IP Library Granted Patent US 7,424,279
Granted Patent B1
US 7,424,279 · App. 09/663,513 · Granted Sep 9, 2008

Method for enhancing in real-time the playback of an audio broadcast signal

View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,424,279
App. No.
09/663,513
Granted
Sep 9, 2008
Kind
B1
Abstract

A method is provided for enhancing in real-time the playback of a broadcast data signal. The method comprises the steps of: (a) receiving a broadcast data signal at a player device; (b) storing the broadcast data signal on the player device; (c) generating an output signal based on the broadcast data signal substantially simultaneous to the storage of the broadcast data signal; (d) creating a time delay between the storage of the broadcast data signal and the generation of the output signal; and (e) adjusting the time delay between the storage of the broadcast data signal and the generation of the output signal, thereby manipulating the output signal from the player device.

Claims (21)

1. A method for enhancing in real-time the playback of a broadcast signal, comprising the steps of:

receiving a broadcast data signal at a player device, said data signal including an audible portion and at least one non-audible portion;

storing the broadcast data signal on the player device;

generating an output signal based on the broadcast data signal substantially simultaneous to the storage of the broadcast data signal; and

identifying the non-audible portion of the broadcast signal and increasing the duration of the non-audible portion prior to generating the output signal, thereby creating a time delay between the storage of the broadcast signal and the generation of the output signal.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of adjusting the time delay between the storage of the broadcast data signal and the generation of the output signal, thereby manipulating the output signal from the player device.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the step of adjusting the time delay further comprises maintaining the storage of the broadcast data signal within a predefined limit of the output signal that correlates to the broadcast data signal.

4. The method of claim 2 wherein the step of adjusting the time delay further comprises synchronizing the storage of the broadcast data signal with the generation of the output signal, such that a portion of the broadcast data signal is not output by the player device.

5. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of subsequently reducing the time delay between the storage of the broadcast data signal and the generation of the output signal, thereby fast forwarding through a portion of the broadcast data signal.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of creating a time delay further comprises:

discontinuing the generation of the output signal; and

replaying a portion of the broadcast data signal stored on the player device.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of creating a time delay further comprises the steps of:

pausing the generation of the output signal; and

subsequently resuming generation of the output signal using a portion of the broadcast data signal stored on the player device.

8. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of decreasing the duration of the non-audible portion of the broadcast data signal prior to generating the output signal, thereby reducing the time delay between the storage of the broadcast signal and the generation of the output signal.

9. A player device for enhancing in real-time the playback of an audio broadcast, comprising:

a tuner for receiving a broadcast data signal, said data signal including an audible portion and at least one non-audible portion;

a storage medium for storing the broadcast data signal;

a speaker for generating audio output that correlates to the broadcast data signal; and

a controller connected with the tuner, the storage medium and the speaker, said controller operative to identify the non-audible portion of the broadcast signal and to increase the duration of the non-audible portion prior to generating the output signal, thereby creating a time delay between storing the broadcast data signal and generating the audio output; said controller also operative to adjust the time delay, thereby enhancing the playback of the broadcast data signal.

Assignments (3)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Apr 2, 2015
From: SMART AUDIO TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
To: VALUE STREET CONSULTING GROUP LLC
Reel/Frame 035364/0839 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Feb 8, 2012
From: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
To: SMART AUDIO TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
Reel/Frame 027672/0807 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Feb 5, 2001
From: WELK, DOUGLAS L.; BOYTIM, MATHEW A.
To: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Reel/Frame 011501/0973 →