Apparatus and methods for music and lyrics broadcasting

Abstract

A system for broadcasting audio music and broadcasting lyrics for display and highlighting substantially simultaneously with the occurrence of the lyrics in the accompanying audio music is provided. The system includes <DEL-S DATE="20010410" ID="DEL-S-00001">a<DEL-E ID="DEL-S-00001"> <INS-S DATE="20010410" ID="INS-S-00001">an <INS-E ID="INS-S-00001">audio music source that provides a data output and <DEL-S DATE="20010410" ID="DEL-S-00002">a<DEL-E ID="DEL-S-00002"> <INS-S DATE="20010410" ID="INS-S-00002">an <INS-E ID="INS-S-00002">analog audio signal output. A computer receives the data output by the music source and generates lyric text data and lyric timing commands. A subcarrier generator generates a subcarrier signal carrying the lyric text data and lyric timing commands. An FM transmitter broadcasts a composite signal that combines the analog output of the music source with the subcarrier signal. A lyric display unit receives the composite signal, separates and decodes the subcarrier signal and displays and highlights lyrics according <INS-S DATE="20010410" ID="INS-S-00003">to <INS-E ID="INS-S-00003">the lyric text data and lyric timing commands decoded from the subcarrier signal.

Description

This invention relates to radio broadcast systems and, more particularly, to apparatus and methods for identifying broadcast audio program selections in FM stereo radio broadcast systems and displaying lyrics of the audio program selections.While FM broadcast station program materials generally consist of a combination of music, news, advertising, and information programs, the interest of a large segment of the listening audience is directed to the music portion of the broadcasts. In fact, the music industry cooperates with the radio stations and encourages the broadcast of the latest album releases on the basis that most album sales are the result of audience reaction to broadcast musical selections.One of the more frustrating aspects confronting the listener concerns deciphering the lyrics of music selections received on the radio. Often the lyrics of vocal music, from modern popular music to classical music, are difficult to understand, even after the selection is heard many time...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

One of the more frustrating aspects confronting the listener concerns deciphering the lyrics of music selections received on the radio.

Often the lyrics of vocal music, from modern popular music to classical music, are difficult to understand, even after the selection is heard many times. It is sometimes possible for a listener to obtain lyrics by buying the compact disc (CD) on which the selection is included.

However, many compact discs do not include printed lyrics and the listener has no way to know before buying the CD whether lyrics are included.

These systems involve expensive equipment and require the additional purchase of special recordings of musical selection that often can be only used with the sing-along systems.

Another source of frustration is the identification of the broadcast musical selections, particularly since the stations do not employ a uniform method of identification.

The result is that the listener is generally unable to rapidly identify and remember a particular musical selection with sufficient accuracy to enable the subsequent purchase of the album containing that selection.

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