Radio broadcast content synchronization

Abstract

Hybrid interactive radio may be implemented utilizing an interactive radio server configured to receive now playing data (“NPD”) from a radio station on-air automation system server, the NPD identifying FM radio broadcast content now playing over the air from the radio station. In operation, the interactive radio server may acquire supplemental information from a database server in near-real time, based on the NPD. Utilizing a wireless telecom data connection, the interactive radio server may transmit the supplemental information to a hybrid interactive application running in a smart phone or a head unit of a vehicle. The hybrid interactive application generates a screen display that identifies the radio broadcast content now playing, integrates into the screen display at least a subset of the supplemental information associated with the broadcast content, and further provides a user interface to present interactions options to a user, including an option to request more information to be incorporated into the display while the content is playing.

1 . A system comprising:
 a radio station on-air automation system server to generate “now playing” data (“NPD”) identifying the FM radio broadcast content now playing over the air from the corresponding radio station;   an interactive radio server configured to receive the NPD and compile information based on the NPD, wherein the server compiles a first type of detail information responsive to the NPD indicating a song now playing on the radio station, and the server compiles a second type of detail information responsive to the NPD indicating an advertisement now playing on the radio station, and the server compiles a third type of detail information responsive to the NPD indicating a DJ talking now on the radio station;   a wireless telecom data connection accessible to the interactive radio server to transmit the compiled detail information to a hybrid interactive application running in a vehicle;   wherein the hybrid interactive application generates a screen display that identifies the radio broadcast content now playing, and displays at least a subset of the compiled detail information associated with the broadcast content now playing; and   wherein the hybrid interactive application further implements a user interface to present options to a user, and where a user interface interaction calls for more information, not already provided, the application is configured to transmit a request to the interactive radio server; and   the interactive radio server is configured to transmit the requested additional information to the hybrid interactive application in response to the request.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the hybrid interactive application is voice enabled to allow listeners to safely interact with radio content such as music, over-the-air advertising, display advertising, contests or other types of broadcast content. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein hybrid interactive application is operable independently of the car stereo, except that the music or other radio broadcast content is being played on the car stereo. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the hybrid interactive application is deployed on a smart phone  2210 , and the smart phone may be coupled to a vehicle “stereo” or head unit  2230 , by means of a connection to utilize the head unit display to supplement, or in lieu of, the smart phone display, during operation of the interactive radio application on the smart phone. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the wireless telecom data connection utilizes a broadband data service. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the wireless telecom data connection utilizes low bandwidth in-band signaling over a voice channel to carry the compiled detail information. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the hybrid interactive application is deployed on a mobile device or in a vehicle head unit. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the NPD identifies a song now playing on the radio station, and the compiled detail information comprises at least one of lyrics, artist biography, pictures, and concert information, associated with the identified song. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the NPD identifies an advertisement now playing on the radio station, and the compiled detail information comprises at least one of related coupons, pictures, product or service description associated with the product or service identified in the advertisement now playing. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the NPD identifies a DJ now talking on the radio station, and the compiled detail information comprises at least one of related questions, choices, and contest information. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1  and further comprising a modified RDS/HD translator unit coupled to receive the NPD from the radio station server and configured to forward the NPD to the interactive hybrid radio server. 
     
     
         12 . A system comprising:
 a radio station on-air automation system server arranged to generate “now playing” data (“NPD”) identifying the FM radio broadcast content now playing over the air from the corresponding radio station;   a database server coupled to a database storing supplemental data;   an interactive radio server configured to receive the NPD and to acquire supplemental information from the database server in near-real time based on the NPD;   a wireless telecom data connection accessible to the interactive radio server to transmit the supplemental information to a hybrid interactive application running in a vehicle;   wherein the hybrid interactive application generates a screen display that identifies the radio broadcast content now playing, and integrates into the screen display at least a subset of the supplemental information associated with the broadcast content now playing; and   wherein the hybrid interactive application further implements a user interface to present options to a user, and where a user interface interaction calls for more information, not already provided, the hybrid interactive application is configured to transmit a request to the interactive radio server; and   the interactive radio server is configured to transmit additional information to the hybrid interactive application in response to the request.   
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12  wherein the hybrid interactive application is operable in a smart phone. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13  wherein the smart phone is configured for communication with a radio or head unit in a vehicle to provide the supplemental information associated with the broadcast content now playing on the radio or head unit. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 12  wherein the hybrid interactive application is deployed on a vehicle head unit and configured to generate a screen display on the head unit that integrates identification of the broadcast content now playing together with the supplemental information received from the interactive radio server. 
     
     
         16 . A method comprising:
 receiving a digital query from a web-based content service provider, the query including an identifier of a media item currently playing on the service;   checking a database for stored digital content associated with the media item; and   providing the digital content to the content service provider for delivery to its user in association with the media item while the media item is playing.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the digital content includes at least one of a media appearance, breaking news, album release, point-of-sale information tied to the now playing media item while it is playing on the service. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the content service provider is a radio station and the content delivery utilizes an RDS or HD car stereo display. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the content service provider is a Listen Live webpage and the page is skinned with delivered digital content. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the media item is currently playing on a mobile device app and the content Mobile background is skinned with the artist related content.