초록 ▼

Audio information is distributed from a service center to a large group of subscribers on a regular basis, depending on the desires of the individual subscribers. The audio information can be educational, recreational, or informational in nature. The service center stores user profile information, s

Audio information is distributed from a service center to a large group of subscribers on a regular basis, depending on the desires of the individual subscribers. The audio information can be educational, recreational, or informational in nature. The service center stores user profile information, stores compressed audio recordings for future delivery, transmits compressed audio information to each base unit, and interfaces with subscribers. The base unit provides readiness status to the service center. The service center sends compressed digital audio information to the base station, after which the base station receives the compressed audio unattended, and automatically decodes and records the audio information on a cassette or other recording device. Communication between the service center and each base unit may use a data network that operates on top of the Public Switched Telephone Network using xDSL modems or a cable network using cable modems. The system maximizes efficient use of system resources and reduces total system costs.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A system for economical distribution of audio information to subscribers, that stores compressed digital audio information at a central library of a service center, retains said information for dissemination to a large number of subscribers, establishes communications w

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A system for economical distribution of audio information to subscribers, that stores compressed digital audio information at a central library of a service center, retains said information for dissemination to a large number of subscribers, establishes communications with subscriber base units, delivers said audio information to said subscriber base units, wherein the base units each convert said audio information for output, interface with audio player devices capable of recording, and automatically transfers to said audio player devices the audio information, wherein(a) the service center includes:a user interface permitting the users to input respective user preferences about topics of interest and preferences about delivery;a means of processing functioning to coordinate the activities of said service center;said library of compressed digital audio information;non-volatile storage media functioning to store said user preference information and said audio information;means of network management functioning to gather status information from subscriber base units and to record said status information on said storage media; anda network interface functioning to connect said service center with a communications platform for the purpose of communicating with one or more base units;(b) each said base unit includes:network interface means for communicating with said service center network interface over a communications platform, and for receiving and transmitting data transmissions between said service center and said base unit;microprocessor means, electronically interconnected to said network interface, for controlling the overall operation of said base unit including the receipt and storage of audio information transmitted to said base unit from said service center;non-volatile, read-only memory, electronically interconnected to said microprocessor means, storing instructions that are executable by said microprocessor means;a control program, stored in said non-volatile, read-only memory, functioning to contain said executable instructions;feedback means, contained as a specialized set of instructions in said control program, functioning to provide information, in the form of a data network message, to said service center network management means pertaining to status information identified and stored in said base unit;non-volatile digital memory storage means functioning to store digital audio information transmitted to the base unit from the service center;decompression means, electronically interconnected to said microprocessor means, functioning to accept compressed digital audio data and to convert said data into real-time digital audio data;conversion means for converting said real-time digital audio data to a format suitable for output to an audio player device;control interface means, electronically interconnected to and controlled by said microprocessor means, functioning to control an audio player device;a user switch having first and second conditions, electronically interconnected to said microprocessor means, wherein a feedback message generated by said microprocessor means depends on the condition of said switch; and also permitting the subscriber to activate or deactivate said base unit depending on the respective condition of the switch; andc) an audio player device including:input means for accepting said audio information; and means for recording said audio information.