초록 ▼

A digital replacement for an analog audio tape recorder can record audio programming digitally in a faster than real time format and can play back audio programming, where such programming has been digitized and stored in data files using a variety of compression/decompression algorithms. Audio prog

A digital replacement for an analog audio tape recorder can record audio programming digitally in a faster than real time format and can play back audio programming, where such programming has been digitized and stored in data files using a variety of compression/decompression algorithms. Audio programming is stored digitally on a non-volatile medium, such as a hard drive, or in a flash EPROM, or other solid state non-volatile memory. The device includes a hard drive, a modem for connection to a data base via an on-line service, a keyboard, a display, and an audio system. The device uniquely combines the remote data access capability resident in a personal computer with a set of tailored, streamlined control functions to simplify, automate, and render seamless the process of selecting audio program material; ordering the program material from a service; receiving acknowledgment of the order and receiving the program material via automatic download for storage in a hard drive; playback of the program material when and where the user desires, with fully streamlined control functions; and control of the user interface functionality on the keyboard through a setup mode of operation.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] A portable audio information storage/playback apparatus, comprising:a data interface;a microprocessor, wherein said microprocessor operates in response to user operation of said keypad to select audio program material; receive said program material via automatic download for storage

[ I claim:] [1.] A portable audio information storage/playback apparatus, comprising:a data interface;a microprocessor, wherein said microprocessor operates in response to user operation of said keypad to select audio program material; receive said program material via automatic download for storage in a storage medium; and playback said program material when and where the user desires; andsaid storage medium controlled by said microprocessor and on which audio programming received via said data interface may be recorded digitally in a faster than real time format and from which said audio programming may be retrieved for reproduction in a real time format, where such audio programming is provided in the form of digitized, compressed data files; andan audio output and conditioning module for reproducing said retrieved audio programming in real time.