JP2007526677A - Method and related apparatus for transmitting data - Google Patents

Abstract

  A method of transmitting data including an audio stream to a receiver via a network connection (4, 10) to the network audio stream receiver. The receiver (2) is provided with a hardware address (208) that can be read via a network connection (4, 10), which can be performed before and / or during transmission of data. And adapting the data according to the address. The receiver (2) may be an internet radio.

Description

  The present invention relates to a method and related apparatus for transmitting data. This method may in particular be a way to provide network-based radio (in particular but not exclusively Internet-based radio).

  The Internet is increasingly used as a means of sharing information, and the diversity of information shared using the Internet continues to expand. This increase in information diversity is partly due to increased bandwidth, and users are now on the Internet using technologies such as ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line), often referred to as broadband. Can be connected.

  Such an increased bandwidth connection allows audio and / or video data to be streamed over the Internet with a reasonable level of quality. So-called Internet radio provides an audio data stream, which is itself transmitted over conventional AM (amplitude modulation), FM (frequency modulation) and DAB (digital audio broadcast) radio. Provide audio programs similar to Thus, Internet radio stations can be accessed from anywhere in the world using Internet access, and do not need to receive the broadcast signals required by conventional radio.

  Early Internet radio was provided by Kerbango in 1998, and further examples can be found in International Patent Application Publication No. WO 00/77655, US Pat. No. 6,249,810, and the like.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for transmitting data comprising an audio stream to a network audio stream receiver via a network connection to the receiver, the method comprising: Providing the receiver with a hardware address that can be read over a connection, the method further comprising: reading the address before and / or during transmission of the data; and according to the address, the data And tailoring.

The step of adapting such data is advantageous because it allows data specific to the user of a particular receiver to be supplied.
It will be appreciated that the adapting step can include blocking the transmission of data to a particular receiver. Such adapting step can facilitate the export of the receiver to overseas markets.

In addition or alternatively, the adapting step may include modifying the data to be specific to one or more receivers.
In a preferred embodiment, the hardware address is a unique address for the receiver.

  However, in some embodiments it may be appropriate to provide the same address to multiple receivers. Such embodiments may include situations where multiple receivers are desired to be handled in the same manner. For example, as will be described below, it may be desirable to provide an in-store radio or the like.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for transmitting data over the Internet. Therefore, this method can provide so-called Internet radio.
This method can transmit data using RTSP (Real Time Stream Protocol), a stream request protocol that runs over TCP. That is, RTSP is a point-to-point connection. Corresponding data streams can usually be layered over UDP or directly over IP and are sent using RTP (Real Time Protocol) which may be unicast, multicast or broadcast. Instead, the HTTP protocol may perform both request and transport functions using this same TCP connection. HTTP is limited to unicast processing.

  The hardware address may be supplied from any suitable means. In some embodiments, the hardware address may be provided in a write once memory, such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), or in any other suitable form of write-once memory. Having a memory that can be written only once has the advantage that it can be changed only once the hardware address is set.

In the preferred embodiment, in general, the hardware address may be supplied from an E ² PROM (electrical erase and programmable read-only memory).
In other embodiments, the hardware address may be set by means such as a DIP switch or a fusible link.

  The method can include transmitting data to a receiver having a predetermined hardware address. Such a method allows data to be adapted for one or more receivers.

  Conveniently, the method includes providing the user of the receiver with at least one menu from which selections can be made to allow the user to control the receiver.

The or each menu may be displayed on the display of the receiver. Alternatively, the or each menu may be announced from a receiver speaker or the like.
The or each menu may be circular so that the user can scroll past the end of the menu and return to the top of the menu. Such a method is advantageous for a display or the like that can display only limited information.

  Conveniently, the method includes providing a sub-menu when the user selects an option from the menu. This method may be advantageous because it provides the user with an intuitive means of controlling the receiver.

  This method may cause the data stream to be transmitted to a group of receivers. Such a method may also be used, for example, to send a set of specific radio station URLs / metadata that allows a given receiver to be customized for a specific language or set of radio stations. Good. In one embodiment, this method allows audio streams to be sent to stores that belong to a single chain, thus providing so-called in-store radios and the like. The store chain is given for illustration only, and the step of adapting the audio stream to a group of receivers may allow companies, organizations, clubs, etc. to provide an adapted audio stream. Those skilled in the art will understand that.

  Adapting the data can include adapting the address sent to the network audio stream receiver according to the hardware address. This method may allow the receiver to connect to an arbitrary address and receive an audio stream therefrom. The address may be a URL or the like. Adapting the address in this manner can allow a predetermined address list to be sent to the receiver according to the hardware address.

  In one alternative or additional embodiment, adapting the data may include adapting the audio stream. The step of adapting such an audio stream may depend on the profile associated with the hardware address or may depend on the user profile associated with the hardware address. The user can choose to provide information that allows a profile to be constructed for that user and associated with the address. This method can transfer the profile information to the transmitter of the audio stream so that the profile information can be adapted for the user associated with the hardware address.

  According to a second aspect of the invention, a transceiver configured to transmit and / or receive data on a network connection to the transceiver, a processor configured to process data, digital / analog A network audio stream receiver having a converter (DAC) and a hardware address is provided, wherein in such a receiver configuration, the processor processes data received by the transceiver and processes it. Based on this, the DAC generates an audio signal, and in such a receiver configuration, the hardware address may be transmitted from the transceiver.

  Such a device is advantageous as it allows data adapted for a particular receiver to be sent to the receiver. One such configuration allows predetermined data to be sent to a given user, thereby overcoming prior art technical problems that may prevent data from being reliably sent to a given user. .

A network audio stream receiver can provide what is commonly referred to as an Internet radio receiver.
The transceiver may comprise means for communicating with a wireless network such as a WiFi (IEEE 802.11) network or a Bluetooth connection. Such means are advantageous because they allow the receiver to be arranged more freely than a wired network connection. One skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many types of IEEE 802.11 networks, and any of them is suitable. However, it is likely that IEEE 802.11a, b, or g may be optimal.

  Conveniently, the receiver comprises a display configured to provide feedback to the user regarding the capabilities of the device. The display can comprise an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a LEP (Light Emitting Polymer) display, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), or any other suitable display mechanism.

The receiver can comprise a selector configured to allow a user to select information displayed on the display.
In one embodiment, the selector comprises a rotary selector that provides a convenient and intuitive means to allow the user to enter data. The rotary selector can have an integrated or separate push button associated with it.

  The hardware address may be supplied from a non-volatile memory that may be of the write-once type. Alternatively or in addition, the hardware address may be supplied from means such as a DIP switch or fusible link.

  According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a system comprising a receiver according to the second aspect of the invention connected to a second network, the second network being wireless, The receiver is configured to supply data to the receiver so that sound can be generated from the data.

One advantage of such a system is that it allows Internet radio to be received and listened without the presence of a PC or other computing device.
The receiver may be battery powered. One such configuration provides a stand-alone device that, when combined with a wireless second network, can receive Internet radio without any wiring in itself. In other embodiments, the receiver may be powered from any other suitable means. For example, the receiver may be a mains powered type, a solar powered type, a wind-up type, or the like.

  According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a server comprising a processor and a network transceiver, wherein the transceiver is configured to send and receive data on a network connection to the server, The data received from the network includes an address of a receiver to which data providing an audio stream is to be sent, and the processor receives the address and stores the data before transmission to the receiver. Configured to fit.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a system comprising a receiver according to the second aspect of the present invention connected to a server in the fourth aspect of the present invention via a network connection.
The network connection can include an internet connection. At least a portion of the Internet connection can include a wireless network connection.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a machine readable data carrier, when read on a receiver and / or computer, the receiver and / or computer according to the first aspect of the present invention. A machine readable data carrier is provided that includes instructions that cause

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a machine readable medium comprising instructions for causing the receiver to function as a receiver in the second aspect of the present invention when read on the receiver. Is provided.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a machine readable medium comprising instructions that, when loaded on a computer, cause the computer to form part of a system according to the third aspect of the present invention. Provided.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a machine-readable medium comprising instructions that when read on a server causes the server to function in accordance with the server in the fourth aspect of the present invention. Is done.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for receiving data on a network audio stream receiver, the method comprising receiving the receiver via at least one network connection to the receiver. Providing the receiver with interface means that allow a user to access the receiver so that it retains metadata governing how the data is received by itself. Configured and the method further includes allowing a user to use the access means to edit and / or add to the metadata.

  Such a method is advantageous because it allows the user to adapt the receiver (which may be Internet radio) in the way that the user wants to function. Prior art receivers have not been as flexible as desired and have been difficult to construct. Providing interface means provides a convenient way for the user to change the metadata, thus saving the user time, increasing convenience, and providing flexibility to the user's device. Also, provision of interface means is likely to allow the receiver of the present invention to be better adapted than prior art receivers.

  The interface means may comprise a browser interface configured to generate a web page when accessed via at least one network connection using a web browser. It will be appreciated that many PCs and other computers are equipped with browsers, which are familiar tools that most people can master and access.

  Conveniently, the interface means is accessible via a first network that can include the Internet. Such a method can allow the receiver to be accessed remotely, allowing the receiver to be accessed from locations that are tens, hundreds, or even thousands of kilometers away, In general, it is convenient because the network can be accessed from anywhere in the world.

  In addition or alternatively, the interface means is accessible via the second network. The second network can include a WiFi network, a Bluetooth network, or other wireless network. The second network can also include a wired network such as an Ethernet connection or a USB connection. Thus, allowing the interface means to be accessed via the second network can provide more security than allowing access via a network such as the Internet.

  The metadata provided to the receiver includes any one or more of the following: a URL from which a given audio stream can be obtained, and a stream genre associated with the given stream , A stream or station name, a website URL, a country location, a state location, and a city location. Allowing the user to edit the above information can allow the user to adapt how to operate his own receiver.

  Conveniently, this metadata can also include a user profile. User profile may include any one or more of the following: age, gender, country of residence, city of location, email address, phone number, etc. Can do.

  The method includes providing a receiver with a plurality of identities each associated with at least one user and configured to allow the user to store settings associated with the identities. Can do. One such configuration is advantageous because it allows the receiver to be used by multiple people, resulting in more flexible use of the receiver, and so on.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, a transceiver configured to transmit and / or receive data on a network connection to the transceiver, a processor configured to process data, and digital / analog A network audio stream receiver having a converter (DAC) and a memory configured to store metadata is provided, wherein in the receiver configuration, the processor is received by the transceiver Processes data and causes the DAC to generate audio signals based on it, and in the receiver configuration, remote access to the memory can be obtained through the transceiver and retained in the memory The receiver is configured to allow such access to edit the metadata .

  This memory advantageously comprises at least part of a non-volatile memory. One such configuration allows metadata to be maintained even if power is removed from the receiver (provided that the metadata is retained in the receiver), thereby enabling faster receiver power-up. This is advantageous because the changes are not lost.

This aspect of the invention can include additional advantageous features discussed with respect to any of the other aspects of the invention.
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system comprising a receiver according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention connected to a second wireless network, the wireless network comprising: A system is provided that is configured to provide data to the receiver such that sound can be generated.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a machine readable medium comprising instructions that when read by a machine cause the machine to perform the method of the tenth aspect of the present invention. The

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, a machine-readable medium comprising instructions for causing the receiver to function as a receiver according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention when read by the receiver. Is provided.

  The machine-readable medium according to any one of the above aspects of the present invention is any one of the following: a floppy disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD ROM / RAM (+ R / + RW and -R / -RW). And any of the following memory examples: EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable read only memory), EPROM, FLASH, and non-writable non-volatile memory Of random access memory, ROM, SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) Including any), hard drive, tape, transmission signal (Internet download, FTP transfer, etc.) And including) may include a wire, one of the.

  In the following, for the sake of illustration only, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  The operation and configuration of the receiver 2 is described with respect to FIG. The receiver 2 provides a network audio stream receiver and is connected by a first network 4 (in this example the Internet) to a server 6 and a broadcast server 8 that are generally remote from the receiver 2. Is done. The receiver 2 is also connected to the access point 12 via the second network 10 (in this example, WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) or IEEE 802.11 network). As is known in the art, the WiFi access point 12 broadcasts a connection to the Internet 4 in the local area and information on the Internet 4 while the receiver 2 is communicating with the access point 12. Can be transmitted and / or received.

  Further details of the receiver 2 are shown in detail with reference to FIG. The receiver 2 includes a processor 202 that is connected to various other components including a memory 204 via a system bus 203. The memory 204 includes RAM (Random Access Memory) and non-volatile memory such as EPROM (Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory). The processor 202 typically comprises a low power embedded processor (eg, MIPS ™, ARM ™, StrongARM ™, PowerPC ™, Intel ™ PXA255, etc.). It is contemplated that other processors may be used, such as any of the following: an INTEL ™ PENTIUM ™ series processor, an AMD ™ ATHLON ™, a POWERPC ™ , DIGITAL (TM) ALPHA (TM), and any of the processors, etc. are equally possible. Indeed, the processor 202 may be implemented by an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), FPGA (rewritable gate array), or other similar device.

  As is known in the art, the non-volatile portion of the memory 204 includes the necessary device drivers and application software (including Internet radio software) along with the embedded operating system. The RAM portion of the memory 204 is a volatile memory used to hold executed instructions (program code, etc.) as well as data that can be accessed from the processor 202 via the system bus 203.

  In the described embodiment, the receiver 2 runs a reduced version of the LINUX operating system that boots from non-volatile memory. The processor may run any of the following operating systems: HP-UX, UNIX, MICROSOFT (TM) NT, AIX (TM), and WINDOWS. Or an operating system having a TCP / IP stack.

  Although reference is made to memory 204, it will be appreciated that the memory may be implemented by a variety of devices. For example, the memory may be realized by a local mass storage device such as a cache memory, a RAM memory, a hard drive, etc., all of which are connected to the receiver 2 via a network connection. On the other hand, the processor 202 can access the memory via the system bus 203, and by accessing the program code, it can instruct the processor 202 what steps to perform and also have access to the data. it can. The processor 202 then processes the data samples outlined by the program code.

  The receiver 2 also includes a display 206. The display 206 is realized by a monochrome type LCD (liquid crystal display) 206 in this embodiment, and can display two lines of characters each having 18 characters. . This display thus provides feedback to its own user regarding the function of the receiver 2. It will be appreciated that other versions of receivers having a color screen or a screen other than an LCD (such as a light emitting polymer LEP) may be provided.

  A transceiver 200 is provided that allows the processor 202 to communicate with the first network 4 and / or the second network 10. In this embodiment, the transceiver 200 allows WiFi (IEEE 802.11) to allow the receiver to connect to a second network 10 that can later provide access to the Internet (first network 4). ) Provide a network card. One skilled in the art will appreciate that there are various WiFi protocols, any of which are envisioned. However, IEEE 802.11a, b, or g is likely to be used.

  An amplifier 212 including a DAC (digital / analog converter) 213 is provided, which communicates with the processor 202 via the system bus 203. The DAC 213 is configured to receive data representing an audio stream from the processor 202, convert the digital data into an analog signal, and the analog signal is amplified by the amplifier 212. The amplified audio signal is then passed to a headphone jack 217 to which one or more speakers 215 and / or a pair of headphones can be connected.

  The receiver also includes a hardware encoded address, ie, a serial number 208 that can be read from the processor 202 via the system bus 203. In this embodiment, address 208 is provided as a separate non-volatile memory implemented by EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory), but in memory 204 or via means such as a fusible link. Can be equally supplied. It may be preferable to use means such as PROM so that the user of the receiver 2 cannot change the address 208.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the receiver 2 receives, decodes, and reproduces AM (amplitude modulation) and FM (frequency modulation) radio signals, as is well known in the art. An AM / FM decoder 210 is also provided that enables this. Of course, it should also be possible to include a DAB (Digital Audio Broadcast) receiver that allows DAB radio stations to be received. In other embodiments of the present invention, the AM / FM decoder 210 may not be provided.

  The input is supplied to the receiver 2 via the rotary encoder 228. The rotary encoder 228 includes a selector whose function will be described later and four push-button non-latching switches 230, 232, 233, 234. The rotary encoder 228 also functions as a volume control unit. The four switches 230-234 provide a selection switch 230, a regeneration switch 232, a back switch 233, and an on / off switch 234 that are used with the encoder 228.

  The function of the rotary encoder 228 varies depending on whether the receiver 2 is playing an audio stream, so that the rotary encoder 228 can function as both a volume control unit and a selector, For example, during playback of a stream, the rotary encoder 228 functions as a volume control unit. The receiver 2 is constructed so that the rotary encoder 228 can function as a selector when the user presses the selection switch 230 while the audio stream is being played. An LED (not shown) on the receiver 2 indicates the current function of the rotary encoder 228.

  A power source 214 is provided to power the receiver 2, and the receiver 2 can take its own power source from an outlet power source or a battery provided within the receiver 2. Other embodiments may be powered from other power sources such as hand-wound or solar power.

  The memory 204 includes a plurality of software modules: a menu generation and navigation module 216, a network configuration and control module 218, one or more audio decoder modules 220, and a Web browser providing an interface means. An interface module 222, metadata 224, and a user response and advertisement response module 226 are provided.

  As described with respect to FIG. 3, menu generation module 216 causes processor 202 to display a plurality of menus on display 206, each including a plurality of options. In view of the limited nature of display 206, display 206 is adapted to display only one of the options at any one time. The user can select the currently displayed option by pressing the selection switch 230. In addition, the user can press the back switch 233 to return to the menu option that the user has selected before the selection switch 230 is pressed.

  When the user depresses the selection switch 230, the processor generates an appropriate action that may cause the display 206 to display options from another menu or cause the receiver 2 to perform the desired action.

  In general, display 206 is adapted to display a top level menu 300 that includes the following options: favorites 302, stations 304, configuration 306, and quiet 308. When the rotary encoder 228 is rotated, the display will toggle the display of these four options. If the selection switch 230 is pressed while the favorites option 302 is displayed, a list of favorite stations is provided, which is scrolled using the rotary encoder 228 and using the selection switch 230. Can be selected for playback.

If the selection switch 230 is pressed while the configuration option 306 is displayed, a configuration menu is displayed.
If the selection switch 230 is pressed while the silent option 308 is displayed, the receiver is muted.

  Station option 304 provides a mechanism that allows the user to select a station from the available numbers. If the selection switch 230 is pressed while the station option 304 is displayed, a sub menu 310 is displayed, which itself includes three options: a name option 312 and a genre option 314. And a position option 316.

  Name option 312 allows the user to select a station from the name of the station and allows four options: a-f 320, g-l 322, m-r 324, and s-z 326, The sub menu 318 including is displayed. A rotary encoder 228 cycles through the four options on the display. When the selection switch 230 is pressed on any one of the four options, a list of stations 328 starting from the character selected in that option is displayed. The desired station can be selected by pressing the selection switch 230 when the station name is displayed. The station names are sorted by the processor 202 of the receiver 2.

  The genre option 314 allows the user to select a station according to the categorized genre of the station and causes the sub menu 330 to be displayed. In this embodiment, four genre options (Rock 332, Pop 334, Jazz 336, and Classic 338) are displayed, but there are more possible genres, and these four options are just examples. It will be understood that it is only given as: The station genre is provided from the metadata associated with the station. When the selection switch 230 is pressed on any one of the four options, a list 328 of stations classified into the selected genre is displayed. The desired station can be selected by pressing the selection switch 230 when the station name is displayed.

  A location option 316 allows the user to select a station according to the location where the station is located and causes a sub-menu 340 to be displayed. In this embodiment, four position options (USA 342, UK 344, Europe 346, Asia 348) are shown, but there are more possible positions, and these four options are given as examples only. It will be understood that this is only possible. When the selection switch 230 is pressed on any one of the four options, a list 328 of stations classified as stations at that particular location is displayed. The station location is read from metadata associated with the station. The desired station can be selected by pressing the selection switch 230 when the station name is displayed.

  The station list 328 is a variable number list that depends on the number of stations selected by the options used to reach the station list 328. When the user selects a station by pressing the selection switch 230, access to the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) provided from the metadata associated with the selected station is performed using the receiver. The audio stream of data is played back.

  FIG. 4 shows how the receiver 2 is connected to the first network 4 and / or the second network 10. As described above, the receiver 2 can be connected to the WiFi network 400, which is the second network in this embodiment. The second network 2 is realized by an ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line) or cable router 402. It should also be possible for receiver 2 to connect to ADSL router 402 using other connections, such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) 404 or Ethernet connection 406. The router 402 is connected to the Internet (first network) 4 and thus provides a connection from the second network 10 to the first network 4. Accordingly, the configuration shown in FIG. 4 provides an internet connection to the receiver 2. One skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many ways to provide such an Internet connection, and the embodiment of FIG. 4 is given as an example of one advantageous setting.

  FIG. 5 shows in more detail how the receiver 2 is used. FIG. 5 shows a plurality of, in this example, seven receivers 2 connected to the Internet 4. Thus, each of the receivers 2 can receive an audio data stream from the Internet that can be converted by the receiver 2 into sound, generally a radio program. FIG. 5 also shows four web servers 500, 502, 504, 506 connected to the Internet 4, each web server for example providing an audio-on-data stream to provide a data stream of audio data. It stores itself data that can be used to provide demand.

  Radio stations 508 and 510 are also connected to the Internet 4 and use the broadcast server 8 to supply live radio broadcast encoded data as a data stream. It will be appreciated that if the data is not an encoded live broadcast, it can be considered data for providing audio on demand maintained on the servers 500-506.

  The other two servers 512, 514 are provided with a connection to the Internet 4, and these servers have metadata about radio stations and audio on demand streams available to the user using the receiver 2. Hold. In FIG. 5, the receiver 2 has exemplary addresses (1001, 1002, 2001, 2002, 2054, 2055, 2056). The metadata servers 512 and 514 include various metadata and permit access to the metadata according to the address 208 read by the receiver 2. For example, server 512 allows only receiver 2 whose own address 208 starts at 1 to access metadata on server 512, and server 514 receives receiver 2 whose own address 208 starts at 2. Only to allow access to the metadata on the server 514. The function of metadata will be described later.

  Each of the stations displayed by the above menu corresponds to a network address, and generally corresponds to a URL held in the memory 204 as such metadata. When the user selects a station, the receiver 2 accesses the network address to receive the audio stream. The list of stations held in the memory 204 is periodically updated on the network from the servers 512, 514. In some embodiments, the list of stations is refreshed when the receiver 2 is powered on and is periodically refreshed thereafter.

  FIG. 5 also shows a PC 516 or other such computer connected to the Internet 4. The PC 516 is equipped with a browser (such as Microsoft ™ Internet Explorer ™, Netscape ™ Navigator ™, etc.) that allows metadata to be added and / or modified on the servers 512, 514. . The metadata may be modified on the receiver 2.

  Each receiver 2 has an IP address that allows the receiver 2 to be accessed remotely via a web browser enabled PC or other computer (such as PC 516). A certain amount of configuration can be achieved via the display 206, the rotary encoder 228, and the selection switch 230, but it is more convenient to access the receiver 2 and change the configuration using the PC 516. There is a possibility. As detailed above and below, metadata detailing the source of the audio data is maintained in the metadata module 224 and on the metadata servers 512, 514, but is used by the user. It is also possible to add the user's own metadata to the PC 516. It is also possible for the user to edit the configuration file and user profile information described below using a web browser on the PC 516.

  The metadata may be modified on the receiver as follows. It will be appreciated that the receiver 2 cannot keep metadata about all available stations in its own memory 204. Thus, it would be advantageous to allow the user to add additional stations and / or modify metadata in other ways. The user can log on to the user's own receiver 2 using a hardware address (in this example, an IP address) and add metadata using a browser interface or the like.

  In other embodiments, it is possible for a user to add a radio station to a server 512, 514 on a network (eg, the Internet 4), and based on that, the receiver 2 updates its own metadata. In this way, the receiver 2 will receive a new station the next time it updates its own metadata. Of course, it may also be possible for the user to have the receiver 2 update its own metadata.

  When the user logs on to the receiver 2, the user is presented with a screen (not shown) showing a list of stations and metadata associated with each station. An editor is provided that allows the user to edit existing data or add more data. In some embodiments, the user may be able to build a list of favorite stations.

  Further below, the operation of the described system is described with respect to FIG. As a first step 600, power is supplied to the receiver 2. At power up, the processor 202 boots the operating system from the memory 204 and begins executing instructions placed in the operating system. When the activation process occurs, the receiver 2 connects to the WiFi network (ie, the second network 10), thereby connecting to the Internet 4 using the browser interface 222 and the network configuration and control module 218. Is obtained (step 602). When a connection to the Internet 4 is established, the receiver 2 connects to a predetermined URL (ie one of the servers 512, 514) and requests a list of stations (step 604). This step includes sending the address of the receiver 2 to the above URL. The metadata may be stored in a non-volatile portion of the memory 204 so that the receiver 2 can function without having to download the metadata from scratch, so step 604 is a fresh copy. ) May be updated instead of downloading.

  Assuming that the address received by the forwarded server 512, 514 of the request is then acceptable, the server 512, 514 returns a list of stations or other data stream to the receiver 2 (step 606). ). If the address 208 is incorrect, the metadata is not returned to the receiver 2. It will also be appreciated that other configurations may be possible. For example, the second network 10 may include a storage device that includes metadata for a list of stations that are sent to the receiver upon power-up of the receiver and periodically updated from the metadata servers 512, 514. it can.

  The metadata is downloaded to the receiver and stored in the memory 204, that is, the module 224 or the like. When the list of metadata is loaded into the receiver 2 (whether from a remote memory over the Internet 4, i.e. from the servers 512, 514, or from a local storage, e.g. a memory on the second network 2), The user inputs via the rotary encoder 228 and the selection switch 230 to select the station or other audio stream that the user wishes to listen to. Thus, the request is sent via the Internet 4 to the URL specified in the metadata associated with the selected station from the receiver 2 (step 608). In this embodiment, whenever the receiver 2 sends a request, the second request to check whether the metadata held in the module 224 by the receiver 2 needs to be updated is a metadata request. Sent to servers 512, 514. If it is determined that updating is required, the updated metadata is downloaded to the receiver 2.

  When the server 500-506 or the radio station 508, 510 hosting the requested data receives the request, a new unicast session for the request is initiated and the data stream is transmitted over the Internet. (Step 610). It will be appreciated that the data stream is compressed according to a known codec (compressor / decompressor).

  When the audio stream is initiated, the audio stream is received by the access point 12 and transmitted to the receiver 2 via the second WiFi network 10 (step 612). The processor 202 receives this data stream and decodes it using an audio decoder (codec) 220 held in the memory 204 so that sound is generated from the speakers and / or headphones ( Step 614). One skilled in the art will appreciate that there are a number of different codecs that can be used and the audio decoder module 220 is provided with a common codec. In the described embodiment, MP3, Real Audio®, Microsoft WMA®, and Vorbis audio stream codecs are provided.

  From the above, it will be appreciated that the memory 204 of the receiver 2 comprises a user profile and advertisement response module 226. If the user of the receiver 2 agrees, the user profile, which may include information such as age, gender, country of residence, city of residence, e-mail address, telephone number, etc., is the user profile and advertisement response module 226 Held in. In general, in order to maintain the user's own confidentiality, information that can identify the user is not retained. It is known that radio stations have advertisements in their own programs, and using a response switch 232 with an advertisement response module allows a user to respond to the advertisements. For example, if a station that the user is listening to plays an advertisement, an announcement such as “Reply here to receive more details” may be played. If the user wishes to receive further information, the user can also cause the receiver 2 to send a request to the radio station via the Internet 4 by pressing the response switch 232. The requested data may then be added to the audio stream that is sent to the receiver 2.

The user profile can allow profile and listening statistics to be provided to advertisers and broadcasters, possibly in exchange for a fee.
Some embodiments of the present invention may also include one or generally multiple preset station buttons that may be programmed by the user. When such a button is pressed, the receiver 2 is adapted to receive the station (or other audio stream) associated with the button.

  From the above discussion, the metadata downloaded to the receiver 2 describes at least the following information: name, location, and station data elements (Internet radio broadcast and / or stored audio stream) It will be clear that it includes a genre) and a genre. In one embodiment, the metadata is stored as an XML file, but may equally be stored as a SQL database or the like.

  A station data element includes at least the following elements: stream URL, stream genre (multiple streams may exist), stream or station name, website URL, country Includes location, state location, and city location. More fields may be added to the station data element, but it is not necessary to fill all of these fields for a single entry.

  In this particular embodiment, the metadata held on the metadata servers 512 and 514 and in the module 224 is encrypted so that its own content is protected and more difficult to intercept. The

  It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that software and hardware can be interchanged and that many features relating to embodiments of the present invention can be realized by hardware and / or software.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the steps in using the system with the system according to the invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating how a menu provided on the receiver of FIG. 1 operates. 1 is a system diagram of a receiver connected to a first network. FIG. FIG. 2 is a system diagram of the receiver of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram of the receiver illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3 connected to a second network. 6 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the system shown in FIGS.

Claims (56)

A method for transmitting data including an audio stream to a network audio stream receiver over a network connection to the receiver, comprising:
Providing the receiver with a hardware address that can be read over the network connection;
Reading the address before and / or during transmission of the data;
Adapting the data according to the address;
Including methods. A method for transmitting data according to claim 1, comprising:
The adapting step comprises one or more of the following steps:
Blocking the transmission of the data to a particular receiver;
Modifying the data to be specific to one or more receivers;
Adapting the address sent to the receiver;
Adapting the audio stream;
Adapting the audio stream according to a profile associated with the hardware address; and adapting the audio stream according to a user profile associated with the hardware address;
A method comprising one or more of the steps.   3. A method for transmitting data according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the hardware address is a unique address for the receiver.   A method for transmitting data according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the same address is provided to a plurality of receivers.   5. A method for transmitting data according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the method provides Internet radio.   6. A method for transmitting data according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the data is transmitted using RTSP (Real Time Stream Protocol). A method for transmitting data according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising:
The hardware address is one or more of the following:
ROM (read only memory);
E ² PROM (electrical erase and programmable read only memory);
DIP switch; and fusible link;
Supplied from one or more of the methods. A method for transmitting data according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising:
Transmitting data to a receiver having a predetermined hardware address;
Including methods. A method for transmitting data according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising:
Providing at least one menu to the user of the receiver that may allow the user to control the receiver by making a selection from a menu;
Including methods.   10. The method of transmitting data according to claim 9, wherein the menu is displayed on a display of the receiver and / or announced from a speaker of the receiver.   11. A method for transmitting data as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the menu is circular so that the user can scroll past the end of the menu and return to the top of the menu. Having a method. A method for transmitting data according to any one of claims 9 to 11, comprising:
Providing a sub-menu when the user selects a menu option;
Including methods. A method for transmitting data according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising:
A method of sending a data stream to a group of receivers.   14. The method of transmitting data according to claim 13, wherein the data stream provides an audio stream, which may be a radio show, to the group of receivers. A method for transmitting data according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising:
A method of transferring user and / or address profile information to the transmitter of the audio stream. A transceiver configured to transmit and / or receive data on a network connection to the transceiver;
A processor configured to process the data;
A digital / analog converter (DAC);
Hardware address and
A network audio stream receiver comprising:
The processor processes the data received by the transceiver and causes the DAC to generate an audio signal based thereon;
The network audio stream receiver, wherein the hardware address may be transmitted from the transceiver. A network audio stream receiver according to claim 16, comprising:
A network audio stream receiver that provides an Internet radio receiver. A network audio stream receiver according to claim 16 or claim 17,
Means for communicating with the wireless network,
Network audio stream receiver provided. A network audio stream receiver according to any one of claims 16 to 18, comprising:
A display configured to provide feedback to the user regarding the capabilities of the device,
Network audio stream receiver provided. A network audio stream receiver according to claim 19, comprising:
A selector configured to allow a user to select information displayed on the display;
Network audio stream receiver provided.   21. The network audio stream receiver according to claim 20, wherein the selector comprises a rotary selector and / or an integrated or separated push button.   22. A network audio stream receiver according to any one of claims 16 to 21, wherein the hardware address is one or more of the following: non-volatile memory; DIP switch And a fusible link; supplied from one or more of: a network audio stream receiver.   23. A network audio stream receiver according to any one of claims 16 to 22, wherein one or more of the following: battery power; outlet power; solar power; manual winding A network audio stream receiver powered from one or more of the following: A system comprising the receiver according to any one of claims 16 to 23 and connected to a second network,
A system configured to provide data to the receiver such that the receiver can obtain sound from the data.   25. The system of claim 24, wherein the second network is wireless. A processor;
A network transceiver;
A server comprising:
The transceiver is configured to transmit and receive data on a network connection to the server;
The data received from the network includes an address of a receiver to which data providing an audio stream is to be sent;
The server is configured to receive the address and to adapt the data prior to transmission to the receiver.   25. A system comprising a receiver according to any one of claims 17 to 24, wherein the receiver is connected to a server according to claim 26 via a network connection.   28. The system of claim 27, wherein the network connection includes an internet connection.   30. The system of claim 28, wherein at least a portion of the internet connection comprises a wireless network connection.   16. A machine-readable data carrier that, when read on a receiver and / or computer, causes the receiver and / or computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1-15. A machine-readable data carrier containing instructions.   24. A machine-readable medium comprising instructions for causing the receiver to function as the receiver of any one of claims 16 to 23 when read on the receiver.   25. A machine readable medium comprising instructions that, when loaded on a computer, cause the computer to form part of the system of claim 24.   27. A machine readable medium comprising instructions that, when loaded on a server, cause the server to function in accordance with the server of claim 26. A program configured to cause a server to transmit and receive data in a network connection between the servers,
The data received from the network includes an address of a receiver to which data providing an audio stream is to be sent;
A program configured to receive the address and adapt the data prior to transmission to the receiver.   35. A machine-readable medium comprising instructions for providing the program of claim 34. A network audio stream receiver program comprising:
A program configured to transmit and / or receive data in a network connection to the receiver, to access a hardware address of the receiver, and to transmit the address through the network connection.   37. The program according to claim 36, wherein the program receives a data stream from the network connection, processes the data stream, and generates an audio signal based on the received data stream. A method for receiving data on a network audio stream receiver comprising:
Providing the receiver with interface means that allow a user to access the receiver via at least one network connection to the receiver;
Including
The receiver is configured to maintain metadata governing how the data is received by itself;
Allowing a user to use the access means to edit and / or add to the metadata;
Further comprising a method.   40. The method of claim 38, wherein the interface means is configured to generate a web page when accessed via the at least one network connection using a web browser. A method comprising:   40. A method as claimed in claim 38 or claim 39, wherein the interface means is accessible via a first network.   41. A method as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 40, wherein the interface means is accessible via a second network.   42. The method of claim 41, wherein the second network includes one of the following: a WiFi network; a Bluetooth network; an Ethernet connection; and a USB connection.   43. A method as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 42, wherein the metadata provided to the receiver is any one or more of the following: The URL from which the stream can be obtained; the stream genre associated with the given stream; the name of the stream or station; the URL of the website; the country location; the state location; the city location; and the age and gender A user profile comprising any one or more of: a country of residence, a city of the location, an e-mail address, and a telephone number; . 44. A method according to any one of claims 38 to 43, comprising:
Providing the receiver with a plurality of identities each associated with at least one user and configured to allow the user to store settings associated with the identities;
Including methods. A transceiver configured to transmit and / or receive data on a network connection to the transceiver;
A processor configured to process the data;
A digital / analog converter (DAC);
Memory configured to store metadata; and
A network audio stream receiver comprising:
The processor processes the data received by the transceiver and causes the DAC to generate an audio signal based thereon;
A remote access to the memory is configured to be obtainable via the transceiver and is further configured to allow such access to edit the metadata held on the memory. Audio stream receiver.   46. A network receiver according to claim 45, comprising at least a portion of a non-volatile memory. A system comprising the receiver of claim 45 or claim 46 and connected to a second wireless network,
The wireless network is configured to provide data to the receiver such that the receiver can generate sound from the data.   45. A machine readable medium comprising instructions that, when read by a machine, cause the machine to perform the method of any one of claims 38 to 44.   A machine readable medium comprising instructions for causing the receiver to function as a receiver according to claim 45 of the present invention when read by the receiver. A network audio stream receiver program comprising:
Causes a transceiver to transmit and / or receive data over a network connection to the transceiver, process data received from the network connection, and access the memory to read / write metadata with the memory Let
A program that allows remote access to the metadata via the transceiver, so that the metadata in the memory can be edited.   51. The program according to claim 50, wherein the program receives a data stream from the network connection, processes the data stream, and generates an audio signal that may be a radio program based on the data stream.   52. A machine readable medium comprising instructions for providing the program of claim 50 or claim 51.   A method of transmitting data substantially as herein described and shown in the accompanying drawings.   A network audio stream receiver substantially as herein described and shown in the accompanying drawings.   A system comprising a network audio stream receiver substantially as herein described and shown in the accompanying drawings.   A method of receiving data substantially as herein described and shown in the accompanying drawings.

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