CA2683796A1 - Multi-station media controller - Google Patents
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- CA2683796A1 CA2683796A1 CA002683796A CA2683796A CA2683796A1 CA 2683796 A1 CA2683796 A1 CA 2683796A1 CA 002683796 A CA002683796 A CA 002683796A CA 2683796 A CA2683796 A CA 2683796A CA 2683796 A1 CA2683796 A1 CA 2683796A1
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 19
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 12
- 230000015654 memory Effects 0.000 description 12
- 238000004590 computer program Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 235000020853 Inedia Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 240000006694 Stellaria media Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 208000002352 blister Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013500 data storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
- H04H60/00—Arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linking to broadcast information or broadcast space-time; Broadcast-related systems
- H04H60/02—Arrangements for generating broadcast information; Arrangements for generating broadcast-related information with a direct linking to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time; Arrangements for simultaneous generation of broadcast information and broadcast-related information
- H04H60/06—Arrangements for scheduling broadcast services or broadcast-related services
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
- H04H20/00—Arrangements for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast
- H04H20/02—Arrangements for relaying broadcast information
- H04H20/06—Arrangements for relaying broadcast information among broadcast stations
Abstract
A plurality of software-controlled broadcast stations are provided, each software-controlled broadcast station having at least one media asset. A controller allows a user to link a first media asset of a first one of the stations to a second media asset of a second one of the stations. When the user schedules the first station to broadcast the first media asset at a specified time, the controller automatically causes the second station to broadcast the second media asset at the specified time.
Description
MULTI-STATION MEDIA CONTROLLER
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[00011 This application is related to U.S. Patent Application Serial No.
11/735,380, titled"Leader and.Follower Broadcast Sta"tions;' filed April 13, 2007, the contents of I hich are incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
100021 This document relates to management of broadcast systems.
[+ 003] Broadcast stations,. such as.over-the-air radio stations or Internet radio s' ations, broadcast or stream audio programs according to a playlist. In some examples, the broadcast stations are controlled by software executed on a computer system, in i hich digitally stored audio recordings are sent to transmitters according to the playlist.
Each station is controlled by a computer that provides agraphical user interface to allow J producer or disc jockey (DJ) to modify the playlist of the station. In some examples, when rnultiplestations participate in a simultaneous broadcast (or "simulcast"), the playlists on the computers are individually configured so that the stations broadcast the sl me audio programs.
SUMMARY
[0004] In one aspect, in general, a plurality of software-controlled broadcast stations each has at least one media asset, and a controll'er.allows a user to link a first media asset I f a first one of the stations to a second media asset of a second one of the stations.
i hen the user schedules the first station to broadcast the first media asset at a specified time, the controller automatically causes the second station to broadcast the second media asset at the specified time.
) [0005] Implementations may include one. or more of the following features. The first a nd second media assets can include jingles. One of the stations can operate as a leader sI tation, and another of the stations can operate as a follower station during a simulcast.
~
The follower station can control a switch to forward a signal representing a common program from the leader station to a signal modulator associated with the follower station d uring a first time period, and to .forward a signal representing the second media asset j om the follower station to the signal modulator:during a second time period.
The controller can allow the user to link.the firstmedia asset of the first station to a media asset of-each of the other stations, such that.:when the user schedules the first station to 1~roadcast the first media asset at a.specifiedtime, the controller automatically causes all other stations to broadcast respective media assets linked to the first media asset at the specified time.
[0006] In some examples, the software-controlled broadcast stations include s~ fftware-controlledradio stations. In some examples, the software-controlled broadcast stations can stream programs over a network. A user interface allows a user to select ~ hich of the media assets to be linked together. A database stores information about which media assets are linked together.
[0007] In another aspect, in general, a software-controlled leader station is associated with a first media asset, and a software-controlled follower station is associated with a second media asset that is linked to the first media asset. The follower station monitors media assets played by the leader station, such that when the leader station plays the first media -asset, the follower station automatically plays the second media asset.
( [0008] Implementatioris may include one or more of the following features. The s1 0 ftware-controlled broadcast stations include software-controlled radio stations.
[0009] In another aspect, in general, a first media asset of a first software-controlled b(roadcast station is linked to a second media asset of a second software-controlled iroadcast station, a user interface is provided to allow a user to schedule broadcast of the first media asset at a specified time by the first station, and the second media asset is a utomatically broadcasted by the second station at the specified time.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[00011 This application is related to U.S. Patent Application Serial No.
11/735,380, titled"Leader and.Follower Broadcast Sta"tions;' filed April 13, 2007, the contents of I hich are incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
100021 This document relates to management of broadcast systems.
[+ 003] Broadcast stations,. such as.over-the-air radio stations or Internet radio s' ations, broadcast or stream audio programs according to a playlist. In some examples, the broadcast stations are controlled by software executed on a computer system, in i hich digitally stored audio recordings are sent to transmitters according to the playlist.
Each station is controlled by a computer that provides agraphical user interface to allow J producer or disc jockey (DJ) to modify the playlist of the station. In some examples, when rnultiplestations participate in a simultaneous broadcast (or "simulcast"), the playlists on the computers are individually configured so that the stations broadcast the sl me audio programs.
SUMMARY
[0004] In one aspect, in general, a plurality of software-controlled broadcast stations each has at least one media asset, and a controll'er.allows a user to link a first media asset I f a first one of the stations to a second media asset of a second one of the stations.
i hen the user schedules the first station to broadcast the first media asset at a specified time, the controller automatically causes the second station to broadcast the second media asset at the specified time.
) [0005] Implementations may include one. or more of the following features. The first a nd second media assets can include jingles. One of the stations can operate as a leader sI tation, and another of the stations can operate as a follower station during a simulcast.
~
The follower station can control a switch to forward a signal representing a common program from the leader station to a signal modulator associated with the follower station d uring a first time period, and to .forward a signal representing the second media asset j om the follower station to the signal modulator:during a second time period.
The controller can allow the user to link.the firstmedia asset of the first station to a media asset of-each of the other stations, such that.:when the user schedules the first station to 1~roadcast the first media asset at a.specifiedtime, the controller automatically causes all other stations to broadcast respective media assets linked to the first media asset at the specified time.
[0006] In some examples, the software-controlled broadcast stations include s~ fftware-controlledradio stations. In some examples, the software-controlled broadcast stations can stream programs over a network. A user interface allows a user to select ~ hich of the media assets to be linked together. A database stores information about which media assets are linked together.
[0007] In another aspect, in general, a software-controlled leader station is associated with a first media asset, and a software-controlled follower station is associated with a second media asset that is linked to the first media asset. The follower station monitors media assets played by the leader station, such that when the leader station plays the first media -asset, the follower station automatically plays the second media asset.
( [0008] Implementatioris may include one or more of the following features. The s1 0 ftware-controlled broadcast stations include software-controlled radio stations.
[0009] In another aspect, in general, a first media asset of a first software-controlled b(roadcast station is linked to a second media asset of a second software-controlled iroadcast station, a user interface is provided to allow a user to schedule broadcast of the first media asset at a specified time by the first station, and the second media asset is a utomatically broadcasted by the second station at the specified time.
[0010) Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The s,econd media asset can be broadcasted by the second station at the specified time without i i put from the user regarding when to broadcast the second media asset. The first and si cond media assets can include. jingles. The first station can be designated as a leader s I tation and the second station can be designated as a follower station during a simulcast.
A switch associated with the follower station can be controlled to forward a signal representing a common program from the leader station to a signal modulator associated with the follower station during a first time period, and to forward a signal representing the second media asset from the follower station to the signal modulator during a second time period. A second user interface can be provided to allow the user to select which of the media assets to be linked. together. In some examples, radio frequency signals associated with the first and second media assets are broadcasted. In some examples, data packets associated with the first and second media =assets are streamed over a ~etwork. Parallel processes are executed to implement the software-controlled broadcast stations, each process corresponding- to one of the stations.
~
[0011j In another aspect, in general, a user interface is provided to allow a user to t ink media assets of different stations such that during a simultaneous broadcast, when oI ne of the stations operating in a leader mode plays a.media.asset that is linked to other i media assets of other stations, the other stations automatically play respective media a~ sets.
[00121 In another aspect, in general, a system includes means for linking a first media asset of a first sofltivare-controlled broadcast station to a second media asset of a second software-controlled broadcast station, means for allowing a user to schedule broadcast of the first media asset at a specified time by the first station, and means for causing the second media asset to be broadcast by the second station at the specified time without input from the user regarding.when to broadcast the second media asset.
( 100131 i The disclosed aspects, systems, and techniques may provide one.or more of the following advantages. A user (e.g., a program producer or a DJ) can manage multiple b~ oadcast stations that join in a simulcast. The user can play station jingles s'pontaneously onmultiple stations-during the simulcast and cause each station plays its ~wn distinct jingle. The user can have different stations broadcast respective jingles sJ imultaneously without spending manual effort to individually schedule and synchronize t~ e jingles in the playlists of different broadcast stations. Graphical user interfaces are pIrovided to enable the user to search for media assets and select which media assets to link together.
[~ 014] The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is.a scherriatic diagram of an example broadcast system.
[0016) FIC`x 2.is a screen shot.of an example,graphical user interface.
100171 FICi 3 is a diagram of an example graphical user interface.
[00:I8] FIC'z 4 is a diagram showing an example of different media assets being p~layed at different stations.
019] FICz 5 is a diagram showing an example of different media assets being played at different sub-channels of a high definition channel.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of an example process for linking media assets.
.[0021] FIG 7 is a schematic diagram of an example generic computer system.
100221 Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] FIG. I is a schematic diagram of an example broadcast system 100 that i i cludes a plurality of software-controlled broadcast stations 102a to 102n, collectively referenced as 102. The broadcast stations 102 are controlled by software executing on a workstation 110. The broadcast stations 102can perform a simulcast in which different stations 102 broadcast the same:progams, except for certain periods (e.g., commercial bI reaks) in wliich each station may.broadcast its own content. The system 100 allows a producer or DJ to designate one station (e.g., 102a) as a "leader station" and other stations (e.g., 102b to 102n) as "follower stations." The system 100 also allows the producer to link media.assets-(e:g., station jingles) of different stations 102 to form a "
I ulti-station media asset," such that when the media asset of the leader station is played, t,ie system 100 automatically (that is, without further user input) controls the follower stations to play respective linked media assets.
[0024] For example, commercials can be pre-scheduled so that planned commercial b r eaks occur at planned times. The producer schedules the programs and commercials to b'e played on the leader station, and the commercials to be played on the follower stations. The system 1_00 automatically controls the follower stations to playthe sarne.
p ograms as the leader station; except duririg certain periods,such ascomrriercial breaks, in which the system 100 controls each follower. station to play its respective commercial.
1n this description, the content :that. is simultaneously broadcastby different stations is referred ferred to as "simulcast content" (or "common program"), and the content specific to e, ch station is referred to as "local content."
[0025] Some items that are broadcast by the stations 102 may not be planned, e.g., ji ngles. A DJ may use stationjingles to provide the station call letters and/or numbers, geographical area (e.g., "serving Anaheim"), frequency (e.g., "107.3 FM"), or other siation identification. The DJ has the option of playing a jingle spontaneously, at any ti'me during the broadcast, depending on the flow of programs. It may be difficult to schedule jingles on the playlists of multiple broadcast stations 102.
[0026] A feature of the system 100 is that it includes a multi-station media controller 1116 that allows the DJ to converiiently link jingles of different stations, so that when the DJ decides to play jingles at the leader and follower stations at a particular time, the DJ
can just add a jingle to the playlist of the leader station. The system 100 automatically iauses the linked jingles to be played at the follower stations. This way, the DJ can have different stations broadcasting respective jingles simultaneously without spending manual IfYort to individually schedule and synchronize the, jingles in the playlists of different Iroadcast stations 102.
[D0271 The multi-station media controller 116 includes amedia asset application 118that' provides a graphical.user interface toallow a user (e.g., producer or DJ) to search for ; media:assets, associate media assets with stations 102, and deterinine which media assets are linked together. The linking of jingles or media assets can be performed, e.g., well in a'dvance of air time.
100281 The system 100 includes a switching network 106 that includes switches 112a t~ 112n, collectively referenced as 112. Each switch 112 is controlled by a broadcast station 102. Each switch 112 has an input that receives broadcast 'signals (i.e., 'signals rIepresenting.the simulcast content or the local content) from the broadcast station 102 associated with the switch 112, and inputs that receive broadcast signals from the other b~roadcast stations 102. Each switch 112 has an output that is electrically connected to a tr'ansmitter (e.g., 108a to 108n, collectively referenced as 108).
[00291 The switching:network 106 can be separate from the workstation 110, and can bIe placed at a location different from where the workstation.110 is located (e.g., different rooms or buildings). The workstation 110 can. have control logic for controlling the sfi tching network 106. The switching network 106 can also be distributed across ~
d ifferent rooms or buildings.
100301 0301 In the example of FIG. 1, the broadcast-station 102a is selected as a leader station, and the broadcast stations 102b to 102n are selected as follower stations. FIC'i 1 shows a simplified version of the switching network 106 in which the switch 112a forwards simulcast content from the leader station 102a to the transmitter 108a. The sw1itch 112b switches between receiving simulcast content from the leader station 102a and receiving local content from the follower station 102b. The switch II 2n switches b~ietween receiving simulcast content from the leader station 102a and receiving local content from the follower station 102n, and so forth. Any of the broadcast stations 102 ian be selected to be a leader station, so each switch 112 is configured to be capable of switching between receiving signals from the station associated with the switch and any Ither station.
[I 031] ln examples where the programs are broadcast through the airwaves, each of the software-controlled broadcast stations 102 can be associated with a physical Iroadcast station (which.may.have, e.g., hardware equipment and/or supporting stafl), in i hich the programs to be broadcast.by the physical broadcast station are controlled by the corresponding broadcast station.102. Each broadcast station 1`02. can be associated with a physical station that is situated at a location that is the same as or different from where the workstation 110 is located.
[0032] For example, different broadcast stations 102 may be associated with different blase frequencies. Different broadcast stations 102 may service geographical regions that c verlap one another, or regions that are apart from one another. For example, the transmitter 108a may transmit the signals.to a broadcast module (which includes, e.g., aI plifiers, radio frequency modulators, antennas) located at a first location, in which the blroadcast module broadcasts the signals at a first base frequency. The transmitter 108b may transmit the signals from the station 102b to a broadcast module located at a second Lation, in which the broadcast module broadcasts the signals at a second base frequency, and so forth. For example, the stations 102 can each be associated with a base frequency in the range of 520 to 1,710 kHz for AM broadcasts, 87.9 to 107.9 MHz for FM broadcasts, or other frequencies.
100331 The broadcast system 100 is useful in servicing, e.g., radio stations that play the same overall programs (e.g., music, news, talk shows), but have different station identification, such as different call letters and/or numbers, different frequencies, and I ay serve different geographical areas. The radio stations may also play different commercials (or local news clips) that are targeted toward local preferences.
The system 1i00 allows the producer or DJ to easily manage which programs to be played as simulcast content, which commercials to play at respective stations during commercial ireaks, and which jingles to play at respective stations whenever the DJ
decides to play a jingle at the leader station.
[ 00341 In examples where the broadcast stations 102 are Internet radio stations, different broadcast stations 102 may be associated with different Universal Resource iocators (URLs). Different broadcast stations 102 may provide different audio streams that can be transmitted over the web. Each transmitter 108 may transmit the signals to a ietwork gateway that converts the signals into data packets that can be transmitted over the Internet.
100351 In some examples, some of the broadcast stations 102 are over-the-air radio sltations, and some of the broadcast stations 102 are Internet radio stations.
Thus, the IIroadcast system 100 can simultaneously control programs that are broadcast through the airwaves and programs that are transmitted over the Internet. For example, the leader station can be an over-the-air radio station or an Internet.radio station. The follower stations can be over-the-air radio stations, lnternet radio stations, or a combination of bloth.
(i 036] In some examples, .the workstation 110 includes a media asset repository 120 for storing media assets 122 that can be played by the broadcast stations 102.
The media aissets 122 may include recordings of, e.g., music, news, talk shows, station jingles, etc.
Each media asset 122 is associated with a media asset number. When the producer schedules the playlist for a station, the producer inserts the media assert numbers of the programs to be played into time slots on the playlist. The station 102 then plays the I media assets 122 at the scheduled times according to the playlist.
100371 037] The media asset repository 120 may store media assets 122 in various formats, such as Resource Interchange File Format (RIFF), Waveform (WAV) audio format, Interchange File Format (IFF), or any other file format that can be processed by the system.100. The media asset repository 120 may also store a table 124 having i nformation about which media assets are linked together.
[00381 The programs played by the broadcast stations 102 can be, e.g., music programs (e.g., selected from a play list or based on listeners' requests), talk shows (e.g., one or more radio personalities discussing current events), news shows, lectures, audio Ilogs, podcasts, or recordings from audio books. The programs can be in standard definition or high definition.
[0039] The stations 102 can,transmit region specific content (e.g., advertisements) or sltation specific content, such as station jingles, which can be used to provide the station l ( all letters and/or numbers, geographical area (e.g., "serving Anaheim"), frequency (e.g., 107.3 FM"), or other-station identification.
0040] Generally, simulcast content is divided into segments. Region specific content, station specific content, or both can be played between segments of the simulcast content. For example, an hour-long radio talk show can be split into three segments, where each segment break can include, e.g., advertisements, station jingles, and/or public sl rvice announcements.
[I D0411 In some exainples, the leader station 102a coordinates the simulcast with the follower stations 102b to 102n. The playlist on the leader station 102 includes codes that indicate when a segment of the simulcast content ends so that the follower stations can bI reakaway and broadcast local content, and when the next segment of the simulcast i~ ntent begins so. that the follower stations should rejoin and broadcast the simulcast content.
[0042[ In some examples, the leader station 102a sends instructions (e.g., 114ab, 114ac, and 114an) to all the follower stations (e.g., 102b, 102c, and 102n) to indicate when the follower stations can break away from or rejoin the simulcast.
100431 In some examples, the leader station 102a broadcasts the simulcast content, aI nd the follower stations 102b to 102n listen to the leader station 102a and rebroadcast the simulcast content through respective transmitters 108b to 108n. When an i 1 dependent programming period (e.g., a segment break) occurs, the leader station 102a s; nds a "breakaway" signal to the follower stations 102b to 102n, indicating that an ii dependent programming period is to start, and provides information about the length of the independent programming period. The term "independent program period"
refers to a time interval or event when the follower station is broadcasting local content independent of the leader station.
0044] Upon receiving a breakaway signal, the follower stations 102b to 102n 1roadcast local content (e.g., region or station specific content) during the.length of ii dependent.program period specified by the leader station 102a. After the independent program period has passed, the follower stations 102b to 102n rejoin the simulcast and broadcast the simulcast content originating from the leader station 102a.
[0 045] Instead of sending the length of the programming period, the leader station 1102a can also send a "rejoin" signal to the follower stations 102b to 102n at the end of the independent program period to indicate that the follower stations 102b to 102n should rI join the simulcast.
100461 In some examples, switching between the simulcast content and the local content can be achieved using the switching.network 106. In some examples, the i llower stations 102b to 102n can mute the leader station's 102a signal when the follower stations 102b to 102n transmit their respective local content. The follower s,tations 102b to 102n can mute their own broadcast when they rebroadcast the signal of ~
the leader station 102a.
I
(0047] In some examples, a control module (not shown) is used to control the leader station 102a and the follower stations 102b to 102n during the simulcast. The control module monitors the content being played on the playlist of the leader station 102a, and informs the follower stations 102b to 102n when to break away from the simulcast and when to rejoin. Instead of listening to the leader station and re-broadcasting the simulcast ntent provided by the leader station 102a, the follower stations 102b to 102n may i I
receive media asset numbers of the simulcast content and play media assets based on the I edia asset numbers.
00481 FIG 2 is a screen shot of an example graphical user interface (GUI) 200 provided by the media asset application 118 to enable a user to search for media assets 1 1 22. The GUI 200 includes a view area 202, a menu area 204, and a result display area 206. The view area 202, includes selectable: views pertaining to types of inedia assets 122 tl at are-available. The selectable views include, e.g., an: audio finder view, an incoming.
media view,.an outgoing media view; and an approval queue view. The columns of ii formation shown in result display area 206 are arranged based on the view selected by the user.
( +0049] The GU1.200 includes a text field 208 and an advanced search area 210 to allow users to search for items, e.g., media assets. The. user can enter a search string, such as the title or artist name of the media asset, into the text field 208, and click on a Iearch button 209 to perform a basic keyword search. The search may return search r ~ sults (e.g., media assets) in the display area 206. In some cases, the search results may display the title of a media item as a selectable hyperlink, and the user may select the hyperlink to display additional data about the media asset.
1 00501 The advanced search area 210 may be used to initiate an advanced search for media assets 1'22. For example, the user may enter a text string or value for a title, artist, Ind/or location. The system searches for media assets 122 containing the user-specified tLxt strings or values in the respective fields. The search results may be shown in the rl sult display area 206.
[ 0511 The advanced search area 210 may include a media asset number search box 2 i16 where the user can search for a specific media asset 122 based on its media asset lumber. A valid time slot tool 218 is provided to allow the user to search for media assets 122 that were played or expect to be played in a particular valid time slot.
1i 0521 The GUI 200 can include a message area for display messages to provide i feedback to the user before, during, or after search queries. For example, the message al ea may provide the user with help information, error information about an attempted search, or information about searches being performed.
[I0053] The GUI 200 includes a settings area 214 for setting up an advanced search icreen. For example, the user may select settings area 214 to customize the advanced scarch screen. The.settings area 214 may also include controls operable to customize and/or modify column,header information in the result display area 206. For example, more data columns can be added by customizing the result display area 206. In some examples, the user may drag the columns within the display area 206 to rearrange the order of the columns. The columns may be selected to sort media asset information according to a selected attribute. The result display area 206 can display various types of media asset attributes, such as media asset location, data type, song infonmation, and/or entification number.
(I0054] FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example graphical user interface (GUI) 400 for defining multi-station media assets. The GUI 400 can be provided by the media asset application 118. Each column of the GUI 400 includes a list of the media assets that are associated with a particular broadcast station 102. In this example, the GUI
400 shows li sts 408, 410, and 412 of media assets that belong to the stations WHIS, WHIZ, and \VHIX, respectively.
[I0055) Each row of the GUI 400 shows the media assets that are linked together. For example, row 402 indicates that the media asset "WHIS Top of Hour" is linked to the media assets "WHIZ Top of Hour" and "WHIX Top of Hour." Thus, if the station WHIS
is selected as the leader station, when station WHIS plays the media asset "WHIS Top of 4our," the follower stations WHIZ and WHIX will automatically play the media assets "WHIZ Top of Hour" and "WHIX Top of Hour," respectively.
100561 The GUI 400 also shows the length of each media asset. The GUI 400 may iighlight a media asset having a length that is different from other linked media assets.
lor example, the media asset "WHIX Top of Hour" is one second shorter than the other linked media assets. This allows the user (e.g., producer or DJ) to identify discrepancies in the lengths of the linked media assets. Because the linked media assets are played simultaneously, it is useful to have the linked media assets have substantially the same l i ngths. In some example, the user may use an audio processing tool to stretch (or ompress) a media asset that is shorter(or longer) than the other linked media assets. The ystem 100 may automatically insert a few seconds of silenceafter playing a media asset that is shorter than the other linked media assets.
[;00571 In some examples, the follower stations may have built-in intelligence that u tilizes the discrepancy in lengths between the linked media assets. For example, if there iI s an additional 1-minute interval, the follower station can automatically select a short e~nent (equal to or less than I minute) of commercial, jingle, or background music to fi11 in the gap.
00581 The GUI 400 may retrieve stored information about the multi-station media assets from the table 124 (FIG. 1). The user may change theitems in the rows and columns of the GUI 400 to change the linkage association among themedia assets 122.
The user may then store information about the updated:multi-station media assets to the titble 124.
t 0059J In some examples, when a leader station plays a multi-station media asset, the leader station looks up the table 124 to determine,which media assets are linked together, and explicitly informs the follower stations which media assets to play. For example, When the WHIS station plays "WHIS Top of Hour," the WHIS station informs WHIZ
s~tation to play "WHIZ TOP of Hour," and informs WHIX station to play "WHIX
Top of 4 our."
[00601 In some examples, the follower stations monitor what media assets are played ~n the leader station, then look up the table 124 to determine which linked media asset to play. For example, when the WHIS station plays "WHIS Top of Hour," the WHIZ
station l~ oks up the,table 124 to determine that it should play "WHIZ TOP of Hour,"
and the WI-IIX station looks up the table 124 to determine that it should play "WHIX
Top of Hour."
100611 0611 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of different jingles (e.g., 302a to 3'02n) being played at different stations during a commercial break. A
playlist 300 on the leader station 102a indicates that a multi-station media asset is to be played. The stations ~ lay respective linked media assets based on information provided by the table 124. In this example, when'the leader station 102a plays the "Station I Jingle," the follower stations 102b, 102c,.and 102n plays "Station2 Jingle," "_Station 3 Jingle,"
and "Station n Jingle," respectively. The different<jingles played by differeiit stations are then sent to respective transmitters (e.g., 108a to 108n).
[0062] When the, stations 102 broadcast through high definition (HD) channels, each HD channel may have multiple sub-chaniiels: Media assets being played at different sub-ihannels can be linked: together using the GUI 400 of FIG. 3.
[00631 FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of different media assets (e.g., 310a to 31 0c) being,played at different sub-channels of an HD channel. A playlist 314 on a l o ader station 316 indicates that an HD content is to be played through the HD channel.
The sub-channels play respective linked media assets based on information provided by the table 124. In this example, "Primary Audio," "Secondary Audio," and `HTML"
media assets are.linked together and played simultaneously at a primary channel 316b, a socondary channel 316c; and an HTML.channel 316d, respectively. The HD channel may have a-tertiary sub-channel 316e that broadcasts a unique programming;not linked to the jrimary channel. The HD media assets 301 a- 310c and 312 are sent to a HD
transmitter 318.
1 00641 FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of an example process 600 for linking media assets.
During the process 600, a first media asset of (or associated with) a leader station is identified 602. The first media asset may be identified based on its media asset number, or by using the search tools provided by the GUI 200. A second media asset of a follower itation is identified 604. The first and second media assets are linked together 606. The user can decide 608 to link additional media assets to the first media asset, or store information about the linking of media assets in a database. For example, the asset numbers of the media assets that are linked together may be stored in the media content repository 120.
f [~ 065] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an example generic computer system that can be used to implement, e.g., the workstation 110. The system 500 includes a (rocessor 510, a memory 520, a storage device 530, and an input/output device 540.
j ach of the components 510, 520, 530, and 540 are interconnected using a system bus 550. The processor 510 is capable of processing instructions for execution within the system 500. In one implementation, the processor 510'is a.single-threaded processor. In another iniplementation, the processor 510 is a multi-threaded processor. The processor 10 is capable of:processing instructions storedin the memory 520 or on the storage device 530 to display graphical information for a user interface on the input/output device 540..
[0066] The memory 520 stores information within thesystem 500. In one implementation, plementation, the memory 520 is a computer-readable medium. In one il plementation, the memory 520 is, a volatile memory unit. In another implementation, the memory 520 is a non-volatile memory unit.
~i 0671 The storage device 530 is capable of providing mass storage for the system 5'00. In one implementation, the storage device 530 is a computer-readable medium. In vanous different implementations, the storage device 530 may be a floppy disk device, a liard disk device, an optical disk device, or a tape device.
(~ 068j The input/output device 540 provides input/output operations for the system 500. In one implementation, the input/output device 540 includes a keyboard and/or p ointing device. In another implementation, the input/output device 540 includes a d isplay unit for displaying graphical user interfaces.
[0069] The features described can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in cI mputer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations of them. The apparatus can bie implemented in a computer program product tangibly embodied in an information carner, e.g., in a machine-readable storage device or in a propagated signal, for execution by a programmable processor; and method steps can be performed by a programmable pI rocessor executing a program of instructions to perform functions of the described implementations by operating on input data and generating output. The descnbed f1 atures can be implemented advantageously in one or more computer programs that are e! ecutable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor i upled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a data storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. A computer I program is a set of instructions that can be used, directly or indirectly, in a computer to perform a certain activity or bring about a certain result. A computer program can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted l1inguages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, odule, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing Invironment.
100701 070J Suitable processors for the execution of a program of instructions include,.by i way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and the sole processor or one of multiple processors of any kind of computer. Generally, a processor I ill receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory Ir both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions aI nd one or more memories for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will i so include, or be operatively coupled to communicate with, one or more mass storage devices for storing data files; such devices include magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and optical disks. Storage devices si itable for tangibly embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example, semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as i~ ternal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM
and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits).
[i 071 J To provide for interaction with a user, the features can be implemented on a CC mputer having a display device such as a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD
(liquid 7 stal display) monitor for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a lointing device such as a mouse or a trackball by which the user can provide input to the c omputer.
[0072] The features can be implemented in a computer system that includes a back-end component, such as a data server, or that includes a middleware component, such as aI n application server or an Internet server, or that. includes -a. front-end component, such a' a client computer having a graphical user interface or an Internet browser, or any combination of them. The components of the system can be connected by any form or medium of digital data communication such as a comniunication network.
Examples of cI mmunication networks include, e.g., a LAN, a WAN, and the computers and netvi+orks forming the Internet.
[0073] The computer system can-include clients and servers. A client and server are ~Jlcnerally remote from each other and typically interact through a network, such as the dlescribed:one. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer p ograms running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship to eI ach other.
[0074] Although a few implementations have been described in detail above, other n' modifications are possible. In addition, the logic flows depicted in the figures do not require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In a'ddition, other steps may be provided, or steps may be eliminated, from the described flows, and other components may be added to, or removed from, the described systems.
I Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.
[00751 For example, the media assets that are linked together can be hosted on different workstations. The multi-station media controller 116 can access media asset repositories of different workstations at different locations. The linked media assets can b~e of different types, e.g., a jingle of a station may be linked to a commercial of another station. The stations are not limited to broadcasting audio content. The media assets can include multimedia content, such as text, images, or videos. The graphical user interfaces p ovided by the system 100 can be different from those described above. For example, si me areas of the GU1200 in FIG. 2 can be consolidated or expanded.
100761 A number of irtiplementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be -I derstood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and I
si pe of the following claims.
A switch associated with the follower station can be controlled to forward a signal representing a common program from the leader station to a signal modulator associated with the follower station during a first time period, and to forward a signal representing the second media asset from the follower station to the signal modulator during a second time period. A second user interface can be provided to allow the user to select which of the media assets to be linked. together. In some examples, radio frequency signals associated with the first and second media assets are broadcasted. In some examples, data packets associated with the first and second media =assets are streamed over a ~etwork. Parallel processes are executed to implement the software-controlled broadcast stations, each process corresponding- to one of the stations.
~
[0011j In another aspect, in general, a user interface is provided to allow a user to t ink media assets of different stations such that during a simultaneous broadcast, when oI ne of the stations operating in a leader mode plays a.media.asset that is linked to other i media assets of other stations, the other stations automatically play respective media a~ sets.
[00121 In another aspect, in general, a system includes means for linking a first media asset of a first sofltivare-controlled broadcast station to a second media asset of a second software-controlled broadcast station, means for allowing a user to schedule broadcast of the first media asset at a specified time by the first station, and means for causing the second media asset to be broadcast by the second station at the specified time without input from the user regarding.when to broadcast the second media asset.
( 100131 i The disclosed aspects, systems, and techniques may provide one.or more of the following advantages. A user (e.g., a program producer or a DJ) can manage multiple b~ oadcast stations that join in a simulcast. The user can play station jingles s'pontaneously onmultiple stations-during the simulcast and cause each station plays its ~wn distinct jingle. The user can have different stations broadcast respective jingles sJ imultaneously without spending manual effort to individually schedule and synchronize t~ e jingles in the playlists of different broadcast stations. Graphical user interfaces are pIrovided to enable the user to search for media assets and select which media assets to link together.
[~ 014] The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is.a scherriatic diagram of an example broadcast system.
[0016) FIC`x 2.is a screen shot.of an example,graphical user interface.
100171 FICi 3 is a diagram of an example graphical user interface.
[00:I8] FIC'z 4 is a diagram showing an example of different media assets being p~layed at different stations.
019] FICz 5 is a diagram showing an example of different media assets being played at different sub-channels of a high definition channel.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of an example process for linking media assets.
.[0021] FIG 7 is a schematic diagram of an example generic computer system.
100221 Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] FIG. I is a schematic diagram of an example broadcast system 100 that i i cludes a plurality of software-controlled broadcast stations 102a to 102n, collectively referenced as 102. The broadcast stations 102 are controlled by software executing on a workstation 110. The broadcast stations 102can perform a simulcast in which different stations 102 broadcast the same:progams, except for certain periods (e.g., commercial bI reaks) in wliich each station may.broadcast its own content. The system 100 allows a producer or DJ to designate one station (e.g., 102a) as a "leader station" and other stations (e.g., 102b to 102n) as "follower stations." The system 100 also allows the producer to link media.assets-(e:g., station jingles) of different stations 102 to form a "
I ulti-station media asset," such that when the media asset of the leader station is played, t,ie system 100 automatically (that is, without further user input) controls the follower stations to play respective linked media assets.
[0024] For example, commercials can be pre-scheduled so that planned commercial b r eaks occur at planned times. The producer schedules the programs and commercials to b'e played on the leader station, and the commercials to be played on the follower stations. The system 1_00 automatically controls the follower stations to playthe sarne.
p ograms as the leader station; except duririg certain periods,such ascomrriercial breaks, in which the system 100 controls each follower. station to play its respective commercial.
1n this description, the content :that. is simultaneously broadcastby different stations is referred ferred to as "simulcast content" (or "common program"), and the content specific to e, ch station is referred to as "local content."
[0025] Some items that are broadcast by the stations 102 may not be planned, e.g., ji ngles. A DJ may use stationjingles to provide the station call letters and/or numbers, geographical area (e.g., "serving Anaheim"), frequency (e.g., "107.3 FM"), or other siation identification. The DJ has the option of playing a jingle spontaneously, at any ti'me during the broadcast, depending on the flow of programs. It may be difficult to schedule jingles on the playlists of multiple broadcast stations 102.
[0026] A feature of the system 100 is that it includes a multi-station media controller 1116 that allows the DJ to converiiently link jingles of different stations, so that when the DJ decides to play jingles at the leader and follower stations at a particular time, the DJ
can just add a jingle to the playlist of the leader station. The system 100 automatically iauses the linked jingles to be played at the follower stations. This way, the DJ can have different stations broadcasting respective jingles simultaneously without spending manual IfYort to individually schedule and synchronize the, jingles in the playlists of different Iroadcast stations 102.
[D0271 The multi-station media controller 116 includes amedia asset application 118that' provides a graphical.user interface toallow a user (e.g., producer or DJ) to search for ; media:assets, associate media assets with stations 102, and deterinine which media assets are linked together. The linking of jingles or media assets can be performed, e.g., well in a'dvance of air time.
100281 The system 100 includes a switching network 106 that includes switches 112a t~ 112n, collectively referenced as 112. Each switch 112 is controlled by a broadcast station 102. Each switch 112 has an input that receives broadcast 'signals (i.e., 'signals rIepresenting.the simulcast content or the local content) from the broadcast station 102 associated with the switch 112, and inputs that receive broadcast signals from the other b~roadcast stations 102. Each switch 112 has an output that is electrically connected to a tr'ansmitter (e.g., 108a to 108n, collectively referenced as 108).
[00291 The switching:network 106 can be separate from the workstation 110, and can bIe placed at a location different from where the workstation.110 is located (e.g., different rooms or buildings). The workstation 110 can. have control logic for controlling the sfi tching network 106. The switching network 106 can also be distributed across ~
d ifferent rooms or buildings.
100301 0301 In the example of FIG. 1, the broadcast-station 102a is selected as a leader station, and the broadcast stations 102b to 102n are selected as follower stations. FIC'i 1 shows a simplified version of the switching network 106 in which the switch 112a forwards simulcast content from the leader station 102a to the transmitter 108a. The sw1itch 112b switches between receiving simulcast content from the leader station 102a and receiving local content from the follower station 102b. The switch II 2n switches b~ietween receiving simulcast content from the leader station 102a and receiving local content from the follower station 102n, and so forth. Any of the broadcast stations 102 ian be selected to be a leader station, so each switch 112 is configured to be capable of switching between receiving signals from the station associated with the switch and any Ither station.
[I 031] ln examples where the programs are broadcast through the airwaves, each of the software-controlled broadcast stations 102 can be associated with a physical Iroadcast station (which.may.have, e.g., hardware equipment and/or supporting stafl), in i hich the programs to be broadcast.by the physical broadcast station are controlled by the corresponding broadcast station.102. Each broadcast station 1`02. can be associated with a physical station that is situated at a location that is the same as or different from where the workstation 110 is located.
[0032] For example, different broadcast stations 102 may be associated with different blase frequencies. Different broadcast stations 102 may service geographical regions that c verlap one another, or regions that are apart from one another. For example, the transmitter 108a may transmit the signals.to a broadcast module (which includes, e.g., aI plifiers, radio frequency modulators, antennas) located at a first location, in which the blroadcast module broadcasts the signals at a first base frequency. The transmitter 108b may transmit the signals from the station 102b to a broadcast module located at a second Lation, in which the broadcast module broadcasts the signals at a second base frequency, and so forth. For example, the stations 102 can each be associated with a base frequency in the range of 520 to 1,710 kHz for AM broadcasts, 87.9 to 107.9 MHz for FM broadcasts, or other frequencies.
100331 The broadcast system 100 is useful in servicing, e.g., radio stations that play the same overall programs (e.g., music, news, talk shows), but have different station identification, such as different call letters and/or numbers, different frequencies, and I ay serve different geographical areas. The radio stations may also play different commercials (or local news clips) that are targeted toward local preferences.
The system 1i00 allows the producer or DJ to easily manage which programs to be played as simulcast content, which commercials to play at respective stations during commercial ireaks, and which jingles to play at respective stations whenever the DJ
decides to play a jingle at the leader station.
[ 00341 In examples where the broadcast stations 102 are Internet radio stations, different broadcast stations 102 may be associated with different Universal Resource iocators (URLs). Different broadcast stations 102 may provide different audio streams that can be transmitted over the web. Each transmitter 108 may transmit the signals to a ietwork gateway that converts the signals into data packets that can be transmitted over the Internet.
100351 In some examples, some of the broadcast stations 102 are over-the-air radio sltations, and some of the broadcast stations 102 are Internet radio stations.
Thus, the IIroadcast system 100 can simultaneously control programs that are broadcast through the airwaves and programs that are transmitted over the Internet. For example, the leader station can be an over-the-air radio station or an Internet.radio station. The follower stations can be over-the-air radio stations, lnternet radio stations, or a combination of bloth.
(i 036] In some examples, .the workstation 110 includes a media asset repository 120 for storing media assets 122 that can be played by the broadcast stations 102.
The media aissets 122 may include recordings of, e.g., music, news, talk shows, station jingles, etc.
Each media asset 122 is associated with a media asset number. When the producer schedules the playlist for a station, the producer inserts the media assert numbers of the programs to be played into time slots on the playlist. The station 102 then plays the I media assets 122 at the scheduled times according to the playlist.
100371 037] The media asset repository 120 may store media assets 122 in various formats, such as Resource Interchange File Format (RIFF), Waveform (WAV) audio format, Interchange File Format (IFF), or any other file format that can be processed by the system.100. The media asset repository 120 may also store a table 124 having i nformation about which media assets are linked together.
[00381 The programs played by the broadcast stations 102 can be, e.g., music programs (e.g., selected from a play list or based on listeners' requests), talk shows (e.g., one or more radio personalities discussing current events), news shows, lectures, audio Ilogs, podcasts, or recordings from audio books. The programs can be in standard definition or high definition.
[0039] The stations 102 can,transmit region specific content (e.g., advertisements) or sltation specific content, such as station jingles, which can be used to provide the station l ( all letters and/or numbers, geographical area (e.g., "serving Anaheim"), frequency (e.g., 107.3 FM"), or other-station identification.
0040] Generally, simulcast content is divided into segments. Region specific content, station specific content, or both can be played between segments of the simulcast content. For example, an hour-long radio talk show can be split into three segments, where each segment break can include, e.g., advertisements, station jingles, and/or public sl rvice announcements.
[I D0411 In some exainples, the leader station 102a coordinates the simulcast with the follower stations 102b to 102n. The playlist on the leader station 102 includes codes that indicate when a segment of the simulcast content ends so that the follower stations can bI reakaway and broadcast local content, and when the next segment of the simulcast i~ ntent begins so. that the follower stations should rejoin and broadcast the simulcast content.
[0042[ In some examples, the leader station 102a sends instructions (e.g., 114ab, 114ac, and 114an) to all the follower stations (e.g., 102b, 102c, and 102n) to indicate when the follower stations can break away from or rejoin the simulcast.
100431 In some examples, the leader station 102a broadcasts the simulcast content, aI nd the follower stations 102b to 102n listen to the leader station 102a and rebroadcast the simulcast content through respective transmitters 108b to 108n. When an i 1 dependent programming period (e.g., a segment break) occurs, the leader station 102a s; nds a "breakaway" signal to the follower stations 102b to 102n, indicating that an ii dependent programming period is to start, and provides information about the length of the independent programming period. The term "independent program period"
refers to a time interval or event when the follower station is broadcasting local content independent of the leader station.
0044] Upon receiving a breakaway signal, the follower stations 102b to 102n 1roadcast local content (e.g., region or station specific content) during the.length of ii dependent.program period specified by the leader station 102a. After the independent program period has passed, the follower stations 102b to 102n rejoin the simulcast and broadcast the simulcast content originating from the leader station 102a.
[0 045] Instead of sending the length of the programming period, the leader station 1102a can also send a "rejoin" signal to the follower stations 102b to 102n at the end of the independent program period to indicate that the follower stations 102b to 102n should rI join the simulcast.
100461 In some examples, switching between the simulcast content and the local content can be achieved using the switching.network 106. In some examples, the i llower stations 102b to 102n can mute the leader station's 102a signal when the follower stations 102b to 102n transmit their respective local content. The follower s,tations 102b to 102n can mute their own broadcast when they rebroadcast the signal of ~
the leader station 102a.
I
(0047] In some examples, a control module (not shown) is used to control the leader station 102a and the follower stations 102b to 102n during the simulcast. The control module monitors the content being played on the playlist of the leader station 102a, and informs the follower stations 102b to 102n when to break away from the simulcast and when to rejoin. Instead of listening to the leader station and re-broadcasting the simulcast ntent provided by the leader station 102a, the follower stations 102b to 102n may i I
receive media asset numbers of the simulcast content and play media assets based on the I edia asset numbers.
00481 FIG 2 is a screen shot of an example graphical user interface (GUI) 200 provided by the media asset application 118 to enable a user to search for media assets 1 1 22. The GUI 200 includes a view area 202, a menu area 204, and a result display area 206. The view area 202, includes selectable: views pertaining to types of inedia assets 122 tl at are-available. The selectable views include, e.g., an: audio finder view, an incoming.
media view,.an outgoing media view; and an approval queue view. The columns of ii formation shown in result display area 206 are arranged based on the view selected by the user.
( +0049] The GU1.200 includes a text field 208 and an advanced search area 210 to allow users to search for items, e.g., media assets. The. user can enter a search string, such as the title or artist name of the media asset, into the text field 208, and click on a Iearch button 209 to perform a basic keyword search. The search may return search r ~ sults (e.g., media assets) in the display area 206. In some cases, the search results may display the title of a media item as a selectable hyperlink, and the user may select the hyperlink to display additional data about the media asset.
1 00501 The advanced search area 210 may be used to initiate an advanced search for media assets 1'22. For example, the user may enter a text string or value for a title, artist, Ind/or location. The system searches for media assets 122 containing the user-specified tLxt strings or values in the respective fields. The search results may be shown in the rl sult display area 206.
[ 0511 The advanced search area 210 may include a media asset number search box 2 i16 where the user can search for a specific media asset 122 based on its media asset lumber. A valid time slot tool 218 is provided to allow the user to search for media assets 122 that were played or expect to be played in a particular valid time slot.
1i 0521 The GUI 200 can include a message area for display messages to provide i feedback to the user before, during, or after search queries. For example, the message al ea may provide the user with help information, error information about an attempted search, or information about searches being performed.
[I0053] The GUI 200 includes a settings area 214 for setting up an advanced search icreen. For example, the user may select settings area 214 to customize the advanced scarch screen. The.settings area 214 may also include controls operable to customize and/or modify column,header information in the result display area 206. For example, more data columns can be added by customizing the result display area 206. In some examples, the user may drag the columns within the display area 206 to rearrange the order of the columns. The columns may be selected to sort media asset information according to a selected attribute. The result display area 206 can display various types of media asset attributes, such as media asset location, data type, song infonmation, and/or entification number.
(I0054] FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example graphical user interface (GUI) 400 for defining multi-station media assets. The GUI 400 can be provided by the media asset application 118. Each column of the GUI 400 includes a list of the media assets that are associated with a particular broadcast station 102. In this example, the GUI
400 shows li sts 408, 410, and 412 of media assets that belong to the stations WHIS, WHIZ, and \VHIX, respectively.
[I0055) Each row of the GUI 400 shows the media assets that are linked together. For example, row 402 indicates that the media asset "WHIS Top of Hour" is linked to the media assets "WHIZ Top of Hour" and "WHIX Top of Hour." Thus, if the station WHIS
is selected as the leader station, when station WHIS plays the media asset "WHIS Top of 4our," the follower stations WHIZ and WHIX will automatically play the media assets "WHIZ Top of Hour" and "WHIX Top of Hour," respectively.
100561 The GUI 400 also shows the length of each media asset. The GUI 400 may iighlight a media asset having a length that is different from other linked media assets.
lor example, the media asset "WHIX Top of Hour" is one second shorter than the other linked media assets. This allows the user (e.g., producer or DJ) to identify discrepancies in the lengths of the linked media assets. Because the linked media assets are played simultaneously, it is useful to have the linked media assets have substantially the same l i ngths. In some example, the user may use an audio processing tool to stretch (or ompress) a media asset that is shorter(or longer) than the other linked media assets. The ystem 100 may automatically insert a few seconds of silenceafter playing a media asset that is shorter than the other linked media assets.
[;00571 In some examples, the follower stations may have built-in intelligence that u tilizes the discrepancy in lengths between the linked media assets. For example, if there iI s an additional 1-minute interval, the follower station can automatically select a short e~nent (equal to or less than I minute) of commercial, jingle, or background music to fi11 in the gap.
00581 The GUI 400 may retrieve stored information about the multi-station media assets from the table 124 (FIG. 1). The user may change theitems in the rows and columns of the GUI 400 to change the linkage association among themedia assets 122.
The user may then store information about the updated:multi-station media assets to the titble 124.
t 0059J In some examples, when a leader station plays a multi-station media asset, the leader station looks up the table 124 to determine,which media assets are linked together, and explicitly informs the follower stations which media assets to play. For example, When the WHIS station plays "WHIS Top of Hour," the WHIS station informs WHIZ
s~tation to play "WHIZ TOP of Hour," and informs WHIX station to play "WHIX
Top of 4 our."
[00601 In some examples, the follower stations monitor what media assets are played ~n the leader station, then look up the table 124 to determine which linked media asset to play. For example, when the WHIS station plays "WHIS Top of Hour," the WHIZ
station l~ oks up the,table 124 to determine that it should play "WHIZ TOP of Hour,"
and the WI-IIX station looks up the table 124 to determine that it should play "WHIX
Top of Hour."
100611 0611 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of different jingles (e.g., 302a to 3'02n) being played at different stations during a commercial break. A
playlist 300 on the leader station 102a indicates that a multi-station media asset is to be played. The stations ~ lay respective linked media assets based on information provided by the table 124. In this example, when'the leader station 102a plays the "Station I Jingle," the follower stations 102b, 102c,.and 102n plays "Station2 Jingle," "_Station 3 Jingle,"
and "Station n Jingle," respectively. The different<jingles played by differeiit stations are then sent to respective transmitters (e.g., 108a to 108n).
[0062] When the, stations 102 broadcast through high definition (HD) channels, each HD channel may have multiple sub-chaniiels: Media assets being played at different sub-ihannels can be linked: together using the GUI 400 of FIG. 3.
[00631 FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of different media assets (e.g., 310a to 31 0c) being,played at different sub-channels of an HD channel. A playlist 314 on a l o ader station 316 indicates that an HD content is to be played through the HD channel.
The sub-channels play respective linked media assets based on information provided by the table 124. In this example, "Primary Audio," "Secondary Audio," and `HTML"
media assets are.linked together and played simultaneously at a primary channel 316b, a socondary channel 316c; and an HTML.channel 316d, respectively. The HD channel may have a-tertiary sub-channel 316e that broadcasts a unique programming;not linked to the jrimary channel. The HD media assets 301 a- 310c and 312 are sent to a HD
transmitter 318.
1 00641 FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of an example process 600 for linking media assets.
During the process 600, a first media asset of (or associated with) a leader station is identified 602. The first media asset may be identified based on its media asset number, or by using the search tools provided by the GUI 200. A second media asset of a follower itation is identified 604. The first and second media assets are linked together 606. The user can decide 608 to link additional media assets to the first media asset, or store information about the linking of media assets in a database. For example, the asset numbers of the media assets that are linked together may be stored in the media content repository 120.
f [~ 065] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an example generic computer system that can be used to implement, e.g., the workstation 110. The system 500 includes a (rocessor 510, a memory 520, a storage device 530, and an input/output device 540.
j ach of the components 510, 520, 530, and 540 are interconnected using a system bus 550. The processor 510 is capable of processing instructions for execution within the system 500. In one implementation, the processor 510'is a.single-threaded processor. In another iniplementation, the processor 510 is a multi-threaded processor. The processor 10 is capable of:processing instructions storedin the memory 520 or on the storage device 530 to display graphical information for a user interface on the input/output device 540..
[0066] The memory 520 stores information within thesystem 500. In one implementation, plementation, the memory 520 is a computer-readable medium. In one il plementation, the memory 520 is, a volatile memory unit. In another implementation, the memory 520 is a non-volatile memory unit.
~i 0671 The storage device 530 is capable of providing mass storage for the system 5'00. In one implementation, the storage device 530 is a computer-readable medium. In vanous different implementations, the storage device 530 may be a floppy disk device, a liard disk device, an optical disk device, or a tape device.
(~ 068j The input/output device 540 provides input/output operations for the system 500. In one implementation, the input/output device 540 includes a keyboard and/or p ointing device. In another implementation, the input/output device 540 includes a d isplay unit for displaying graphical user interfaces.
[0069] The features described can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in cI mputer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations of them. The apparatus can bie implemented in a computer program product tangibly embodied in an information carner, e.g., in a machine-readable storage device or in a propagated signal, for execution by a programmable processor; and method steps can be performed by a programmable pI rocessor executing a program of instructions to perform functions of the described implementations by operating on input data and generating output. The descnbed f1 atures can be implemented advantageously in one or more computer programs that are e! ecutable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor i upled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a data storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. A computer I program is a set of instructions that can be used, directly or indirectly, in a computer to perform a certain activity or bring about a certain result. A computer program can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted l1inguages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, odule, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing Invironment.
100701 070J Suitable processors for the execution of a program of instructions include,.by i way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and the sole processor or one of multiple processors of any kind of computer. Generally, a processor I ill receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory Ir both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions aI nd one or more memories for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will i so include, or be operatively coupled to communicate with, one or more mass storage devices for storing data files; such devices include magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and optical disks. Storage devices si itable for tangibly embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example, semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as i~ ternal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM
and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits).
[i 071 J To provide for interaction with a user, the features can be implemented on a CC mputer having a display device such as a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD
(liquid 7 stal display) monitor for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a lointing device such as a mouse or a trackball by which the user can provide input to the c omputer.
[0072] The features can be implemented in a computer system that includes a back-end component, such as a data server, or that includes a middleware component, such as aI n application server or an Internet server, or that. includes -a. front-end component, such a' a client computer having a graphical user interface or an Internet browser, or any combination of them. The components of the system can be connected by any form or medium of digital data communication such as a comniunication network.
Examples of cI mmunication networks include, e.g., a LAN, a WAN, and the computers and netvi+orks forming the Internet.
[0073] The computer system can-include clients and servers. A client and server are ~Jlcnerally remote from each other and typically interact through a network, such as the dlescribed:one. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer p ograms running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship to eI ach other.
[0074] Although a few implementations have been described in detail above, other n' modifications are possible. In addition, the logic flows depicted in the figures do not require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In a'ddition, other steps may be provided, or steps may be eliminated, from the described flows, and other components may be added to, or removed from, the described systems.
I Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.
[00751 For example, the media assets that are linked together can be hosted on different workstations. The multi-station media controller 116 can access media asset repositories of different workstations at different locations. The linked media assets can b~e of different types, e.g., a jingle of a station may be linked to a commercial of another station. The stations are not limited to broadcasting audio content. The media assets can include multimedia content, such as text, images, or videos. The graphical user interfaces p ovided by the system 100 can be different from those described above. For example, si me areas of the GU1200 in FIG. 2 can be consolidated or expanded.
100761 A number of irtiplementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be -I derstood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and I
si pe of the following claims.
Claims (22)
1. A system comprising:
a plurality of software-controlled broadcast stations each having at least one media asset; and a controller to allow a user to link a first media asset of a first one of the stations to a second media asset of a second one of the stations, such that when the user schedules the first station to broadcast the first media asset at a specified time, the controller automatically causes the second station to broadcast the second media asset at the specified time.
a plurality of software-controlled broadcast stations each having at least one media asset; and a controller to allow a user to link a first media asset of a first one of the stations to a second media asset of a second one of the stations, such that when the user schedules the first station to broadcast the first media asset at a specified time, the controller automatically causes the second station to broadcast the second media asset at the specified time.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the first and second media assets comprise jingles.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein one of the stations operates as a leader station, and another of the stations operates as a follower station during a simulcast.
4. The system of claim 3 wherein the follower station controls a switch to forward a signal representing a common program from the leader station to a signal modulator associated with the follower station during a first time period, and to forward a signal representing the second media asset from the follower station to the signal modulator during a second time period.
5. The system of claim I wherein the controller allows the user to link the first media asset of the first station to a media asset of each of the other stations, such that when the user schedules the first station to broadcast the first media asset at a specified time, the controller automatically causes all other stations to broadcast respective media assets linked to the first media asset at the specified time.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein the software-controlled broadcast stations comprise software-controlled radio stations.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein the software-controlled broadcast stations stream programs over a network.
8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a user interface to allow a user to select which of the media assets to be linked together.
9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a database storing information about which media assets are linked together.
10. A system comprising:
a software-controlled leader station associated with a first media asset; and a software-controlled follower station associated with a second media asset that is linked to the first media asset, the follower station to monitor media assets played by the leader station, such that when the leader station plays the first media asset, the follower station automatically plays the second media asset.
a software-controlled leader station associated with a first media asset; and a software-controlled follower station associated with a second media asset that is linked to the first media asset, the follower station to monitor media assets played by the leader station, such that when the leader station plays the first media asset, the follower station automatically plays the second media asset.
11. The system of claim 10 wherein the software-controlled broadcast stations comprise software-controlled radio stations.
12. A computer-implemented method comprising:
linking a first media asset of a first software-controlled broadcast station to a second media asset of a second software-controlled broadcast station;
providing a user interface to allow a user to schedule broadcast of the first media asset at a specified time by the first station; and automatically causing the second media asset to be broadcasted by the second station at the specified time.
linking a first media asset of a first software-controlled broadcast station to a second media asset of a second software-controlled broadcast station;
providing a user interface to allow a user to schedule broadcast of the first media asset at a specified time by the first station; and automatically causing the second media asset to be broadcasted by the second station at the specified time.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein the second media asset is broadcasted by the second station at the specified time without input from the user regarding when to broadcast the second media asset.
14. The method of claim 12 wherein the first and second media assets comprise jingles.
15. The method of claim 12, further comprising designating the first station as a leader station and the second station as a follower station during a simulcast.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising controlling a switch associated with the follower station to forward a signal representing a common program from the leader station to a signal modulator associated with the follower station during a first time period, and to forward a signal representing the second media asset from the follower station to the signal modulator during a second time period.
17. The method of claim 12, further comprising providing a second user interface to allow the user to select which of the media assets to be linked together.
18. The method of claim 12, further comprising broadcasting radio frequency signals associated with the first and second media assets.
19. The method of claim 12, further comprising streaming data packets associated with the first and second media assets over a network.
20. The method of claim 12, further comprising executing parallel processes to implement the software-controlled broadcast stations, each process corresponding to one of the stations.
21. A computer-implemented method comprising:
providing a user interface to allow a user to link media assets of different stations such that during a simultaneous broadcast, when one of the stations operating in a leader mode plays a media asset that is linked to other media assets of other stations, the other stations automatically play respective media assets.
providing a user interface to allow a user to link media assets of different stations such that during a simultaneous broadcast, when one of the stations operating in a leader mode plays a media asset that is linked to other media assets of other stations, the other stations automatically play respective media assets.
22. A system comprising:
means for linking a first media asset of a first software-controlled broadcast station to a second media asset of a second software-controlled broadcast station;
means for allowing a user to schedule broadcast of the first media asset at a specified time by the first station; and means for causing the second media asset to be broadcasted by the second station at the specified time without input from the user regarding when to broadcast the second media asset.
means for linking a first media asset of a first software-controlled broadcast station to a second media asset of a second software-controlled broadcast station;
means for allowing a user to schedule broadcast of the first media asset at a specified time by the first station; and means for causing the second media asset to be broadcasted by the second station at the specified time without input from the user regarding when to broadcast the second media asset.
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| US11/735,404 | 2007-04-13 | ||
| PCT/US2008/060175 WO2008128148A2 (en) | 2007-04-13 | 2008-04-14 | Multi-station media controller |
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-
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2008
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- 2008-04-14 CA CA002683796A patent/CA2683796A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2008128148A3 (en) | 2009-04-02 |
| US7889724B2 (en) | 2011-02-15 |
| US20080253307A1 (en) | 2008-10-16 |
| WO2008128148A2 (en) | 2008-10-23 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request |
Effective date: 20130320 |
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| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20160615 |