number depending on the content of the recordings. For example one recording stored by the service center
• the 33 may specifically deal with the topic of regular exercise habits as related by a highly paid motivational speaker. Another recording may deal specifically with time management as related by the same motivational speaker. Each of these recordings will receive a unique index number before storage, but both may be stored under the same general category number: the number corresponding to the topic of Discipline. All audibly expressive works entered into the service center 33 are categorized prior to storage and delivery. When service center personnel 29 input audio information they monitor the title of the information for indications regarding its general content. If the input audio recording is previously titled so that the content is clearly described, ae recording is fed into the service center and categorized according to its title.
• the content of the recording is monitored by the service center personnel 29 and is stored according to the category deemed appropriate by the service center personnel 29. Once the general content and category of the recording is determined, a general category number and an index number are assigned to the recording as a storage reference.
• the general categories of the service center information repository residing on the data center's non- volatile data storage media 38 are published and distributed to users on a menu 11.
• the menu 11 serves the dual purpose of informing users of the audio information that is available for delivery, and acts as a guide for the user to set up his/her personal information profile as described below.
• Menus 11 are designed to illustrate the current categories of audio recording available to the user and are periodically revised to document additions/deletions to the list of available categories.
• a menu utilized for information of a motivational nature might contain several general categories such as Bad Habits, Lifestyles, Discipline, and Charity. Within each general category there could be several sub-categories.
• the general Lifestyles category mentioned above could be broken down into sub-categores such as Worrying, Haughtiness, and Anxiety. Within each sub-category there could be multiple audio messages, each message being referenced by a unique index number as described above.
• Menus can be printed and distributed to users by hand, listed audibly over the IVR 30, mailed to users, broadcast over a CATV network, or displayed on an Internet website. The menu is designed to change according to the desires of the user base. Should a user of the system 95 desire that a new category be established by the service center 33 he/she can indicate his/her desire through contact with service center personnel 29 or by returning a mail-in survey form.
• User profile information stored by the database software 22 includes the user's account number, Personal Identification Number (PIN), delivery preference, service activation field, and an information profile that lists user-preferred information categories and their relative importance to the user.
• PIN Personal Identification Number
• service activation field an information profile that lists user-preferred information categories and their relative importance to the user.
• users select specific categories of interest which are listed on the menu 11. Users can do this by contacting the service center 33 directly from their telephone 18 by dialing the service center telephone number. Once connected the user is guided by the IVR 30 2;h a series of options that allow the user to enter profile information including preferred categories of interest and their relative importance to the user. For example a user who has already set up a profile on the service center database reads the latest menu revision and finds that the service center is now offering teaching excerpts regarding the general category Overcoming Anxiety: the Workplace.
• the user desires to hear information under this category but realizes that her profile currently lists Lifestyles: Overcoming the desire to overeat like an American as the prime category choice for delivery. She understands that she will not receive excerpts from the Anxiety category during the next delivery period unless she changes her profile. To do so she dials the service center telephone number and uses the IVR menu selections to modify her profile so that the Anxiety topic is now the primary category choice. In the future the service center CPU 34, after consulting her updated user profile, will select audio recordings from the Anxiety category first for delivery to her base unit 77.
• the user profile also includes a delivery preference. The delivery preference specifies which days of the week the user wishes to have audio delivery take place.
• Options may include a Monday through Friday delivery but are based on the needs of the users served by the service center.
• the user profile also contains a service activation field. This field is used by the user to activate or deactivate the delivery service. Deactivation of the delivery service will prevent the service center CPU 34 from creating a transmission message and originating a transmission session during the delivery period (step 401, FIG. 4) as described below. If necessary the user can also contact a service representative 29 by selecting the appropriate IVR menu item. Once a user profile is established the user no longer needs to contact the service center. Delivery of audio recordings from the service center to the user's base unit will proceed continuously according to the delivery preference indicated on the stored user profile. Daily contact with the service center is not necessary to initiate the delivery of information.
• All user profile data is managed by the service center database software 22 which makes use of the non- volatile storage media 38 via the media controller 36 and the CPU 34.
• Stored user profile information is used as a guide by the service center CPU 34 for the delivery of audio recordings during the delivery period.
• the delivery service of the service center 33 uses user profile information stored by the database unit 22 to deliver only user-preferred audio information to each user base unit 77.
• a specific time period known as the delivery period, is set aside by the service center CPU 34 for delivery of user-preferred audio information.
• the CPU 34 Prior to the delivery period the CPU 34 begins to compile a collection of compressed audio recording from the storage media 38 ch individual user who has profile information on the database 22, who currently has an active service activation field stored on his/her user profile, and who signifies that delivery is desired via the base unit as described below. This may include one or more items of audio information from the non-volatile storage media 38.
• the collection of audio information will be gathered by the CPU 34 and formatted for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) transmission over the communications platform 14 connected to the service center 33.
• TCP/IP Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
• the TCP/IP formatted collection of compressed audio information is referred to as a transmission message.
• the CPU 34 performs this function automatically by accessing the user profile information stored on the storage media 38 to determine which categories of information the user is interested in.
• the CPU 34 then begins to format the message that will be sent to the user base unit using its RAM 28.
• the CPU 34 selects one or more compressed audio recordings from the storage media 38 for delivery to the user.
• the audio recordings selected by the CPU 34 are recordings that have content categories that match or closely match the user-selected categories listed on the user profile database 22.
• the audio recordings are placed in sequence according to the user-preferred relative ranking of categories stored on the database 22 in order to form the information content of a complete transmission message.
• the CPU 34 checks the database 22 to ensure that no duplicate information is sent to the user. Once the transmission message is complete the CPU 34 queues the message for transmission (step 407, FIG. 4). Transmissions are only done during the delivery period as described below. In this manner the CPU 34 automatically compiles transmission messages for every active user on the database 22. Queued messages are stored in
• the service center CPU 34 schedules audio delivery to user base units 77 based on a 24 hour per day cycle. Each 24 hour cycle contains a minimum of one user response period and one delivery period.
• the user response period is the time when the service center 33 uses all of its available resources to perform routine operations. These operations include the input of audio information, interaction with users of the delivery service, user activation and deactivation of the delivery service, and system administration of service center 33 resources.
• audio information is input to the service center 33 via the service center input means 26.
• audio information is input to the service center 26, converted to digital format if necessary, compressed, and stored in the non-volatile media 38 under a database schema defined by the database software 22.
• the compression algorithm used by the service center may be MPEG, Dolby AC3, G-722 or some other algorithm le of compressing digital audio effectively. Audio recordings that are input to the service center in first analog audio format will be converted to digital format by the conversion means 25 before being stored on the non-volatile storage media 38. It is intended that the audio input device take a variety of forms so as to provide for flexibility in reading audio information on the many various forms of recording media available today. Thus the audio input device 26 can take the form of an audio tape cassette deck, CD, a DAT, a microphone, a connection to the Internet, a T- carrier to an information service, or some other device capable of feeding audibly expressive works in analog or digital format to the conversion means 25. Another routine operation of the service center 33 is to interact with users of the service.
• the user response period is also the period of time during which users may choose to activate or deactivate delivery of audio messages by the service center 33. This is done in two ways. The first way a user may activate or deactivate delivery is to contact the service center 33 directly via the methods indicated above. Once the user establishes contact with the service center 33 he/she may deactivate or activate the delivery service by changing his/her stored user profile information to indicate that delivery is no longer desired. This will prevent the service center 33 from building a transmission message, as shown in step 401 of FIG. 4. The service activation status field stored in the user's profile in the database 22 is queried by the CPU resources 34 to determine if the user wants a delivery during the next delivery period.
• the second way a user may activate or deactivate the delivery service is by switching the base unit switch 44 to the on position to activate, or to the off position to deactivate.
• the position of this switch is monitored by the base unit's CPU resource 49 and is stored as status information in the base unit's non- volatile memory 70. This information will be read by the service center's network management resources 50 to determine if delivery is desired (FIG.4, step 404).
• the base unit switch acts as a simple interface for the user to communicate with the service center. It is provided for the convenience of the user so that if a user does not wish to ⁇ e time to contact the service center 33 he/she may simply flip the switch 44 on his/her base unit 77 to indicate that delivery is not desired.
• This interface provides the user with a simple and convenient means to manage his/her own information delivery from the service center in accordance with his/her own time schedule and information needs.
• the use of network management 50 also provides a way for the service center 33 to quickly determine exactly who does or does not desire to receive audio information. If a user does not wish to receive information during the cycle, no further processing is done on his/her behalf by the service center 33. Further details concerning the network management 50 portion of the service center follow in the next paragraph. Input and storage of audio information, and interaction with users of the service comprise the main functions that are accomplished during the user response portion of the service center 33 activity cycle. This portion of the normal service center 33 cycle is considered to be preparatory for the next period of the normal service center cycle, the delivery period.
• the delivery period of each 24 hour cycle is the time period when the service center 33 devotes most of its resources to the delivery of transmission messages to user base units 77.
• the delivery period begins the primary function of the service center CPU resource 34 is to coordinate the delivery of queued transmission messages (steps 440-454, FIG.4) to user base units
• the CPU 34 begins the delivery period by
• the CPU 34 polls each user base unit 77 via the service center network interface 32.
• the network management protocol is Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) and polling is accomplished when the CPU 34 originates an SNMP Get Request via the SNMP management program 50.
• SNMP Simple Network Management Protocol
• the protocol used for network management 50 can also be CMOT or some other effective network management protocol.
• the service center CPU 34 transmits the SNMP Get Request over the data network as a TCP/IP protocol Protocol Data Unit (PDU).
• the SNMP Get Request is received by the base unit 77 and processed by the SNMP agent that is part of the base unit control program stored in non- volatile memory 72.
• the means of communication over the PSTN 14 is an xDSL modem 16.
• the SNMP Get Request polls the user base unit 77 for information regarding the user's status information. In the preferred embodiment the user status information is limited to the tion status of the user switch 44.
• the base unit switch 44 in the preferred embodiment, is a two-position switch that indicates the status of the base unit 77 as either activated or deactivated by the user. Its current position is read by the base unit CPU 49 (item 44, FIG. 2) and stored in flash memory 70 as activation status information object, indicating a true or false state.
• the base unit CPU 49 retrieves the current status information stored in flash memory 70 and forms a reply to the service center 33.
• the service center CPU 34 receives the reply from the base unit 77 and then correlates the activation status information stored in the user profile database 22 with the current state of the user's base unit switch 44 to determine if the user desires delivery (step 401-407, FIG. 4).
• the use of SNMP enables the service center to develop a very fast overview of the switch settings that exist throughout the entire population of user base units 77.
• the network management software located at the service center 33, can obtain status information stored by the base unit 77.
• the technique mentioned above whereby the service center 33 actively polls each base unit for information regards the use of an SNMP Get request.
• Another technique whereby the base unit 77 sends out information autonomously, based on status information, can also be used.
• Information such as the present postion of the user switch 44 could be sent by each base unit 77 to the service center 33 in the form of an SNMP Trap as soon as the user switch 44 is switched from one position to another.
• a modified base unit 77 could contain not just one switch but several switches, each switch being monitored by the base unit CPU 49 for position status. Depending on the service provided by the service center 33 each of the switches could represent a different category of information for delivery. For instance, using the example given above, one switch could indicate that the user desires to receive niformation classified in the category of Bad Habits. Another of the switches could indicate that the user desires to receive information from the Lifestyles category. Another to indicate ration from the Discipline category.
• each of the base unit 77 switches could be easily implemented by labeling each of the base unit 77 switches as A, B, C, D and by giving the user the option of assigning his/her own categories to the -A, B, C, D- switches via the website operated by the service center 33.
• SNMP can also be used by the service center 33 as a trigger mechanism to cause Hie base unit CPU 49 to execute specific instructions. These instructions may include a multitude of functions within the capabilities of an embedded microprocessor system, including the commencement of recording by the recording device 80 as exemplified below.
• each transmission message is constructed by the service center CPU 34 it is queued for delivery to the respective user base unit 77.
• the service center CPU 34 initiates a TCP/IP session from the service center 33 to the user base unit 77.
• the TCP/IP session is used to convey a compiled transmission message from the service center 33 to the base unit 77 (step 450, FIG. 4).
• the base unit 77 verifies the completion of the TCP/IP transmission and stores the received transmission message in flash memory 70.
• the base unit sends an acknowledgment to the service center 33 and the TCP/IP session originated by the service center 33 is closed (step 454, FIG.
• the service center CPU resource 34 then moves to the next user on the list and repeats the process described above. This process is repeated for each user on the list.
• the service center CPU resource 34 will discontinue its attempt to deliver the message to the base unit 77 in question and move on to the next user base unit 77 on the list. Since the TCP/IP protocol is flexible and capable of supporting numerous sessions it is intended that many sessions may be established between the service center 33 and a plurality of user base units 77 near simultaneously or simultaneously.
• Limiting factors include the extent of the service center CPU resources 34 and, in the preferred embodiment, the bandwidth of the network interface 32 to the network service provider serving the PSTN lines that reach the user base units 77.
• the delivery period ends when all queued messages have been delivered or unsuccessfully delivered.
• the service center 33 may try to establish the transmission session again in the event that the transmission message was not successfully received but will cease all attempts after a pre-deterrnined number of attempts have failed within one delivery cycle. The attempts are then recorded as an unsuccessful delivery.
• the CPU records the successful delivery via the accounting software 24.
• the accounting software 24 makes use of the non- volatile storage media 38 to keep a record cessful message deliveries.
• TCP/IP is currently the state of the art for reliable data transmissions across data networks. However it is intended that the present invention not be limited to this single method of reliable data communication during the information download phase of the delivery cycle. Any reliable protocol for the transmission of data across a network will suffice in place of TCP/IP.
• the system resources of the service center 33 are sized according to the needs of the user base. During the delivery period CPU processor time may be segmented to perform message compilation simultaneously with message delivery. Therefore the extent of the CPU resouces 34, system RAM 28, and storage space on the non- volatile storage media 38 required in the service center 33 is based on the amount of space needed to handle the logistics of delivering transmission messages to each base unit 77 served by the service center 33 during a fixed time period.
• the communications resources used by the service center 33 can be sized based on historical TCP session information. As described above successful transmission to a user involves the use of TCP signaling. With the assistance of the service center CPU 34, a record of successful transmissions can be recorded on the service center non- volatile media 38 during each delivery cycle.
• Typical customer usage patterns can be identified with this information. Once the typical usage patterns are identified the communications resources of the service center 33 can be sized such that adequate capacity is provided to deliver information to each user of the system 95.
• Properly sized communications resources sized to efficiently discharge the operations workload associated with each delivery cycle, will result in reduced service center costs and thereby reduce the costs passed on to users of the system 95.
• the total number of base units 77 will vary depending on the information provided.
• the system 95 is intended to be flexible, providing a variety of audio information to a group or several different groups. For instance one group may consist of a local church and desire to receive religious information over the service 95 while another group may consist of a local business desiring to deliver messages to its sales force overnight. Both groups can be serviced by the same service center 33 using different scheduled delivery periods for different purposes. Thus the information needs of more than one group can be accommodated by a single service center 33.
• the base unit 77 is designed for use by an individual user; thus, the system 95 contemplates a plurality of base units, each possessed by an individual user for the purpose of receiving a transmission from the service center 33, interfacing with a user-supplied recording device, and delivering the audio message contained in the transmission to the recording device 80.
• the base unit 77 is designed to be installed within the subscriber's premises 90 and is, in the preferred embodiment, simply plugged in to the household power supply 75, a user-supplied recording device 80, and an ADSL modem 16.
• the connections between the base unit 77 and the user-supplied recording device 80 include a power connection to the control interface port 40 and audio signal connections to the output of the stereo codec 45.
• the signal connections 45 are a set of standard left/right channel audio jacks identical to those normally found on standard stereo equipment.
• the power connection 40 is a standard power receptacle (40D, FIG. 2) identical to those commonly found in any residence.
• the receptacle 40D is part of the base unit 77 and the power cord from the user-supplied recording device 80 plugs into it.
• the user-supplied recording device 80 can be any of the multitude of audio recording appliances that are commonly found in consumer households. In the preferred embodiment these appliances include stereo cassette receivers, stand-alone magnetic tape recording devices, and portable stereo systems.
• the base unit 77 communicates with the service center 33 over the PSTN 14 via an xDSL modem 16.
• the xDSL modem 16 handles the physical and data link layer functions involved with maintaining an active connection to the data network side of the local network service provider. It does so without interfering with the normal purpose and function of the user's telephone 18.
• the base unit 77 connects to the ADSL modem 16 through a network interface 42 which, in the first embodiment, is a 10-base-T ethernet connection.
• the data interface protocol is compliant with the IEEE 802.3 standard protocol. This connection may also be a Universal Serial
• the base unit 77 includes a microcontroller or base-unit CPU 49, as well as EPROM 72, RAM 73, and flash memory 70.
• the non-volatile memory consists, in the first embodiment, of EPROM 72 which stores the operating code of the base unit 77, and a flash memory 70 which is used to store received transmission messages from the service center 33.
• the microcontroller or CPU 49 references the control program stored in the EPROM 72 to manage the operation of the base unit 77.
• An essential part of the operation of the base unit 77 is the output of received transmission messages stored in flash memory 70 to the user-supplied recording device his is done preferably with the help of a decoder chip 46 that is capable of decoding compressed digital audio signals into real-time digital samples.
• the digital samples are then delivered to a stereo codec 45 which accepts the samples and converts them, in the preferred embodiment, into real-time analog signals for output on the left/right channel audio jacks connected to the codec 45.
• the base unit also includes a user switch 44 which can be used by the user as an interface to signal the service center 33 that message delivery is not desired and thereby prevent transmissions by the service center 33 to the base unit 77.
• the base unit 77 can be selectively activated or deactivated by the user via the user switch 44. As detailed in FIG. 2 when the user switch 44 is in the on position the circuit through the switch is opened allowing power electricity from the base unit's power supply 75 to flow to the contact-side 40B of a normally open relay 40A that is part of the control interface port 40 and connected to the power receptacle 40D of the port 40.
• the operation of the relay 40A of the control interface port 40 is controlled by the CPU 49. In its normal state the relay 40A of the control interface port 40 is open and does not allow power electricity to flow. This prevents the normal use of any device 80 whose power cord is plugged into the receptacle 40D of the control interface port 40.
• the CPU 49 activates the relay 40A of the control interface port 40 when the base unit has received a transmission from the service center 33 and is ready to output audio information from the codec 45 as detailed below.
• the CPU 49 controls the relay 40A of the control interface port 40 by selectively activating or deactivating a specific pinout that is connected to the coil side 40C of the relay. Once the coil 40C of the relay 40A is energized the contact side 40B of the relay closes, causing power electricity to flow from the base unit power supply 75 to the receptacle 40D of the control interface port 40. When the user switch 44 is in the off position the control functionality of the base unit control interface port 40 is deactivated.
• One of the primary functions of the base unit 77 is to provide feedback information to the service center 33 regarding its operational status.
• status information ited to the logical representation of the user switch 44 described above.
• Status information regarding the position of the user switch 44 is constantly monitored by the CPU 49 of the base unit 77.
• the CPU 49 detemiines the status of the switch 44 by monitoring one of its interrupt pinouts. As demonstrated in FIG. 2 the pinout in question is connected to a circuit trace that is energized or de-energized depending on the position of the switch 44.
• the logical voltage level of the circuit trace is read by the CPU and stored in flash memory 70 as an information object. Upon request, this information is read from flash memory 70 and sent to the SNMP management program 50 operating in the service center 33 as detailed below. In this manner the service center 33 can quickly determine the present status of each user base unit 77 that is currently connected to the system 95. Armed with this information, the service center CPU 34 can then allocate service center
• the CPU 49 of the base unit under the direction of a control program, controls the overall operation of the base unit 77 and coordinates the reception of the service center's 33 transmissions.
• the CPU's control program is stored on the base unit's EPROM 72.
• the CPU 49 is used to manage the reception of mcoming transmissions, separate compressed audio information from the transmission message protocol format, store the compressed audio information, act as an SNMP protocol entity, control the operation of an external recording device 80, and coordinate the output of audio information to the recording device 80.
• the CPU 49 is designed to receive two types of messages over the network interface 42.
• the first type of message is an SNMP query from the SNMP management program 50 located at the service center 33.
• the CPU 49 When an SNMP query is received by the base unit 77 the CPU 49, under the direction of the control program 72, disassembles the SNMP PDU and reads the relevant management instructions. The CPU 49 also checks for specific security information. In particular, the source IP address and the community string of the SNMP message are examined. If the incoming transmission contains a source IP address and community string that correspond with the known service center 33 IP address and system community string, which are stored in the base unit's EPROM 72, then the PDU is processed and a reply is sent back to the service center 33. If the IP address or the community string do not match then the PDU is discarded and no reply is sent.
• SNMP messages are sent from the service center 33 to each base unit 77 to gather status information about the base unit 77 before the next type of message is assembled and sent.
• the second type of message sent from the service center 33 to the base unit 77 is a transmission message containing compressed audio information. This type of message is sent via TCP protocol.
• TCP protocol Typically a TCP session is initiated when the service center 33 sends a ironize (S YN) signal to the base unit 77.
• S YN ironize
• ACK TCP Acknowledge
• the base unit CPU 49 again checks the source IP address against the address stored in its EPROM to verify that the transmission is from the service center 33. Once the address is verified the CPU 49 establishes the receiving end of a TCP protocol session.
• the CPU 49 removes error detection and correction information contained in the transmission PDUs and stores the information payload, consisting of compressed audio information content, onto the base unit's flash memory 70.
• the CPU 49 signals the service center that the transmission is complete via TCP protocol.
• the service center 33 then terminates the TCP/IP transmission session.
• the accounting software 24 of the service center 33 then records a successful transmission to the non- volatile storage media 38 via the database program 22. This information will later be used by the accounting program 24 to prepare appropriate billing for the user.
• the record of successful transmissions is stored by the service center 33 over a period that encompasses many delivery cycles. This historical information can be used to analyze the communications resource requirements of the service center 33 as described above.
• the compressed audio information payload is transferred from the service center 33 to the base unit's flash memory 70.
• Each incoming TCP PDU is collected, sequenced, and stripped of protocol header information in accordance with TCP protocol.
• the remaining payload information consists of raw audio samples, preferably compressed according to MPEG 2.5 standards.
• the compressed audio infonnation is then stored in the base unit's flash memory 70 where it is held until the TCP session is completed.
• the CPU 49 routes the compressed audio information stored in flash memory 70 to the recording device 80.
• the output signal from the codec 45 is preferably a stereo line-level analog output signal. To output such a signal, the
• the CPU 49 retrieves the compressed audio information from flash memory 70 and sends the information to a decoder chip 46.
• the decoder 46 processes the compressed input and outputs realtime digital audio samples.
• the function of the CPU 49 and the decoder chip 46 can be accomplished by a single Digital Signal Processor (DSP) type chip with decompression software.
• DSP Digital Signal Processor
• the real-time digital audio samples are then fed to a stereo codec 45 which processes the digital samples and outputs a real-time analog output signal.
• the analog signal is output preferably as a standard left/right stereo line-level signal that can be fed to a recording device 80 having left/right stereo line-level input jacks.
• the CPU 49 activates the recording device 80 through the control interface port 40.
• the CPU 49 accomplishes this by energizing the coil of the normally open relay 40C which in turn closes the contact 40B that prevents power electricity from flowing from the base unit power supply 75 to the control interface port 40 and thus to the recording device 80 as mentioned above.
• this action will cause the recording device 80 to activate and record the audio signal to a magnetic audio cassette tape 82.
• the procedure that is necessary to properly set up the recording device 80 is detailed below. Decompression of the compressed audio information sent to the base unit 77 by the service center 33 is done to accommodate the audio recording device 80 mentioned as the preferred embodiment, a standard audio cassette tape recorder. Typical audio cassette tape recorders only accept audio information as real-time signals.
• the form of the signal conveyed from the base unit 77 to the recording device 80 depends on the capabilities of the recording device 80. Audio infonnation can be transferred from the base unit 77 to the recording device 80 in compressed form if, due to the nature of the recording device 80, this proves to be a more efficient process. For example, in the case of a solid-state recording device, it is expected that the internal recording mechanism stores audio information in compressed form to conserve digital storage space. To accommodate this type of audio player device 80, the base unit 77 would not be designed to decompress the audio information before transferring it to the recording device 80 as described above. Instead the base unit 77 would transfer the information directly to the solid-state audio player in compressed form. This will result in reduced cost for the base unit 77 and increased operational efficiency concerning the download process between the base unit 77 and the audio recorder 80.
• the CPU 49 of the base unit manages the flow of digital audio data from the base unit's internal flash memory 70 to the recording device 80, which in the preferred embodiment is a magnetic audio cassette tape recorder.
• the CPU 49 cannot, in the preferred embodiment, effectively control the audio cassette tape recorder unless the recorder is set up properly by the user.
• the user is instructed to take the following steps prior to activating the base unit: i. deactivate the base unit by flipping the user switch 44 to the off position, step 301. ii. insert a commonly available audio cassette 82 into the tape deck 80, step 304. iii. activate the recording functionality of the tape deck 80, step 307.
• step 310 This step verifies that power electricity is flowing through the base unit 77 to the recording device 80.
• step 314. This is done by flipping the user switch 44 to the on position.
• step 317 verify that the base unit 77 is working, step 317. This is accomplished by observing the spindle mechanism of the recording device 80 stop when the user switch 44 is flipped to the on position.
• the base unit 77 is appropriately connected to the recording device 80 and that the user has taken the time to rewind the audio cassette tape 82.
• FIG. 4 is a depiction of the preferred distribution method of the present invention. As shown in the drawing the method is broken down into steps performed by the service center 33, encompassed by the bracket numbered 400, and steps performed by the base unit 77, encompassed by the bracket numbered 700.
• the preferred distribution method provides for the following benefits: 1) maximum use of the real-time capacity resources of the service center 33, 2) maximum utilization of resources owned by the user 90, 3) a lower cost base unit 77, and 4) an easy and convenient way for the user to control when and if audio information is sent from the service center 33 to the user. As described above the method is initiated by the service center 33 in steps
• Steps 401 and 404 when the service center 33 checks the database 22 for the user's delivery preference.
• the service center 33 also actively queries 404 the user's base unit 77 by using its network management resources 50 in conjunction with the network interface 32.
• the results of this query 404 and the database query 401 are used to determine if a user desires to receive audio information during the next delivery period. If the results of these queries indicate that the user does want to receive information then the user's ID is added to the transmission queue 407. This process is repeated for each user until every user profile stored on the database 22 is checked.
• Steps 401 through 407 summarize the steps that take place prior to the delivery period of the service center cle and adequately prevent the service center CPU 34 from using valuable resources to assemble transmission messages for users who do not want to receive information.
• Steps 440 through 454 summarize the delivery period of the normal service center 33 cycle.
• the transmission queue derived in the preceding steps is retrieved 440 and used to build transmission messages 444.
• the service center 33 initiates contact 447 with corresponding user base units 77 and transmits tailored audio information 450 to each base unit 77.
• the transmission session is closed by the service center 454 and an entry is made by the service center accounting software 24 that signifies information successfully received.
• Steps 701 through 727 are completed by each user' s base unit 77 provided that the base unit 77 received a transmission message during the last delivery period.
• the stored transmission message is retrieved 701 from flash memory 70, decompressed 704, and output by the codec 45 in step 707.
• the use of compression is significant in that it allows the base unit 77 to store significantly more audio information in flash memory 70 than would be possible without the use of compression. Therefore much less flash memory 70 is required to store an equivalent amount of audio information when compression is used, resulting in reduced costs for flash memory 70 and subsequently, reduced costs in the base unit 77.
• FIG. 5 depicts a second embodiment that uses a control interface port 40 that is designed to interface with a recording device 80 that has a remote control receiving port 41 built in.
• This type of recording device is capable of receiving control signals from a remote controller that signal the recording device to activate, deactivate, begin recording, stop recording etc.
• the base unit 77 takes control of the recording device 80 by transmitting infrared or other electromagnetic waves.
• the electromagnetic wave transmitted by the base unit 77 conforms to the electromagnetic wave normally produced by the remote controller of the recording device 80.
• the base unit contains a set of pre-defined electromagnetic wave profiles designed to communicate with the recording device 80 through its remote control receiving port 41.
• the control interface port 40 of this embodiment preferably does not consist of a power relay 40 A under control of the base unit CPU 49.
• the control interface port 40 consists of a built-in electromagnetic transmitter capable of duplicating the control signals normally transmitted by the remote controller of the recording device 80.
• control interface port 40 may consist of a combination of power relay 40 A as detailed in the best mode and an electromagnetic transmitter to enable the control interface port 40 to activate the recording device 80, deactivate the device, start the recording process, and stop the recording process.
• This embodiment is intended to provide a more thorough control alternative to those users who have recording devices 80 that make use of an electromagnetic remote controller.
• FIG. 6 depicts a third embodiment of the invention designed for people who have access to or own a personal computer (PC) 10 and can access the data network connected to the service center 33.
• Storage and decompression of transmission messages sent from the service center 33 are not done by the base unit 77 in this embodiment.
• These functions are completed on the host personal computer 10 by specialized software that is installed by the user for this purpose.
• the flash memory 70 and decoder chip 46 are removed.
• the data network interface 42 is replaced by a serial port 43 that functions to transfer digital audio samples from the PC's serial port 12 to the base unit 77.
• the serial port 43 may also be a universal serial bus interface, a parallel port interface, or other type of data interface that effectively receives and transmits data between the base unit 77 and the user's personal computer 10.
• Direct communication with the data network built upon the communications platform 14 is no longer done by the base unit 77 itself but by the personal computer 10 in conjunction with a modem 16 such as an xDSL or cable modem.
• the service center 33 does not initiate contact with the base unit 77 to deliver transmission messages. Instead the base unit 77 waits for the user to activate the personal computer 10. Once the personal computer is activated, the base unit 77 signals the SNMP agent on the PC 10, installed as part of the software mentioned above, to send a trap to the service center 33 indicating that the base unit 77 is available to receive a transmission message.
• the service center 33 When the service center 33 receives the trap it diverts some of its resources to assemble a transmission message. The transmission message is then sent to the PC 10 where it is decompressed and stored using the personal computer's 10 resources. Digital audio samples are then output on the PC serial port 12 and received by the base unit 77 on the base unit's serial port 43. The base unit CPU 49 then activates the recording device L the control interface port 40 and routes the samples to the stereo codec 45 where they are transformed to analog audio signals and output to the recording device 80. Once the transmission message is successfully received by the personal computer the service center accounting unit 24 records the download as a successful transmission.
• FIG. 7 is an example of another embodiment of the invention.
• a recording device 80 is built into the base unit 77 to accommodate those users who do not own a standard recording device that can accept an audio input signal. The control of the recording device 80 is still accomplished by controlling power electricity through a power relay.
• the base unit 77 activates the recording device 80 and delivers the audio message to the recording device 80 as detailed above.
• the connections between the recording device 80, codec 45, and control interface port 40 are direct electrical connections. There is no need for a receptacle 40D or stereo left/right output jacks on the codec 45. This will enable the user to make recordings on standard audio recording media such as a magnetic audio cassette tape 82 without the need for a recording device with input signal capability.

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• 2001
  • 2001-04-26 EP EP01928899A patent/EP1417792A1/de not_active Ceased
  • 2001-04-26 WO PCT/US2001/013479 patent/WO2002089372A1/en active Application Filing

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