Media appliance with auxiliary source module docking and fail-safe alarm modes

Abstract

A media entertainment system including an appliance having an electronic data communications interface, a computer processor operatively connected to an auxiliary source module (ASM), the ASM configured to receive control information from the appliance and to send control information, media metadata, and media files or media streams to the appliance. At least one display is operatively connected to the computer processor and configured for displaying media metadata, current time, alarm time, system playback volume levels and alarm volume levels. One or more user interfaces are operatively connected to the computer processor and configured to receive user metadata selections and for receiving user settings for plural media source presets, playback volume settings, time settings, plural alarm settings, and plural alarm volume level settings. Each alarm and associated media source may have its own user selectable specific volume level setting that controls the appliance audio output volume when an alarm is triggered.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 243,915, titled “Entertainment System With Sourceless Selection Of Networked And Non-Networked Media Content,” filed Apr. 3, 2014, now pending which in turn is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 906,047, titled “Entertainment System with Sourceless Selection of Networked and Non-networked Media Content”, filed Oct. 15, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,843,092, issued Sep. 23, 2014, which in turn is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 260,699, titled “Entertainment System with Bandless Tuning, Remote Control, Alarm and Universal Docking,” filed Oct. 27, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,885,622, issued on Feb. 8, 2011, which in turn claims priority under 35 USC 119(e) to, and is a nonprovisional application of, the following U.S. Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 60 / 623,006 and 60 / 622,924, both filed on Oct. 27, 2004, and 60 / 637,669, filed Dec. 20, 2004, all title...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present system provides a way to integrate various audio products into a convenient and easy-to-use system. It offers flexibility and adaptability to future products and provides advanced functions such as alarm clock functionality and simplified radio station tuning. The system can be used in both in-retail and in-office settings, and it can accommodate numerous playback or broadcast sources. In more portable settings, the device may not be ideal, but it offers a solution for those who need a more robust system. The device is presented as a pull or on-demand system, which allows users to select and control audio content from a remote location. The system also includes a radio tuning interface that allows users to easily select and tune into different radio stations or content of interest. The system architecture allows for wirelessly communicating between a base unit and remote units, providing flexibility and capability.

Problems solved by technology

Various efforts to integrate bits and pieces of the audio landscape into a cohesive and affordable system have been met with problems such as, for example, incompatibility of various devices, proprietary frequencies, inelegant user integration, or even high price.

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