(19) United States
`
`(10) Pub. No.: US 2005/0113946 A9
`
`(12) Patent Application Publication
`(48) Pub. Date:
`May 26, 2005
`
`Janik
`CORRECTED PUBLICATION
`
`US 20050113946A9
`
`(54) AUDIO CONVERTER DEVICE AND
`METHOD FOR USING THE SAME
`
`(65) US 2003/0045955 A1 Mar. 6, 2003
`
`(76)
`
`Inventor: Craig M. Janik, Los Altos Hills, CA
`(US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`Archana B, Vittal
`BLAKELY, SOKOLOFF, TAYLOR & ZAFMAN
`LLP
`Seventh Floor
`12400 Wilshire Boulevard
`
`Related US. Application Data
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/230,530, filed on Sep.
`1, 2000.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`Int. Cl.7 ............................. G06F 17/00; H04B 3/00
`(51)
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`............................... 700/94, 381/77, 704/272
`
`(21) Appl. N0"
`(22)
`Filed:
`
`09/945,018
`Sep. 1, 2001
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`(15) Correction of US 2003/0045955 A1 Mar. 6, 2003
`See Related US. Application Data.
`
`An audio converter device and a method for using the same
`are provided. In one embodiment, the audio converter device
`receives the digital audio data from a first device via a local
`area network. The audio converter device decompresses the
`digital audio data and converts the digital audio data into
`analog electrical data. The audio converter device transfers
`the analog electrical data to an audio playback device.
`
`32
`
`
`
`116
`
`Yamaha Corporation of America
`
`Exhibit 1003
`
`Page 1
`
`Yamaha Corporation of America Exhibit 1003 Page 1
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication May 26, 2005 Sheet 1 0f 15
`
`US 2005/0113946 A9
`
`116
`
`FIG.1
`
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`
`Yamaha Corporation of America
`
`Exhibit 1003
`
`Page 2
`
`Yamaha Corporation of America Exhibit 1003 Page 2
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication May 26, 2005 Sheet 2 0f 15
`
`US 2005/0113946 A9
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`FIG.2
`
`Yamaha Corporation of America
`
`Exhibit 1003
`
`Page 3
`
`Yamaha Corporation of America Exhibit 1003 Page 3
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication May 26, 2005 Sheet 3 0f 15
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`
`Exhibit 1003
`
`Page 4
`
`Yamaha Corporation of America Exhibit 1003 Page 4
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`Yamaha Corporation of America Exhibit 1003 Page 6
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`Yamaha Corporation of America Exhibit 1003 Page 9
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`Page 10
`
`Yamaha Corporation of America Exhibit 1003 Page 10
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication May 26, 2005 Sheet 10 0f 15
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`US 2005/0113946 A9
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`Page 11
`
`Yamaha Corporation of America Exhibit 1003 Page 11
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`May 26, 2005 Sheet 11 0f 15
`
`US 2005/0113946 A9
`
`Tag button activated
`on audio device remote
`control
`
`IR signal sent from
`remote to audio device
`
`Tag-button activation
`message sent from audio
`device to server module
`
`server module receives
`
`tag activation message
`
`server module determines
`
`current content source
`source
`audio device
`
`.I
`
`f lnternet stream
`
`if local file
`
`search file for
`embedded
`data
`
`
`
`acquire file name
`
`server search stream
`for embedded
`data
`
`server acquire
`URL stream
`
`if terrestrial
`broadcast
`
`read time and
`date in core
`timer
`
`server request FM
`broadcast
`
`frequency from
`
`server append above
`information to
`
`
`
`
`
`message, send
`to tag server on
`internet
`
`add tag information
`to user's tag aggregation
`page
`
`aggregation page
`
`search on tag data, append
`relevant links to user's tag
`
`tag processing
`server searches for
`
`content source, if
`
`source
`
`appropriate, forwards
`tag to content
`
`FIG. 11
`
`Yamaha Corporation of America
`
`Exhibit 1003
`
`Page 12
`
`Yamaha Corporation of America Exhibit 1003 Page 12
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`

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`Patent Application Publication May 26, 2005 Sheet 12 0f 15
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`US 2005/0113946 A9
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`116
` Internet
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`
`Page 13
`
`Yamaha Corporation of America Exhibit 1003 Page 13
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication May 26, 2005 Sheet 13 0f 15
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`US 2005/0113946 A9
`
`304
`
`312
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`FIG.13
`
`Yamaha Corporation of America
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`Exhibit 1003
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`Page 14
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`Yamaha Corporation of America Exhibit 1003 Page 14
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`

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`Patent Application Publication May 26, 2005 Sheet 14 0f 15
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`US 2005/0113946 A9
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`116
`FIG.14
`
`Yamaha Corporation of America
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`Exhibit 1003
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`Page 15
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`Yamaha Corporation of America Exhibit 1003 Page 15
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`

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`Patent Application Publication May 26, 2005 Sheet 15 0f 15
`
`US 2005/0113946 A9
`
`608
`
`148
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`Yamaha Corporation of America
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`
`Page 16
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`Yamaha Corporation of America Exhibit 1003 Page 16
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`

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`US 2005/0113946 A9
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`May 26, 2005
`
`AUDIO CONVERTER DEVICE AND METHOD
`FOR USING THE SAME
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0001] The present invention relates generally to audio
`playback devices, and more particularly, to an audio con-
`verter device to convert digital audio data received from a
`computer system to analog electrical data to be played on an
`audio playback device.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0002] The rapid buildup of telecommunications infra-
`structure combined with substantial investment in Internet-
`
`based businesses and technology has brought Internet con-
`nectivity to a large segment of the population. Recent market
`statistics show that a majority of households in the US. own
`at
`least one personal computer (PC), and a significant
`number of these PCs are connected to the Internet. Many
`households include two or more PCs, as well as various PC
`productivity peripherals such as printers, scanners, and the
`like. Decreases in the cost of PC components such as
`microprocessors, hard disk drives, memory, and displays,
`have driven the commoditization of PCs. Although the
`majority of household PCs are connected to the Internet by
`dialup modem connections, broadband connectivity is being
`rapidly adopted, and is decreasing in price as a variety of
`technologies are introduced and compete in the marketplace.
`A large majority of households in the US. and Europe are
`viable for at least one or more type of broadband connection,
`such as cable, DSL, optical networks, fixed wireless, or
`two-way satellite transmission.
`
`[0003] A market for home networking technology has
`emerged, driven by the need to share an Internet connection
`between two or more PCs, and to connect all the PCs to
`productivity peripherals. There has been innovation in local
`area network (LAN) technology based on end-user desire for
`simplicity and ease of installation. Installing Ethernet cable
`is impractical for a majority of end-users, therefore a number
`of no-new-wires technologies have been introduced. The
`Home Phoneline Networking Association (HPNA) promotes
`networking products that turn existing phone wiring in the
`home into an Ethernet physical layer. Adapters are required
`that allow each device to plug into any RJ-11 phone jack in
`the home. The adapter modifies the signal from devices so
`that it can be carried by the home phone lines. Existing
`HPNA products provide data-rates equivalent to 10base-T
`Ethernet, approximately 10 Mbps. Networking technology
`that uses the AC power wiring in the home to carry data
`signals has also appeared. Similar to HPNA devices, adapt-
`ers are required to convert data signals from devices into
`voltage fluctuations carried on to and off of the AC wires,
`allowing any AC outlet
`to become a network interface.
`Although both HPNA and power line networking products
`are convenient to use because they require no new wires, the
`advantage of AC power line products over HPNA is that AC
`power outlets are more ubiquitous than RJ-11 phone jacks.
`
`[0004] Wireless radio-frequency (RF) LAN technology
`has also been introduced into the home networking market.
`Theoretically, wireless technology is the most convenient
`for the end user to install. There are currently two prevalent
`standards for wireless networking, Institute of Electrical and
`Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11b and HomeRF. Both of
`
`these systems utilize the unlicensed 2.4 Ghz ISM band as the
`carrier frequency for the transmission of data. Both of these
`technologies have effective ranges of approximately 150 feet
`in a typical household setting. IEEE 802.11b is a direct
`sequence spread spectrum technology. HomeRF is a fre-
`quency-hopping spread spectrum technology. Adapters that
`are RF transceivers are required for each device to commu-
`nicate on the network. In addition to utilizing Transmission
`Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
`(TCP/IP) protocols,
`IEEE 802.11b and HomeRF include additional encryption
`and security protocol layers so that the user’s devices have
`controlled access to data being sent through the LAN.
`
`[0005] Due to market competition and the effect of
`Moore’s Law, home networking technology is greatly
`increasing in performance and availability, while decreasing
`in price. For example, the current data-rate roadmap shows
`HomeRF increasing from 10 Mbps to 20 Mbps, utilizing the
`5 Ghz band. The IEEE 802.11 technology roadmap shows
`the introduction of 802.11a at 54 Mbps, also utilizing the 5
`Ghz band. It is important to note that LAN data-rates are
`increasing much faster than wide-area data-rates, such as the
`data-rates provided by “last mile” technologies including
`DSL, DOCSIS. Wireless wide area data-rates are also
`improving slowly. Current digital cellular technology pro-
`vides less than 64 Kbps data-rates, with most systems
`providing throughput in the 20 Kbps range.
`
`[0006] The MP3 digital audio format is an audio encoding
`technology that allows consumers to further compress digi-
`tal audio files such as those found on Compact Disks, to
`much smaller sizes with very little decrease in sound quality.
`The MP3 format is the audio layer of MPEG-2 digital audio
`and video compression and transmission standard. For
`example, the MP3 format allows for compression of audio
`content to approximately 1 million bytes per minute of
`audio, at near Compact Disk quality. This capability, com-
`bined with a decrease in the cost of flash memory, a type of
`non-volatile silicon-based mass memory, has made it pos-
`sible to develop portable digital audio playback devices.
`These are devices that are significantly smaller than portable
`CD players because they contain no moving parts, only flash
`memory, a microprocessor for decoding MP3 compressed
`audio content, and batteries. However, the cost per bit of
`audio content with portable digital audio playback devices is
`still very high because of the high cost of flash memory. The
`typical portable digital audio playback device includes
`enough flash memory to store about one CD’s worth of
`digital music. The result is that the user is burdened with
`having to continually manually change the music files in the
`device by plugging the device into the PC and operating a
`user interface, if they want to listen to a wide range of music.
`
`[0007] PC-based MP3 software players have been created
`that provide a convenient graphical user interface and soft-
`ware decoding of MP3 files. Some technology allows users
`to play MP3 files on their PC, using an existing sound card
`with external speakers. However, to listen to MP3s the user
`must interface with the PC, using a mouse and keyboard, and
`must be nearby the PC sound output equipment.
`
`[0008] The smaller size of MP3 encoded audio files has
`also enabled these files to be shared by users across the
`Internet, since the transfer of these files takes an acceptable
`amount of time. Internet-based digital music access and
`distribution service businesses have appeared that provide
`various means for users to gain access to digital audio files.
`Exhibit 1003
`Page 17
`Yamaha Corporation of America
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`Yamaha Corporation of America Exhibit 1003 Page 17
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`

`

`US 2005/0113946 A9
`
`May 26, 2005
`
`In addition to music, many other types of audio
`[0009]
`content are now available in digital format, such as spoken-
`word content, news, commentary, and educational content.
`Digital files containing audio recordings of books being read
`aloud are available for download directly from their website.
`
`[0010] At the same time, there is a very large installed base
`of stereo systems in households throughout the world. The
`majority of these systems are capable of producing high
`fidelity audio if the audio inputs into the stereo system are
`of high quality.
`
`[0011] What is needed is a system that allows users to play
`all of the digital content that is stored on their PC, on their
`existing audio equipment. This system should include an
`audio content management system, and should allow the
`user to control and manipulate the content that is stored on
`the PC, at the stereo system.
`
`[0012] This system should also provide the ability to
`stream audio from sources beyond the PC on the Internet.
`There should be a seamless interface that allows user to
`
`manage both locally cached content and Internet streams.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0013] An audio converter device and a method for using
`the same are provided.
`In one embodiment,
`the audio
`converter device receives the digital audio data from a first
`device via a local area network. The audio converter device
`
`decompresses the digital audio data and converts the digital
`audio data into analog electrical data. The audio converter
`device transfers the analog electrical data to an audio play-
`back device.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0014] The present invention will be understood more
`fully from the detailed description given below and from the
`accompanying drawings of various embodiments of the
`invention, which, however, should not be taken to limit the
`invention to the specific embodiments, but are for explana-
`tion and understanding only:
`
`[0015] FIG. 1 shows a schematic of one embodiment of
`the digital streaming audio system hardware components;
`
`[0016] FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of one embodi-
`ment of a digital audio converter;
`
`[0017] FIG. 3 shows an isometric exploded view of one
`embodiment of a digital audio converter;
`
`[0018] FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of one embodiment
`of a digital audio converter hardware components;
`
`[0019] FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of one embodiment
`of the digital streaming audio system software components;
`
`[0020] FIG. 6 shows an isometric view of one embodi-
`ment of a digital audio converter remote control;
`
`[0021] FIG. 7 shows one embodiment of a PC desktop
`with the console and media manager GUI;
`
`[0022] FIG. 8 shows one embodiment of a PC desktop
`with the mini-browser open to a content portal;
`
`[0023] FIG. 9 shows one embodiment of a PC desktop
`with the media manager GUI open with a dialog box;
`
`[0024] FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of one embodiment of
`the GUI at digital audio converter;
`
`[0025] FIG. 11 shows one embodiment of a tag sequence
`flowchart;
`
`[0026] FIG. 12 shows a schematic of one embodiment of
`a digital audio converter with alarm clock function;
`
`[0027] FIG. 13 shows an isometric view of one embodi-
`ment of the alarm clock controller;
`
`[0028] FIG. 14 shows a schematic of one embodiment of
`a digital streaming audio system incorporating a PDA with
`an attached wireless LAN adapter module which functions
`as the system controller and, or player device; and
`
`[0029] FIG. 15 shows an isometric view of one embodi-
`ment of the PDA removed from the LAN adapter.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0030] An audio converter device and a method for using
`the same are described. In the following description, for
`purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set
`forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the
`present
`invention.
`It will be apparent, however,
`to one
`skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced
`without these specific details. In other instances, well-known
`structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in
`order to avoid obscuring the present invention.
`
`[0031] A set of definitions is provided below to clarify the
`present invention.
`
`[0032] Definitions
`
`[0033] The Internet is used interchangeably with the term
`web or worldwide web. Both of these are defined as the
`worldwide network of PCs, servers, and other devices.
`
`[0034] Broadband connection is defined as a communica-
`tions network in which the frequency bandwidth can be
`divided and shared by multiple simultaneous signals. A
`broadband connection to the Internet
`typically provides
`minimum upstream and downstream data-rates of approxi-
`mately 200K or more bits per second. There are many
`different types of broadband connections including DSL,
`cable modems, and fixed and mobile wireless connections.
`
`[0035] A Data Over Cable System Interface Specification
`(DOCSIS) modem is an industry standard type of cable
`modem that is used to provide broadband access to the
`Internet 8 over a coaxial cable physical layer that is also used
`for the delivery of cable TV signals (CATV).
`
`[0036] ADigital Subscriber Line (DSL) modem is also an
`industry standard type of modem that is used to provide
`broadband access to the Internet, but over conventional
`copper phone lines (local loops).
`
`[0037] The term gateway, used interchangeably with
`broadband gateway, is defined as an integral modem and
`router, and may include hub functionality. The modem
`function is used to change voltage fluctuations on an input
`carrier line (a DSL line input or a cable TV input) into digital
`data.
`
`[0038] Routers are devices that connect one distinct net-
`work to another by passing only certain IP addresses that are
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`Page 18
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`Yamaha Corporation of America Exhibit 1003 Page 18
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`US 2005/0113946 A9
`
`May 26, 2005
`
`targeted for specific networks. Hubs allow one network
`signal input to be split and thus sent to many devices.
`
`[0039] Gateway storage peripheral is defined as an add-on
`storage device with processing power, an operating system,
`and a software application that manages the downloading
`and storage of data. An example scenario for the use of a
`gateway storage peripheral is a system where a user has a
`DOCSIS modem and would like to add an always-on storage
`capability. The gateway storage peripheral is connected to
`the DOCSIS modem via a USB port or an Ethernet port in
`the DOCSIS modem. A gateway storage peripheral in com-
`bination with a DOCSIS modem or any type of broadband
`modem is considered a storage gateway system. A PC that
`is always left on and connected to an always-on gateway
`with a DSL or broadband cable connection is considered a
`storage gateway system.
`
`[0040] The term “message” is defined as information that
`is sent digitally from one computing device to another for
`various purposes. The term “content” is used to mean the
`information contained in digital
`files or streams. For
`example, content may be entertainment or news, or audio
`files in MP3 format. “Data” is used to mean information
`
`such as digital schedule contents, responses from devices
`sent back through the system, or digital messages and email.
`“Content” and “data” are sometimes used interchangeably.
`“Client devices” are those devices that are not fully func-
`tional without a host device such as a personal computer.
`
`[0041] Local Area Network (LAN) is defined as a network
`structure that includes two or more devices that can com-
`
`municate with other devices utilizing a shared communica-
`tion infrastructure, including wired network technologies,
`such as Ethernet, or wireless network technologies such as
`Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
`802.11b or HomeRF technology. Wireless LAN technology
`such as IEEE 802.11b and HomeRF are based on the
`
`unlicensed 2.4 Ghz ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical)
`frequency band and are well known the telecommunications
`and LAN industries. These networking technologies utilize
`Transmission Control Protocol/Internet 8 Protocols (TCP/
`IP) protocols. A LAN typically constitutes a group of
`interconnected devices that share a common geographic
`location and are typically grouped together as a subnet. A
`local network, for example, would be a home network where
`several computers and other smart devices would be digi-
`tally connected for the purpose of transferring content and
`data, controlling each other, sharing programming, or pre-
`senting data and content to a user.
`
`[0042] Codec (Compression/Decompression algorithm) is
`a software application that is used to decode (uncompress)
`encoded (compressed) media files or streams. Most content
`is stored and sent in a compressed format so that the content
`files are smaller and thus take up less storage space and use
`less bandwidth when being transferred via the Internet. The
`content is then decoded at the playback device. For example,
`MP3 audio files are encoded and must be decoded by a
`microprocessor running the codec in order for the audio
`content to be presented to the user in an analog format.
`
`[0043] HTTP is Hyper-text transfer protocol, the protocol
`used by Web browsers and Web servers to transfer files, such
`as text and graphic files.
`
`[0044] Data-rate is defined as the data throughput of a
`telecommunications system or technology, and is measured
`in a quantity of bits per second, such as millions of bits per
`second (Mbps).
`[0045] Overview of Operation
`
`[0046] The fundamental operation of the digital streaming
`audio system involves LAN transmission of digital audio
`files 116 from a local source that is a personal computer (PC
`34) 24, to a digital audio converter 32 that receives the
`stream and converts it into a signal that can be input into a
`conventional stereo system 40. Referring now to FIG. 1, the
`key hardware components in the system are PC 34 con-
`nected to the Internet 8. The PC 34 is also functionally
`connected via a USB connection 64 to a wireless radio
`
`frequency (RF) LAN access point 28, such that digital
`content from PC 34 is transmitted to nodes on the LAN.
`
`Digital audio converter 32, shown in FIG. 2, is located
`within communication range of the wireless LAN access
`point 28, and is connected to a conventional stereo receiver
`44 via the right and left RCA jack inputs. Stereo receiver 44
`is part of a stereo system 40 that includes a left speaker 48
`and a right speaker 48. 0 is a block diagram of a portion of
`the digital streaming audio system including digital audio
`converter 32 and the stereo system 40, showing how left
`analog output 156 and right analog output 160 included in
`digital audio converter 32 are connected respectively to the
`left line input 78 and right line input 82 on existing stereo
`receiver 44. Digital audio converter 32 also includes a
`remote control 52 that communicates with digital audio
`converter 32 via an IR communication link 38. Stereo
`
`system 40 functions in the conventional way, pre-amplifying
`and amplifying the audio signals and delivering them to the
`left speaker 48 and the right speaker 48.
`[0047] The function of the PC 34 in the digital streaming
`audio system is to acquire, store, manage, and serve digital
`audio content to digital audio converter 32. The PC 34 gains
`access to digital audio content several ways. In one embodi-
`ment the PC 34 is also connected to the Internet 8 via a
`broadband cable modem 16. Thus the PC 34 has access via
`
`content services to both downloadable digital audio files 116
`such as MP3 formatted content files, as well as digital audio
`streams from Internet 8 servers. For example, some radio
`stations provide access to their programming via digital
`audio streams.
`
`In other embodiments, PC 34 is connected to
`[0048]
`Internet 8 through a dial-up modem connection to an ISP, or
`Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), or a fixed wireless broad-
`band connection.
`
`[0049] Wireless LAN transceivers are capable of sending
`and receiving data using radio frequencies via a wireless
`data transfer protocol. Technology for such a LAN is cur-
`rently available and includes the Symphony wireless net-
`working access point provided by Proxim, Inc. of Sunnyvale
`Calif. LAN systems such as this are based on RF modulation
`centered on the 2.4 GHz frequency band. Such LANs have
`a practical range of approximately 150 feet and are capable
`of reaching most areas in an average sized house were a
`stereo system 40 and digital audio converter 32 are located.
`In another embodiment, the wireless LAN access point 28 is
`a PCI card that is located internal to the PC 34, with an
`external antenna. In another embodiment, the wireless LAN
`communication link 6 is provided using IEEE 802.11b
`protocols.
`Yamaha Corporation of America
`
`Exhibit 1003
`
`Page 19
`
`Yamaha Corporation of America Exhibit 1003 Page 19
`
`

`

`US 2005/0113946 A9
`
`May 26, 2005
`
`[0050] The function of digital audio converter 32 is to
`receive digital audio streams sent from the PC 34, decode
`and de-compress the digital audio in real time, convert it
`from a digital format into a analog electrical signals, spe-
`cifically a left analog audio signal and a right analog audio
`signal. Through the use of digital audio converter 32, the
`stereo system 40 is the output device for digital audio
`content that was initially stored on the PC 34 or on the
`Internet 8.
`
`[0051] Digital audio converter 32 includes an LCD 50 that
`is used to display data relevant to the audio content being
`played, such as track 220 titles. In one embodiment, digital
`audio converter 32 includes one set of control buttons on the
`remote control 52, which attaches onto to the enclosure 60
`of digital audio converter 32. In another embodiment, con-
`trol buttons are included on both an IR remote control 52 and
`
`integral to the main enclosure 60. The purpose of the control
`buttons is to provide a user interface for controlling the
`digital streaming audio system, as well as a tag button 120
`used to maintain a record of certain audio content on the PC
`34 for later use, and control of other features.
`
`[0052] The control buttons include the conventional con-
`trols that are found on audio playback devices including
`power on/off button 100; track forward button 108 and track
`backward button 112—for advancing through and selecting
`tracks for playback; menu button 152; play/pause button
`104—for starting and pausing (stopping at point
`in the
`middle of a playback of an audio track); stop button 116—
`for stopping playback of audio content; tag button 120—for
`triggering the transmission of information about a currently
`playing digital audio content back through the system for
`delivery to the end user on a website or for delivery to the
`content creator or content originator; user-defined button
`124—a button that may be associated with a variety of
`functions as selected by the user using the audio playback
`device setup GUI. Afour-way navigation control 144 includ-
`ing navigate up button 128, navigate down button 132,
`navigate left button 140, and navigate right button 136. A
`select button is included in the center of the four-way
`navigation control 144. These control buttons are also shown
`on a remote control 52 in FIG. 6.
`
`[0053] Mechanical Description
`
`[0054] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3,one embodiment
`of digital audio converter 32 includes a three-piece plastic
`injection-molded enclosure 60 including a top housing 54, a
`bottom housing 58, and a front bezel 66. Internal hardware
`also includes LCD 50 that contains an integral backlight 52
`so that the LCD 50 may be read in low light, a power
`regulation sub-system 30, an infrared (IR) receiver 34 and
`related circuitry, and a printed circuit board (PCB) 70 that
`contains the electronic components that constitute the func-
`tional data-manipulating aspect of digital audio converter
`32. In one embodiment, the wireless LAN transceiver 36
`antenna 26 is located internal to the digital audio converter
`32 housing as shown in FIG. 3. The entire assembly is held
`together with threaded fasteners.
`
`[0055] The construction of the remote control 52 is a
`typical two-piece plastic shell construction as shown in FIG.
`6. Internal hardware includes an infrared (IR) transceiver
`148 and batteries, as well as a printed circuit board that
`contains the electronic components that constitute the func-
`
`tional data-manipulating aspect of digital audio converter
`32. In one embodiment, the remote control 52 is removably
`attached to the enclosure 60.
`
`[0056] Electrical Description
`
`[0057] FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the electrical
`components in digital audio converter 32. PCB electrically
`connects components including a microprocessor 10 with
`dynamic memory (DRAM) 14, programmable (flash)
`memory 18 for storage of control firmware 100 when power
`is turned off, a power regulation sub-system 30, and a
`plurality of input/output terminals including an Ethernet port
`and a right analog output 160 and a left analog output 156.
`A wireless LAN transceiver 36 is functionally connected to
`the PCB. PCB also functionally connects an infra-red (IR)
`control sub-system 34 for processing IR commands from the
`remote control 52. Digital audio converter 32 also includes
`a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 22 for converting the
`uncompressed digital information into analog signals that
`are presented at the standard left analog output 156 and right
`analog output 160 RCA connectors. A display driving sub-
`system 53 is also included for presenting text and graphical
`information to the user. Microprocessor 10 in combination
`with DRAM memory 14 executes instructions from its real
`time operating system 96 and control firmware 100.
`
`In another embodiment, digital audio converter 32
`[0058]
`includes a terrestrial broadcast tuner subsystem for tuning
`local AM and FM broadcast radio.
`
`In another embodiment, power to the stereo system
`[0059]
`40 is supplied via a switched power line from the converter
`box so that the system has the capability of turning the stereo
`on and off. The on/off function is controlled via software on
`the PC 34 or through the remote control 52, so that when the
`digital audio converter 32 is powered on, the stereo system
`40 is also automatically powered on.
`
`[0060] System Software Description
`
`[0061] FIG. 5 displays the relevant software components
`of the digital streaming audio system. In one embodiment,
`the software required on the PC 34 includes an operating
`system 72, such as