Method and system for setting user preference satellite radio music selections in a mobile vehicle

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] In general, the invention relates to data transmission over a wireless communication system. More specifically, the invention relates to a method and system for setting user preference satellite radio music selections in a mobile vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Mobile communication units (MCU's), such as cellular phones, personal data assistants (PDA's), Global Positioning System (GPS) devices, and on-board Vehicle Communication Units (VCU's), used in conjunction with a Wide Area Network (WAN), such as a cellular telephone network or a satellite communication system, have made it possible for a person to send and receive voice communications, data transmissions, and FAX messages from virtually anywhere on earth. Such communication is initiated at the MCU when it is turned on, or by entering a phone number to be called, or in many cases, by pressing a preprogrammed button on the MCU or speaking a voice command causing the MCU to automatically complete the process of dialing the number to be called. A radio communication link is established between the MCU and a Wide Area Network (WAN), using a node of the WAN in the vicinity of the MCU.

[0003] In cellular telephone systems, a node is commonly referred to as a “cellular base station.” Once the radio communication link between the MCU and the cellular base station has been established, the base station then utilizes a combination of additional cellular stations, conventional telephone wire line networks, and possibly even satellite systems to connect the MCU to the number to be called.

[0004] Wireless communication services for MCU users, such as navigation and roadside assistance, have increased rapidly in recent years. Most of the services that have been offered are for a motor vehicle in operation, and include services that may require location and destination information. Such services are provided at a cost to the MCU user, and also at a cost to the MCU service provider. MCU service providers must make available a wireless communication service customer assistance center (or other such manually staffed service center) in order that an operator or customer assistant may complete the MCU requests. It would be beneficial to the MCU user and service provider to offer information and services advantageous to the MCU user, yet profitable to the MCU provider without MCU user subsidies. In addition, limited MCU equipped vehicle information is currently requested or used for the immediate advantage of the MCU user. Also, the current MCU equipped vehicle information is of little use to MCU providers or any other third party concern.

[0005] Recently, additional services have been offered for entertainment purposes, such as satellite radio, terrestrial digital radio, and other wireless communication systems to motor vehicles. Many of these broadcasts may be delivered with additional data such as station identification, song titles, and program schedules. Such services are also provided at a cost to the user and will provide an additional revenue stream if enhancements can be linked to an MCU system. MCU service providers may utilize the already available WAN to provide such enhancements.

[0006] It would be desirable, therefore, to provide a method and system that would overcome these and other disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention is directed to a system and method for setting user preference satellite radio music selections in a mobile vehicle. The invention allows a user to establish a vehicle preference selection list utilizing a user interface, download the vehicle preference selection list into a vehicle mounted satellite radio receiver, and have the option of listening to either the vehicle preference selection list or a user determined station.

[0008] One aspect of the invention provides a method for setting user preference satellite radio music selections in a mobile vehicle by creating at least one vehicle preference selection list utilizing a user interface, transferring the vehicle preference selection list into a mobile communication unit, monitoring a satellite radio system broadcast, requesting the vehicle preference selection list from the mobile communication unit, and extracting a selection from the broadcast based on the vehicle preference selection list. The invention further provides for extracting the selection by comparing user prioritized music selections in the vehicle preference selection list to a plurality of radio station music selections from the broadcast.

[0009] According to another feature of the invention, the method further provides for switching between the vehicle preference selection list and a user defined radio station preference setting in response to user input. The method further provides for creating the at least one vehicle preference selection list utilizing the user interface including a user communicating with a provider of the broadcast over an internet connection.

[0010] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a system for vehicle preference selection monitoring is provided. The system includes a means for creating a vehicle preference selection list utilizing a user interface. The system further includes means for transferring the vehicle preference selection list into a mobile communication unit. Means for monitoring a satellite radio system broadcast, means for requesting the vehicle preference selection list from the mobile communication unit and means for extracting a selection from the broadcast based on the vehicle preference selection list are also provided.

[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a computer readable medium storing a computer program includes: computer readable code for creating a vehicle preference selection list utilizing a user interface, computer readable code for transferring the vehicle preference selection list into a mobile communication unit, computer readable code for monitoring a satellite radio system broadcast, computer readable code for requesting the vehicle preference selection list from the mobile communication unit, and computer readable code for extracting a selection from the broadcast based on the vehicle preference selection list.

[0012] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will become further apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiment, read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative of the invention rather than limiting, the scope of the invention being defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

P-0013[0013]FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an operating environment according to an embodiment of the present invention;

P-0014[0014]FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the present invention;

P-0015[0015]FIG. 2<i>a </i>is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of the present invention;

P-0016[0016]FIG. 3 is a block diagram depicting an exemplary embodiment of code on a computer readable medium in accordance with the present invention; and

P-0017[0017]FIG. 4 is a block diagram depicting another exemplary embodiment of code on a computer readable medium in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

P-0018[0018] Throughout the specification, and in the claims, the term “connected” means a direct electrical connection between the things that are connected, without any intermediate devices. The term “coupled” means either a direct electrical connection between the things that are connected, or an indirect connection through one or more passive or active intermediary devices.

P-0019[0019] The present invention relates to data transmission over a wireless communication system and more particularly to setting user preference satellite radio music selections in a mobile vehicle. The present invention allows a user to establish a vehicle preference selection list utilizing a user interface, download the vehicle preference selection list into a vehicle mounted satellite radio receiver, and have the option of listening to either the vehicle preference selection list or a user determined station.

P-0020[0020] Illustrative Operating Environment

P-0021[0021]FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an operating environment that is in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 1 details an embodiment of a system for operating a satellite radio music subscription service in a mobile vehicle, in accordance with the present invention, and may be referred to as a mobile vehicle communication system (MVCS) <b>100</b>. The mobile vehicle communication system (MCVS) <b>100</b> may include one or more mobile vehicle communication units (MVCU) <b>110</b>, one or more audio devices <b>115</b>, one or more wireless communication systems <b>120</b>, one or more radio carrier systems <b>130</b>, one or more satellite broadcast systems <b>140</b>, one or more communication networks <b>150</b>, one or more land networks <b>160</b>, and one or more service providers <b>170</b>.

P-0022[0022] In one example, MVCU <b>100</b> may be implemented as an OnStar system, as is known in the art, with regards to wireless communications, and as an XM Satellite Radio system, as is known in the art, with regards to satellite radio and terrestrial digital radio communications.

P-0023[0023] MCVU <b>110</b> may contain a wireless vehicle communication device (module, MVCS module) such as an analog or digital phone with suitable hardware and software for transmitting and receiving data communications. MCVU <b>110</b> may contain a wireless modem for transmitting and receiving data. MCVU <b>110</b> may contain a digital signal processor with software and additional hardware to enable communications with the mobile vehicle and to perform other routines and requested services. MCVU <b>110</b> may contain a global positioning system (GPS) unit capable of determining synchronized time and a geophysical location of the mobile vehicle. MCVU <b>110</b> may send to and receive radio transmissions from wireless communication system <b>120</b>.

P-0024[0024] Audio device <b>115</b> may include any suitable hardware for receiving broadcast signals in MCVU <b>110</b>. Audio device <b>115</b> includes a receiver and may receive broadcasts from wireless communication system <b>120</b>, radio broadcast system <b>130</b>, and satellite broadcast system <b>140</b>. Audio device <b>115</b> may further include an audio speaker, a synthesized voice output, an audio channel, or the like. Audio device <b>115</b> may be implemented, in addition to the receiver, as a set of headphones, the audio portion of a television, a display device, or the like.

P-0025[0025] MCVU <b>110</b> may also contain a speech recognition system (ASR) module capable of communicating with audio device <b>115</b>. The module may additionally be capable of functioning as any part or all of the above communication devices and, for one embodiment of the invention, may be capable of data storage, and/or data retrieval, and/or receiving, processing, and transmitting data queries. In one example, audio device <b>115</b> includes a speech recognition system (ASR) module.

P-0026[0026] Wireless communications system <b>120</b> may be a wireless communications carrier or a mobile telephone system and may transmit to and receive signals from one or more MCVU <b>110</b>. Wireless communication system <b>120</b> may incorporate any type of telecommunications in which electromagnetic waves carry signal over part or the entire communication path. More specific to the present invention, wireless communication system <b>120</b> may be any type of broadcast communication in addition to those of radio broadcast system <b>130</b> and satellite broadcast system <b>140</b>. Wireless communications system <b>120</b> may be implemented as a single unit in conjunction with radio broadcast system <b>130</b>, it may be implemented as coupled with radio broadcast system <b>130</b>, or in some such other configuration as would allow the systems to function as described.

P-0027[0027] In one example, such wireless communication carrier is a short message service, modeled after established protocols such as IS-637 SMS standards, IS-136 air interface standards for SMS, and GSM 03.40 and 09.02 standards. Similar to paging, an SMS communication could be broadcast to a number of regional recipients.

P-0028[0028] In another example, the mobile telephone system may be an analog mobile telephone system operating over a prescribed band nominally at 800 MHz. The mobile telephone system may be a digital mobile telephone system operating over a prescribed band nominally at 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1900 MHz, or any suitable band capable of carrying mobile communications.

P-0029[0029] Radio broadcast system <b>130</b> may transmit radio signals with data to audio device <b>115</b> in MCVU <b>110</b>. Radio broadcast system <b>130</b> may transmit analog audio and/or video signals, such as those sent from AM and FM radio stations and transmitters, or digital audio signals in the S band (approved for use in the U.S.) and L band (used in Europe and Canada). Audio device <b>115</b> may store or retrieve data and information from the audio and/or video signals of radio broadcast system <b>130</b>. In one example, audio device <b>115</b> retrieves terrestrial digital radio signals from a signal received from radio broadcast system <b>130</b>.

P-0030[0030] Satellite broadcast system <b>140</b> may transmit radio signals to audio device <b>115</b> in MCVU <b>110</b>. In one embodiment, satellite broadcast system <b>140</b> may broadcast over a spectrum in the “S” band (2.3 GHz) that has been allocated by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for nationwide broadcasting of satellite-based Digital Audio Radio Service (DARS). In one example, satellite broadcast system <b>140</b> may be implemented as XM Satellite Radio.

P-0031[0031] Broadcast services provided by radio broadcast system <b>130</b> and satellite broadcast system <b>140</b> may be received by audio device <b>115</b> in MCVU <b>110</b>. Broadcast services may include various different formatted programs based on a package subscription obtained by the user and managed by the audio device <b>115</b>. Formatted programs may include such formats as “Talk,” various music genres, targeted regional information, and the like.

P-0032[0032] Communications network <b>150</b> may be implemented as any suitable system or collection of systems for connecting wireless communications system <b>120</b> to at least one MCVU <b>110</b> or to a service provider <b>170</b>. Communications network <b>150</b> may include a mobile switching center and may provide services from one or more wireless communications companies.

P-0033[0033] Land network <b>160</b> may connect communications network <b>150</b> to service provider <b>170</b>. Land network <b>160</b> may be implemented as a public-switched telephone network, a wired network, an optical network, a fiber network, another wireless network, or any combination thereof. Land network <b>160</b> may comprise an Internet protocol (IP) network. In one embodiment, an MCVU <b>160</b> may utilize all or part of the wireless communications system <b>120</b>, communications network <b>150</b>, and land network <b>160</b>.

P-0034[0034] Land network <b>160</b> may connect one or more communications systems <b>120</b> to one another. Communication network <b>150</b> and land network <b>160</b> may connect wireless communications system <b>120</b> to a communication node or service provider <b>170</b>.

P-0035[0035] Service provider <b>170</b> may be implemented as one or more locations where communications may be received or originate to facilitate functioning of the mobile vehicle communication system (MCVS) <b>100</b>. Service provider <b>170</b> may contain any of the previously described functions.

P-0036[0036] In one embodiment, service provider <b>170</b> may be implemented as a call center, as known in the art. In an example, the call center may be implemented to service an OnStar system. In another example, the call center may be implemented to service an XM Satellite Radio system. In yet another example, the call center may be implemented to service one or more of the above examples, or other services.

P-0037[0037] In operation, a service provider <b>170</b> may utilize one or more portions of the aforementioned communications network to communicate subscriber requested programming to audio device <b>115</b>. The subscriber requested programming may then be accessed to by audio device <b>115</b> utilizing one or more radio broadcast system <b>130</b> and satellite broadcast system <b>140</b> segments.

P-0038[0038]FIGS. 2 and 2<i>a </i>are block diagrams illustrating an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 2 and 2<i>a </i>detail an embodiment of a system for setting and receiving user preference satellite radio music selections in a mobile vehicle, in accordance with the present invention, and may be referred to as a user preference satellite reception system (UPSRS). Like components from FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2 and 2<i>a </i>are labeled identically.

P-0039[0039] In one example, a UPSRS may be implemented as part of an OnStar system, as is known in the art, with regards to wireless communications, and as part of an XM Satellite Radio system, as is known in the art, with regards to satellite radio and terrestrial digital radio communications.

P-0040[0040] The user preference satellite reception system (UPSRS) of FIGS. 2 and 2<i>a </i>may further include one or more user interfaces <b>210</b>. User interfaces <b>210</b> may be implemented to allow a user to communicate with service provider <b>170</b> via one or more communication networks <b>150</b> and/or land networks <b>160</b>. In one embodiment, user interfaces <b>210</b> would include an ability to send as well as receive and store information. In one example, user interfaces <b>210</b> may be implemented as a personal computer or other device allowing communication with service provider <b>170</b>.

P-0041[0041] In one embodiment, user interface <b>210</b> provides the user access to the service provider <b>170</b> where, among other options, the user may compile a list of preferred or non-preferred music selections from a subscription service. In an example, the subscription service may be implemented as an XM Satellite Radio subscription service.

P-0042[0042] In another embodiment, one or more personal data assistants <b>230</b> may be utilized to access service provider <b>170</b>. In an example, personal data assistant <b>230</b> may access service provider <b>170</b> indirectly via interfacing with user interfaces <b>210</b>.

P-0043[0043] In another example, personal data assistant <b>230</b> may access service provider <b>170</b> directly via wireless communication utilizing one or more communication networks <b>150</b> and/or land networks <b>160</b>. Examples of such wireless personal data assistants <b>230</b> include the Palm Pilot, RIM Blackberry, and the like.

P-0044[0044] In one embodiment, personal data assistant <b>230</b> may allow storage of data received from service provider <b>170</b>. In another embodiment, personal data assistant <b>230</b> may allow data transfer to audio device <b>115</b>.

P-0045[0045] In yet another embodiment, information received by user interfaces <b>210</b> from service provider <b>170</b> is stored in a mobile memory device <b>220</b> for later transfer to audio device <b>115</b>. In one example, mobile memory device <b>220</b> may be implemented as one or more keychain memory devices. Examples of such keychain memory devices include DiskOnKey from M-Systems, ThumbDrive from Trek2000, and the like.

P-0046[0046] In one embodiment, mobile memory device <b>220</b> may allow storage of data received from service provider <b>170</b>. In another embodiment, mobile memory device <b>220</b> may allow data transfer to audio device <b>115</b>.

P-0047[0047] Exemplary List Creation

P-0048[0048]FIG. 3 is a block diagram depicting an exemplary embodiment of code on a computer readable medium in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 3 details an embodiment of a method <b>300</b> for setting and receiving user preference satellite radio music selections in a mobile vehicle, in accordance with the present invention. Method <b>300</b> may utilize one or more systems detailed in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2 and 2<i>a </i>above.

P-0049[0049] Method <b>300</b> begins at block <b>310</b> where a user may determine a need to create and utilize either a preferred or a non-preferred personal music programming list (PMPL). In one embodiment, the PMPL may be implemented in a user preference satellite reception system (UPSRS) and referenced as a vehicle preference selection list (VPSL). Method <b>300</b> then advances to the next block.

P-0050[0050] At block <b>320</b>, the user creates either a preferred or non-preferred PMPL. In one embodiment, the PMPL may be selected by one or more criteria, for example, artist information, song information, album information, and the like. In another embodiment, the PMPL may include prioritized items. The user may create one or more preferred or non-preferred PMPL's. Additionally, the user may create a list including items from both preferred and non-preferred categories as well.

P-0051[0051] In one embodiment, the user accesses a service provider <b>170</b> utilizing a user interface <b>210</b>, via a combination of one or more communication networks <b>150</b> and/or land networks <b>160</b>, to create the PMPL. In an example, the user may access the service provider <b>170</b> utilizing a personal computer via the Internet. In another example, the user may access the service provider <b>170</b> utilizing a personal data assistant <b>230</b>. The user may then create and archive the PMPL.

P-0052[0052] In one embodiment, the PMPL may be archived at the user interface <b>210</b>. In an example, the PMPL may be archived in a hard drive located within the interface <b>210</b>. In another example, the PMPL may be archived in mobile memory device <b>220</b>. In yet another example, the PMPL may be archived in a personal data assistant <b>230</b>. The method then advances to block <b>330</b>.

P-0053[0053] At block <b>330</b>, the user transfers the archived PMPL to audio device <b>115</b> located within a mobile vehicle communication unit (MVCU) <b>110</b>. The user may transfer one or more preferred or non-preferred PMPL's. In one embodiment, a mobile memory device <b>220</b> may be utilized to transfer the PMPL to audio device <b>115</b>. In one example, the transfer may be completed via direct connection between mobile memory device <b>220</b> and audio device <b>115</b>.

P-0054[0054] In another embodiment, a personal data assistant <b>230</b> may be utilized to transfer the PMPL to audio device <b>115</b>. In one example, the transfer may be completed via direct connection between personal data assistant <b>230</b> and audio device <b>115</b>. In another example, the transfer may be completed via wireless communication between personal data assistant <b>230</b> and audio device <b>115</b>. The method then advances to block <b>340</b>.

P-0055[0055] At block <b>340</b>, the user initiates audio device <b>115</b>. Initiating audio device <b>115</b> allows the device to begin receiving a broadcast stream utilizing one or more radio broadcast systems <b>130</b> and satellite broadcast systems <b>140</b> as described above. The method then advances to block <b>350</b>.

P-0056[0056] At block <b>350</b>, audio device <b>115</b> requests and receives the PMPL. In one embodiment, the PMPL is a user provided PMPL. In another embodiment, the PMPL is a previously provided PMPL. In yet another embodiment, the user may choose between one or more currently provided or previously provided PMPL's. The method then advances to decision block <b>360</b>.

P-0057[0057] At decision block <b>360</b>, audio device <b>115</b> compares user prioritized music selections in the PMPL to a plurality of radio station music selections from the broadcast. In one embodiment, data identifying the next item in a broadcast stream is included momentarily prior to the beginning of the next item. This data may be utilized by audio device <b>115</b> for comparing to an active PMPL and may result in the extraction of a user desired music selection from the broadcast.

P-0058[0058] In one embodiment, if the selection from the broadcast matches the PMPL the method may advance to block <b>380</b>, if the PMPL is a preferred list. If the PMPL is a non-preferred list, the match may result in the method advancing to block <b>370</b>. In the same embodiment, if the selection from the broadcast does not match the PMPL the method may advance to block <b>370</b>, if the PMPL is a preferred list. If the PMPL is a non-preferred list, the method may advance to block <b>380</b>.

P-0059[0059] In another embodiment, method <b>300</b> includes a PMPL having both preferred and non-preferred items. In an example, at decision block <b>360</b> audio device <b>115</b> may utilize the preferred portion of the PMPL to identify a broadcast channel and, barring a match, then utilize the non-preferred portion.

P-0060[0060] In another embodiment, failure of a match from either type of PMPL may result in audio device <b>115</b> maintaining the current broadcast setting, or some such other programming requirement.

P-0061[0061] At block <b>370</b>, audio device <b>115</b> progresses to the next channel, thus continuing the search. The method then returns to block <b>360</b>.

P-0062[0062] At block <b>380</b>, audio device <b>115</b> performs the selected item. The method then advances to block <b>390</b> where it returns to user control.

P-0063[0063]FIG. 4 is a block diagram depicting another exemplary embodiment of code, referred to as a program, on a computer readable medium in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 4 blocks function like similarly described FIG. 3 blocks. FIG. 4 details an embodiment of a method <b>400</b> for setting and receiving user preference satellite radio music selections in a mobile vehicle, in accordance with the present invention. Method <b>400</b> may utilize one or more systems detailed in FIGS. 1 and 2 above.

P-0064[0064] Method <b>400</b> begins at block <b>410</b> where a user may determine a need to create and utilize either a preferred or a non-preferred personal music programming list (PMPL). In one embodiment, the PMPL may be implemented in a user preference satellite reception system (UPSRS) and referenced as a vehicle preference selection list (VPSL). Method <b>400</b> then advances to the next block.

P-0065[0065] At block <b>420</b>, the user accesses a satellite radio play list via a website. In one embodiment, this may be accomplished as in block <b>320</b> of FIG. 3. The method then advances to block <b>425</b>. At block <b>425</b>, the user creates a personal music programming list (PMPL). In one embodiment, this may be accomplished as in block <b>320</b> of FIG. 3. The method then advances to block <b>430</b>.

P-0066[0066] At block <b>430</b>, the user uploads the PMPL to the vehicle. In one embodiment, this may be accomplished as in block <b>330</b> of FIG. 3. The method then advances to block <b>440</b>. At block <b>440</b>, the audio device <b>115</b> executes the user's PMPL upon the user request and enters PMPL mode. The user may deliver the instruction by several different methods including touch, verbal, and the like. In one embodiment, the audio device <b>115</b> may execute the user's instruction by performing blocks <b>340</b> thru <b>380</b> of FIG. 3. The method then advances to decision block <b>450</b>.

P-0067[0067] At decision block <b>450</b>, the audio device <b>115</b> determines if the user requires the method to exit PMPL mode and return to regular programming. If the user instructs the program to exit PMPL mode the method advances to block <b>460</b>. If the user does not instruct the program to exit PMPL mode, the method advances to decision block <b>450</b>.

P-0068[0068] At block <b>460</b>, audio device <b>115</b> receives instruction from the user and exits PMPL mode, returning to regular programming. The user may deliver the instruction by several different methods including touch, verbal, and the like. The method advances to decision block <b>470</b>.

P-0069[0069] At decision block <b>470</b>, audio device <b>115</b> determines if the user requires the method to reenter PMPL mode or return to regular programming. If the user instructs the program to enter PMPL mode the method advances to block <b>440</b>. If the user does not instruct the program to enter PMPL mode, the method advances to block <b>480</b> and returns to regular programming.

P-0070[0070] The above-described methods and implementation for setting user preference satellite radio music selections in a mobile vehicle are example methods and implementations. These methods and implementations illustrate one possible approach for setting user preference satellite radio music selections in a mobile vehicle. The actual implementation may vary from the method discussed. Moreover, various other improvements and modifications to this invention may occur to those skilled in the art, and those improvements and modifications will fall within the scope of this invention as set forth in the claims below.

P-0071[0071] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive.