AU758163B2 - Mobile wireless internet portable radio - Google Patents

Description

P/00/011 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION DIVISIONAL PATENT Invention Title: Mobile wireless internet portable radio The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: Mobile Wireless Internet Portable Radio Field of the Invention The present invention is in the field of apparatus for receiving Internet Multimedia broadcasts including live broadcast audio and pertains more particularly to methods and apparatus for receiving and enabling wireless Internet radio for automobiles and mobile standalone devices.

Background of the Invention The World Wide Web (WWW), known as a subset of the well-known Internet is, at the time of this writing, the most accessible worldwide public information network. By accessing the Internet via a personal computer or other Internet-capable computerized appliance, one may obtain knowledge from virtually any networkconnected source on Earth. Businesses, cultural centers, libraries, governments, cities, states, and private individuals maintain information pages, termed WEB pages in the art, that are stored on computers (file servers) that are adapted and dedicated to delivering such pages on request.

These WEB pages are typically written in hypertext mark-up language (HTML) and contain various forms of embedded interactive links, termed hyper-links in the art, created by authors using special software tools adapted for providing such content. Hyper-links are typically gateways to other parts of the page accessed another page on the same server, or a page on another server. From such a server one may download much information, including software and in some cases other multimedia content, to an Internet connected computer or appliance.

Among the types of media content one may find and access when browsing WEB pages, live audio and video is one of the most recently developed. Through the -2use of a browser (navigator) and additional software of the form of a multimedia player installed on one's, PC or appliance, one may play audio, video, or a combination of the two while connected on-line and visiting a hosted WEB page.

Connection to such broadcast servers, as they are termed in the art, typically result from interaction with an embedded hyper-link in the form of a graphic icon somewhere on a hosted WEB page, typically by means of a computer's pointer device.

Recently, traditional broadcast entities such as news, radio, sports networks, and the like have engaged in maintaining WEB pages wherein 24 hour live-streaming audio and video of real-time broadcasts and the like is made available to the general i public through hyper-links to broadcast servers. By clicking on a provided hyper-link, S•one may connect to a server and monitor a particular offered broadcast if the user has an appropriate player for playing the downloaded stream.

While video portions of such live Internet broadcasts generally leave much to be desired in terms of quality due to (at the time of this application) limited bandwidth, audio streams can be heard with adequate quality on most personal computers operating standard modems and having standard line connection to the Internet. Of course, available bandwidth plays a major roll in both audio and video quality over a data-packet network such as the Intemrnet. Other factors effecting quality "o-of service include compression techniques, modem speeds, and so on. In current art, anyone with a 28.8 modem and standard Internet connection may listen to broadcast audio with adequate quality and minimum dropout in most instances.

S"One of the more notable developments in audio broadcasting over the Internet involves public and private radio station participation as previously described. For example, currently there are a variety of radio stations around the world that provide 24 hour broadcasting accessible from the Internet. Moreover, a growing number of Internet-only broadcasters are emerging. Before live broadcasting (streaming) of Internet multimedia, interaction with multimedia content was: virtually limited to prestored feeds of audio and audio/video content such as interviews, news clips and short music clips.

-3- In light of the above-described technological advances that have been achieved in live broadcast capability over the Internet, wherein any user with a PC and an Internet connection may participate, it is desirable to provide a means whereby mobile users such as a commuter in an automobile may access live Internet broadcasts from inside the automobile via a wireless connection without having to have an expensive multi-purpose PC to gain access.

With regards to PC and Intemrnet capability from automobiles, users are conventionally limited to laptop computers for full multimedia access. Some companies provide Intemrnet access from palm-top computers and cellular phones .i 10 however the use is typically limited to accessing e-mails, networking with business .associates (IP telephony) or the like. Some companies provide Internet access through a wireless PC for the purpose of providing map information for lost or stranded motorists, however such systems are dedicated only for that subscribed service and are limited to providing pre-stored information.

What is clearly needed is a dedicated mobile radio-receiving device that may :be installed and operated from within a vehicle, and that can be used in conjunction with existing and future wireless Internet technologies whereby a motorist or other mobile user may maintain a wireless Internet connection via the device for the purpose of the recreational enjoyment of live audio broadcasting of national and/or international scope while driving. Such a system and apparatus would broaden the scope of radio advertising and broadcasting, increase local knowledge of international world events and culture, and thereby promote an international community awareness.

Moreover, in the more diverse world we live in, where people spend more and more time in parts of the world distant from home, such world travelers can listen to radio stations based at home.

004055202v3.doc 4 Summary of the invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a dedicated Web browser application, for use in an Internet-capable device, said browser application adapted for navigating to and invoking offered multimedia content upon a single action of execution by a user comprising: a browser cache for storing Intemrnet protocol addresses of servers and Universal Resource Locators of Web pages hosting the multimedia content; an assignment map for .associating the Internet protocol addresses and Universal Resource Locators to individual ones of physical indicia presented on the Internet-capable device; an application program interface for enabling invocation of an associated media player; and a software parser for differentiating between multimedia links for invoking a player and other types of links; wherein upon a single action of execution by the user, the action performed ofi an individual one of the physical indicia .i presented on the Intemet-capable device, the Web browser navigates to the assigned server and URL and automatically invokes an embedded multimedia link thereby launching the associated player and playing the multimedia.

Preferably the Internet-capable device is an Internet radio. The Internet-capable device can also be a personal computer.

.Preferably the Internet radio operates in a wireless mode.

In a preferred embodiment the software parser retains more than one multimedia offering for subsequent serial invocation and sampling by the associated media player in the case of more than one embedded link on a single Web Page. Preferably the sampling is user controlled.

In a preferred embodiment the multimedia is live broadcast radio offered over the Internet. The multimedia can also be stored audio data offered over the Internet.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a hardware/software system for enabling one-touch access to live or stored audio content offered through a data-packet-network including, a network-capable device having a modem and a working connection to the network; indicia presented on the device for enabling user selection of at least one offering of the available audio content; and a dedicated Web browser application running on the device and having interface with a media player, a cache, a parser, and an assignment map; wherein separately addressed offerings on the network may be programmed into 004055202v3.doc individual ones of the indicia present on the device such that when a user invokes an indicia, the assigned offering is accessed at which time the content is downloaded and played on the device.

Preferably the network-capable device is an Internet radio coupled to the Internet network. It is preferable that the Intermet radio accesses the Internet wirelessly.

Preferably the Intemrnet radio operates in a wireless mode.

In a preferred embodiment the software parser retains more than one multimedia offering for subsequent serial invocation and sampling by the associated media player in the case of more than one embedded link on a single Web Page.

In another preferred embodiment the sampling is user controlled.

Preferably the multimedia is live broadcast radio offered over the Intemrnet. The multimedia can also be stored audio data offered over the Intemrnet.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided an Internet-capable radio for accessing, downloading, and playing live or stored audio content offered through the "4 Internet network including, access software for accessing the Intemrnet; modem circuitry for enabling an Internet connection; a set of turning indicia, the indicia programmable and separable according to individual content offerings; and a dedicated Web browser application running on i' 4 o the device and having interface with a media player, a cache, a parser, and an assignment map; wherein separately addressed offerings on the Internet may be programmed into individual ones S of the indicia present on the device such that when a user invokes an indicia, the assigned offering is accessed at which time the content is downloaded and played on the device.

Preferably the Intemet-capable-radio is connected to the network wirelessly.

The Internet-capable radio can alternatively be coupled to the network by way of an Internet access line.

Preferably the software parser retains more than one multimedia offering for subsequent serial invocation and sampling by the associated media player in the case of more than one embedded link on a single Web Page.

In a preferred embodiment the sampling is user controlled.

-6- Brief Description of the Drawing Figures Fig. 1 is an overview of an Internet-connected wireless mobile-radio-broadcast system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an Interet-capable radio device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating internal circuitry of the Internet radio device of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating software capability of the Internet radio device of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is process flow diagram illustrating logical user steps for accessing live Internet radio according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a flow chart illustrating programming steps used with the Internet radio device of Fig. 2.

*e Description of the Preferred Embodiments According to an embodiment of the present invention, a wireless Internet service including a delivery system and an innovative mobile device adapted for receiving Internet broadcasts is provided and dedicated to providing mobile listeners S. with a capability to listen to live Internet broadcasts.

Fig. 1 is an overview of an Internet-connected wireless mobile-radio-broadcast system according to an embodiment of the present invention. A wireless Internet broadcast service 11 is provided and adapted to allow users having an innovative Internet radio device (not shown here but detailed in figures to follow) to connect to the Internet via wireless modem for the purpose of receiving broadcast audio content over a wireless network such as a wireless cellular system. Service system 11 comprises Internet network 13 and overlapping wireless-broadcast regions 15 and 17.

-7- Service system 11 may be of the form of an Internet service using a wireless delivery system to which one may subscribe in order to receive audio broadcasts via the Intemrnet and wireless link from radio stations around the world as well as other audio broadcasts from Intiemet-based sources. Access to service system 11 is, in a preferred embodiment, achieved via a unique computerized device termed an Internet radio by the inventor because of its dedicated nature. Such a device is not shown here but may be assumed to be present and installed in truck 41, and is described in enabling detail below. This Internet radio device is dedicated to establishing and maintaining a wireless Internet connection and receiving data packets via the wireless connection. More detail regarding this mobile Internet-radio device is provided below.

Internet 13 has connected therein in this embodiment a directory server 23 •"adapted for storing hyper-links to Internet-connected radio-broadcast servers such as broadcast servers 19 and 21, and to providing access to such broadcast servers upon 15 request. Broadcast servers 19 and 21 are maintained by broadcast radio stations and the like and are adapted to delivering live audio over the Intemrnet, the audio streams :delivered typically mirroring the audio broadcast programming the same stations S00 provide by RF multicast. Radio stations comprising music, news, talk, sports and other formats as well as Internet-based broadcasting entities may provide and maintain 0,0 20 such connected broadcast servers as servers 19 and 21.

000 As previously described, service system 11 may use any known wireless S0. delivery system for delivering content to a mobile user such as user 41 (illustrated as a truck having an Internet radio device installed therein). In a preferred embodiment, a well-known cellular service operating under well-known protocols such as cellular digital data packet (CDDP), and advanced cellular mobile services (ACMS) is used because of convenience and already-existing infrastructure. However, in other embodiments, other known wireless delivery systems may be utilized such as electromagnetic spectrum technology or microwave technology. In an alternative embodiment a proprietary wireless network dedicated solely to the purpose of the present invention may also be established. Regions 15 and 17 represent overlapping -8areas of wireless service such as are known with cellular technology broadcast from distributed stations. The only requirement for a delivery service in the present invention is that the service supports Transfer Control Protocol/Internet protocol TCP/IP (well known Intemrnet transmission protocol), or other known Internet transmission protocols.

Region 15 comprises a network access point (NAP) 29 connected to Internet 13 via a connection line 25, and a customer access point (CAP) 33 which is capable of wireless two-way communication with NAP 29 via a (typically) satellite sending and receiving unit 37. User 41, having an Internet radio device according to an embodiment of the present invention, maintains Internet connection through CAP 33 while in the broadcast region of CAP 33. It will be apparent to one with skill in the art that there will be more than one CAP such as CAP 33 strategically distributed 0 i throughout a region such as region 15 than is illustrated herein. The inventor has :chosen to illustrate only one such CAP 33 and deems it sufficient for the purpose of adequately explaining the present invention. In actual practice, as is known in the art of cellular service, the number of CAP's such as CAP 33 will define the geographic size of a region, such as region 15 or region 17. Also well known in the art is the fact S" that individual regions of coverage of each CAP overlap to provide the extent of the region.

Region 17 comprises components like those illustrated in region 15, namely, a NAP 31 connected to Internet 13 via a connection line 27, and CAPs 35 capable of wireless two-way communication via a (typically) satellite sending and receiving unit 39. Region 17 and region 15 are illustrated as overlapping as is consistent with known cellular service regions. In this embodiment, user 41 may leave one region such as region 15 and enter a second region such as region 17 without losing Internet connectivity via known service-connection transfer methods for maintaining connection to a "roaming"' mobile user. Connection lines 25 and 27 may be of the form of optical digital carriers, or other well-known data-connection lines.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, user 41 subscribes to a wireless service dedicated to maintaining open Internet connections at NAP's such as -9- NAP 31 of region 17. Such a service would use channels dedicated for Internet radios such as one presumed to be installed in the truck driven by user 41. Such channels would not typically be used for telephony or other Internet interaction so those Internet radio devices may be kept economical, compact and dedicated. Internet connectivity is achieved via wireless modem as is known in the art for traditional computers such as laptop or palmtop computers. The architecture and components of the previously mentioned Internet-radio device will be provided in enabling disclosure below.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an Internet-radio device 43 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Device 43 is provided and adapted for the purpose of establishing and maintaining a wireless-mobile Internet connection for downloading live audio from various Internet-connected broadcast servers such as servers 19 and 21 of Fig. 1. Internet-radio 43 comprises housing 45 and a controlinterface structure 47. Housing body 45 is of size and shape to allow for traditional in-dash mounting as is done with AM/FM RF in-dash radios. Control interface 47 comprises various user-accessible controls and is made to be accessible to the user in the same manner as a conventional in-dash radio. In alternative embodiments other mounting techniques may be employed such as above or below-dash mounting.

Internet radio 43 in this embodiment has a suitable display window 53, adapted to providing the user a view of the time and date as well as other information ;20 such as displayed radio stations and the like. Display window 53 may be a liquid "crystal display (LCD), or another known type of display window. A scroll-up/scrolldown button 60 is provided and adapted for controlling a highlighter bar 55 that may be manipulated up or down to highlight selected stations that may be displayed in display window 53. Three representative radio stations are shown as displayed and viewable in window 53. These are for example purposes only, XXXX sports, XXXX talk, and XXXX news. The addresses of these and other audio-broadcast sources offering both live and/or stored content are accessible from an Internet directory server such as server 23 of Fig. 1 through Internet connection as previously described. As displayed, the representative radio stations just described are actually hyper-links to broadcast servers such as servers 19 and 21 of Fig. 1.

A wireless modem 49 is provided and configured for Internet access over a wireless network as previously described. In this example, modem 49 is illustrated as built conveniently into Internet radio 43. However, modem 49 may be a separate unit mounted at a convenient location within a vehicle. Modem 49 may, in one embodiment, be activated as soon as a user starts his or her vehicle and power is supplied to Internet radio 43. However in this particular embodiment, a connect button 61 is provided and adapted to activate modem 49 for the purpose of establishing an Internet connection as is known in the art.

A directory button 59 is provided and adapted to initiate contact with a directory server, upon user initiation, which lists available radio-links, such as server 23 of Fig. 1. In a preferred embodiment, connection to a directory server such as server 23 of Fig. 1 would be automatic after establishing an Internet connection. In alternative embodiments a directory server is not required, and a user may program addresses (URLs) directly into the Intemrnet radio. The user can access such URL information from any conventional source. The directory server makes the task easier.

An array of selection buttons 51 is provided and adapted to provide a user with individual one-touch connection capability to individual radio-stations providing content via connected broadcast servers such as servers 19 and 21 of Fig. 1. In this example, there are 26 available selection buttons 51; however, there may be more or S" 20 fewer such selection buttons without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. A program button 65 is provided and adapted for allowing a user to program selected radio stations to each of selection buttons 51 similar to program buttons offered in conventional car radios. URLs (hyperlinks) are stored for preferred stations and associated with buttons 51. Upon user selection the associated URL is asserted, and connection is thus made to the broadcast server having that URL as Internet address, which action immediately downloads the audio stream broadcast by that server.

An instant play button 57 is provided and adapted to allow a user to sample a highlighted radio link such as XXXX TALK, which, in this embodiment is highlighted via bar 55. An automatic sample button 58 is provided and adapted to -11allow a user to initiate a sample sequence wherein each radio link appearing in display widow 53 may be connected to and played for a pre-determined time such as perhaps a few seconds or minutes before moving on to the next available link. This is the familiar scan process used with conventional radios.

Volume and speaker balance buttons 62 (one on each side) are provided for controlling audio parameters such as base, treble, balance, volume, etc. A switchprogram button is provided and adapted for the purpose of switching the dedicated function of selection buttons 51 from one-touch radio links to an input-interfacebutton array for programming parameters into Intemrnet radio 43 such as the date and time, modem numbers, access numbers, protocol preferences, or the like. Numbers i: and/or symbols (not shown) may be provided on the faces of selection buttons 51 to S°aid in input function. In one alternative embodiment a user may use this programming S: °feature to program hyperlinks directly into the radio.

S According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Intemrnet radio 43 is operated much like a traditional car stereo radio in that programming using memory may be accomplished in order to link certain buttons such as selection S. buttons to various radio links to establish one-touch connection to such links. For o example, by connecting to a directory server such as server 23 of Fig. 1 and scrolling through listed station links via scroll panel 60, a user may depress program button 20 when a desired link is highlighted. By subsequently pressing one of selection buttons 51, the desired link is cached in memory and assigned to that particular button.

Thereafter, a user may simply press the now-programmed button to establish connection to the desired link.

Radio links are actually hyper-links to broadcast servers such as servers 19 and 21 of Fig. 1, which when activated, cause Internet radio 43 to establish connection to such servers and begin downloading and playing audio content offered in association with that particular server. Internet radio 43 is enabled' by virtue of installed software, to make such one-touch connections which are similar only in appearance of operable method to one-touch radio programming offered in conventional car stereos.

Differences are that Internet 43 operates in a switched-data-packet environment -12instead of broadcast radio-wave frequencies, and that the method of content receiving involves software in addition to wireless receiving capability whereas conventional radios are simply tuned to receive via a radio receiver.

Some of the advantages offered with Internet radio 43 are, that in addition to local, stations, Intemrnet radio 43 is capable of playing any broadcast station located anywhere in the world as long as the station in question broadcasts over the Internet.

For example, individuals far from home in, for example, a foreign country, may listen to hometown radio in any language desired.

As previously described, Internet radio 43 works with a wireless network such as a cellular network, and a wireless modem such as modem 49 (preferred embodiment). Service system 11 may be hosted by a network provider in cooperation with device manufacturer similar to cell-phone company arrangements. Charges to ~subscribers may be supplemented by individual radio stations motivated by attracting S"°people into an area or simply by increased ratings. Advertising done by such stations may change to a more national or even a global scope. Moreover, advertising can now be tailored to individuals and groups by demographics rather than all multicasts, by :virtue of the fact that each user has a unique IP address for selectively receiving .packets from the wireless Intemrnet simulcast. Commercials can be substituted, for example, regionally, so a user in San Francisco listening to a radio station in Moscow, o 20 Russia, may still get commercials for local San Francisco businesses.

Internet radio 43 has software installed therein for the purpose of enabling Intemrnet connection and downloading and playing broadcast content. More detail regarding such software and enabling circuitry is provided below.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating internal circuitry of the Internet radio device of Fig. 2. Internet radio 43, as a dedicated and computerized device, contains certain elements known in the art present in typical computer devices for the purpose of enabling operable function. The inventor intends that the block diagram represented herein be construed as exemplary only with regards to description of such elements as it will be apparent to the skilled artisan that such basic elements are known in the art -13and common to many differing types of computerized devices, and also that many of the elements can be combined in various ways.

Internet radio 43 has a microcontroller 91 for overall management of Internet radios 43. Microcontroller 91 provides management via a bus structure 75, which may be a simple serial bus, but is preferably a parallel bus structure as known in the art. Also connected to bus structure 75 is a read-only memory (ROM) 69 for containing such as boot instructions and basic operating instruction (BIOS). A nonvolatile random-access-memory (NVRAM) 71 is provided and contains such as a compact operating system, an innovative Internet browser application, an audio player application, modem software, and communication protocol software.

A cache memory 73 is provided and adapted to contain such as stored Internet locations (URL's), and other temporary and some semi-permanent information such as accessed and stored radio link locations and radio link locations that may be generic to a browser. In this embodiment, cache 73 may be a browser cache or a shared system cache.

An input power port 77 provides a port for connecting Internet radio 43 to a provided power source, such as the electrical system of a vehicle. A rechargeable battery unit 78 is provided as a secondary source of power so that Internet radio 43 may be operated with the car turned off without using up car battery resource, or to 20 allow the radio to be removed and used outside the vehicle. Connections to battery 78 eo are not illustrated, but are assumed to be present such as circuitry providing a switch capability between a car battery source and battery 78 as a secondary source. Such circuitry is well known I the art.

Also connected to bus structure 75 are modem circuitry 81 (analogous to modem 49 of Fig. 2) and an 1/O data-modem port 79 (shown connected to modem 81) which contains circuitry required for receiving and sending in wireless mode as previously described. Modem 81 may be built-in (internal) or held separately (external) as previously described.

A display adapter (driver) module 89 is provided and includes circuitry required to operate display window 53 of Fig. 2. An output module 87 is provided -14and contains circuitry (sound card) adapted to enabling audio to be heard via a connection to speaker units. An input module 90 is provided and contains required circuitry for enabling data input to Internet radio 43 while switched to input mode as previously described witi'reference to Fig. 2. Display module 89, output module 87, and input module 90 is also connected to bus structure It will be apparent to one with skill in the art that the internal components of Internet radio 43 as described herein may vary in other embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, some memory may be provided in the form of removable cards as is known in the art.

Memory may also be provided in the form of a RAM/ROM mix in addition to NVRAM. Added functions may require additional modular components while an Internet radio of a simplest form may require fewer components. The only requirement for internal architecture is that it contains basic elements that allow for booting the device, and controlling the basic dedicated functions and operations of Internet radio 43.

Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating software capability of the Internet radio ~device of Fig. 2. A software package 93 is provided and adapted for enabling basic function and operation of Internet radio 43 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The inventor intends that package 93 and components thereof be construed °20 as exemplary as other embodiments may contain differing components.

A system BiOS 95 is provided and adapted for booting up Internet radio 43.

In this case, BIOS 95 may be very basic in comparison to BIOS systems found in more complex computers having varied functions. BIOS 95, in this embodiment, are limited to booting to a mini-operating system 97. Mini-operating system 97 contains minimum functionality as may be required for operating other dedicated components such as a modem application 99, an Internet access application 101, an audio browser application 103, and an audio player application 105.

Operating system 97 may be a modified (stripped down) version of a known operating system such as Windows CETM. In another embodiment, operating system 97 may be provided in the form of a new proprietary system dedicated for the purpose of enabling Internet radio according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Operating system 97 contains all of the necessary communication drivers and system components needed to work with other installed components according to media and system protocols.

Modem software 99 contains all of the necessary components for operating a modem such as modem 49 of Fig. 1. Modem speeds and other protocols may vary according to implementation and exact model or brand of modem however a minimum modem speed of 28.8 kps is sufficient for downloading Internet radio. In a simple embodiment, modem 99 is equipped solely for accessing the Internet via wireless mode as previously described.

So. Intemrnet access software 101 is a basic application that, in one embodiment, may be incorporated or integrated with browser 103. As a basic application, Internet access software 101 provides simple and direct connection to a directory server such as server 23 of Fig. 1, or connection to a service provider. This software may be a o 15 stripped down version of known software, or a created module dedicated to the function of the present invention.

Audio browser 103 as described above may be integrated with Intemrnet access o software 101. Browser 103 will access Internet sources through URLs, but does not display web pages like conventional browsers. E-mail or news group connections, 20 password routines and typical browser features are not required. The browser's principle function is to contact a directory server such as server 23 of Fig. 1 and to activate a hyper-link (radio-link) thereby causing download and playing of audio content, or, in an alternative embodiment, to directly assert a pre-programmed hyperlink to go directly to audio content at a broadcast server. The only display provided by browser 103 is names of radio-links, or, in some case pseudo-names, as listed in a directory server. Although this may be loosely construed as a web page, only hyper-links are displayed and not additional media: or graphics. Actual downloading procedure may be limited or adjusted as to how many links are displayed at a time. For example, a page containing 200 links may be downloaded and displayed 5 links at a time. In another embodiment, all of the links may be -16downloaded and displayed in scrollable fashion. Software player 105 may be an existing player (known in the art) or a created player dedicated to playing only audio according to an embodiment of the present invention.

It should be noted here that software package 93 is preferably limited in function so that only components required to achieve the object of the present invention, namely, accessing the Intemrnet for the purpose of downloading and playing broadcast audio content, are included. In this way, memory required to store software package 93 is kept to a minimum. In one embodiment, software package 93 may be provided as a single installable component containing only basic elements of each described sub-component such as browser 103 and so on. In another embodiment, "individual components may be provided in separately installable forms.

*As memory storage techniques improve and bandwidth capability increases over the Internet, more functionality may be provided to Intemrnet radio 43 such as video capture and play capability. In this case, a more suitable display would be provided for showing video with sound.- In this future embodiment, Internet broadcast television may be received in the same fashion as Intemrnet broadcast radio is received .according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted here that TV stations are currently broadcasting over the line Intemrnet, however, much more bandwidth is required to achieve a decent dynamic picture. Therefore, the inventor 20 deems that a dedicated Internet-radio device such as Internet radio 43 of Fig. 1 wherein only audio is captured represents the present invention according to a preferred embodiment. That is not to say however, that other embodiments including added function such as e-mail and IP telephony could not be practiced according to other aspects of the present invention.

An innovative function of audio browser 103 involves accessing a hyper-link and activating it with one initiation action provided by a user. This may be accomplished via writing the capability into the browser software. For example, each hyper-link (radio station) has a URL or server address. In an embodiment such as described herein where a directory server is used only radio hyper-links are provided and displayed. Therefore, browser 103 simply follows the link highlighted by the user -17via a scroll method such as by scroll panel 60 and highlighter bar 55 of Fig. 2. When a user is highlighting a specific link, browser 103 is reading that link. However, after programming all of the radio-links to selection buttons such as described with reference to Fig. 2, one touch to one of these buttons asks browser 103 to find the appropriate link and then to activate it.

This is where cache memory 73 of Fig. 3 comes in to play. Once a link is programmed to a selection button such as to one of selection buttons 51, then a copy of that link is cached in cache memory 73 and listed as assigned to that button. When browser 103 is activated via button selection, it recognizes the link as cached and associated with the particular button. Browser 103 may then contact directory server 23 and subsequently access the appropriate link in that server thereby causing connection to an associated broadcast server such as server 21 of Fig. 1 for downloading and playing the audio stream.

S•In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a directory server listing 15 hyper-links would not be required. In this embodiment, radio stations and like broadcasters maintains their own WEB pages with hyper-links to live broadcasts. Of course the same may also be true when using a directory server as access to these links o may be made by conventional line equipment such as a personal computer. Directory server 23 merely gathers such links into one location for easy access. If however, no S* 20 directory server is provided, then browser 103 may be enhanced with a search engine dedicated to isolating WEB addresses that contain these hyper-links. Such WEB page URL's may be displayed in scrollable fashion within window 53 of Fig. 1. Such pages will typically be a WEB page hosted by a particular broadcaster such as a radio station.

When a user highlights a selection via highlighter bar 55 and presses instant play button 57, browser 103 will navigate to the URL and display only the audio hyper-links on that page. For example, if only one hyper-link exists on that page, which is most often the case, then browser 103 will automatically activate that link causing connection to an associated broadcast server for download and playing of live broadcast. If two or more hyper-links to audio content exist on one page, then they -18may be scrolled and activated as previously described, or sampled one at a time for a predetermined amount of time.

If a user chooses one link, for example through activation of program button of Fig. 1, then that linIk.'is cached and assigned as before. At this point, a one-touch selection may activate that hyper-link, as its network path is now known. Moreover, identification and differentiation of audio hyper-links from other server links such as banner adds and the like can be made by browser 103 through an enhancement allowing for identification of code that must be embedded in an audio link for invoking player software. The inventor knows of no such browser with the capability of disseminating or reading embedded code for the purpose of differentiating between separate embedded links.

Fig. 5 is process flow diagram illustrating logical user steps for accessing live Internet radio according to an embodiment of the present invention. In step 107, a S° user such as user 41 of Fig. 1 activates or powers on an Internet radio such as radio 43 15 of Fig. 2, thereby initiating Internet connection. Internet connection may be initiated automatically when a user turns on his vehicle, or at the user's discretion such as by S° activating a connect button such as button 61 of Fig. 2. In step 109, Internet access is established according to pre-defined rules. Access may be through an ISP or wireless network provider.

•20 In step 111, a user may select a pre-programmed button such as one of selection buttons 51 of Fig. 2 to activate a browser such as browser 103 of Fig. 4 for the purpose of acquiring audio content. In step 113, the browser locates the WEB 9,.

page containing the associated hyper-link and activates the link causing navigation to and download of audio broadcast from an associated broadcast server such as server 21 of Fig. 1. In step i115; broadcast audio downloads to Intemrnet radio 43 and plays over a suitable speaker system.

It will be apparient to one with skill in the art that the above described steps represent a basic example of a sequence of initiation events and automated functions that enable audio content sourced from the Internet to be downloaded and played on an Internet radio such as radio 43 of Fig. 2. It will also be apparent to one with skill in -19 the art that such steps may vary somewhat depending upon user desire and unit capability. For example, instead of selecting a pre-programmed button as in step 111, a user may instead play content via scroll panel and instant play button as described with reference to Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is a flow chart illustrating programming steps used with the Internet radio device of Fig. 2. In step 117, a user activates a directory button such as button 59 of Fig. 2 while connected to the Intemrnet. This may be automatic in an embodiment wherein a directory server is a first location for a browser. In step 119, a directory server containing hyper-links such as server 23 of Fig. 1 is accessed via a browser such as browser 103 of Fig. 4. The hyper-links may be displayed in step 121.

Downloading may progress in incremental units of a total contained on a page such as perhaps 4 or 5 links at a time with a next 4 or 5 links available upon request. In ~another embodiment, all of the links may be downloaded to Intemrnet radio 43 and be displayed (step 121) in scrollable fashion in a window such as window 53 of Fig. 1.

At step 123, a user may scroll down a list of hyper-links with a highlight bar activated via a scroll panel such as bar 55 and panel 61 of Fig. 2. At step 125 a user •makes a selection of a highlighted link via depressing a program button such as button of Fig. 2. This copies the link to a cache such as cache 73 of Fig. 3. At step 127 a user may depress any one of selection buttons 51 of Fig. 2 to assign that button to the 20 cached link. When ready, a user simply depresses the selection button again to go to that server and begin playing the associated broadcast audio.

It will be apparent to one with skill in the art that the above-described steps represent just one exemplary programming sequence for an Internet radio such as radio 43 of Fig. 2. Other programming steps or sequences are possible without departing from the spirit and -scope of the present invention such as hitting the program button after listening to instant play via button 57, and so on. In addition to programming stations, other content may be programmed into Internet radio 43 such as time and date, perhaps an alarm function, input parameters related to configuration and set-up and the like.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Internet radio 43 is intended to be a stand-alone mobile unit for automobiles. The scope of the invention, however, is broader than this one embodiment. For example, an Internet radio device such as device 43 may be"provided of the form of a user-worn unit such as a headset or belt-attaching unit. In this embodiment, power would be provided by a compact rechargeable battery pack. In the case of a headset, the battery pack and control panel may be worn on a belt or body-conforming brace.

In an alternate embodiment, a stand-alone Internet radio device such as device 43 may be provided as a wireless desktop or house system perhaps having a phone jack to enable line connection to the Internet as well.

In still another embodiment of the present invention the Internet radio has no display and operates without benefit of a directory server. In this embodiment the inventor recognizes that it is only necessary that the Internet radio be programmable S* such that one or more unique hyperlinks are programmed into the radio and associated 15 with an initiation apparatus, so the hyperlinks may be selectively invoked.

There are several ways this programming may be done. The use of a convenient directory server, and user interface apparatus adapted to allow a user to select and initiate hyperlinks and to associate hyperlinks with initiation buttons has already been described above. In an alternative embodiment a portable radio may be 20 provided with a standard serial port, an infra red link, or other known link to a personal computer, such as a laptop or desktop computer. Suitable software may be executed on the computer to access information on the Internet, the information comprising hyperlinks to broadcast servers, and the software may be adapted also to allow a user to associate selected hyperlinks with a selection apparatus on the Internet radio, and to then download the associated hyperlinks to the radio.

In this alternative there is no need for a display. The Internet radio simply has a series of initiation buttons or a dial allowing selective actuation and a communication port t the host computer. Once selection of hyperlinks is made and downloaded to the Internet radio of the invention, the radio may be used -21independently, and will tune to the appropriate station each time the selection apparatus is exercised.

In yet another alternative, a user may contact a directory server from his/her Internet-connected general-purpose computer, and provide a client profile. The WEB page, interface of the directory server provides the client with a listing of hyperlinks to radio servers or at least a facility for developing such a list, under the client's control.

The client in this embodiment makes selection and association, and the directory server programs the Internet radio itself, the next time the Internet radio accesses the directory server. This provides a particularly simple Internet radio device.

In yet another alternative a call-center technology is used. The user calls an 800 (or similar no-charge number); establishing contact with an agent of the service and the agent guides the user through set-up. The user can inform the agent of specific desires in radio stations, the agent makes suggestions and provides samples, and the user selects stations and suggests assignment to specific slots at the radio.

15 Once the list is complete, the agent-enters the selections and associations in an internet-connected server, and the next time the user's radio connects the server programs the radio for the new play mix.

*In yet another embodiment the no-charge-to-calling-party number connects the client by phone with an Interactive Voice response unit (IVR), and the IVR elicits the 20 necessary information. Once selection and association is made via the IVR, the IVR °*0V automatically communicates same to an Internet-connected directory server, and the server does the rest. The next time the user accesses the Internet the server programs o• the Internet radio device for the stations and association.

In still another embodiment, an Internet radio such as radio 43 may include a means for recording Internet content such as via writeable CD-ROM or via tape recording deck. In a considerably more complicated embodiment AM/FM receiving capability may be added to the circuitry of Internet radio 43 for the purpose of creating a dual-purpose radio (Internet broadcast and conventional broadcast). The spirit and scope of the present invention is limited only by the claims that follow.

Claims (19)

1. In an Internet-capable.. device, a dedicated Web browser application for navigating to and invoking offered multimedia content upon a single action of execution by a user comprising: a browser cache for storing Internet protocol addresses of servers and Universal Resource Locators of Web pages hosting the multimedia content; an assignment map for associating the Internet protocol addresses and Universal Resource Locators to individual ones of physical indicia presented on the Internet-capable device; and an application program interface for enabling invocation of an associated media player; a software parser for differentiating between multimedia links for invoking a player and V*0 other types of links; wherein upon a single action of execution by the user, the action performed on an individual one of the physical indicia presented on the Internet-capable device, the Web browser navigates to the assigned server and URL and automatically invokes an embedded multimedia link thereby launching the associated player and playing the multimedia.

2. The dedicated Web browser application of claim 1 wherein the Internet-capable device 0 is an Internet radio. 0 G*3. The dedicated Web browser application of claim 1 when the Internet-capable device is *a personal computer. 0000

4. The dedicated Web browser- application of claim 2 wherein the Internet radio operates in a wireless mode. 0. 5. The dedicated Web browser application of claim 1 wherein the software parser retains more than one multimedia offering for subsequent serial invocation and sampling by the associated media player in the case of more than one embedded link on a single Web Page.

6. The dedicated Web browser of claim 5 wherein the sampling is user controlled.

7. The dedicated Web browser application of claim 1 wherein the multimedia is live broadcast radio offered over the Internet. 004055202v3.doc 23

8. The dedicated Web browser application of claim 1 wherein the multimedia is stored audio data offered over the Internet.

9. A hardware/software system for enabling one-touch access to live or stored audio content offered through a data-packet-network comprising: a network-capable device having a modem and a working connection to the network; indicia presented on the device for enabling user selection of at least one offering of the available audio content; and a dedicated Web browser application running on the device and having interface with a media player, a cache, a parser, and an assignment map, wherein separately addressed offerings on the network may be programmed into individual ones of the indicia present on the device such that when a user invokes an indicia, the assigned offering is accessed at which time the content is downloaded and played on the device.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein the network-capable device is an Intemrnet radio coupled to the Internet network.

11. The system of claim 1 when the Internet radio accesses the Intemrnet wirelessly.

12. The system of claim 2 wherein the Internet radio operates in a wireless mode.

13. The system of claim 1 wherein the software parser retains more than one multimedia 9. •.offering for subsequent serial invocation and sampling by the associated media player in the case ooo• of more than one embedded link on a single Web Page.

14. The system of claim 13 wherein the sampling is user controlled. The system of claim 1 wherein the multimedia is live broadcast radio offered over the Internet.

16. The system of claim 1 wherein the multimedia is stored audio data offered over the Internet.

17. An Internet-capable radio for accessing, downloading, and playing live or stored audio content offered through the Internet network comprising: access software for accessing the Internet; 004055202v3.doc 24 modem circuitry for enabling an Internet connection; a set of turning indicia, the indicia programmable and separable according to individual content offerings; and a dedicated Web browser application running on the device and having interface with a media player, a cache, a parser, and an assignment map, wherein separately addressed offerings on the Internet may be programmed into individual ones of the indicia present on the device such that when a user invokes an indicia, the assigned offering is accessed at which time the content is downloaded and played on the device. S. 18. The Internet-capable radio of claim 17 connected to the network wirelessly.

19. The Internet-capable radio of claim 17 coupled to the network by way of an Internet access line. The Internet-capable radio of claim 17 wherein the software parser retains more than one multimedia offering for subsequent serial invocation and sampling by the associated media player in the case of more than one embedded link on a single Web Page.

21. The Internet-capable radio of claim 20 wherein the sampling is user controlled.

22. A dedicated Web browser application substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

23. A hardware/software system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

24. An Internet-capable radio substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this 8th day of March 2002 Donald Robert Martin Boys By his attorneys Freehills Carter Smith Beadle