(19) United States
`(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (io) Pub. No.: US 2001/0028717 Al
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2001/0028717 A1
`Oct. 11, 2001
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Ohmura et al.
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Oct. 11, 2001
`Ohmura et al.
`
`US 20010028717A1
`US 20010028717A1
`
`(54) AUDIO SYSTEM AND ITS CONTENTS
`(54) AUDIO SYSTEM AND ITS CONTENTS
`REPRODUCTION METHOD, AUDIO
`REPRODUCTION METHOD, AUDIO
`APPARATUS FOR A VEHICLE AND ITS
`APPARATUS FOR A VEHICLE AND ITS
`CONTENTS REPRODUCTION METHOD,
`CONTENTS REPRODUCTION METHOD,
`COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT AND
`COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT AND
`COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE
`COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE
`MEDIUM
`MEDIUM
`
`Inventors: Hiroshi Ohmura, Hiroshima-ken (JP);
`(76)
`(76) Inventors: Hiroshi Ohmura, Hiroshima-ken (JP);
`Masao Ushio, Hiroshima-ken (JP);
`Masao Ushio, Hiroshima-ken (JP);
`Kouji Hosoda, Hiroshima-ken (JP);
`Kouji Hosoda, Hiroshima-ken (JP);
`Shigefumi Hirabayashi, Hiroshima-ken
`Shigefumi Hirabayashi, Hiroshima-ken
`(JP)
`(JP)
`Correspondence Address:
`Correspondence Address:
`STAAS & HALSEY LLP
`STAAS & HALSEY LLP
`700 11TH STREET, NW
`700 11TH STREET, NW
`SUITE 500
`SUITE 500
`WASHINGTON, DC 20001 (US)
`WASHINGTON, DC 20001 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`(22) Filed:
`(22) Filed:
`
`09/827,919
`09/827,919
`Apr. 9, 2001
`Apr. 9, 2001
`
`(30)
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`2000-108852
`Apr. 11, 2000
`(JP)
`Apr. 11, 2000 (JP) .................................... .. 2000-108852
`
`Publication Classification
`Publication Classi?cation
`
`H04B 1/00
`(51) Int. CI.7
`(51) Int. Cl? ..................................................... .. H04B 1/00
`381/86
`(52) U.S. CI.
`(52) Us. 01. .............................................................. .. 381/86
`
`(57)
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`ABSTRACT
`
`An audio apparatus (audio system) made up of the car-
`An audio apparatus (audio system) made up of the car
`mounted audio apparatus 100 and portable audio appara­
`mounted audio apparatus 100 and portable audio appara
`tuses 200a and 200/) transmits/receives contents data such as
`tuses 200a and 200b transmits/receives contents data such as
`music via radio communication. As the communication
`music via radio communication. As the communication
`system in this in-car radio communication, a short-distance
`system in this in-car radio communication, a short-distance
`data communication system is used, Which alloWs respective
`data communication system is used, which allows respective
`apparatuses to recognize and authenticate With one another
`apparatuses to recognize and authenticate with one another
`and perform data communication betWeen those appara
`and perform data communication between those appara­
`tuses.
`tuses.
`
`51
`
`51 I
`
`AM/FM
`
`53
`53
`
`"j
`
`MD
`
`CD
`
`L.
`
`ID =)
`O
`3
`
`f58a
`58^ 58b-
`58
`158c
`C
`
`Z)
`ZD
`Z)
`
`50
`
`7
`MEMORY
`
`5m 000ml
`
`cz:
`54
`cz:
`56
`j NAVI )
`57/^
`o
`]
`>
`<
`IAUDIO)
`55 E]
`55 [5|
`@E@ El
`Cj
`v \ s
`-./KUDlSUA
`AUDIO r-_——/\¢———:1
`sJI
`TOP
`108
`A
`IN-
`Eéi? 20K séi
`9
`SKIP
`FAST- SKIP
`RE- RE-
`SE- CAR
`F0R-
`STOP FOR- BACK­
`109
`WIND PLAY
`LECT
`WARD W'ND PLAY
`WARD WARD LEVCT EXT 10
`WARD
`WARD WARD
`EXT
`v
`
`(@g 80?
`
`F
`
`_
`
`VOL-
`UME
`
`-
`
`.
`
`k
`
`A
`
`"V"
`
`167
`107
`\@5 NC 059/
`^ A/C
`@ MODE 011)‘)
`dsb MODE
`
`A
`
`0
`
`o
`
`52
`52
`
`TOYOTA EX. 1102
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 11,2001 Sheet 1 of 15
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 11, 2001 Sheet 1 0f 15
`
`US 2001/0028717 A1
`US 2001/0028717 A1
`
`F I G - 1
`FIG. 1
`
`28
`
`1
`
`25
`6
`
`24
`
`200a
`
`CD
`34
`
`28
`
`hn
`130
`31
`»-I\o
`200b
`
`21
`
`27
`
`26
`
`35
`22
`
`23
`' 28
`
`^
`
`28
`
`100
`20
`40
`
`

`
`<1 >
`-J
`cc
`o
`o
`O
`o
`CZ3
`e
`
`Ul
`
`©
`
`fD
`o
`sr
`
`o
`o
`
`n
`o
`s
`©
`
`Ml
`
`p
`n
`O"
`=
`"e
`s
`o
`P
`n
`
`Ml
`
`>
`s
`ffi
`p
`
`PLAYER A
`EXTERNAL
`
`202a
`
`210
`
`0
`Ti
`
`z
`206
`(EXTERNAL PLAYER A)
`PORTABLE AUDIO APPARATUS
`r'
`
`200a
`
`-- 204
`
`MODULE
`RECEPTION
`TRANSMISSION/
`
`CD, MD
`MEMORY,
`SOURCE
`MUSIC
`
`DISPLAY
`
`REWIND BUTTON -
`
`CPU
`
`SYSTEM I/F
`OPERATION
`
`BUHON
`FAST-FORWARD
`
`STOP BUTTON
`REPLAY BUTTQITT-
`1-
`SELECT SW
`]-
`
`VOLUME
`
`RECEPTION MODULE
`TRANSMISSION/
`t
`205
`
`V
`
`Ji
`28
`
`- AMPLIFIER
`
`24
`
`I
`103
`
`100
`
`DISPLAY
`r"
`
`FIG. 2
`
`I
`
`AUDIO APPARATUS
`CAR-MOUNTED
`MODULE
`RECEPTION
`MISSION/
`TRANS­
`
`i
`110
`
`CD, MD
`MEMORY,
`SOURCE
`MUSIC
`
`I
`102
`
`CHANGEOVER SW
`OUTPUT
`
`109
`
`BUHON
`DETERMINATION
`
`CROSS CURSOR -
`
`108
`
`- CPU -
`
`REWIND BUTT0N> SYSTEM I/F
`OPERATION
`BUTTON
`FAST-FORWARD
`
`STOP BUTTON
`
`REPLAY BUTTON -
`
`107-
`
`SELECT SW
`
`VOLUME
`
`104
`
`105
`
`xf
`
`(INTERNET, AM, FM)
`SOURCE RECEPTION CIRCUIT
`VEHICLE-EXTERNAL MUSIC
`
`- Y r
`
`t — *
`
`201a
`
`203
`
`207
`
`\
`1
`
`Y r
`
`209 A^200b 1
`f
`
`CHANGEOVER SW
`EXTERNAL
`INTERNAL;
`
`^7
`
`208
`
`[ j
`A
`\
`
`J
`
`[ )
`
`
`
`u
`A" A
`
`)
`
`[
`
`PLAYER B
`EXTERNAL
`
`L
`
`Y
`
`_ — -
`
`\
`
`-
`
`_l
`
`Y
`:
`•
`L
`201b
`
`r
`
`u
`T
`
`MODULE
`RECEPTION
`TRANSMISSION/
`
`101
`
`106
`
`202b
`
`PLAYER B
`EXTERNAL
`APPARATUS
`PORTABLE AUDIO
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 11,2001 Sheet 3 of 15
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 11, 2001 Sheet 3 0f 15
`
`US 2001/0028717 A1
`US 2001/0028717 A1
`
`F I G . 3
`FIG.
`3
`
`51
`51
`
`53
`53
`
`50
`50
`
`7f‘
`CJ
`C=
`4X54
`d
`cz:
`54
`d
`58J58b-^ (AUDIO)
`56
`57/^
`M
`< > 3
`55 El v
`55 [5|
`^44^ADpio\
`\c
`]
`AUDIO [g1
`Z)
`TOP
`108
`1 ^
`IN-
`A
`_
`108
`FAST- SKIP
`SKIP
`A IN
`L 09
`SE- CAR
`RE- RE-
`SKIP
`_
`FAST- SKIP
`SEC CAR
`STOP FOR- BACK-(pr T
`RE
`FOR-
`RE
`h09
`STOP FOR- BACK
`WIND PLAY
`FOR
`LE T
`WARD WARD v
`EXT
`WARD
`WARD WIND PLAY
`WARD WARD
`V EXT
`107
`167
`\wga A/C @/
`^ A/C ^
`MODE [pV
`g MODE @&
`
`\ \l
`CD
`CD
`\ \
`
`MD
`
`MEMORY
`MEMOR
`
`A
`
`o
`0
`
`ID
`
`AM/FM
`AM/FM
`
`3
`58a-
`
`158c
`
`VOL-
`UME
`
`A
`
`\
`
`52
`52
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 11,2001 Sheet 4 of 15
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 11, 2001 Sheet 4 0f 15
`
`US 2001/0028717 A1
`US 2001/0028717 A1
`
`F I G . 4
`FIG. 4
`(5
`
`NO
`
`S11
`
`CAR-MOUNTED ^
`CAR-MOUNTED
`AUDIO APPARATUS/
`AUDIO APPARATUS
`S10
`
`POWER ON?
`YES
`
`^EXTERN AL\
`EXTERNAL
`MUSIC SOURCE
`MUSIC SOURCE
`.REPRODUCED.
`REPRODUCED
`
`NO
`
`'YES
`S13
`SEARCH AND CONNECT
`SEARCH AND CONNECT ~S13
`EXTERNAL MUSIC
`EXTERNAL MUSIC
`SOURCE/EXTERNAL
`soURcE/EXTERNAL
`SPEAKERS
`SPEAKERS
`I
`I
`DETERMINE MUSIC
`DETERMINE MUSIC
`317
`S17
`SOURCE, OUTPUT PORT
`1 i
`+____ SOURCE, OUTPUT PORT
`S
`FROM AUDIO MENU
`FROM AUDIO MENU
`RECEIVE MUSIC DATA OF
`RECEIVE MUSIC DATA OF
`SELECTED MUSIC FROM
`SELECTED MUSIC FROM
`EXTERNAL MUSIC SOURCE
`EXTERNAL MUSIC sOUROE
`AND STORE IN INTERNAL
`AND STORE IN INTERNAL
`MEMORY
`MEMORY
`
`-S14
`~S14
`
`S15
`
`NO^XAR-MOUNTED
`"^-SOURCE ONLY
`
`YES
`
`S19
`
`S21
`S21
`I
`S
`SEND MUSIC
`SEND MUSIC
`DATA OF
`DATA 0F
`SELECTED MUSIC
`SELECTED MUSIC
`TO SELECTED
`TO SELECTED
`EXTERNAL
`EXTERNAL
`SPEAKERS
`SPEAKERS
`
`NO
`
`CAR-MOUNTED
`CAR-MOUNTED
`SPEAKERS AND
`SPEAKERS AND
`EXTERNAL
`EXTERNAL
`\SPEAKERS/
`
`YES
`
`S20
`S20
`S
`•OUTPUT SELECTED MUSIC
`.QUTpU-T SELECTED MUSTC
`OF CAR-MOUNTED
`OE CARMOUNTED
`SPEAKER OUTPUT FROM
`SPEAKER OUTPUT FROM
`CAR-MOUNTED SPEAKER
`CAR.MOUNTED SPEAKER
`OUTPUT
`OUTPUT
`•SEND MUSIC DATA OF
`-SEND MUS|C DATA 0|:
`SELECTED MUSIC OF
`SELECTED MUSIC OF
`EXTERNAL SPEAKER
`EXTERNAL SPEAKER
`OUTPUT TO SELECTED
`OUTPUT TO SELECTED
`EXTERNAL SPEAKERS
`EXTERNAL SPEAKERS
`I
`T
`
`9
`
`T
`
`S16
`NO^CAR-MOUNTECP
`CAR-MOUNTED
`SPEAKERS ONLY
`SPEAKERS ONLY
`S18
`
`YES
`
`S12
`81 2
`i
`S
`
`‘y
`OUTPUT
`OUTPUT
`SELECTED
`SELECTED
`MUSIC SOURCE
`MUSIC SOURCE
`FROM
`FROM
`CAR-MOUNTED
`CAR-MOUNTED
`SPEAKERS
`SPEAKERS
`——I
`
`NO
`NO
`
`OUTPUT
`OUTPUT
`SELECTED MUSIC
`SELECTED MUSIC
`FROM CAR-MOUNTED
`FROM CAR-MOUNTED
`SPEAKERS
`SPEAKERS
`=1
`
`S22
`is
`XTHERE AUDIO \
`opggi?lgl?‘lgal'?ckl
`OPERATION/SWITCH
`\ OPERATION ^
`OPERAT'ON
`
`•YES
`S23
`OUTPUT OPERATION
`OUTPUT OPERATION ~ 823
`SIGNAL TO CORRES­
`SIGNAL TO CORRES
`PONDING APPARATUS
`PONDING APPARATUS
`>I=
`
`RETURN
`
`)
`
`c
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 11,2001 Sheet 5 of 15
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 11, 2001 Sheet 5 0f 15
`
`US 2001/0028717 A1
`US 2001/0028717 A1
`
`F I G . 5
`FIG. 5
`
`AUDIO TOP MENU
`AUDIO TOP MENU
`
`D1
`DETERMINE MUSIC REPLAY/OUTPUT
`’ DETERMINE MUSIC REPLAY/OUTPUT K\/ [)1
`•
`DESTINATION(AUDIO MENU)
`DESTINATION(AUDIO MENU)
`
`D2
`SEARCH/RECEIVE EXTERNAL MUSIC
`SEARCH/RECEIVE EXTERNAL MUSIC ’\/ D2
`SOURCE/EXTERNAL SPEAKERS
`SOURCE/EXTERNAL SPEAKERS
`
`RECEIVE MUSIC DISTRIBUTION
`RECEIVE MUSIC DISTRIBUTION
`FROM INTERNET
`FROM INTERNET
`
`ERASE RECEIVED MUSIC
`ERAsE RECEIVED MUSIC
`
`TRANSFER RECEIVED MUSIC
`TRANSFER RECEIVED MUSIC
`
`D3
`/\/ [)3
`
`D4
`’\/ D4
`
`D5
`’\/ D5
`
`

`
`<1 >
`<1
`cc
`o o N>
`O o
`!Z5
`e
`
`US 2001/0028717 A1
`
`D23
`
`CONFIRM
`
`O «
`s
`o
`C &:
`c
`hs =
`o s
`c a:
`T3
`>
`ffi s
`p
`
`©
`o\
`rD rz
`sr
`
`o
`o
`
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 11, 2001 Sheet 6 0f 15
`
`D25
`
`D24
`
`802 E95
`.VNQ? Iom<mw L Tim
`
`UPDATE
`
`• SEARCH
`
`D22
`
`mg m n
`
`M m <29 m E2:
`
`CAR-MOUNTED DATA
`PLAYER A DATA
`
`PLAYER B DATA
`
`D21
`
`RECEPTION MENU
`
`FIG. 6
`
`w .6:
`
`n m E3 @5856
`M £85 9%: 2 8
`m E5 < $2:
`
`$85 @632 ON 92
`
`15 MUSIC PIECES
`
`
`
`.m 88a 0622 & E052
`
`20 MUSIC PIECES
`
`10 MUSIC PIECES
`
`MEMORY
`
`MD
`
`CD
`
`V
`
`PD !-»—-M PC
`i.l
`>._>
`T
`PB
`
`PA
`
`I
`
`W
`M
`
`CONNECTION SITUATION
`
`
`
`zOF<Pzw zozbmzzoo
`
`

`
`<1 >
`<1
`cc
`o o
`O o
`e !Z5
`
`Ul
`
`o
`<1
`
`CZ3 sr
`o o
`
`fD
`fD
`
`> >v
`ffi s
`hs p
`
`r>
`O
`o s
`P
`n
`c
`hS =
`o s
`&
`n
`V
`
`D13
`
`D11 D11a
`
`D11b
`
`D12
`
`- D13b
`
`D13a
`
`EXTERNAL D
`
`EXTERNAL C
`
`EXTERNAL B
`
`EXTERNAL A
`
`• CAR-MOUNTED SP '
`
`5
`
`EXTERNAL PLAYER D
`
`EXTERNAL PLAYER C
`
`EXTERNAL PLAYER B
`• EXTERNAL PLAYER A
`CAR-MOUNTED MEMORY
`
`CAR-MOUNTED MD
`
`CAR-MOUNTED CD
`
`AM
`
`FM
`
`ooo
`ooo
`ooo
`ooo
`TIME CAPACITY
`
`XX
`XX
`XX
`XX
`
`AAA
`
`AAA
`
`4. * * * * *
`3. * * * * *
`
`D12a
`/
`
`AAA
`
`^•2. * * * * *
`
`AAA
`
`1. $ * * *
`
`ARTIST
`
`TITLE
`
`OUTPUT DESTINATION
`
`SOURCE
`
`EXTERNAL PLAYER DATA LIST
`
`AUDIO MENU
`
`FIG. 7
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 11,2001 Sheet 8 of 15
`US 2001/0028717 A1
`US 2001/0028717 Al
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 11, 2001 Sheet 8 0f 15
`F I G . 8
`F ' G- 8
`
`PORTABLE AUDIO
`APPARATUS
`APPARATUS
`Q10
`Q10
`
`POWER ON?
`
`Q11
`Q11
`NO
`NO
`
`YES
`YES
`EXTERNAL
`EXTERNAL
`OUTPUT STATE
`OUTPUT STATE
`
`NO
`
`2)
`
`'YES
`CONNECT/REGISTER
`CONNECT/REGISTER
`CAR-MOUNTED AUDIO
`CAR-MOUNTED AUDIO
`APPARATUS
`APPARATUS
`Q14
`
`" OUTPUT
`OUTPUT
`DESTINATION?
`DESTINATION?
`
`—Q13
`~ Q1 3
`
`NO
`NO
`
`Q15
`REQUEST \
`REQUEST
`^^REQUESr^
`FOR TRANSMISSION
`FOR TRANSMISSION
`FOR TRANSMISSION
`FOR TRANSMISSION
`v. TO OUTSIDE^
`v- TO OUTSIDE
`To OUTSIDE
`TO OUTSIDE
`Q19
`Q12
`Q18
`Q17
`Q1 9
`Q1 8
`Q1 7
`Q1 2
`Z
`YES
`2
`I
`2
`2
`2
`I
`TRANSMIT
`OUTPUT
`•SEND INTERNAL MUSIC
`RECEIVE
`TRANSMIT
`REOEIvE
`-SEND INTERNAL MUSIC
`OUTPUT
`INTERNAL MUSIC
`INTERNAL
`DATA TO OUTSIDE
`EXTERNAL
`INTERNAL MUSIC
`EXTERNAL
`DATA TO OUTSIDE
`INTERNAL
`DATA TO OUTSIDE
`MUSIC DATA
`•RECEIVE EXTERNAL MUSIC
`MUSIC DATA AND
`MUSIC DATA ‘RECEIVE EXTERNAL MUSIC MUSIC DATA AND DATA T0 OUTSIDE
`FROM
`DATA AND OUTPUT FROM
`OUTPUT FROM
`FROM
`DATA AND OUTPUT FROM
`OUTPUT FROM
`HEADPHONE
`HEADPHONE
`HEADPHONE
`HEADPHONE
`HEADPHONE
`HEADPHONE
`I
`
`NO
`
`.
`Q20
`Q20
`Ll
`2
`STANDBY
`STANDBY
`
`i r
`
`+
`
`I
`
`Q16
`
`NO
`
`YES
`
`YES
`
`I
`
`> <
`Q21
`V
`"
`Q21
`^— IS THERE
`IS THERE
`AUDIO OPERATION
`AUDIO OPERATION
`SIGNAL? ^
`SIGNAL?
`
`NO
`
`YES
`OUTPUT OPERATION SIGNAL ~Q22
`OUTPUT OPERATION SIGNAL ~Q22
`TO CORRESPONDING
`TO CORRESPONDING
`APPARATUS
`APPARATUS
`Q23
`^—RECEIVED
`v
`RECEIVED
`OPERATION SIGNAL
`OPERATION SIGNAL
`
`NO
`NO
`
`(p
`
`YES
`Q24
`EXECUTE OPERATION ~ Q24
`SIGNAL
`SIGNAL
`
`9 EXECUTE OPERATION
`
`I
`I
`RETURN
`I
`( RETURN )
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 11,2001 Sheet 9 of 15
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 11, 2001 Sheet 9 0f 15
`
`US 2001/0028717 A1
`US 2001/0028717 A1
`
`ERASURE
`CONTROL FLOW
`CONTROL FLOW
`
`FIG. 9
`
`S50
`S50
`
`RECEIVE/
`RECEIVE/
`STORED MUSIC DATA^v. NO
`NO
`STORED MUSIC DATA
`FROM EXTERNAL
`FROM EXTERNAL
`SOURCE?
`SOURCE?
`YES
`
`S51
`851
`
`YES
`
`O
`Q
`
`IGNITION
`IGNITION
`SWITCH OFF?
`SWITCH OFF?
`
`NO
`N0
`
`S53
`S53
`
`YES
`YES
`
`YES
`YES
`
`POWER OFF?
`POWER OFF?
`
`S54
`854
`
`NO
`NO
`
`PASSENGER \ No
`PASSENGER
`NO
`GOES OFF
`GOES OFF
`v VEHICLE
`vERICLE
`7
`
`S56
`S56
`
`YES
`YES
`
`S52
`s52
`1
`€
`
`T
`ERASE ALL
`ERASE ALL
`EXTERNAL
`EXTERNAL
`MUSIC DATA
`IvIuSIC DATA
`S57
`
`S55
`S55
`S
`7"
`ERASE MUSIC DATA
`ERASE MUSIC DATA
`OF CORRESPONDING
`OF CORRESPONDING
`EXTERNAL SOURCE
`EXTERNAL SOURCE
`S59
`
`ERASURE
`ERASuRE
`SWITCH
`SWITCH
`OPERATION
`OPERATION
`?
`YES
`YES
`"T
`
`NO
`NO
`
`o
`
`S57
`857 a
`1
`s
`
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`MUSIC DATA
`
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`D46
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`D43
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`D44
`
`END
`
`ERASE ALL
`
`EXTERNAL PLAYER D
`
`ERASE
`
`^
`
`EXTERNAL PLAYER C
`
`MUSIC PIECES
`RECEIVED
`ERASE ALL
`
`EXTERNAL PLAYER B
`
`EXTERNAL PLAYER A
`
`• CAR-MOUNTED MEMORY
`
`ooo xx
`ooo xx
`OOO XX
`OOO XX
`TIME CAPACITY
`
`AAA
`
`4. si< * * * *
`
`AAA
`
`3. * * * * *
`
`AAA
`
`AAA
`
`2, Sic * * * *
`^.1. * * * * *
`
`ARTIST
`
`TITLE
`
`TARGET APPARATUS
`
`CAR-MOUNTED MEMORY DATA
`
`ERASURE MENU
`
`FIG. 10
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 11,2001 Sheet 11 of 15
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 11, 2001 Sheet 11 0f 15
`
`US 2001/0028717 A1
`US 2001/0028717 A1
`
`F I G . 11
`FIG. 11
`
`INTERNET MENU
`INTERNET MENU
`
`MUSIC DISTRIBUTION SERVICE
`MUSIC DISTRIBUTION SERVICE
`
`D31
`) BEST HITS IN THIS WEEK ” D31
`• BEST HITS IN THIS WEEK
`D32
`JAPANESE MUSIC SELECT
`JAPANESE MUSIC SELECT N D32
`
`FOREIGN MUSIC SELECT
`FOREIGN MUSIC SELECT
`
`ROCK SELECT
`ROCK SELECT
`
`ENKA BALLAD SELECT
`ENKA BALLAD SELECT
`
`

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`
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`
`D54
`
`END
`
`TRANSFER ALL
`
`EXTERNAL PLAYER D
`
`TRANSFER
`
`EXTERNAL PLAYER C
`
`D52a
`
`EXTERNAL PLAYER D
`
`4. * * * * XX
`
`EXTERNAL PLAYER C
`
`EXTERNAL PLAYER B
`
`3. * * * * XX
`
`EXTERNAL PLAYER B
`
`D53a
`
`• EXTERNAL PLAYER A
`
`CAR-MOUNTED MEMORY
`
`XX
`
`XX
`
`2. * * * %
`
`^.1. sis * * %
`
`CAPACITY
`
`TITLE
`
`EXTERNAL PLAYER A
`
`• CAR-MOUNTED MEMORY
`
`RECEIVING APPARATUS
`
`CAR-MOUNTED MEMORY DATA
`
`TRANSMITTING APPARATUS
`
`TRANSFER MENU
`
`FIG. 12
`
`D51a
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 11,2001 Sheet 13 of 15
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 11, 2001 Sheet 13 0f 15
`
`US 2001/0028717 A1
`US 2001/0028717 A1
`
`F I G - 1 3
`FIG. 13
`
`(S13)
`(513)
`
`l
`
`STORE TITLE DATA OF
`STORE TITLE DATA OF
`EXTERNAL MUSIC SOURCE
`EXTERNAL MUSIC SOURCE
`
`S100
`NS‘IOO
`
`(S14)
`(s14)
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 11,2001 Sheet 14 of 15
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 11, 2001 Sheet 14 0f 15
`
`US 2001/0028717 A1
`US 2001/0028717 A1
`
`F I G . 1 4
`FIG. 14
`
`NO
`(S15)
`NO (815)
`YES
`YES
`
`S101
`8101
`2
`RECEIVE MUSIC DATA OF
`RECEIVE MUSIC DATA OF
`SELECTED MUSIC FROM
`SELECTED MUSIC FROM
`EXTERNAL MUSIC SOURCE
`EXTERNAL MUSIC SOURCE
`
`(SI 6)
`(S16)
`
`

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`
`EXTERNAL B
`
`EXTERNAL PLAYER C
`
`EXTERNAL A
`
`EXTERNAL PLAYER B
`
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`< CAR-MOUNTED SP^
`/
`
`/
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`/EXTERNAL PLAYER A^
`VJJJ/;;/;;;;;;;;*
`
`OUTPUT DESTINATION
`
`FORWARD BACKWARD
`FAST-
`
`SKIP
`
`STOP
`
`REWIND REPLAY
`
`MEMORY
`
`MD
`
`AM
`
`FM
`
`CD
`
`SOURCE
`
`1 FORWARD
`
`^•4, ^ ^ * JH ^
`
`3, ^ * * * *
`
`2. * * ^ ^
`
`EXTERNAL
`
`•j. * * * * *
`
`v/
`
`/ AUDIO A W////
`r
`
`/
`
`TOP
`AUDIO
`
`SKIP
`
`CAR-MOUNTED
`
`N A
`
`TITLE LIST
`
`NAVI
`
`D60
`
`D63
`
`FIG. 15
`
`D64
`
`D61c
`
`D61a 061b
`
`D61
`
`

`
`US 2001/0028717 A1
`US 2001/0028717 A1
`
`1
`
`Oct. 11, 2001
`Oct. 11, 2001
`
`AUDIO SYSTEM AND ITS CONTENTS
`AUDIO SYSTEM AND ITS CONTENTS
`REPRODUCTION METHOD, AUDIO APPARATUS
`REPRODUCTION METHOD, AUDIO APPARATUS
`FOR A VEHICLE AND ITS CONTENTS
`FOR A VEHICLE AND ITS CONTENTS
`REPRODUCTION METHOD, COMPUTER
`REPRODUCTION METHOD, COMPUTER
`PROGRAM PRODUCT AND
`PROGRAM PRODUCT AND
`COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM
`COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`[0001] The present invention relates to the field of audio
`[0001] The present invention relates to the ?eld of audio
`apparatuses that provide contents such as music in a vehicle
`apparatuses that provide contents such as music in a vehicle
`such as an automobile.
`such as an automobile.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002]
`In the field of an automobile, a typical example of
`[0002] In the ?eld of an automobile, a typical eXample of
`vehicle, an audio apparatus has come into widespread use in
`vehicle, an audio apparatus has come into Widespread use in
`recent years allowing passengers to enjoy various contents
`recent years alloWing passengers to enjoy various contents
`such as music in a vehicle.
`such as music in a vehicle.
`[0003]
`In such a conventional audio apparatus, a passen­
`[0003] In such a conventional audio apparatus, a passen
`ger inserts a portable music storage medium such as a CD
`ger inserts a portable music storage medium such as a CD
`(compact disk), MD (mini-disk), cassette tape into the audio
`(compact disk), MD (mini-disk), cassette tape into the audio
`apparatus and enjoys music of his/her choice by replaying/
`apparatus and enjoys music of his/her choice by replaying/
`outputting it from data stored in the music storage medium.
`outputting it from data stored in the music storage medium.
`[0004] However, an audio apparatus using such a music
`[0004] HoWever, an audio apparatus using such a music
`storage medium is burdensome because the passenger needs
`storage medium is burdensome because the passenger needs
`to take the storage medium storing music to be replayed in
`to take the storage medium storing music to be replayed in
`the vehicle into the vehicle every time the passenger gets on
`the vehicle into the vehicle every time the passenger gets on
`the vehicle.
`the vehicle.
`[0005] Thus,
`the Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
`[0005] Thus, the Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
`11-30986, etc. proposes a technology for directly receiving
`11-30986, etc. proposes a technology for directly receiving
`digitized music data from the outside through an audio
`digitiZed music data from the outside through an audio
`apparatus using a music distribution service and enjoying
`apparatus using a music distribution service and enjoying
`the music data in the vehicle without using a music record­
`the music data in the vehicle Without using a music record
`ing medium.
`ing medium.
`[0006] Here, the technology described in the Japanese
`[0006] Here, the technology described in the Japanese
`Patent Laid-Open No. 11-30986 will be summarized below.
`Patent Laid-Open No. 11-30986 Will be summariZed beloW.
`[0007] The vehicle music data acquisition system
`[0007] The vehicle music data acquisition system
`described in this Publication consists of an information
`described in this Publication consists of an information
`center that distributes music to vehicles and a vehicle
`center that distributes music to vehicles and a vehicle
`capable of wirelessly communicating with the information
`capable of Wirelessly communicating With the information
`center (see FIG. 2 of the relevant Publication) and the music
`center (see FIG. 2 of the relevant Publication) and the music
`distribution procedure in such a system configuration is
`distribution procedure in such a system con?guration is
`explained with reference to FIG. 2 of the relevant Publica­
`eXplained With reference to FIG. 2 of the relevant Publica
`tion.
`tion.
`[0008] That is, the vehicle sends data about a music
`[0008] That is, the vehicle sends data about a music
`replaying condition in the own vehicle (including informa­
`replaying condition in the oWn vehicle (including informa
`tion to identify music of a distribution request) to the
`tion to identify music of a distribution request) to the
`information center.
`information center.
`[0009] Upon reception of the data about the music replay­
`[0009] Upon reception of the data about the music replay
`ing condition, the information center determines whether the
`ing condition, the information center determines Whether the
`requested music data exists in the information center or not
`requested music data eXists in the information center or not
`and if the music data does not exist, the information center
`and if the music data does not exist, the information center
`acquires the data on the Internet from the outside. Then, the
`acquires the data on the Internet from the outside. Then, the
`information center creates music data with the amount of
`information center creates music data With the amount of
`data reduced (compressed) based on the data about the
`data reduced (compressed) based on the data about the
`music replaying condition and sends the music data created
`music replaying condition and sends the music data created
`to the vehicle. The vehicle replays the music based on the
`to the vehicle. The vehicle replays the music based on the
`received music data.
`received music data.
`[0010] According to the audio apparatus using this music
`[0010] According to the audio apparatus using this music
`distribution service, the passenger can enjoy any music at
`distribution service, the passenger can enjoy any music at
`
`any time without the need to prepare any music storage
`any time Without the need to prepare any music storage
`medium. This allows the passenger to easily enjoy music of
`medium. This alloWs the passenger to easily enjoy music of
`his/her choice in the vehicle, providing an effect of allowing
`his/her choice in the vehicle, providing an effect of alloWing
`the passenger to spend his/her time comfortably in the
`the passenger to spend his/her time comfortably in the
`vehicle.
`vehicle.
`[0011] Furthermore, the technology described in the Japa­
`[0011] Furthermore, the technology described in the J apa
`nese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-240207 will be summarized
`nese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-240207 Will be summariZed
`below.
`beloW.
`[0012] This Publication describes a touch-screen type
`[0012] This Publication describes a touch-screen type
`audio-visual replay digital system and a plurality of win­
`audio-visual replay digital system and a plurality of Win
`dows appearing on a display shows information on audio­
`doWs appearing on a display shoWs information on audio
`visual contents that can be replayed.
`visual contents that can be replayed.
`[0013] The user can select a desired window from among
`[0013] The user can select a desired WindoW from among
`a plurality of windows displayed to easily replay the audio­
`a plurality of WindoWs displayed to easily replay the audio
`visual contents requested to be replayed.
`visual contents requested to be replayed.
`[0014] On the other hand, recently, with the development
`[0014] On the other hand, recently, With the development
`of the Internet, music distribution services indirectly using
`of the Internet, music distribution services indirectly using
`the Internet are provided as described above, which allows
`the Internet are provided as described above, Which alloWs
`the user to download digitized contents data such as music
`the user to doWnload digitiZed contents data such as music
`to an information storage medium such as a memory card
`to an information storage medium such as a memory card
`and enjoy music of his/her choice easily.
`and enjoy music of his/her choice easily.
`[0015] Furthermore, recently, individuals often carry with
`[0015] Furthermore, recently, individuals often carry With
`them portable audio apparatuses and these portable audio
`them portable audio apparatuses and these portable audio
`apparatuses are also making it easier to enjoy music using
`apparatuses are also making it easier to enjoy music using
`music data stored in an information storage medium.
`music data stored in an information storage medium.
`[0016] By the way, people go for a long-distance drive on
`[0016] By the Way, people go for a long-distance drive on
`a trip, etc., a plurality of passengers often gets on the vehicle,
`a trip, etc., a plurality of passengers often gets on the vehicle,
`in which case, because preference of music varies from one
`in Which case, because preference of music varies from one
`person to another, it is preferred that these passengers be
`person to another, it is preferred that these passengers be
`able to enjoy music of their respective choices and spend
`able to enjoy music of their respective choices and spend
`their time during the long-distance drive comfortably.
`their time during the long-distance drive comfortably.
`[0017]
`In a vehicle equipped with an audio apparatus
`[0017] In a vehicle equipped With an audio apparatus
`using a conventional music storage medium, satisfying such
`using a conventional music storage medium, satisfying such
`as demand requires each passenger to record music of
`as demand requires each passenger to record music of
`his/her choice to a music storage medium corresponding to
`his/her choice to a music storage medium corresponding to
`the audio apparatus or purchase one and take the music
`the audio apparatus or purchase one and take the music
`storage medium into the vehicle.
`storage medium into the vehicle.
`[0018] As in the case of the Japanese Patent Laid-Open
`[0018] As in the case of the Japanese Patent Laid-Open
`No. 11-30986, the audio apparatus using the music distri­
`No. 11-30986, the audio apparatus using the music distri
`bution service provided from the information center can
`bution service provided from the information center can
`freely obtain a variety of music data at any time by a
`freely obtain a variety of music data at any time by a
`required amount. This allows the passengers to freely enjoy
`required amount. This alloWs the passengers to freely enjoy
`music of their choice without the need to take the music
`music of their choice Without the need to take the music
`storage medium into the vehicle.
`storage medium into the vehicle.
`[0019] The audio apparatus using the music distribution
`[0019] The audio apparatus using the music distribution
`service provides such convenience, but on the other hand,
`service provides such convenience, but on the other hand,
`because this audio apparatus receives music data from the
`because this audio apparatus receives music data from the
`outside by radio (wireless telephone line, etc.), it takes some
`outside by radio (Wireless telephone line, etc.), it takes some
`time of communication to download music data of one piece
`time of communication to doWnload music data of one piece
`of music for example. Therefore, if, for example, electro­
`of music for eXample. Therefore, if, for eXample, electro
`magnetic interference occurs while the music data is being
`magnetic interference occurs While the music data is being
`downloaded during a drive, the audio apparatus is unable to
`doWnloaded during a drive, the audio apparatus is unable to
`reliably receive the music data of the relevant piece of
`reliably receive the music data of the relevant piece of
`music.
`music.
`[0020] And in the case where the music data cannot be
`[0020] And in the case Where the music data cannot be
`received reliably, it is necessary to receive the music data
`received reliably, it is necessary to receive the music data
`again. Thus, even the audio apparatus using the music
`again. Thus, even the audio apparatus using the music
`distribution service is still not sufficient in respect of user
`distribution service is still not sufficient in respect of user
`friendliness.
`friendliness.
`
`

`
`US 2001/0028717 A1
`US 2001/0028717 A1
`
`2
`
`Oct. 11, 2001
`Oct. 11, 2001
`
`[0021] Moreover, downloading music data from the music
`[0021] Moreover, downloading music data from the music
`distribution service in the current communication environ­
`distribution service in the current communication environ
`ment entails a high communication cost, and so it is prob­
`ment entails a high communication cost, and so it is prob
`lematic in respect of cost, too.
`lematic in respect of cost, too.
`[0022] Therefore, one possible method of enjoying music
`[0022] Therefore, one possible method of enjoying music
`of one's choice reliably and at low cost without using such
`of one’s choice reliably and at loW cost Without using such
`a music distribution service is to use music data included in
`a music distribution service is to use music data included in
`a portable audio apparatus. This is because the portable
`a portable audio apparatus. This is because the portable
`audio apparatus that each passenger carries includes music
`audio apparatus that each passenger carries includes music
`data of his/her choice beforehand and using this music data
`data of his/her choice beforehand and using this music data
`allows the passenger to reliably enjoy music data of his/her
`alloWs the passenger to reliably enjoy music data of his/her
`choice in the vehicle.
`choice in the vehicle.
`[0023] However, the shape and mode of a portable audio
`[0023] HoWever, the shape and mode of a portable audio
`apparatus varies from one model to another, and the wired
`apparatus varies from one model to another, and the Wired
`connection port and the shape of its information storage
`connection port and the shape of its information storage
`medium also vary. For this reason, using this portable audio
`medium also vary. For this reason, using this portable audio
`apparatus in the vehicle requires the passenger to set the
`apparatus in the vehicle requires the passenger to set the
`audio apparatus in a mount pre-installed in the vehicle,
`audio apparatus in a mount pre-installed in the vehicle,
`connect it to an in-car audio apparatus via a cable or insert
`connect it to an in-car audio apparatus via a cable or insert
`or remove the information storage medium to take the music
`or remove the information storage medium to take the music
`data of portable audio apparatuses of all models into the
`data of portable audio apparatuses of all models into the
`in-car audio apparatus, which is difficult in practice.
`in-car audio apparatus, Which is dif?cult in practice.
`[0024] Moreover, even if wired connection ports of por­
`[0024] Moreover, even if Wired connection ports of por
`table audio apparatuses of all models and information stor­
`table audio apparatuses of all models and information stor
`age media are standardized having a common shape and
`age media are standardiZed having a common shape and
`mode, there remains a possibility that the passenger will still
`mode, there remains a possibility that the passenger Will still
`need to set the audio apparatus in the mount and insert or
`need to set the audio apparatus in the mount and insert or
`remove the information storage media, which is a problem
`remove the information storage media, Which is a problem
`of requiring time and trouble.
`of requiring time and trouble.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`[0025] The present invention has been proposed to solve
`[0025] The present invention has been proposed to solve
`the conventional problems, and has as its main object to
`the conventional problems, and has as its main object to
`provide, when a plurality of passengers get on an automo­
`provide, When a plurality of passengers get on an automo
`bile, for example, an audio system and its contents repro­
`bile, for eXample, an audio system and its contents repro
`duction method, audio apparatus for a vehicle and its con­
`duction method, audio apparatus for a vehicle and its con
`tents reproduction method, computer program product and
`tents reproduction method, computer program product and
`computer-readable storage medium capable of easily and
`computer-readable storage medium capable of easily and
`reliably replay contents data in a portable audio apparatus
`reliably replay contents data in a portable audio apparatus
`carried by passengers inside the vehicle and outputs the
`carried by passengers inside the vehicle and outputs the
`contents data as sound so that passengers can enjoy music of
`contents data as sound so that passengers can enjoy music of
`their respective choices in the vehicle without the need to
`their respective choices in the vehicle Without the need to
`download contents data such as music and conversation
`doWnload co