(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2001/0028717 A1
`Ohmura et al.
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Oct. 11, 2001
`
`US 20010028717A1
`
`(54) AUDIO SYSTEM AND ITS CONTENTS
`REPRODUCTION METHOD, AUDIO
`APPARATUS FOR A VEHICLE AND ITS
`CONTENTS REPRODUCTION METHOD,
`COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT AND
`COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE
`
`MEDIUM
`
`(76)
`
`Inventors: Hiroshi Ohmura, Hiroshima-ken (JP);
`Masao Ushio, Hiroshima-ken (JP);
`Kouji Hosoda, Hiroshima-ken JP ;
`Shigefumi Hirabayashi, Hirostiim)a-ken
`(JP)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`STAAS & HALSEY LLP
`700 11TH STREET, NW
`SUITE 500
`WASHINGTON, DC 20001 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No‘:
`
`09/327,919
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Apr. 9, 2001
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`Apr. 11, 2000
`
`(JP) .................................... .. 2000-108852
`
`Publication Classification
`
`Int. Cl.7 ..................................................... .. H04B 1/00
`(51)
`(52) U.s. Cl.
`.............................................................. .. 381/86
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`An audio apparatus (audio system) made up of the car-
`mounted audio apparatus 100 and portable audio appara-
`tuses 200a and 200b transmits/receives contents data such as
`music Via radio communication. As the communication
`t
`.
`th.
`.
`d.
`.
`t.
`h t d. t
`sys em in
`is 1n-‘car ra 1o commumca ion, a s or - 1s ance
`data communication system is used, Wh1Ch allows respective
`
`apparatuses to recognize and authenticate with one another
`and perform data communication between those appara-
`tuses.
`
`SKIP RE RE
`SE_
`FAST- SKIP
`WARD WARD WARD V
`FOR-
`STOP FOR- BACK- LECT
`
`A IN-
`
`
`
`Petitioner Unified - Exhibit 1004 - Page 1
`
`Petitioner Unified - Exhibit 1004 - Page 1
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 11, 2001 Sheet 1 of 15
`
`US 2001/0028717 A1
`
`FIG.
`
`1
`
`Petitioner Unified - Exhibit 1004 - Page 2
`
`Petitioner Unified - Exhibit 1004 - Page 2
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`1A7
`
`._<zmmEm_
`
`<mm;<:
`
`\zo_mm__>_mz<E
`><._n_m_n_
`
`m__>_3o>
`
`>>m53%
`
`zotam><#m_m
`
`058ozzoEan55
`zoznmommzotam>Sn_m_¢
`
`mmE:%<
`
`2,:.52.Ezmm:z_V
`
`m_23o>
`
`>>mSwim
`
`><._n_m_o
`
`
`
`82,.ézEcm.£o_$>
`
`
`
`
`
`Eogozoimommmomsom
`
`EmSowA
`
`
`mom2$><:ézmflxmz
`m2<m<&<98¢m:m<E8
`\zo_mm_s_mz<E-%mom
`
`£802zo_Em_omm
`
`N._0_u_
`
`
`
`9:
`
`K3:m2
`
`
`
`zotE<2EE.5<u_1,momaomzotsm1982H:sm_5>mzotamE<>>m8.5<“_mzo_Emm_n_o
`
`
`
`
`
`omw._<z$bm_wzo:<z_s_mEma
`
`Mvowoz.8:<zmEz_éas.dogmommammomo
`
`
`
`
`M.Tmozmizotamozsmm>%w_mw_m¢7m.__»_,wmmDwzotsmoz_zmE
`amEmgm$>8_oz<Io
`
`3mom
`
`S1......J._i......
`
`
`1I:14III:WMx,\.x,x,m$><.am.5oos_
`-.__UH.__.2wowm$2:w2<m<&<o_%<.____ézficm
`
`
`zofimommN.._H-...,_ri\zo_mm__>_mz<Em/,L_./L__m..,,i.xix,-i.my8.82:mo.
`W./KL}/i.i/grézmfixm
`oo.\zo_mm_2
`
`
`
`E_r......2_.i_"r......:_-I._o_n_:<m._m<Eon_3:90225mm>omwz<T_o
`fzoEm_omm5&8
`
`.mz<Ezotam
`
`..I@m3._.<m<n_n_<nm:z:os_-¢<o
`
`I\
`©1-
`
`9:
`
`m9
`
`Petitioner Unified - Exhibit 1004 - Page 3
`
`Petitioner Unified - Exhibit 1004 - Page 3
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 11, 2001 Sheet 3 of 15
`
`US 2001/0028717 A1
`
`FIG. 3
`
`Petitioner Unified - Exhibit 1004 - Page 4
`
`Petitioner Unified - Exhibit 1004 - Page 4
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 11, 2001 Sheet 4 of 15
`
`US 2001/0028717 A1
`
`F'G- 4
`
`0
`
`310
`
`N°
`YES
`
`EXTERNAL
`
`MUSIC SOURCE
`REPRODUCED
`
`811
`
`NO
`
`
`
`SEARCH AND CONNECT
`
`
`EXTERNAL MUSIC
`
`
`SOURCE/EXTERNAL
`
`SPEAKERS
`
`
`
`
`DETERMINE MUSIC
`
`S17
`SOURCE, OUTPUT PORT
`
`
`FROM AUDIO MENU
`
`RECEIVE MUSIC DATA OF
`
`
`SELECTED MUSIC FROM
`EXTERNAL MUSIC SOURCE
`AND STORE IN INTERNAL
`MEMORY
`
`
`
`
`CAR-MOUNTED
`SOURCE ONLY
`
`
`
`
`
`CAR-MOUNTED
`SPEAKERS ONLY
`
`N0
`
`318
`
`
`
`OUTPUT
`SELECTED MUSIC
`FROM CAR-MOUNTED
`SPEAKERS
`
`822
`
`THERE AUDIO
`
`OPERATION/SWITCH
`
`OPERATION
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`OUTPUT OPERATION
`SIGNAL TO CORRES-
`
`S23
`
`Petitioner Unified - Exhibit 1004 - Page 5
`
`SPEAKERS -SEND MUSIC DATA OF
`NO
`PONDING APPARATUS
`
`
`
`
`
`
`OUTPUT
`SELECTED
`MUSIC SOURCE
`FROM
`
`
`CAR-MOUNTED
`SPEAKERS
`
`
`
`NO
`
`
` CAR-MOUNTED
`
`SPEAKERS AND
`
`EXTERNAL
`
`SPEAKERS
`
`
`
`
`S20
`I YES
`
`821
`
`SEND MUSIC
`DATA OF
`SELECTED MUSIC
`TO SELECTED
`EXTERNAL
`
`‘OUTPUT SELECTED MUSIC
`OF CAR-MOUNTED
`SPEAKER OUTPUT FROM
`CAR-MOUNTED SPEAKER
`OUTPUT
`
`SELECTED MUSIC OF
`EXTERNAL SPEAKER
`OUTPUT TO SELECTED
`EXTERNAL SPEAKERS
`
`Petitioner Unified - Exhibit 1004 - Page 5
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 11, 2001 Sheet 5 of 15
`
`US 2001/0028717 A1
`
`FIG. 5
`
`AUDIO TOP MENU
`
`DETERMINE MUSIC REPLAY/OUTPUT
`
`DESTINATION(AUDIO MENU)
`
`SEARCH/RECEIVE EXTERNAL MUSIC
`
`SOURCE/EXTERNAL SPEAKERS
`
`RECEIVE MUSIC DISTRIBUTION
`
`FROM INTERNET
`
`ERASE RECEIVED MUSIC
`
`TRANSFER RECEIVED MUSIC
`
`Petitioner Unified - Exhibit 1004 - Page 6
`
`Petitioner Unified - Exhibit 1004 - Page 6
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 11, 2001 Sheet 6 of 15
`
`US 2001/0028717 A1
`
`Ea
`
`mmo
`
`«mo
`
`
` flown.oaaz8%m_om_n_
`
`
` 052,.2g<._.<oomE,5os_.m<o
`
`$8:05222Eosm_s_
`
`<29mE2:
`
`<._.<o<m_m><.E
`
`
`
`zoE:Emzo_Sm_zzoo
`
`Petitioner Unified - Exhibit 1004 - Page 7
`
`Petitioner Unified - Exhibit 1004 - Page 7
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`$5
`
`mmom:z:o_>_-m<oAE
`
`
`
`
`
`zo:<z:mm5.5950momaom
`
`N.0_u_
`
`0.1
`
`2W
`
`1AU7R0
`
`
`
`Mm$><._n_:zmmEm_
`
`
`
`50$2:ézmmem
`
`
`
`oE2:ézmfixm
`
`wm535:925N5W_
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`omE,5o_2¢<om,o4<z¢mEm_Q2omE,5os_.m<oxxOOO44.4**“W**4.Eo_>_m_>_m.“<E2::z¢mEm_Ama$2553
`4.m.1..mézmmcxm8R:z:os_-m<oxxOOO44**vw*V.“mXXOOO444*****aA
`85<4<zmmEm_s_<xxOOO<44*V:VT*._
`
`
`
`85
`
`Petitioner Unified - Exhibit 1004 - Page 8
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`>._._o<n_<om_>_:Hm_.E<m._._._H
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`._.w_._<H<omm><._n_._<z$bm_
`
`Petitioner Unified - Exhibit 1004 - Page 8
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 11, 2001 Sheet 8 of 15
`
`US 2001/0028717 A1
`
`PORTABLE AUDIO
`APPARATUS
`
`Q10
`
`FIG. 8
`
`NO
`Q1 1
`YES
`
`EXTERNAL
` NO
`OUTPUT STATE
`
`?
`
`
`
`CONNECT/REGISTER
`
`CAR-MOUNTED AUDIO
`
`APPARATUS
`
`
`Q13
`
`Q20
`
`
`
`REQUEST
`NO
`FOR TRANSMISSION
`
`TO OUTSIDE
`
`NO
`
`
`
`OUTPUT
`DESTINATION?
`
`REQUEST
`FOR TRANSMISSION
`TO OUTSIDE
`
`
`
`Q12
`
`TRANSMIT
`STANDBY
`INTERNAL MUSIC
`
`
`DATA T0 OUTSIDE
`
` RECEIVE
`EXTERNAL
`MUSIC DATA AND
`OUTPUT FROM
`HEADPHONE
`
`
`
`‘SEND INTERNAL MUSIC
`DATA TO OUTSIDE
`‘RECEIVE EXTERNAL MUSIC
`DATA AND OUTPUT FROM
`HEADPHONE
`
`OUTPUT
`INTERNAL
`MUSIC DATA
`FROM
`HEADPHONE
`
`
`
`Q21
`
`
`
`
`
`
`IS THERE
`
`AUDIO OPERATION
`SIGNAL?
`
`NO
`
`
`OUTPUT OPERATION SIGNAL
`TO CORRESPONDING
`
`APPARATUS
`
`
`
`Q23
`
`NO
`
`
`RECEIVED
`
`OPERATION SIGNAL
`
`?
`
`YES
`EXECUTE OPERATION
`SIGNAL
`
`Q24
`
`RETURN
`
`Petitioner Unified - Exhibit 1004 - Page 9
`
`Petitioner Unified - Exhibit 1004 - Page 9
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 11, 2001 Sheet 9 of 15
`
`US 2001/0028717 A1
`
`CONTROL FLOW
`
`S5
`
`0
`
`F ' G“ 9
`
`
`
`STORED MUSIC DATA
`FROM EXTERNAL
`
`RECEIVE/
`
`
`S51
`
`SOURCE?
`
`
`
`
`
`NO
`
`NO
`
`9
`
`5 853
`
`YES
`
`NO
`
`
`
`PASSENGER
`
`S54
`
`
`
`GOES OFF
`VEHICLE
`
`_
`
`YES
`
` NO
`
`S56
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ERASE ALL
`
`EXTERNAL
`MUSIC DATA
`
`S52
`
`
`
`®
`YES
`
`S55
`
`ERASE MUSIC DATA
`
`
`OF CORRESPONDING
`EXTERNAL SOURCE
`
`YES
`
`
`
`ERASU RE
`NO
`SWITCH
`
`OPERATION
`
`857 0
`
`YES
`
`ERASE SELECTED
`
`MUSIC DATA S60
`YES
`
`RETURN
`
`Petitioner Unified - Exhibit 1004 - Page 10
`
`Petitioner Unified - Exhibit 1004 - Page 10
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 11, 2001 Sheet 10 of 15
`
`US 2001/0028717 A1
`
`95
`
`meg
`
`95
`
`ozm
`
`
`
`mmomao_m:s_
`
`.:<wmém
`
`om>_momm
`
`
`
`<mm_><._n_ézmmpxm
`
`
`
`mmm_><._n_._<zmm._.xm_
`
`.j<m_m<E
`
`
`
`Qm.n._><._n_._<zmmEm_
`
`m_m<E
`
`
`
`omm><._n_._<zmmEm
`
`XX
`
`XX
`
`XX
`
`XX
`
`OOOO
`
`004.44
`*****a
`
`O0AVAVQ
`*****;A
`
`CO444.
`*****a
`
`CO444
`*****+
`
`Eosmzo.n:z:o_>_¢<oA
`
`
`>.:o<n_<om_>__._.
`5:2m._._._._.
`
`:5
`
`NE
`
`Petitioner Unified - Exhibit 1004 - Page 11
`
`m:._.<m<n_n_<._.womfi
`
`o_.
`
`.0_u_
`
`32%mm:m$..m_
`
`
`
`
`
`<._.<n_Eosm_s_$:,5o_>_.m<o
`
`Petitioner Unified - Exhibit 1004 - Page 11
`
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 11, 2001 Sheet 11 of 15
`
`US 2001/0028717 A1
`
`FIG.
`
`11
`
`INTERNET MENU
`
`MUSIC DISTRIBUTION SERVICE
`
`BEST HITS IN THIS WEEK
`
`JAPANESE MUSIC SELECT
`
`D31
`
`D32
`
`FOREIGN MUSIC SELECT
`
`ROCK SELECT
`
`ENKA BALLAD SELECT
`
`Petitioner Unified - Exhibit 1004 - Page 12
`
`Petitioner Unified - Exhibit 1004 - Page 12
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 11, 2001 Sheet 12 of 15
`
`US 2001/0028717 A1
`
`Ea
`
`Ba
`
`So
`
`ozm
`
`._._<En_mz<E
`
`
`
`a$2.:._<zmm._.xm
`
`Eu_mz<E
`
`
`
`omm><._n_ézfibm
`
`XX
`
`
`
`omm_><.Eézmmcxm
`
`
`
`QE23“.._<zmmEm
`
`mma
`
`«mo
`
`Ea
`
`Petitioner Unified - Exhibit 1004 - Page 13
`
`
`
`<$5.:._<zmm._.xm
`
`
`
`mE><._¢._<z$:m
`
`XX
`
`XX****;A
`
`
`<mm><._n_._<zmm_._.xm_
`
`XX****.m
`
`
`
`mE><._n_ézmmcm
`
`
`
`>m_o_>_ms_nm:z:os_.¢<o
`
`
`
`
`mE<m<n_n_<wz_>m_omm
`
`
`
`<._.<oEosmz8:,5os_.m<o
` Eosmznm:z:o_2.m<oA
`
`mB<m<&<oz_Es_m_,_<E
`
`N
`
`_...0_..._
`
`
`
`
`
`:_,m_s_mm¢mz<E
`
`
`
`>:o<¢<om_.E._.
`
`
`
`Petitioner Unified - Exhibit 1004 - Page 13
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 11, 2001 Sheet 13 of 15
`
`US 2001/0028717 A1
`
`FIG. 13
`
`(S13)
`
`
`
`S100 STORE TITLE DATA OF
`
`
`EXTERNAL MUSIC SOURCE
`
`(S14)
`
`Petitioner Unified - Exhibit 1004 - Page 14
`
`Petitioner Unified - Exhibit 1004 - Page 14
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 11, 2001 Sheet 14 of 15
`
`US 2001/0028717 A1
`
`FIG. 14
`
`RECEIVE MUSIC DATA OF
`
`SELECTED MUSIC FROM
`
`EXTERNAL MUSIC SOURCE
`
`(S15)
`
`YES
`
`(S16)
`
`Petitioner Unified - Exhibit 1004 - Page 15
`
`Petitioner Unified - Exhibit 1004 - Page 15
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 11, 2001 Sheet 15 of 15
`
`US 2001/0028717 A1
`
`
`
`zO_._.<z_._.mmo.5950
`
`<._<z¢mEm
`
`mézmflxm
`
`axmoo
`
`
`2.G_u_
`
`
`om_<>>v_o<mom<>>mOn_
`
`
`nzxm.._.m<u_mos><._n_m_m_ozsmm
`
`o¢<>>mon_
`
`Em
`
`om:_,5os_-m<o
`
`._<zmm._.xm
`
`“mo
`
`Petitioner Unified - Exhibit 1004 - Page 16
`
`Petitioner Unified - Exhibit 1004 - Page 16
`
`
`
`
`

`
`US 2001/0028717 A1
`
`Oct. 11, 2001
`
`AUDIO SYSTEM AND ITS CONTENTS
`REPRODUCTION METHOD, AUDIO APPARATUS
`FOR A VEHICLE AND ITS CONTENTS
`REPRODUCTION METHOD, COMPUTER
`PROGRAM PRODUCT AND
`COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0001] The present invention relates to the field of audio
`apparatuses that provide contents such as music in a vehicle
`such as an automobile.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`In the field of an automobile, a typical example of
`[0002]
`vehicle, an audio apparatus has come into widespread use in
`recent years allowing passengers to enjoy various contents
`such as music in a vehicle.
`
`In such a conventional audio apparatus, a passen-
`[0003]
`ger inserts a portable music storage medium such as a CD
`(compact disk), MD (mini-disk), cassette tape into the audio
`apparatus and enjoys music of his/her choice by replaying/
`outputting it from data stored in the music storage medium.
`
`[0004] However, an audio apparatus using such a music
`storage medium is burdensome because the passenger needs
`to take the storage medium storing music to be replayed in
`the vehicle into the vehicle every time the passenger gets on
`the vehicle.
`
`Patent Laid-Open No.
`Japanese
`the
`[0005] Thus,
`11-30986, etc. proposes a technology for directly receiving
`digitized music data from the outside through an audio
`apparatus using a music distribution service and enjoying
`the music data in the vehicle without using a music record-
`ing medium.
`
`the technology described in the Japanese
`[0006] Here,
`Patent Laid-Open No. 11-30986 will be summarized below.
`
`acquisition system
`data
`[0007] The vehicle music
`described in this Publication consists of an information
`center that distributes music to vehicles and a vehicle
`
`capable of wirelessly communicating with the information
`center (see FIG. 2 of the relevant Publication) and the music
`distribution procedure in such a system configuration is
`explained with reference to FIG. 2 of the relevant Publica-
`tion.
`
`the vehicle sends data about a music
`is,
`[0008] That
`replaying condition in the own vehicle (including informa-
`tion to identify music of a distribution request) to the
`information center.
`
`[0009] Upon reception of the data about the music replay-
`ing condition, the information center determines whether the
`requested music data exists in the information center or not
`and if the music data does not exist, the information center
`acquires the data on the Internet from the outside. Then, the
`information center creates music data with the amount of
`
`the
`data reduced (compressed) based on the data about
`music replaying condition and sends the music data created
`to the vehicle. The vehicle replays the music based on the
`received music data.
`
`[0010] According to the audio apparatus using this music
`distribution service, the passenger can enjoy any music at
`
`any time without the need to prepare any music storage
`medium. This allows the passenger to easily enjoy music of
`his/her choice in the vehicle, providing an effect of allowing
`the passenger to spend his/her time comfortably in the
`vehicle.
`
`[0011] Furthermore, the technology described in the Japa-
`nese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-240207 will be summarized
`below.
`
`[0012] This Publication describes a touch-screen type
`audio-visual replay digital system and a plurality of win-
`dows appearing on a display shows information on audio-
`visual contents that can be replayed.
`
`[0013] The user can select a desired window from among
`a plurality of windows displayed to easily replay the audio-
`visual contents requested to be replayed.
`
`[0014] On the other hand, recently, with the development
`of the Internet, music distribution services indirectly using
`the Internet are provided as described above, which allows
`the user to download digitized contents data such as music
`to an information storage medium such as a memory card
`and enjoy music of his/her choice easily.
`
`[0015] Furthermore, recently, individuals often carry with
`them portable audio apparatuses and these portable audio
`apparatuses are also making it easier to enjoy music using
`music data stored in an information storage medium.
`
`[0016] By the way, people go for a long-distance drive on
`a trip, etc., a plurality of passengers often gets on the vehicle,
`in which case, because preference of music varies from one
`person to another, it is preferred that these passengers be
`able to enjoy music of their respective choices and spend
`their time during the long-distance drive comfortably.
`
`In a vehicle equipped with an audio apparatus
`[0017]
`using a conventional music storage medium, satisfying such
`as demand requires each passenger to record music of
`his/her choice to a music storage medium corresponding to
`the audio apparatus or purchase one and take the music
`storage medium into the vehicle.
`
`[0018] As in the case of the Japanese Patent Laid-Open
`No. 11-30986, the audio apparatus using the music distri-
`bution service provided from the information center can
`freely obtain a variety of music data at any time by a
`required amount. This allows the passengers to freely enjoy
`music of their choice without the need to take the music
`
`storage medium into the vehicle.
`
`[0019] The audio apparatus using the music distribution
`service provides such convenience, but on the other hand,
`because this audio apparatus receives music data from the
`outside by radio (wireless telephone line, etc.), it takes some
`time of communication to download music data of one piece
`of music for example. Therefore, if, for example, electro-
`magnetic interference occurs while the music data is being
`downloaded during a drive, the audio apparatus is unable to
`reliably receive the music data of the relevant piece of
`music.
`
`[0020] And in the case where the music data cannot be
`received reliably, it is necessary to receive the music data
`again. Thus, even the audio apparatus using the music
`distribution service is still not sufficient in respect of user
`friendliness.
`
`Petitioner Unified - Exhibit 1004 - Page 17
`
`Petitioner Unified - Exhibit 1004 - Page 17
`
`

`
`US 2001/0028717 A1
`
`Oct. 11, 2001
`
`[0021] Moreover, downloading music data from the music
`distribution service in the current communication environ-
`
`ment entails a high communication cost, and so it is prob-
`lematic in respect of cost, too.
`
`[0022] Therefore, one possible method of enjoying music
`of one’s choice reliably and at low cost without using such
`a music distribution service is to use music data included in
`
`a portable audio apparatus. This is because the portable
`audio apparatus that each passenger carries includes music
`data of his/her choice beforehand and using this music data
`allows the passenger to reliably enjoy music data of his/her
`choice in the vehicle.
`
`[0023] However, the shape and mode of a portable audio
`apparatus varies from one model to another, and the wired
`connection port and the shape of its information storage
`medium also vary. For this reason, using this portable audio
`apparatus in the vehicle requires the passenger to set the
`audio apparatus in a mount pre-installed in the vehicle,
`connect it to an in-car audio apparatus via a cable or insert
`or remove the information storage medium to take the music
`data of portable audio apparatuses of all models into the
`in-car audio apparatus, which is difficult in practice.
`
`[0024] Moreover, even if wired connection ports of por-
`table audio apparatuses of all models and information stor-
`age media are standardized having a common shape and
`mode, there remains a possibility that the passenger will still
`need to set the audio apparatus in the mount and insert or
`remove the information storage media, which is a problem
`of requiring time and trouble.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0025] The present invention has been proposed to solve
`the conventional problems, and has as its main object to
`provide, when a plurality of passengers get on an automo-
`bile, for example, an audio system and its contents repro-
`duction method, audio apparatus for a vehicle and its con-
`tents reproduction method, computer program product and
`computer-readable storage medium capable of easily and
`reliably replay contents data in a portable audio apparatus
`carried by passengers inside the vehicle and outputs the
`contents data as sound so that passengers can enjoy music of
`their respective choices in the vehicle without the need to
`download contents data such as music and conversation
`from the Internet.
`
`[0026] To solve the above problems, the present invention
`is constituted as follows.
`
`[0027] That is, the present invention provides an audio
`system that reproduces contents information as sound in a
`vehicle, composed of a portable audio apparatus (200, 200a,
`200b) carried by a passenger of the vehicle and an audio
`apparatus (100) mounted in the vehicle, characterized in that
`the portable audio apparatus includes contents information
`retaining means (204) for retaining contents information and
`transmitting means (205) for transmitting the content infor-
`mation to the audio apparatus at least by means of a radio
`communication, and the audio apparatus includes receiving
`means (110) for receiving the contents information from the
`portable audio apparatus at
`least by means of a radio
`communication, storing means (102) for storing the contents
`information received by the receiving means and controlling
`means (101, 103) for reproducing the contents information
`
`stored in the storing means and outputting the reproduced
`information as sound from speakers(28) mounted in the
`vehicle.
`
`[0028] Another system configuration to attain the same
`object is an audio system that reproduces contents informa-
`tion as sound in a vehicle, composed of a portable audio
`apparatus (200, 200a, 200b) carried by a passenger of the
`vehicle and an audio apparatus (100) mounted in the vehicle,
`characterized in that the portable audio apparatuses include
`contents information retaining means (204) for retaining
`contents information and its title information associated with
`
`each other, title information sending means (203, 205) for
`sending title information associated with the contents infor-
`mation to the audio apparatus at least by means of a radio
`communication and contents information sending means
`(203, 205) for sending the content information correspond-
`ing to the title information received from the audio apparatus
`to the audio apparatus at least by means of a radio commu-
`nication, and the audio apparatus includes title information
`receiving means (110) for receiving the title information
`from the portable audio apparatus at least by means of a
`radio communication, storing means (102) for storing the
`title information received by the title information receiving
`means, selecting means (24, 106 to 109) for informing titles
`in the vehicle according to the title information stored in the
`storing means and allowing the passenger in the vehicle to
`select contents information to be received from the portable
`audio apparatus with reference to the informed titles, request
`sending means (110) for sending the title information cor-
`responding to the title selected by the selecting means to the
`portable audio apparatus at
`least by means of a radio
`communication in order to request the contents information
`corresponding to the selected title to be sent and controlling
`means (101, 103) for receiving the contents information
`corresponding to the selected title from the portable audio
`apparatus at least by means of a radio communication and
`reproducing the received contents information and output-
`ting the reproduced information as sound from speakers (28)
`mounted in the vehicle.
`
`the audio apparatus
`In a preferred embodiment,
`[0029]
`identifies the portable audio apparatus that exists in a
`predetermined radio communication area of the audio appa-
`ratus and further includes system constructing means (101
`and 110) for constructing a radio communication system
`made up of the identified portable audio apparatus and the
`audio apparatus,
`it is desirable that
`the audio apparatus
`acquire the contents information from the portable audio
`apparatus identified by the system constructing means.
`
`In this case, it is desirable that upon reception of a
`[0030]
`plurality of pieces of contents information from a plurality
`of portable audio apparatuses identified by the system con-
`structing means, the audio apparatus be further provided
`with instructing means capable of instructing simultaneous
`reproduction of the plurality of pieces of contents informa-
`tion, and when simultaneous reproduction is instructed by
`the instructing means, the controlling means output at least
`one piece of contents information from among the plurality
`of pieces of contents information instructed to be reproduced
`simultaneously from the speakers and remotely control the
`plurality of portable audio apparatuses so that the remaining
`pieces of contents information be reproduced by at least one
`of the plurality of portable audio apparatuses identified by
`the system constructing means.
`
`Petitioner Unified - Exhibit 1004 - Page 18
`
`Petitioner Unified - Exhibit 1004 - Page 18
`
`

`
`US 2001/0028717 A1
`
`Oct. 11, 2001
`
`the present invention
`[0031] To attain the same object,
`provides a contents reproduction method for an audio sys-
`tem that reproduces contents information as sound in the
`vehicle, comprising a system constructing step of construct-
`ing a communication system that carries out at least a radio
`communication, composed of portable audio apparatus (200,
`200a, 200b) carried by a passenger of the vehicle and an
`audio apparatus (100) mounted in the vehicle, a contents
`information sending step of sending contents information
`retained beforehand in the portable audio apparatus to the
`audio apparatus at least by means of a radio communication,
`an information storing step of storing the contents informa-
`tion acquired in the contents information sending step in a
`storing medium (102) of the audio apparatus and a sound
`reproducing step of reproducing the contents information
`stored in the storage medium and outputting the reproduced
`information as sound from speakers (28) mounted in the
`vehicle.
`
`is a
`[0032] Another method to attain the same object
`contents reproduction method for an audio system that
`reproduces contents information as sound in the vehicle,
`comprising a system constructing step of constructing a
`communication system that carries out at
`least a radio
`communication, composed of a portable audio apparatus
`(200, 200a, 200b) carried by a passenger of the vehicle and
`an audio apparatus (100) mounted in the vehicle,
`title
`information sending step of sending the title information of
`the contents information and title information retained asso-
`
`ciated beforehand with the portable audio apparatus to the
`audio apparatus at least by means of radio communication,
`information storing step of storing the title information
`acquired in the title information sending step in a storage
`medium (102) of the audio apparatus, a selecting step of
`informing titles in the vehicle according to the title infor-
`mation stored in the storage medium and allowing the
`passenger in the vehicle to select contents information to be
`received from the portable audio apparatus with reference to
`the informed titles, a request sending step of sending the title
`information corresponding to the titles selected in the select-
`ing means to the portable audio apparatuses at least by
`means of a radio communication in order to request the
`transmission of the contents information corresponding to
`the selected titles, a contents information sending step of
`sending contents information corresponding to the title
`information received from the audio apparatus to the audio
`apparatus at least by means of a radio communication and a
`sound reproducing step of receiving the contents informa-
`tion corresponding to the selected title from the portable
`audio apparatus at least by means of a radio communication,
`reproducing the received contents information and output-
`ting the reproduced information as sound from speakers (28)
`mounted in the vehicle.
`
`is a
`[0033] Another method to attain the same object
`contents reproduction method for an audio system that
`reproduces contents information as sound in the vehicle,
`comprising a system constructing step of constructing a
`communication system that carries out at
`least a radio
`communication, composed of a portable audio apparatus
`(200, 200a, 200b) carried by a passenger of the vehicle and
`an audio apparatus (100) mounted in the vehicle, a contents
`information sending step of sending contents information
`retained beforehand in the audio apparatus to the portable
`audio apparatus at least by means of a radio-communication
`and a sound reproducing step of receiving the contents
`
`information sent in the contents information sending step by
`the portable audio apparatus at least by means of a radio
`communication, reproducing the received contents informa-
`tion and outputting the reproduced information as sound
`from the portable audio apparatus.
`
`is a
`[0034] Another method to attain the same object
`contents reproduction method for an audio system that
`reproduces contents information as sound in the vehicle,
`comprising a system constructing step of constructing a
`communication system that carries out at
`least a radio
`communication, composed of a plurality of portable audio
`apparatuses (200, 200a, 200b) carried by passengers of the
`vehicle and an audio apparatus (100) mounted in the vehicle,
`a contents information sending step of sending contents
`information retained beforehand in a first portable audio
`apparatus to a second portable audio apparatus according to
`a control signal from the audio apparatus at least by means
`of a radio communication and a sound reproducing step of
`receiving the contents information sent
`in the contents
`information sending step by the second portable audio
`apparatus at
`least by means of a radio communication,
`reproducing the received contents information and output-
`ting the reproduced information as sound from the second
`portable audio apparatus.
`
`[0035] The same object above can also be attained by an
`audio apparatus mounted in a vehicle (audio apparatus for a
`vehicle), program codes that instruct so that the operation of
`the audio apparatus is implement and a computer-readable
`storage medium that stores these program codes, which
`make up the audio system in the above configuration.
`
`[0036] The same object above can also be attained by a
`contents reproduction method of the audio apparatus (audio
`apparatus for a vehicle) corresponding to the contents repro-
`duction method of the audio system in the configuration
`above, program codes that
`instruct so that
`the contents
`reproduction method is implemented in the audio apparatus
`for a vehicle and a computer-readable storage medium that
`stores these program codes.
`
`[0037] Other features and advantages of the present inven-
`tion will be apparent from the following description taken in
`conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like
`reference characters designate the same or similar parts
`throughout the figures thereof.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0038] The accompanying drawings, which are incorpo-
`rated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate
`embodiments of the invention and,
`together with the
`description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
`
`[0039] FIG. 1 is an outlined plan view of au automobile
`using an audio apparatus of the present invention;
`
`[0040] FIG. 2 is a system block diagram of a control
`system and radio communication system of an audio appa-
`ratus according to an embodiment of the present invention;
`
`[0041] FIG. 3 is a front view of an operation panel of an
`audio apparatus 100 in this embodiment;
`
`[0042] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of operation control of the
`audio apparatus 100 in this embodiment;
`
`[0043] FIG. 5 is an “AUDIO TOP MENU” screen shown
`on a display in this embodiment;
`
`Petitioner Unified - Exhibit 1004 - Page 19
`
`Petitioner Unified - Exhibit 1004 - Page 19
`
`

`
`US 2001/0028717 A1
`
`Oct. 11, 2001
`
`[0044] FIG. 6 is an “reception MENU” screen shown on
`a display in this embodiment;
`
`[0045] FIG. 7 is an “AUDIO MENU” screen shown on a
`display in this embodiment;
`
`[0046] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of operation control of a
`portable audio apparatus 200 in this embodiment;
`
`[0047] FIG. 9 is a flow chart of music data erasure control
`of the audio apparatus 100 in this embodiment;
`
`[0048] FIG. 10 is an “erasure MENU” screen shown on a
`display in this embodiment;
`
`[0049] FIG. 11 is an “Internet MENU” screen shown on
`a display in this embodiment;
`
`[0050] FIG. 12 is a “Transfer MENU” screen shown on a
`display in this embodiment;
`
`[0051] FIG. 13 is a partial flow chart showing a process-
`ing step added to the flowchart in FIG. 4 in a first modifi-
`cation of this embodiment;
`
`[0052] FIG. 14 is a partial flow chart showing a process-
`ing step of changing the flow chart in FIG. 4 in the first
`modification of this embodiment; and
`
`[0053] FIG. 15 is a screen shown on a display in a second
`modification of this embodiment.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`[0054] Preferred embodiments of the present invention
`will now be described in detail in accordance with the
`
`accompanying drawings.
`
`[0055] Embodiments of the present invention applied to an
`automobile, a typical example of vehicle, will now be
`described in detail in accordance with the accompanying
`drawings.
`
`[0056] FIG. 1 is an outlined plan view of au automobile
`using an audio apparatus (audio system) of the present
`invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the automobile audio appa-
`ratus of this embodiment
`is generally constituted by a
`car-mounted audio apparatus 100 (hereinafter referred to as
`“audio apparatus 100“) mounted in a vehicle 1 and portable
`audio apparatuses 200a and 200b carried into the vehicle by
`passengers.
`
`In the following explanations, the portable audio
`[0057]
`apparatuses 200a and 200b will sometimes be collectively
`called a “portable audio apparatus 200“.
`
`[0058] The audio apparatus 100 is constructed of not only
`an audio function but also a navigation function and Internet
`communication function, etc. so as to perform a variety of
`information processing.
`
`[0059] A concentrated control unit 20 for controlling the
`entire system of the audio apparatus of this embodiment is
`installed close to an instrument panel in the center of the
`vehicle 1. This concentrated control unit 20 is connected
`
`with various apparatuses mounted in the vehicle 1 in order
`to perform the functions, which will be described below.
`
`[0060]
`
`(Navigation Function)
`
`[0061] The navigation function is intended to realize navi-
`gation functions such as route guidance to a preset desired
`
`destination and is constructed by a GPS (Global Positioning
`System) antenna 21 to detect the current position of the own
`vehicle installed in the vehicle 1, a navigation controller 22
`to perform navigation control, a DVD-ROM changer 23 to
`read road map information, etc. stored in DVD-ROM, a
`display 24 that displays navigation information and allows
`input operations by passengers and a voice guide speaker 25
`that outputs navigation information in voice, and these
`apparatuses are each connected to the concentrated control
`unit 20.
`
`is
`[0062] The navigation function in this embodiment
`provided with functions similar to those of a conventional
`navigation apparatus