WO2010102083A1

WO2010102083A1 - Personal media player with user-selectable tempo input

Info

Publication number: WO2010102083A1
Application number: PCT/US2010/026163
Authority: WO
Inventors: Edith L. Shapira; Mark E. Schimidhofer
Original assignee: Shapira Edith L; Schimidhofer Mark E
Priority date: 2009-03-04
Filing date: 2010-03-04
Publication date: 2010-09-10

Abstract

A personal media player (PMP) with a user-selectable tempo setting input. The user-selectable tempo setting input allows a user to indicate desired tempo (e.g., beats per minute). The PMP plays audio files corresponding to the desired tempo. The PMP may also allow the user to control the tempo of the audio files played by the device. In some embodiments, a user's heart rate information may be used to determine which audio files are played by the PMP.

Description

PERSONAL MEDIA PLAYER WITH USER-SELECTABLE TEMPO INPUT

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S. C. § 119(e) to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/157,244, entitled "PERSONAL MEDIA PLAYER WITH USER-SELECTABLE TEMPO INPUT," filed March 4, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Many people listen to music or other audio when doing cardiovascular exercises. Often, such exercisers wear a personal media player, such as an iPod from Apple, Inc. or similar device, to listen to the music of their choice. Some exercisers prefer to listen to fast-paced or high-tempo music selections when exercising at rigorous paces. Current personal media players have no way of adjusting the tempo of the songs played by the device except by selecting particular songs or pre-determined play lists.

SUMMARY In one general aspect, the present invention is directed to a personal media player (PMP) with a user-selectable tempo input. Using the device, a user may sort songs stored on their PMP for playing by tempo range. In one embodiment, the PMP receives the user tempo selection, determines the songs stored on the device that have a beats per minute (BPM) level that corresponds to the user-selected tempo level, and plays those songs one at a time until the user changes the tempo selection. That way, the user can easily select songs having a tempo level corresponding to their desired tempo setting. This may be particularly valuable for users who are exercising. If the user increases the pace of their workout, and desires to listen to music that matches the pace of their workout, the user may increase easily the tempo selection level to hear songs with correspondingly higher BPM. Conversely, if the user decreased the pace of their workout, the user could decrease the tempo selection level to hear songs with correspondingly lower BPM. In some embodiments, the PMP may play songs having a particular BPM level or within a particular BPM range that encourages the user to maintain a desired pace. These and other benefits of the present invention will be apparent from the description below. FIGURES

Various embodiments of the present invention are described herein by way of example in connection with the following figures, wherein:

Figure 1 is a diagram of a personal media player (PMP) according to various embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a block diagram of the PMP of Figure 1 according to various embodiments;

Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the process flow of the PMP of Figure 1 according to various embodiments;

Figure 4 illustrates a PMP in communication with an exercise machine according to various embodiments;

Figure 5 illustrates a PMP in communication with a heart rate monitor according to various embodiments;

Figure 6 illustrates a PMP in communication with step detector device according to various embodiments of the present invention; Figure 7 is block diagram of the PMP of Figure 1 according to various embodiments; and

Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating different operating modes of the PMP according to various embodiments of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION

In one general aspect, the present invention is directed to a personal media player (PMP) that allows the user to control the tempo of the audio files being played by the (PMP). Figure 1 is a diagram of a PMP 10 according to various embodiments of the present invention. The PMP 10 may comprise a digital audio player, as an iPod from Apple, Inc. or other similar PMP. As such, the PMP 10 may play digital audio files that a user can listen to through speakers, such as headphones (not shown), connected to the PMP 10. The digital audio files may comprise MP3 files, AAC files, WMA files, Ogg Vorbis files, FLAC files, Speex file, or files using any other suitable digital audio format. The PMP 10 may download the audio files from a computer device 12 that is in communication with the PMP 10. The PMP 10 may be in communication with the computer device 12 via a USB cable 14 or some other interface. The PMP 10 may be in communication with the computer device 12 via wired or wireless communication links. The computer device 12 may comprise a personal home computer, for example. A user may download audio files (e.g., songs) to the PMP 10 from the computer device 12 and/or from online digital media repositories, such as the iTunes Store from Apple Inc., to which the computer device 12 is connected, such as through the Internet. The PMP 10 preferably is a handheld device. In the illustrated embodiment, the PMP 10 comprises a housing 22 that encloses internally various electrical components (including integrated circuit chips and other circuitry) to provide computing operations for the PMP 10. The integrated circuit chips and other circuitry contained within the housing may include processor circuits (e.g., microprocessor, DSP), memory circuits (e.g., ROM, RAM), a power supply (e.g., battery), a circuit board, a hard drive, other memory (e.g., flash) and/or various input/output (I/O) support circuitry. The electrical components may also include components for inputting or outputting music or sound such as an amplifier, and a digital signal processor (DSP). The PMP 10 may have an interface 16, such as a USB interface, for connecting to a computer on its lower surface. The PMP 10 may also have a jack in which a jack plug of an earphone set (not shown) may be inserted.

In the illustrated embodiment, the PMP 10 comprises a user interface that allows the user of the PMP 10 to initiate actions on the PMP 10 and provides the user with output associated with using the PMP 10. In various embodiments, the user interface may comprise a display 24 and a touch pad 26. The display screen 24 is used to display information visually to the user and it may be a LCD display, for example, or any other suitable visual display type.

The touch pad 26 allows a user to operate the PMP 10. The touch pad 26 may be configured to provide one or more control functions for controlling various applications associated with the PMP 10. For example, the touch initiated control function may be used to move an object or perform an action on the display screen 24 or to make selections or issue commands associated with operating the PMP 10. In order to implement the touch initiated control function, the touch pad 26 may be arranged to receive input from a finger moving across the surface of the touch pad 26, from a finger holding a particular position on the touch pad and/or by a finger tapping on a particular position of the touch pad 26. In various embodiments, the touch pad 26 may generally consist of a touchable outer surface 28 for receiving a finger for manipulation on the touch pad 26. Although not shown in Fig. 1, beneath the touchable outer surface 28 may be an arrangement of sensors that are configured to activate as the finger sits on, taps on, or passes over the outer surface 28. In the simplest case, an electrical signal is produced each time the finger is positioned over a sensor. The number of signals in a given time frame may indicate location, direction, speed, and acceleration of the finger on the touch pad 26. In most cases, the signals are monitored by an electronic interface that converts the number, combination, and frequency of the signals into location, direction, speed, and acceleration information. This information may then be used by the PMP 10 to perform the desired control function on the display screen 24. Using the touch pad 26, the user may be able to select the mode of operation for the PMP 10, cycle forward or backward through audio files, adjust the volume, etc. Such touch pads are known in the art, such as the iPod from Apple, Inc.

The PMP 10 also may comprise a user-adjustable tempo input device 30. Using the tempo input device 30, the user may select a tempo range for digital audio files (e.g., song tracks) to be played by the PMP 10. Any suitable user input device may be used, such as a rotary dial, a touch pad like the touch pad 26, one or more switches (e.g., pressure activated switches), buttons, a touch screen, a slide bar, etc.

Using the tempo input device 30, the user may increase or decrease the tempo of the songs played by the PMP 10. According to various embodiments, the user may first select a tempo selection mode of operation for the PMP 10. The user may select this mode of operation through the user interface comprising the display 24 and the touch pad 26. When the user selects this mode of operation, the PMP 10 may be responsive to the user's tempo selection inputs via the user device 10. For example, in one embodiment, if the input device 30 is a rotary dial and the user rotates the dial clockwise, the PMP 10 plays songs that have a greater tempo. Conversely, if the user rotates the dial counter-clockwise, the PMP 10 plays songs that have a lesser tempo. Similarly, if the tempo input device 30 is a slide bar, sliding the bar to the right increases the tempo of the songs and sliding the bar to the left decreases the tempo. In another embodiment, if the user input device comprises two buttons or pressure actuated switches, activating one switch (or button) may increase the tempo and activating the other switch (or button) may decrease the tempo.

In various embodiments, tempo is measured in terms of beats per minute (BPM). The tempo input device may have a number of settings, and each setting may correspond to a tempo range in terms of BPM. For example, in one embodiment, there may be ten (10) selectable tempo ranges, such as listed in the chart below. The chart below also identifies physical activities that may correspond to the corresponding BPM.

If the user selects level 2, the PMP 10 would play songs having a BPM between 71 and 80, and so on. Of course, in other embodiments, a different ranges and/or a different number of user selectable ranges may be used. In addition, according to various embodiments, the PMP 10 may be programmed to play a digital music track either faster or slower than real-time in order to increase or decrease the BMP of the music track. For instance, using the above example, if the user selected tempo level 8 (corresponding to a BMP of 131 to 140), the PMP 10 may play songs having a BMP of 141 to 143 up to 2% slower than real time, and/or may play songs with a BPM of 127 to 130 up to 3% faster than real time, in order to increase the available number of music tracks available for the given tempo setting level. Of course, in other embodiments, greater or lesser adjustments to the playback rate may be used, although preferably the distributors are suitably small to avoid undesirable distortion. In some embodiments, the user may alter the playback speed of a song during playback. The user may wish to achieve a BMP that is more commensurate with their current level of activity, for example. A song originally recorded at 133 BMP may be adjusted by the PMP to a level of 129 BMP or 135 BMP, for example, depending on the user's preference. Thus, the user may be able to slightly speed up or slightly slow down a song during playback to provide the user with a desired listening experience. In some embodiments, the tempo input device 30 may be used during playback to address the play rate of the song. In other embodiments, other types of input devices, such as rotary dials, slide bars, or buttons, for example, may be used to provide input to the PMP in order to adjust the tempo of the song during playback. Figure 2 is a block diagram of the PMP 10 according to various embodiments of the present invention. As shown in Figure 2, the PMP 10 may comprise a central processor unit (CPU) 40 and a number memory circuits or units. The PMP 10 may also include a power source (not shown), such as a battery, for powering the electrical components of the PMP 10. The CPU 40 may comprise a microprocessor 50 and a digital signal processor (DSP) 52. The microprocessor 50 and the DSP 52 may be integrated into one integrated component/circuit, or they could be implemented as separate, connected integrated circuits. The microprocessor 50 may control the various components of the PMP 10. The DSP 52 may, for example, perform various sound quality enhancements to the digital audio played by the PMP 10, including noise cancellation and sound equalization. The CPU 40 may execute instructions stored in a memory unit (e.g., the ROM 44) to carry out operations associated with the PMP 10. For example, using instructions retrieved from memory, the CPU 40 may control the reception and manipulation of input and output data between components of the PMP 10. In most cases, the CPU 40 executes instruction under the control of an operating system or other software. The CPU 40 can be a single-chip processor or can be implemented with multiple components (e.g., ICs).

The CPU 40 may be in communication with a volatile memory unit, such as random access memory (RAM) 42, and a non-volatile memory unit, such as read only memory (ROM) 44. The PMP 10 may also comprise a repository 46 that stores the digital audio files and data about the files. The data, particularly for music tracks, may include: artist; title; year of release; time (length); album; and BPM. The BPM data for the music tracks may be downloaded to the PMP 10 from the computer device 12 and/or the online repository. The repository 46 may be implemented as a non-volatile memory, such as a flash memory (e.g., an EEPROM) and/or a hard disk drive (HDD) that stores digitally encoded data on rapidly rotating platters with magnetic surfaces. A memory management unit of the CPU 40 may control the CPU's access to the memory units.

A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 60 may convert the digital audio signals from the CPU 40 to analog form for coupling to the acoustic transducer(s)/earphones 62. An I²S interface 64 or other suitable serial or parallel bus interface may provide the interface between the CPU 40 and the DAC 60. Also as shown in Figure 2, the CPU 40 may be in communication with the components of the user interface, including the display 24, the touch pad 26, and the tempo input device 30. That way, the CPU 40 may receive the user inputs, such as from the touch pad 26 and/or the tempo input device 30, and display information for the user via the display 24.

The PMP 10 may also include an I/O port 48 that allows the PMP 10 to connect externally to remote devices, such as computer 12 (see Figure 1). The memory units, such as the ROM 44, may store instructions that are executed by the CPU 40. In various embodiments, the ROM 44 may store instructions that when executed by the CPU 40, causes the CPU 40, when in the user tempo selection mode, to play only audio files whose BPM is within the user selected tempo range as selected by the user via the input device 30. In addition, as described above, the ROM 44 may store instructions that when executed by the CPU 40 causes the CPU 40 to either speed up or slow down the playback rate of a music file to adjust its BPM so that it is in the selected range.

Figure 3 is a diagram of the process flow for the user-selectable temp mode of operation for the PMP 10 according to such an embodiment. At step 100, the PMP 10 (e.g., the CPU 40) determines whether the PMP 10 is in the tempo selection mode. In various embodiments, a user may select the tempo selection mode using the touch pad 26 to select a mode of operation displayed on the display 24. If the user has not selected the tempo selection mode, the process terminates at step 102.

On the other hand, if the user has selected the tempo selection mode, at step 104 the CPU 40 may determine the tempo level selected by the user based on the user's setting for an adjustment of the tempo selection input 30. At step 106, based on the user's selected tempo level, the CPU 40 may determine the music tracks stored in the repository 46 of the PMP 10 whose BPM meets the BPM range for the user's selected tempo setting. The CPU 40 may do this by searching for or sorting the files based on BPM. In addition, at step 108, the CPU 40 may determine the music tracks whose BPM can be either adjusted upward or downward within the set limits (to avoid annoying distortion) to fall within the corresponding BMP range for the user's selected tempo. Again, the CPU 40 may do this by searching for or sorting the files based on BPMs that are within acceptable distortion levels for the user-selected tempo level. Then, at step 110, the CPU 40 may play the tracks determined at steps 106 and 108 one at a time. The PMP 10 may play the tracks in a random order or some other order.

While in the tempo selection mode, the PMP 10 continues to play the tracks that fall within the BPM range for the user's selected tempo range, and the CPU 40 will receive an input at step 112 if the user adjusts the tempo setting level. If the user adjusts the tempo setting level using the input device 30, the process will return to step 104, at which point the PMP 10 will determine the tracks stored in the repository 46 that are suitable for the new tempo selection. This process may be repeated until the user exits the tempo selection mode. The user may exit the tempo selection mode, for example, by selecting a different mode of device operation via the user interface (e.g., display 24 and/or touch pad 26) or turning the PMP 10 off. In other embodiments, the PMP 10 may have different modes of operation related to the tempo setting levels. For example, in any operating mode for the PMP 10, including a normal operating mode or the tempo selection mode, the user, via the touch pad 26, may indicate a preference for a song. When the user indicates a preference for a particular song, the PMP 10, e.g., the CPU 40, may search the repository 46 for songs that have a BPM close to the selected song. For example, the PMP 10 may search the repository 46 for songs have a BPM within +/- x percent of the BPM of the selected songs. The PMP 10 then may play the songs stored in the repository 46 that meet this criterion until the user changes the tempo selection or exits the user mode. That way, the user can select their preferred tempo setting based on a preferred song rather than having to select a tempo setting.

In addition, in other embodiments, the PMP 10, through the user interface, may allow the user to establish play list routines for workouts, such as warm-up, peak activity, cool down, interval training, etc. The user may set a tempo setting range for each routing, for example, by either selecting the tempo setting level via the tempo input selector 30 or by selecting a particular example song for each routine. The PMP 10 may search the repository 46 for other songs that meet the tempo criteria for the given routine, that is, for example, songs in the repository 46 whose BPM is within +/- x percent of the selected tempo setting. The user may then select, via the user interface, to include the song in routine or to remove it from the routine. In another embodiment, instead of or in addition to receiving user-selected tempo adjustments via the input device 30, as shown in Figure 4, the PMP 10 may be in communication with an exercise machine 150, such as an endless path exercise machine, such as a treadmill (as shown in the example of Figure 4), a stair climber, an exercise bicycle, an elliptical trainer, a rowing machine, or any other suitable exercise machine. In such an embodiment, as the machine 150 changes its rate of operation (either by user selection or program, for example), the machine 150 may communicate the rate change to the PMP 10, which may change correspondingly the tempo selection level of the PMP 10. For example, if the user is at tempo selection level 3 and going 3.0 mph on the machine 150, if the machine 150 increases during the course of the workout to 4.0 mph, the PMP 10 may receive this input from the machine 150 and increase automatically the tempo selection level to 4 (or some other level). That way, as the user increases or decreases the pace of the workout, the PMP 10 can automatically change the tempo level of the music tracks being played correspondingly. In such embodiments, the user may also be able to override manually the automatic adjustments by using the input device 30. The exercise machine 150 may be in communication with the PMP 10 via a wired or wireless communication link 152. For embodiments using a wired communication link 152, the PMP 10 may be in communication via a USB cable or some other suitable wired communication link. For example, the machine 150 may comprise a PMP docking port where the user can dock the PMP 10 so that the PMP receives the pace data from the machine 150 via the docking part. For embodiments using a wireless communication link 152, the communication link may utilize Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (e.g., IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n), WiMAX (IEEE 802.16), Zigbee, UWB, or any other suitable wireless communication protocol. For such embodiments, the PMP 10 comprises a wireless transceiver (not shown) in communication with the CPU 40. Via the wireless transceiver, the PMP 10 may communicate with the machine 150 via the wireless communication link.

A person engaged in physical activity may wish to monitor their heart rate. Various devices, such as heart rate monitor watches or wireless heart rate monitors, for example, may be used. In one embodiment, the exercise machine 150 may include a heart rate monitor as one of its components. The monitor may comprise electrodes that contact on the user and deliver a signal to the exercise machine 150. The exercise machine 150 may display various information based on the signal, such as heart rate. The heart rate monitor may be any suitable data gathering device, such as an electrode secured to the user via a strap. In some embodiments, the heart rate monitor may be built into hand grips or other features of the exercise machine 150 that sense the user's heartbeat through contact. In some embodiments, the heart rate information of the user may be transmitted wirelessly to the exercise machine 150. The heart rate information may be displayed for the user to see.

The exercise machine 150 may transmit information to the PMP based on the user's heart beat. In one embodiment, a user may set, or enter, a desired target heart rate into the PMP 10. The user may enter this information using any suitable technique. In one embodiment, the tempo input device 30 is used to input the desired heart rate. In other embodiments, a separate dial, keypad, or other entry device may be used. The desired target heart rate may be a number, or a range, for example. The PMP 10, using the heart rate information supplied by the exercise machine 150 and the PMP's software, may select songs from the repository 46 with higher or lower tempos (i.e., BMP), which the user would attempt to match in order to achieve that chosen heart rate. For instance, if a user's heartbeat is higher than the desired target heart rate, the PMP 10 may play a song, or series of songs, with relatively lower tempos. As the user increased their physical exertion to match the tempo of the song, their heart rate should increase. Conversely, if the user's heartbeat is lower than the desired target heart rate range, the PMP 10 may play songs with relatively higher tempos. In reaction to the slower songs, the user may decrease the level of physical exertion and thereby reduce their heart rate.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the PMP 10 may alter the BMP of a song based on the heart rate information. For example, if a user's heart rate is lower than the desired heart rate, instead of waiting to play another song with a faster tempo, the PMP 10 may increase the tempo of the song currently being played. If a user's heart rate is faster than the desired heart rate, instead of waiting to play another song with a slower tempo, the PMP 10 may decrease the tempo of the song currently being played.

As is to be appreciated, if other remote devices are used to gather heart rate information, such as a heart rate monitor watch, for example, that remote device may provide the heart rate information to the PMP 10. The information may be provided to the PMP 10 through any suitable transmission technique, such as through a wired or a wireless connection.

Fig. 5 illustrates a PMP 10 in communication with a heart rate monitor 160 according to various embodiments. The heart rate monitor 160 may be in communication with the PMP 10 via a wired or wireless communication link 162. Furthermore, the heart rate monitor 160 may be a component of, or otherwise associated with, an exercise machine, as described above. In some embodiments, the heart rate monitor 160 is integral to the PMP 10. In some embodiments, the heart rate monitor 160 is a heart rate monitor watch or another monitoring device worn by the user and in communication with the PMP 10. Determining the song selection based on heart rate may be particularly useful in patients who are rehabilitating from a variety of medical conditions. For example, patients convalescing from myocardial infarctions ("heart attacks"), coronary by-pass or valvular heart surgery, or a variety of other cardiac conditions, are often prescribed regular exercise, with the goal to achieve and maintain for a given duration their heart rate within a given range as a therapeutic modality. Commonly, the heart rate range is between 60 and 85% of their age-predicted maximum heart rate. Accordingly, the embodiments described herein may be a valuable motivating influence to encourage patients to fulfill their exercise prescriptions.

Furthermore, in yet another health related application, the embodiments described herein may be valuable in weight reduction programs. There exist a variety of exercise related videos that encourage the viewer to engage in aerobic exercise of a variety of sorts (e.g., dancing, aerobic calisthenics, bicycle spinning, etc.). In accordance with the presently described embodiments, progressively more challenging exercise programs, such as programs playing songs with increasing BPM, could be designed for a user. It is well known that for those who have not been regularly exercising, in order to avoid injury, an exercise program should be started and increased gradually. Thus, in one embodiment, a series of musical accompaniments are developed that lead the dieter (or other type of user) to first exercise at slow tempos, progressively increasing in accordance to the increasing tempos of the supplied musical choices. The "play lists" could also be developed with a variety of musical styles from which to choose; such as, rock, blues, dance band, rap, or easy listening, for example.

In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the PMP 10 may be in communication with a step sensor device 170 that detects motion indicative of steps of a human user. For example, the step sensor device 170 may comprise a pedometer. The step sensor device 170 may be worn by a human user, such as clipped to the human user's belt, etc., and may include one or more sensors (not shown) that sense movement by the human user indicative of a walking or running step by the user. The one or more sensors may comprise mechanical or electromechanical switches. In other embodiments, the one or more sensors may comprise MEMS inertial sensors. In one embodiment, the step sensor device 170 includes a processor circuit that computes that rate of the user's activity, e.g., the number of steps per minute by the user. The step sensor device 170 communicates this data to the PMP 10 via the communication link 172, and the PMP 10 uses this data to determine the tempo level setting for the songs to be played by the PMP 10. For example, as the user's activity rate increases, the tempo level setting may increase, and vice versa. This way, the tempo level setting can be increased automatically based on user's measured activity rate without requiring the user to adjust the tempo level setting manually.

In another embodiment, the CPU 40 of the PMP 10 may be programmed to calculate the rate of the user's activity based on data from the step sensor device 170 that indicates each time the user takes a step. For example, each time the step sensor device 170 detects a step by the user, the step sensor device 170 may send a signal to the PMP 10. The CPU 40 then may calculate the rate of the user's activity by calculating the number of steps per minute (or other time period) on a rolling basis. The PMP 10 uses this calculation to determine the tempo level setting for the songs to be played by the PMP 10.

The PMP 10 and the step sensor device 170 may be in communication via a wired or wireless communication link 172. If a wireless communication link is used, the wireless communication link may utilize Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (e.g., IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n), WiMAX (IEEE 802.16), Zigbee, UWB, or any other suitable wireless communication protocol. If a wired connection is used for the communication link 172, the communication link 172 may comprises a USB cable, a RS-232 link, a Fire Wire (IEEE 1394) cable, or any other suitable wired communication link. In another embodiment, rather than having a discrete step sensor device 170, the motion sensors 164 for detecting steps by the user could be integrated into the PMP 10 as shown in Figure 7. Based on input from the motion sensors 164, the CPU 40 may calculate the user's rate of activity, which may be used to set the tempo setting level as described above. Figure 8 is a diagram according to various embodiments of how a user may choose his/her mode of operation for setting the tempo selection level for a workout or other activity and/or how to select particular song lists for a workout/activity. At step 200, the user may, through the user interface provided by the PMP 10, select the tempo setting selection mode of operation for the PMP 10. At step 202, the user may then select the input mode, e.g., the mode or manner in which the user inputs his/her preferred, real-time, tempo selection setting level or work out play list routine. For example, the user, at step 204, may select to input the tempo selecting setting level via the user input 30. At step 206, the user choose an auto-select mode, where the PMP 10 searches the repository 46 for all song files that satisfy the tempo setting level criteria as described above in connection with Figure 3. Alternatively, at step 208, instead of choosing the auto-select mode, the user could select to choose song files from a selected genre or other parameter (decade of release, etc.). If the user selected a particular music genre at step 208, the PMP 10 may search for and play song files in the repository 46 that meet the tempo setting level and the genre criteria.

Returning to step 202, the user alternatively may select to play a play list routine at step 210. The play list routine may be, for example, a pre-established routine 212 or a user-defined routine 214 that is saved by the PMP 10. In addition, at step 216, the user alternatively may select to have tempo selection settings received by the PMP 10 from a remote device input, such as an exercise machine 150, motion sensor 160, or other device, such as a heart rate monitor, as described above. In addition, when the user subsequently syncs the PMP 10 device up to the online digital media repository via the computer device 12 (see Figure 1), the digital media repository may suggest other songs for purchase and/or downloading that meet the user's tempo selection levels and/or selected genres. That way, the user can increase the number of song files in the repository 46 that satisfy their tempo preferences. In addition, as each song is played by the PMP 10 in the tempo selection mode, the user interface may provide the user with the option of indicating whether a particular song should not be played in the future in the tempo selection mode. For example, if a particular song is played by the PMP 10 in the tempo selection mode, through the user interface, the user may request that the PMP 10 move onto the next song and that the current song not be played again in the tempo selection mode. In addition, regardless of operational mode, as each song as being played by the PMP 10, the user interface may allow the user to indicate a preference to include the current song in a workout play list routine. That is, for example, the PMP 10 may allocate the current song for which the user has indicated a preference to a pre-established play list routine based on the BPM of the song file.

A personal media player, in accordance with various embodiments, may comprise a speaker, a memory comprising a repository configured to store a plurality of audio files, and a processor in communication with the speaker. The processor may be programmed to receive a tempo selection input from a user and play at least one audio file via the speaker from the plurality of audio files based on the tempo selection input.

In one embodiment, the personal media player further comprises a tempo input device for inputting the tempo selection input, where the tempo input device is one or more of a rotary dial, a button, a slide bar, a switch, and a touch pad.

In one embodiment, the personal media player is configured to store audio file data for each of the plurality of audio files, where audio file data comprises a beats per minute (BPM) for each of the plurality of audio files.

In one embodiment, the tempo selection input comprises a range of BPM.

In one embodiment, the processor is programmed to adjust the playback rate of the at least one audio file based on the input from the tempo selection input. In one embodiment, the tempo selection input comprises at least one target tempo, and where the processor is programmed to determine a portion of the plurality of audio files corresponding to the at least one target tempo and generate a play list comprising the portion of the plurality of audio files.

In one embodiment, the processor is programmed to adjust the playback rate of the at least one audio file to alter the tempo.

In one embodiment, the at least one target tempo comprises a range of tempos.

A system, according to various embodiments, may comprise a remote device configured to output a varying output signal, a personal media player in communication with the remote device, comprising a speaker, a memory comprising a repository configured to store a plurality of audio files, and a processor in communication with the speaker. The processor may be programmed to receive the varying output signal from the remote device, and play at least one audio file from the plurality of audio files based on the varying output signal from the remote device. In one embodiment, the remote device is an exercise machine having a plurality of operational speeds, and the processor is programmed to receive an input from the exercise machine corresponding to the operational speed.

In one embodiment, the exercise machine is in communication with the personal media player through at least one of a wired connection, a wireless connection, and a docked connection.

In one embodiment, the processor is programmed to play at least a first audio file having a first tempo when in receipt of a first input from the exercise machine, and play at least a second audio file having a second tempo when in receipt of a second input from the exercise machine.

In one embodiment, the first input corresponds to a first operational speed, the second input corresponds to a second operational speed, where the first operational speed is higher than the second operational speed, and where the first tempo is greater than the second tempo.

In one embodiment, the processor is programmed to adjust the playback rate of at least one audio file based on the input from the exercise machine.

In one embodiment, the remote device is a step sensor device.

A system, according to yet another embodiment, may comprise a heart rate monitor, and a personal media player in communication with heart rate monitor. The personal media player may comprise a memory comprising a repository configured to store a plurality of audio files, and a processor. The processor may be programmed to receive information from the heart rate monitor and play at least one audio file from the plurality of audio files based on the information received from the heart rate monitor.

In one embodiment, the processor is programmed to play audio files having faster tempos when information from the heart rate monitor indicates a faster heart rate and play audio files having slower tempos when information from the heart rate monitor indicates a slower heart rate.

In one embodiment, the processor is programmed to receive target heart rate information. When the information from the heart rate monitor indicates a heart rate faster than the target heart rate, the processor may be programmed to play audio files having slower tempos. When the information from the heart rate monitor indicates a heart rate slower than the target heart rate, the processor may be programmed to play audio files having faster tempos.

In one embodiment, the processor is programmed to receive target heart rate information, and when the information from the heart rate monitor indicates a heart rate faster than the target heart rate, decrease the play rate of the audio file being played. When the information from the heart rate monitor indicates a heart rate slower than the target heart rate, the processor is programmed to increase the play rate of the audio file being played.

In one embodiment, the heart rate monitor is integral with the personal media player.

The examples presented herein are intended to illustrate potential and specific implementations of the embodiments. It can be appreciated that the examples are intended primarily for purposes of illustration for those skilled in the art. No particular aspect or aspects of the examples is/are intended to limit the scope of the described embodiments. The figures and descriptions of the embodiments have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the embodiments, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, other elements.

In general, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that at least some of the embodiments described herein may be implemented in many different embodiments of software, firmware, and/or hardware. The software and firmware code may be executed by a processor or any other similar computing device. The software code or specialized control hardware that may be used to implement embodiments is not limiting. For example, embodiments described herein may be implemented in computer software using any suitable computer software language type, using, for example, conventional or object-oriented techniques.

In various embodiments disclosed herein, a single component may be replaced by multiple components and multiple components may be replaced by a single component to perform a given function or functions. Except where such substitution would not be operative, such substitution is within the intended scope of the embodiments.

While various embodiments have been described herein, it should be apparent that various modifications, alterations, and adaptations to those embodiments may occur to persons skilled in the art with attainment of at least some of the advantages. The disclosed embodiments are therefore intended to include all such modifications, alterations, and adaptations without departing from the scope of the embodiments as set forth herein.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A personal media player, comprising: a speaker; a memory comprising a repository configured to store a plurality of audio files; and a processor in communication with the speaker, wherein the processor is programmed to: receive a tempo selection input from a user; and play at least one audio file via the speaker from the plurality of audio files based on the tempo selection input.

2. The personal media player of claim 1 , further comprising a tempo input device for inputting the tempo selection input, wherein the tempo input device is one or more of a rotary dial, a button, a slide bar, a switch, and a touch pad.

3. The personal media player of claim I₅ wherein the repository is configured to store audio file data for each of the plurality of audio files, wherein audio file data comprises a beats per minute (BPM) for each of the plurality of audio files.

4. The personal media player of claim 1, wherein the tempo selection input comprises a range of BPM.

5. The personal media player of claim 1 , wherein the processor is programmed to: adjust the playback rate of the at least one audio file based on the input from the tempo selection input.

6. The personal media player of claim 1, wherein the tempo selection input comprises at least one target tempo, wherein the processor is programmed to: determine a portion of the plurality of audio files corresponding to the at least one target tempo; and generate a play list comprising the portion of the plurality of audio files.

7. The personal media player of claim 6, wherein the processor is programmed to: adjust the playback rate of the at least one audio file to alter the tempo.

8. The personal media player of claim 6, wherein the at least one target tempo comprises a range of tempos.

9. A system, comprising: a remote device configured to output a varying output signal; a personal media player in communication with the remote device, comprising: a speaker; a memory comprising a repository configured to store a plurality of audio files; a processor in communication with the speaker, wherein the processor is programmed to: receive the varying output signal from the remote device; and play at least one audio file from the plurality of audio files based on the varying output signal from the remote device.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the remote device is an exercise machine having a plurality of operational speeds, and wherein the processor is programmed to: receive an input from the exercise machine corresponding to the operational speed.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the exercise machine is in communication with the personal media player through at least one of a wired connection, a wireless connection, and a docked connection.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the processor is programmed to: play at least a first audio file having a first tempo when in receipt of a first input from the exercise machine; and play at least a second audio file having a second tempo when in receipt of a second input from the exercise machine.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the first input corresponds to a first operational speed, the second input corresponds to a second operational speed, wherein the first operational speed is higher than the second operational speed, and wherein the first tempo is greater than the second tempo.

14. The system of claim 10, wherein the processor is programmed to : adjust the playback rate of at least one audio file based on the input from the exercise machine.

15. The system of claim 9, wherein the remote device is a step sensor device.

16. A system, comprising: a heart rate monitor; and a personal media player in communication with heart rate monitor; wherein the personal media player, comprises: a memory comprising a repository configured to store a plurality of audio files; a processor, wherein the processor is programmed to: receive information from the heart rate monitor; play at least one audio file from the plurality of audio files based on the information received from the heart rate monitor.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the processor is programmed to: play audio files having faster tempos when information from the heart rate monitor indicates a faster heart rate; and play audio files having slower tempos when information from the heart rate mom^'tor indicates a slower heart rate.

18. The device of claim 16, wherein the processor is programmed to: receive target heart rate information; when the information from the heart rate monitor indicates a heart rate faster than the target heart rate, play audio files having slower tempos; and when the information from the heart rate monitor indicates a heart rate slower than the target heart rate, play audio files having faster tempos.

19. The device of claim 16, wherein the processor is programmed to: receive target heart rate information; when the information from the heart rate monitor indicates a heart rate faster than the target heart rate, decrease the play rate of the audio file being played; and when the information from the heart rate monitor indicates a heart rate slower than the target heart rate, increase the play rate of the audio file being played.

20. The device of claim 16, wherein the heart rate monitor is integral with the personal media player.