US5557541A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for distributing subscription and on-demand audio programming
Assignee: audiohighway com
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Filing: 1994-07-21
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Granted: 1996-09-17
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Expires: 2014-07-21
Abstract
Abstract A distribution system for audio program materials includes a portable audio storage and retrieval device that is programmable from a high speed data transfer system, and that includes a high-capacity data storage medium, a base control interface for identifying and accepting program material, a mobile control interface for displaying the identity of recorded material for playback selection, a recording mechanism for accepting very high speed digital data from an external source at rates faster than real time, and a playback mechanism for retrieving the stored data from the storage medium and for converting the data into audio signals for playback.
Inventors
- 👤 Nathan Schulhof
- 👤 James M. Janky
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 16:07
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04H; H04H20/00; H04H20/40; G; G11; G11B; G11B20/00; G11B20/00007; H04H60/00; H04H60/09; H04H60/14; H04H60/23
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
96 words
A system for distributing subscription and on-demand audio programming, comprising: a high-capacity data storage medium; a base control interface for identifying and accepting program material; a mobile control interface for displaying the identity of recorded material for playback selection; a recording mechanism for accepting very high speed digital data from an external source, at rates faster than real time; a playback mechanism for retrieving stored data from said storage medium and for converting said data into audio signals for playback and: means for detecting program material resolution and for reproducing said program material in accordance therewith.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
96 words
A system for distributing subscription and on-demand audio programming, comprising: a high-capacity data storage medium; a base control interface for identifying and accepting program material; a mobile control interface for displaying the identity of recorded material for playback selection; a recording mechanism for accepting very high speed digital data from an external source, at rates faster than real time; a playback mechanism for retrieving stored data from said storage medium and for converting said data into audio signals for playback and: means for detecting program material resolution and for reproducing said program material in accordance therewith.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 1, further comprising: a power management system for accepting power from any of a battery, a DC source, and an AC adapter.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 1, further comprising: a counter for monitoring storage medium capacity and utilization.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
136 words
A method for distributing subscription and on-demand audio programming, comprising the steps of: attaching a portable device to a cable television converter; selecting a dedicated data exchange channel; providing a menu display that includes a catalog of available audio program material; selecting desired audio program material; tracking the duration of each selection; determining when the capacity of the storage medium in the portable device has been reached; choosing a payment display; authorizing billing for the program material; returning the cable television to a normal viewing mode of operation; transferring said audio program material to said portable device; providing a visual or audible indication when said portable device has completed reception of the requested audio program material; removing the portable device from the base location; and placing the portable device at mobile location for playback as desired.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
136 words
A method for distributing subscription and on-demand audio programming, comprising the steps of: attaching a portable device to a cable television converter; selecting a dedicated data exchange channel; providing a menu display that includes a catalog of available audio program material; selecting desired audio program material; tracking the duration of each selection; determining when the capacity of the storage medium in the portable device has been reached; choosing a payment display; authorizing billing for the program material; returning the cable television to a normal viewing mode of operation; transferring said audio program material to said portable device; providing a visual or audible indication when said portable device has completed reception of the requested audio program material; removing the portable device from the base location; and placing the portable device at mobile location for playback as desired.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 4, further comprising the step of: monitoring storage medium capacity and utilization.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
148 words
A method for distributing subscription and on-demand audio programming comprising the steps of: attaching a portable device to a cable television converter; selecting a dedicated data exchange channel; providing a menu display that includes a catalog of available audio program material; selecting desired audio program material; tracking the duration of each selection; determining when the capacity of the storage medium in said portable device has been reached; choosing a payment display; authorizing billing for said program material; returning the cable television to a normal viewing mode of operation; transferring said audio program material to said portable device; providing a visual or audible indication when said portable device has completed reception of the requested audio program material; removing said portable device from the base location; placing said portable device at a mobile location for playback as desired; detecting program material resolution; and reproducing said program material in accordance therewith.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
148 words
A method for distributing subscription and on-demand audio programming comprising the steps of: attaching a portable device to a cable television converter; selecting a dedicated data exchange channel; providing a menu display that includes a catalog of available audio program material; selecting desired audio program material; tracking the duration of each selection; determining when the capacity of the storage medium in said portable device has been reached; choosing a payment display; authorizing billing for said program material; returning the cable television to a normal viewing mode of operation; transferring said audio program material to said portable device; providing a visual or audible indication when said portable device has completed reception of the requested audio program material; removing said portable device from the base location; placing said portable device at a mobile location for playback as desired; detecting program material resolution; and reproducing said program material in accordance therewith.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-09-17 | 2000-03-18 | 2000-09-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-09-17 | 2004-03-18 | 2004-09-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-09-17 | 2008-03-18 | 2008-09-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |