U.S. patent application number 08/969817 was filed with the patent office on 2001-12-27 for compact disk changer utilizing disc database.
Invention is credited to YANKOWSKI, CARL J..
Application Number | 20010056430 08/969817 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24019058 |
Filed Date | 2001-12-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010056430 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
YANKOWSKI, CARL J. |
December 27, 2001 |
COMPACT DISK CHANGER UTILIZING DISC DATABASE
Abstract
A method and apparatus for updating a memory in a Compact Disc
changer. Information identifying discs stored in a CD changer is
stored in a memory. The memory is updated when a CD is loaded which
does not have identifying features which are recognized by the CD
changer. Updating is carried out via a modem connection to a remote
database. The database can be stored locally in a local database
residing in a personal computer where the database can be queried
to locate desired tracks and can be used to facilitate control of
the compact disc changer by providing a simplified interface for
building a play list and the like.
Inventors: |
YANKOWSKI, CARL J.; (DOVER,
MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JERRY A MILLER
SONY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
1 SONY DRIVE MD T1 1
PARK RIDGE
NJ
07656
|
Family ID: |
24019058 |
Appl. No.: |
08/969817 |
Filed: |
November 13, 1997 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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08969817 |
Nov 13, 1997 |
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08507544 |
Jul 26, 1995 |
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5751672 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 ; 369/30.09;
707/999.107; G9B/27.001; G9B/27.021; G9B/27.051 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 27/11 20130101;
G11B 27/34 20130101; G11B 2220/2562 20130101; G11B 2220/213
20130101; G11B 2220/2529 20130101; G11B 27/28 20130101; Y10S
707/99948 20130101; Y10S 707/916 20130101; G11B 27/105 20130101;
G11B 2220/2545 20130101; G11B 27/329 20130101; G11B 2220/65
20130101; G11B 27/002 20130101; G11B 27/007 20130101; Y10S
707/99945 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
707/104.1 ;
369/30.09 |
International
Class: |
G06F 007/00; G11B
007/085 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A system for playback of music compact discs, comprising in
combination: a disc changer for receiving a compact disc and
reading data from said disc to convert to signals representing
music; means for reading an identifying portion of said disc which
can be used to uniquely identify said disc; a memory; means for
comparing said identifying portion of said disc with said memory to
determine if data relating to said compact disc is stored in said
memory; a modem; searching means for accessing a remote database
via said modem, wherein in the event said comparing means does not
detect said identifying information in said memory, said searching
means accesses said remote database via said modem to locate
identifying information relating to said disc, said disc being
identified in said database by said identifying portion; and
downloading means for downloading information from said remote
database to said memory.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said disc includes a TOC area
and wherein said identifying portion includes a portion of the TOC
data of said compact disc.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said disc includes program
material, and wherein said identifying portion includes a sample of
said program material.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said memory includes an
Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said searching means
additionally includes means for accessing a local database, wherein
in the event said comparing means does not detect said identifying
portion in said memory, said searching means accesses said local
database to locate identifying portion relating to said disc, said
disc being identified in said database by said identifying portion,
and wherein said downloading means includes means for downloading
information from said local database to said memory.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for manually
updating said memory in the event a said identifying portion is not
found in said remote database.
7. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising means for manually
updating said memory in the event a said identifying portion is not
found in said local database.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising database management
software for selectively searching said remote database.
9. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising database management
software for selectively searching said local database.
10. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising means for storing
playback attributes for entries in said local database.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising means for
controlling playback of said disc in accordance with said playback
attributes stored in said local database.
12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said disc may include a
plurality of tracks and wherein playback attributes are stored on a
track-by-track basis for each track of said disc.
13. A system for playback of music compact discs, comprising in
combination: a disc changer for receiving a compact disc and
reading data from said disc to convert to signals representing
music; means for reading an identifying portion of said disc which
can be used to uniquely identify said disc; a memory; means for
comparing said identifying portion of said disc with said memory to
determine if data relating to said compact disc is stored in said
memory; first searching means for accessing a local database,
wherein in the event said comparing means does not detect said
identifying portion in said memory, said first searching means
accesses said local database to locate said identifying portion
relating to said disc, said disc being identified in said local
database by said identifying portion; a modem; second searching
means for accessing a remote database via said modem, wherein in
the event said comparing means does not detect said identifying
information in said memory and said first searching means does not
locate said identifying portion in said local database, said second
searching means accesses said remote database via said modem to
locate identifying information relating to said disc, said disc
being identified in said database by said identifying portion; and
downloading means for downloading information from either of said
local database or said remote database to said memory.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said disc includes a TOC
area and wherein said identifying portion includes a portion of the
TOC data of said compact disc.
15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said disc includes program
material, and wherein said identifying portion includes a sample of
said program material.
16. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said memory includes an
Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory.
17. The apparatus of claim 13 further comprising means for manually
updating said memory in the event a said identifying portion is not
found in one of said local database and said remote database.
18. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising database
management software for selectively searching said remote
database.
19. The apparatus of claim 13 further comprising database
management software for selectively searching said local
database.
20. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising means for storing
playback attributes for entries in said local database.
21. The apparatus of claim 20, further comprising means for
controlling playback of said disc in accordance with said playback
attributes stored in said local database.
22. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein said disc may include a
plurality of tracks and wherein playback attributes are stored on a
track-by-track basis for each track of said disc.
23. A system for playback of music compact discs, comprising in
combination: a multiple disc changer for receiving a compact disc
and reading data from said disc to convert to signals representing
music; means for reading an identifying portion of said disc which
can be used to uniquely identify said disc, said disc including a
table of contents (TOC) area and a program area, and wherein said
identifying portion includes data taken from said TOC area; an
Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM); means
for comparing said identifying portion of said disc with said
EEPROM to determine if data relating to said compact disc is stored
in said memory; a modem; a database manager comprising: first
searching means for accessing a local database, wherein in the
event said comparing means does not detect said identifying portion
in said EEPROM, said first searching means accesses said local
database to locate said identifying portion relating to said disc,
said disc being identified in said local database by said
identifying portion; second searching means including a programmed
computer for accessing a remote database via said modem, wherein in
the event said comparing means does not detect said identifying
information in said EEPROM and said first searching means does not
locate said identifying portion in said local database, said second
searching means accesses said remote database via said modem to
locate identifying information relating to said disc, said disc
being identified in said database by said identifying portion;
downloading means for downloading information from either of said
local database or said remote database to said EEPROM; manual
update means for manually updating said memory in the event a said
identifying portion is not found in one of said local database and
said remote database; means for storing playback attributes for
entries in said local database, wherein said disc may include a
plurality of tracks and wherein playback attributes are stored on a
track-by-track basis for each track of said disc; and means for
controlling playback of said disc in accordance with said playback
attributes stored in said local database.
24. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein said identifying portion
further includes a sample of said program material.
25. A multiple disc compact disc player, comprising in combination:
a multiple disc CD changer mechanism for playing and storing a
plurality of compact discs; a memory for storing information
associated with said plurality of compact discs; a controller for
controlling operations of said multiple disc compact disc player; a
modem coupled to said controller for accessing a remote database
via a telephone line connection; and said controller including:
means for issuing a first query to said memory to determine if said
memory includes information associated with a selected disc in said
CD changer mechanism; means for issuing a second query to a remote
database via said modem in order to find information associated
with said selected, if said first query fails to locate a
information in said memory associated with said selected compact
disc.
26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein said controller further
comprises means for downloading said information said information
from said remote database in order to update said memory.
27. A system for playback of recorded media, comprising in
combination: a media changer for receiving a recorded medium and
reading data from said medium; means for reading an identifying
portion of said medium which can be used to uniquely identify said
medium; a memory; means for comparing said identifying portion of
said medium with said memory to determine if data relating to said
medium is stored in said memory; a modem; searching means for
accessing a remote database via said modem, wherein in the event
said comparing means does not detect said identifying information
in said memory, said searching means accesses said remote database
via said modem to locate identifying information relating to said
medium, said medium being identified in said database by said
identifying portion; and downloading means for downloading
information from said remote database to said memory.
28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein said medium includes a TOC
area and wherein said identifying portion includes a portion of the
TOC data of said medium.
29. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein said medium includes program
material, and wherein said identifying portion includes a sample of
said program material.
30. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein said memory includes an
Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory.
31. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein said searching means
additionally includes means for accessing a local database, wherein
in the event said comparing means does not detect said identifying
portion in said memory, said searching means accesses said local
database to locate identifying portion relating to said medium,
said medium being identified in said database by said identifying
portion, and wherein said downloading means includes means for
downloading information from said local database to said
memory.
32. The apparatus of claim 27, further comprising means for
manually updating said memory in the event a said identifying
portion is not found in said remote database.
33. The apparatus of claim 32, further comprising means for
manually updating said memory in the event a said identifying
portion is not found in said local database.
34. The apparatus of claim 27, further comprising database
management software for selectively searching said remote
database.
35. The apparatus of claim 31, further comprising database
management software for selectively searching said local
database.
36. The apparatus of claim 31, further comprising means for storing
playback attributes for entries in said local database.
37. The apparatus of claim 36, further comprising means for
controlling playback of said disc in accordance with said playback
attributes stored in said local database.
38. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein said disc may include a
plurality of tracks and wherein playback attributes are stored on a
track-by-track basis for each track of said disc.
39. A method of updating a memory in an audio compact disc changer,
comprising the steps of: reading an identifying portion of a
compact disc which uniquely identifies said compact disc; comparing
said identifying portion with identifying portions stored in a
memory; querying a database residing outside said compact disc
changer for said identifying portion of said disc if said
identifying portion is not found in said memory; and downloading
data from said database to said memory corresponding to said
identifying portion.
40. The method of claim 39, wherein said database resides in a
computer coupled to said compact disc changer.
41. The method of claim 39, wherein said database resides in a
remote location and wherein said querying step includes the step
accessing said database via a modem connection.
42. A method of updating a memory in an audio compact disc changer,
comprising the steps of: reading an identifying portion of a
compact disc which uniquely identifies said compact disc, said
identifying portion including a portion of said compact disc's TOC
data; comparing said identifying portion with identifying portions
stored in an EEPROM; querying a first database residing in a
computer situated outside and connected to said compact disc
changer for said identifying portion of said disc if said
identifying portion is not found in said EEPROM; querying a second
database residing in remote location via a modem connected to said
computer for said identifying portion of said disc if said
identifying portion is not found in said first database; and
downloading data from said first or second database to said EEPROM
corresponding to said identifying portion.
43. The method of claim 40, further comprising the step of manually
updating said EEPROM in the event said identifying portion is found
in neither said first nor said second database.
44. A method of updating a memory in recorded media player,
comprising the steps of: reading an identifying portion of a
recorded medium which uniquely identifies said medium; comparing
said identifying portion with identifying portions stored in a
memory; querying a database residing outside said recorded media
player for said identifying portion of said medium if said
identifying portion is not found in said memory; and downloading
data from said database to said memory corresponding to said
identifying portion.
45. The method of claim 44, wherein said database resides in a
computer coupled to said compact disc changer.
46. The method of claim 44, wherein said database resides in a
remote location and wherein said querying step includes the step
accessing said database via a modem connection.
47. The method of claim 44, further comprising the step of storing
playback attributes for entries in said local database.
48. The method of claim 47, further comprising the step of
controlling playback of said disc in accordance with said playback
attributes stored in said local database.
49. The method of claim 47, wherein said disc may include a
plurality of tracks and wherein playback attributes are stored on a
track-by-track basis for each track of said disc.
50. A method for controlling the operation of a compact disc
player, comprising the steps of: storing data relating to a compact
disc in a database, said database including information relating to
each track of said compact disc; storing a playback attribute in
said database on a track-by-track basis; and instructing said
compact disc changer to play a selected track using said playback
attribute.
51. The method of claim 51, wherein said playback attribute
includes a level attribute.
52. The method of claim 52, wherein said playback attribute
includes a signal processing parameter.
53. The method of claim 50, wherein said database is located in a
computer external to said compact disc player and wherein said
instructing step includes sending an instruction from said computer
to said compact disc player.
54. The method of claim 53, wherein said instructing step includes
instructing said compact disc changer to play a track from a play
list.
55. A method for controlling the operation of a multiple disc
compact disc player, comprising the steps of: storing data relating
to a plurality of compact discs in a database, said database
including information relating to each track of each said compact
disc, and wherein said database is located in a computer external
to said compact disc player; storing a plurality of playback
attributes including at least a level attribute and a signal
processing attribute in said database on a track-by-track basis;
and instructing said compact disc changer to play a selected track
from a play list using said playback attributes by sending an
instruction from said computer to said compact disc player.
56. A method of building a play list for a multiple disc compact
disc changer, comprising the steps of: in a computer, storing
information in a database about a plurality of compact discs
residing in said multiple disc compact disc changer; said database
including playback attributes for tracks of said compact discs;
displaying a table of tracks of said plurality of compact discs;
selecting a sequential set of tracks from said plurality of compact
discs to define a play list; and sending a sequence of commands
from said computer to said multiple compact disc changer to
sequentially play said selected tracks from said play list.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates generally to the field of audio and
audio/video equipment including compact disc (CD) players. More
particularly, this invention relates to a CD changer which can
access a database which is user searchable and updated upon
recognition of an unknown CD. This invention is particularly useful
for multiple CD changers which serve to store substantial numbers
of compact discs. In addition, this invention provides a mechanism
for computer control of the operation of the CD changer.
[0003] 2. Background of the Invention
[0004] Several large capacity compact disc players are currently
available commercially. For example, Sony Corporation, Tokyo Japan
produces several such players such as the model CDP-CX100 and the
CDP-CX153, available through Sony Electronics Inc., 1 Sony Drive,
Park Ridge, N.J. 07676. Each of these players includes an internal
rotary table with 100 slots which can store up to 100 compact
discs. Players with even higher storage capacity will no doubt
appear in the future. Compact disc players of this nature are
commonly used to not only play compact discs, but also as a
convenient mechanism for storing such discs in a very neat and
compact arrangement.
[0005] In earlier compact disc players which only hold one or a few
discs, the compact discs are commonly stored in their protective
jewel case. Such jewel cases generally include an insert provides a
written directory for each disc which generally lists in order the
selections available on the disc and often includes play times and
other information regarding each selection (e.g. artist, title,
author, etc.). Such information facilitates the listener's
selection of the desired track or disc.
[0006] Unfortunately, this information may not be as readily
available to the user of a CD player which is used as a storage
device such as the above-mentioned high capacity CD players. Since
users commonly use such players to store the compact discs, they
also frequently store the jewel case and related informational
inserts in a less convenient location. Moreover, the user must know
not only the disc which he desires to play, but the location of the
disc in the rotary table and perhaps a track number in order to
readily access a particular chosen selection. In addition, it is
difficult for the user to have a clear overview of the musical
selections available and to control the play of such
selections.
[0007] This problem has been partially addressed in the above Sony
disc players by providing the user with the ability to program the
disc player to store identifying information for each disc in the
player's memory and to categorize discs into a number of groups of
the user's selection (e.g. jazz, classical, Rock, etc.). These
multiple CD changers utilize a portion of the table of contents
(TOC) data for uniquely identifying each compact disc stored
therein. In particular, the total music play time and the number of
movements (typically songs) as indicated in the TOC is used in some
changers to uniquely identify the discs. Compact disc changers also
include a feature known as "Custom File" which is described in
Japanese patent application publication number 03-76082 which is
incorporated herein by reference. While this technique is helpful
in locating a desired selection, the user still has only limited
access to the available information relating to the disc. For
example, there is no information available on the specified tracks
on the disc, artist, etc. unless this information is used to
identify the entire disc. Moreover, all such information must
currently be entered by the user using a remote control or jog dial
to cycle through available characters. The process of entering such
data is somewhat inconvenient (especially for large numbers of
discs) and thus often omitted by the user. Furthermore, the user of
such players are currently restricted to controlling the discs
using stored parameters (e.g. level and sound field selections) on
a disc by disc basis without regard for the content of individual
tracks on the disc.
[0008] While variations of compact disc format might permit various
information about the disc to be included on the disc itself in
machine readable form, there exists a large body of work which has
no such identification information. Thus, there is a need to
provide the user with access to an equivalent body of information
to use, particularly in connection with high capacity multiple disc
players.
[0009] The present invention addresses these problems by providing
a database of the information for access by the user to provide
searchable access to the information which and the ability to
download such information. This minimizes and in most cases
eliminates the need for data input by the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
compact disc player with access to an external database which
permits easy selection of discs stored in a multiple disc
player.
[0011] It is a feature that the present invention provides the
ability to search a database for desired music selections with
minimal or no user entry of the database data.
[0012] It is a further feature that the present invention
identifies a CD by the table of contents area of the disc (or other
unique identifying information) which is used as a "fingerprint"
for the disc.
[0013] It is a further feature that certain embodiments of the
present invention can facilitate control over playback parameters
of a compact disc on a track-by-track basis.
[0014] It is an advantage that the present invention can provide a
large body of searchable information for the user to access without
entry of the data.
[0015] It is a further advantage of the present invention that
compact discs or other storage media can be easily stored within a
multiple disc player while producing an enhanced ability to locate
a music selection of choice.
[0016] It is another advantage of embodiments of the present
invention to provide for user control of the play selections of the
CD player via the computer's user interface.
[0017] Broadly speaking, the present invention provides a modem
link to a remote database which a user can utilize in order to
provide information updates to a memory forming a part of a CD
player. The system uses a "fingerprint" of a CD in order to search
the remote database for information such as title, track names,
artist, etc. Once the CD is identified, the information associated
with the CD can be loaded into a local database so that the user
can search for desired music, artists, etc. In addition, the
information is loaded into the memory of a CD player so that discs
stored in the CD player can be readily identified. This is
especially useful for large capacity multiple CD players which are
also used to store CDs. The user can further use the computer as a
simplified control interface to search for selections, build play
lists as well as enhance control of the playback operation.
[0018] The present invention contemplates many alternatives and
variations. For example, in one aspect of the present invention, a
system for playback of music compact discs includes a disc changer
for receiving a compact disc and reading data from the disc to
convert to signals representing music. An identifying portion of
the disc is read in order to uniquely identify the disc. The
identifying portion of the disc with a memory to determine if data
relating to the compact disc is stored in the memory. A modem is
provided along with a searching mechanism for accessing a remote
database via the modem, wherein in the event the comparison does
not detect the identifying information in the memory, the remote
database is accessed via the modem to locate identifying
information relating to the disc, the disc being identified in the
database by the identifying portion. The information is then
downloaeded from the remote database to the memory.
[0019] In another aspect of the inention, a system for playback of
music compact discs includes a disc changer for receiving a compact
disc and reading data from the disc to convert to signals
representing music. A portion of the changer reads an identifying
portion of the disc which can be used to uniquely identify the
disc. The identifying portion of the disc is compared with the
memory to determine if data relating to the compact disc is stored
in the memory. A first searching mechanism is provided for
accessing a local database, wherein in the event the comparison
does not detect the identifying portion in the memory, the first
searching mechanism accesses the local database to locate the
identifying portion relating to the disc, the disc being identified
in the local database by the identifying portion. A second
searching mechanism is provided for accessing a remote database via
a modem, wherein in the event the comparison does not detect the
identifying information in the memory and the first searching
mechanism does not locate the identifying portion in the local
database, the second searching mechanism accesses the remote
database via the modem to locate identifying information relating
to the disc, the disc being identified in the database by the
identifying portion. The information is downloaded from either of
the local database or the remote database to the memory.
[0020] In another aspect of the invention, a multiple disc compact
disc player includes a multiple disc CD changer mechanism for
playing and storing a plurality of compact discs. A memory stores
information associated with the plurality of compact discs. A
controller controls operations of the multiple disc compact disc
player. A modem is coupled to the controller for accessing a remote
database via a telephone line connection. The controller includes
capability for issuing a first query to the memory to determine if
the memory includes information associated with a selected disc in
the CD changer mechanism, and for issuing a second query to a
remote database via the modem in order to find information
associated with the selected, if the first query fails to locate a
information in the memory associated with the selected compact
disc.
[0021] In another aspect of the invention, a system for playback of
recorded media includes a media changer for receiving a recorded
medium and reading data from the medium. An identifying portion of
the medium is read and used to uniquely identify the medium. The
identifying portion of the medium is compared with with a memory to
determine if data relating to the medium is stored in the memory. A
remote database is accessed and searched via a modem, wherein in
the event the comparison does not detect the identifying
information in the memory, the remote database is searched via the
modem to locate identifying information relating to the medium, the
medium being identified in the database by the identifing portion.
The information relating to the medium is downloaded from the
remote database to the memory.
[0022] A method of updating a memory in an audio compact disc
changer according to an aspect of the invention includes the steps
of: reading an identifying portion of a compact disc which uniquely
identifies the compact disc; comparing the identifying portion with
identifying portions stored in a memory; querying a database
residing outside the compact disc changer for the identifying
portion of the disc if the identifying portion is not found in the
memory; and downloading data from the database to the memory
corresponding to the identifying portion.
[0023] A method of updating a memory in recorded media player,
according to an aspect of the invetion includes the steps of:
reading an identifying portion of a recorded medium which uniquely
identifies the medium; comparing the identifying portion with
identifying portions stored in a memory; querying a database
residing outside the recorded media player for the identifying
portion of the medium if the identifying portion is not found in
the memory; and downloading data from the database to the memory
corresponding to the identifying portion.
[0024] The present invetion further contemplates a method for
controlling the operation of a compact disc player, which in one
aspect includes the steps of: storing data relating to a compact
disc in a database, the database including information relating to
each track of the compact disc; storing a playback attribute in the
database on a track-by-track basis; and instructing the compact
disc changer to play a selected track using the playback
attribute.
[0025] Furthermore, the present invention contemplates a method of
building a play list for a multiple disc compact disc changer,
which in one embodimetn includes the steps of: in a computer,
storing information in a database about a plurality of compact
discs residing in the multiple disc compact disc changer; the
database including playback attributes for tracks of the compact
discs; displaying a table of tracks of the plurality of compact
discs; selecting a sequential set of tracks from the plurality of
compact discs to define a play list; and sending a sequence of
commands from the computer to the multiple compact disc changer to
sequentially play the selected tracks from the play list.
[0026] The above objects, advantages and features of the invention,
as well as others, will become apparent to those skilled in the art
upon consideration of the following description of the
invention.
[0027] The features of the invention believed to be novel are set
forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention
itself however, both as to organization and method of operation,
together with further objects and advantages thereof, may be best
understood by reference to the following description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates the TOC data format for a conventional
compact disc.
[0029] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of the
present invention.
[0030] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the CD changer 20 of FIG.
2.
[0031] FIG. 4, which is shown as FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, is a flow
chart describing the operation of one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates the use of computer 32 for control of the
CD changer 20.
[0033] FIG. 6 is a simplified flow chart of one embodiment of a
routine for issuing commands to the CD changer 20.
[0034] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of the
present invention.
[0035] FIG. 8 is a flow chart describing the operation of the
second embodiment as shown in FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many
different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be
described in detail specific embodiments, with the understanding
that the present disclosure is to be considered as an example of
the principles of the invention and not intended to limit the
invention to the specific embodiments shown and described. In the
description below, like reference numerals are used to describe the
same, similar or corresponding parts in the several views of the
drawing.
[0037] Before discussing the actual method and apparatus of the
present invention in detail, it is useful to understand several
basic concepts relating to the standard formatting of compact discs
so that the options available for uniquely identifying each disc
are understood. Conventional music compact discs are formatted
according to a specification which is known in the industry as the
"Red Book" specification. The format is also discussed in, for
example, chapter 5 of Compact Disc Technology, by Heitaro Nakajima
and Hiroshi Ogawa, 1992, Ohmsha, Ltd., 3-1 Kanda Nishiki-cho,
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101, Japan, which is incorporated herein by
reference. While the Red Book specification permits an identifying
code to be used with each disc, the industry rarely utilizes this
option. Thus, there is no unique label which is currently assured
of being available for each disc. However, the Red Book
specification defines a lead-in area to include an area of
subcoding having so called P-channel data and Q-channel data. This
data includes information known as the Table of Contents (TOC)
which is somewhat analogous to the table of contents of a book.
Since each CD is unique in exact content, it is possible to use
this the TOC information as a sort of "fingerprint" to uniquely
identify each CD.
[0038] FIG. 1 illustrates the format of a TOC entry for a typical
music compact disc. It is noted that a frame of TOC data is
provided for each track (movement) of the music disc. Each TOC
entry includes the elapsed time of each movement and an absolute
time for the POINT content. These times are extremely precise in
that they are measured in minutes, seconds and frames. Each disc
may include up to 99 such tracks or movements with each TOC entry
occupying 72 bits. The TOC entries are repeated in order to fill
the entire lead-in area. As stated above, a small portion of this
TOC information has been used to uniquely identify compact discs
for purposes of the "Custom File" feature in Sony compact disc
players. In the present invention, a larger sampling of the data
may be required to uniquely identify or "fingerprint" each compact
disc, since the invention depends upon unique identification of all
discs in an extremely extensive database. The solution to this
problem is to simply select a sampling of information which is
large enough to uniquely identify each disc.
[0039] An enormous amount of data is available on each disc which
can be used to uniquely characterize each disc. The TOC entry for
the first movement alone could theoretically account for up to
2.sup.72 (which is approximately 4.7E21) unique discs. In practice,
the actual number of unique values which are likely to occur in
this one entry is substantially lower since a typical movement has
a duration of approximately three minutes, the movement number for
the first movement is always 1, the POINT value is often the same,
etc. Even so, it is clear that each disc has an adequate amount of
unique information that one can readily understand that each
compact disc has its own unique "fingerprint" which can be used to
uniquely identify the disc from all other discs. By way of example,
and not to be limiting, an extremely large number of discs could be
uniquely identified by examining the number of movements, the play
time of each movement (or, e.g. the play time of the first five
movements) and the total play time of the CD. Such a scheme would
provide data of a manageable size which would uniquely identify a
vast number of discs. Due to the variables mentioned earlier, the
exact number of discs which can be identified by this scheme for
practical purposes is difficult to ascertain with any degree of
exactness, but is clearly huge. Other combinations will occur to
those skilled in the art. The exact scheme selected should be based
upon an analysis of a large sampling of compact discs to assure
that enough TOC data is used without making the amount of data
unnecessarily large.
[0040] In addition to the above example of using TOC data for the
identifying information, a sample of the actual disc data
representing a musical selection or movement can also be used to
uniquely identify each disc. Due to the wide dynamic range of music
characterized on each disc, several data samples taken at
consistent locations on a disc can also be statistically likely to
uniquely identify the disc, either alone or in combination with a
portion of the TOC data. Thus, by selecting a large enough sampling
of data to characterize each disc, it is possible to uniquely
identify each disc which has been manufactured and which is likely
to be manufactured in the future. Accordingly, an exact definition
of the "fingerprint" data is to be determined by a detailed
analysis of a large body of discs and is not critical to the
understanding of the overall concept and operation of the present
invention. After selection of such a sampling of data to be used as
a CD "fingerprint", in the unlikely event that the identifying
"fingerprint" of two or more discs are the same, remedies such as
user selection of the appropriate disc are contemplated by the
present invention.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 2, a first embodiment of a system
according to the present invention is shown in block diagram form.
In this embodiment, a CD changer 20 is coupled in a conventional
manner to a stereo amplifier (or receiver) 24 which provides power
amplification suitable to drive a pair (or more) of stereo speakers
26 and 28 or headphones (not shown). According to the present
embodiment, the CD changer 20 includes an interconnection to an
external computer 32 such as a personal computer or a dedicated
computer designated to carry out the functions of the present
invention. Computer 32 includes input devices such as a keyboard,
mouse or other input device and a screed. Computer 32 may be
coupled to the CD changer 20 via any suitable standard or
proprietary interface including SCSI or RS-232, or via a local area
network interconnection as desired. Computer 32 includes a disc
drive 36 including any suitable database management software (for
example, a SQL compliant database such as those commercially
available from various manufacturers).
[0042] Computer 32 also includes a modem 40 (either internal or
external) which is connected to a telephone network 44. While the
present invention contemplates a conventional data modem connection
using conventional telephone service, those skilled in the art will
appreciate that a number of alternatives are possible such as ISDN
networks and associated terminal adapters.
[0043] In operation, the present invention utilizes the modem 40 to
dial up a database 50 which may be maintained by an online service
provider or made available on the Internet, for example. Database
50 is preferably industry maintained to assure the maximum level of
completeness, but could also be maintained by the user community,
the CD changer manufacturer, commercial ventures or other sources.
Database 50 includes identifying information as described above for
a large body of compact discs which is associated with tabulated
data for each disc. An example of the type of data in such a
database is illustrated in TABLE 1 below. The preferred method for
accessing and utilizing this information will described later.
1TABLE 1 Movement #1 time Finger- CD- Movement #1 (Min, Sec, print
Title Artist Title Frame) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Yo-Yo Concerto for Cello 06:38:42 . . . New Ma and Orchestra:
York I. Audacemente Album ma sostenuto . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . Movement Movement #99 Total play #99 time time Total # of .
. . Title (Min, Sec, Frame) (Min, Sec, Frame) Movements . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . null 00:00:00 78:04:22 8 . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . .
[0044] As illustrated in TABLE 1, the machine readable data
available on the actual CD can be supplemented substantially by the
addition of titles of each movement, CD title, Artist, etc. Those
skilled in the art will also understand that the database can also
include even more detailed information such as composer, producer,
record label, as well as any other information which might be of
value to the user. While TABLE 1 illustrates the data in a form
which might be interpreted as a flat field database, those skilled
in the art will understand that the data may be more readily stored
in the form of a relational database. TABLE 1, is thus intended to
be an illustrative example of the database and should not be
considered limiting since those skilled in the art will understand
that the database may be designed in numerous ways and may contain
any relevant data of the designer's choosing.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 3, a more detailed diagram of the CD
changer 20 of FIG. 2 is illustrated. The interconnection with
computer 32 is provided via a conventional computer interface 64.
Interface 64 is coupled to a microprocessor based controller 68 to
provide communication between the computer 32 and the controller
68. Controller 68 is coupled to a memory 72 which is preferably a
non-volatile read-write memory such as an Electrically Erasable
Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) or a battery backed up
Random Access Memory (RAM). Memory 72 is used to store an internal
database of information relating to a plurality of CDs. In
particular, the memory 72 contains information relating to at least
all of the CDs presently stored in the multiple disc changer
mechanism, but may also be more extensive. Controller 68 is coupled
to a multiple disc CD changer mechanism 74 such as that used in the
commercially available Sony CDP-CX153 and associated signal
processing circuitry 78 to provide control thereto in a
conventional manner. Controller 68 is also coupled to a
display/control panel 82 to receive commands directly from the user
and to provide visual displays in a more or less conventional
manner. In addition, controller 68 may be coupled to an infra-red
(or RF) receiver 84 which receives control signals from a remote
commander.
[0046] Controller 68 is used to control the normal functions of the
compact disc changer 20 in a conventional manner and in addition
provides the function of (1) receiving memory updates from the
computer interface 64, (2) updating memory 72, and (3) sending
requests, via interface 64 for information updates for memory
72.
[0047] One method of operation according to the present invention
is illustrated in the flow chart of FIG. 4 (which is broken down
into FIGS. 4A and 4B. The process starts at step 100. When the user
selects or loads a disc at step 104, the controller 68 directs the
changer mechanism 74 to read the portion of the disc which contains
the identifying information or "fingerprint" of the selected disc
at step 106. The controller then compares this with the
"fingerprints" stored in memory 72 at step 110. If the
"fingerprint" is found at step 114, the CD changer 20 operates in a
more or less conventional manner at step 116 and then returns to
await the next disc selection.
[0048] If the "fingerprint" is not found at step 114, the user is
informed via a display (or other message system) indicating that
the disc data was not found in the CD changer's database. The user
is then asked if the disc is to be played, if the user wishes to
attempt to retrieve the data from a database, or if the user
desires to enter data manually at step 120. The user may respond
via a remote commander or via the display/control panel 82. If the
user decides to simply play the disc (for example, if the disc is
borrowed or infrequently played), control returns to step 116 where
conventional operation proceeds. If the user decides to enter the
data manually, a manual entry routine is initiated at step 122.
Such manual entry can be accomplished in a manner similar to that
used in commercially available CD changers to enter so-called
"custom file" information. After step 122, control returns to step
116. If the user decides to attempt to retrieve data, the disc's
"fingerprint" is sent to the computer 32 via the computer interface
64 at step 124. Under software control, the computer 32 then
initiates a query of the database stored in disc drive 36 to
attempt to match the "fingerprint" in question at step 128. If
found at step 132, the appropriate portions of the database are
downloaded to the CD changer's memory at step 138 and control
returns to step 116. Thus, the user is received of the burden of
manual entry.
[0049] In the event the "fingerprint" is not found at step 132, the
user may be informed at step 139. At this point, the user can again
make a decision as to whether to simply play the disc, make further
attempts to download information from a database or opt for manual
entry of the data. If the user elects to play the disc, control
returns to step 116. If the user elects to enter the data manually,
control returns to step 122. Manual entry routine 122 should
preferably utilize the connection to the computer 32 in order to
permit a simplified manual entry of the data via the keyboard of
computer 32. If the user elects to make further attempts to
download the data, the computer 32 initiates a call to the remote
database 50 via modem 40 and telephone line 44 to attempt to
retrieve the data. Once the database is accessed, computer 32
initiates a query of the remote database to locate the
"fingerprint" for the disc in question at step 150.
[0050] If the disc's "fingerprint"s not found, a message is
provided at step 162 indicating such and providing the user with
the option of entry of the data or playing the CD without data
entry. If the user elects to play, control again returns to step
116. If the user elects to enter data manually, this can be carried
out at the computer keyboard at step 122. If the "fingerprint" is
found in the remote database at step 158, the computer 32 downloads
the data to the local database stored at 36 at step 166. Computer
32 then proceeds to download the appropriate data to the changer's
memory 72 at step 170. Once the data is stored in the database at
36, the user can utilize the search power of the database
management software to find selections; categorize discs, by music
type, artist, etc.; and perform other known database management
activities.
[0051] Once the above-referenced interconnection between the CD
changer 20 and computer 32 is established, and once the local
database is created, this arrangement can be used advantageously to
control operation of the CD changer by utilizing the computer's
keyboard, mouse or other input devices. The computer may be used to
provide a friendlier interface to the user than that provided by a
conventional CD changer to permit the user to start or stop play of
a CD, select a play list, identify a CD or track of a CD for play,
search for a passage in a CD, and in general effect control over
all aspects of the CD changer. In order to illustrate this,
consider FIG. 5 which illustrates first the local database (shown
as 174) arranged as an array of cells. The above control can be
effected by selecting any of the desired CD changer functions from
a menu of available functions or by directly typing commands from
the computer keyboard. Those skilled in the art will understand
that there are many ways to represent these control functions in a
user interface, for example, a menu bar can be provided with drop
down menus or particular control icons can be provided. Such an
interface will desirably occupy the computer's display
simultaneously with the database tables including data relating to
the compact discs.
[0052] In one embodiment of the enhanced control possible with the
present invention, the user may generate a play list by first
having the computer 32 query the CD changer 20 to determine which
CDs are contained within the changer as identified in the memory
72. Since the local database 174 can carry information regarding as
many CDs as the user desires without regard for the content of the
CD changer 20, the user can then reduce the display of the local
database 174 to a representation of only those discs which are in
fact loaded into the CD changer 20. This reduced representation 176
is shown as having only 5 entries corresponding to 5 compact discs.
In other embodiments, the loaded discs might be represented in a
different color or might be accented in some other manner. Once the
user has a display of the available discs including the titles of
all tracks on the discs, the user can create a play list by simply
reviewing the available tracks and then making a selection by, for
example, clicking a mouse button when a display cursor points to a
desired selection and then confirming that the item is to be added
to a play list. This is shown in FIG. 5 as shaded blocks in
database 176. Once the user selects an item for the play list, the
play list can be reviewed in a play list window or screen shown as
178. Thus, the user can select as many selection for play in a
specified order as desired. The selection is made based upon the
fill knowledge of the title of the selection and/or the disc,
rather than simply the disc number and track number. In addition,
the power of the database management software can be used to search
for particular selections to add to the play list. Thus, for
example, the user could initiate a search by entering specific key
words. The search results can be presented as a list of possible
tracks or discs containing the key word(s) and the user can add the
track or disc to the play list by selecting the desired match.
[0053] Once the play list is assembled in this manner, the user can
then initiate play of the list at 188. The control interface can be
implemented as a character or graphical user interface as desired,
In one embodiment, the interface can be designed in a manner
similar to that of the Music Box window available in the Microsoft
Windows.TM. operating system and may include all conventional
instructions which could be issued via a remote control (including
stop, play, pause, skip back, skip forward, play modes such as
shuffle and repeat, volume, sound fields, etc.). In addition, the
interface can include character and graphic displays of such
attributes as CD and track play time, CD and track time remaining,
track number, track title, CD title, Artist and any other desired
information from the database. Of course, in the Music Box
interface, any desired database information must be entered by the
user, and this interface does not have a communication mechanism
which permits the computer to know the disc content of a multiple
disc player. Those skilled in the art will understand that many
variations of this procedure can be implemented within the scope of
the present invention.
[0054] With reference to FIG. 6, one simplified process for
implementing the control of CD changer 20 is illustrated. Those
skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations of this
implementation are possible, and an implementation similar to this
could be built around the Microsoft Music Box program as described
above. At step 180, the CD changer 20 is queried by the computer 32
for a listing of all CD "fingerprints" for CDs which are currently
installed in the CD changer. This step can be carried out whenever
the user requests it or whenever the CD changer detects that a CD
has been loaded or unloaded. At step 182, these "fingerprints" are
checked against the local database 174 and the local database is
restricted to those CDs currently installed in the database at 182.
This produces an image of the CDs currently installed at step 176.
At this point, the user can scan the matrix displayed as 176 and
select CDs or tracks to be added to the play list using mouse or
keyboard commands. Alternatively, the user can implement a search
at step 184 by selecting "SEARCH" from a menu (e.g. a menu bar,
menu button or icon). In this event, the database is searched using
conventional query methods at step 186. When the query is
completed, a display of the matching selections is shown for the
user to select from and control returns to step 184.
[0055] Once one or more selections are made, the user can select
the "PLAY LIST" command from the menu. At this point the user can
select any variety of play list related commands at step 190. Step
190 illustrates three such commands, but those skilled in the art
will understand that a full complement of such commands can be
programmed as desired. If the user selects "ADD" at 190, control
passes to a routine 192 that adds the selected tracks or CDs to the
current play list. If "DELETE" is selected at step 190, control
passes to a routine 196 which deletes the selected tracks or CDs
from the current play list. If "DISPLAY" is selected, a window such
as 178 is opened to show a list representation of the play list. Of
course, once the play list is represented as list 178, the user can
more readily see the listing of songs or CDs selected in their
playing order and can preferably manipulate the list directly to
delete items, rearrange items, etc.
[0056] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the process of
FIG. 6 is but one partial illustration of a command structure which
could be utilized to control CD changer 20. Obviously, many
additional useful commands (as discussed above) can be implemented
throughout the process. Accordingly, the present process is not
intended to be limiting, but rather, illustrative of the type of
control that can be implemented once the computer 32 is linked to
the CD changer 20 and once the power of the database is harnessed
for use in controlling the CD changer 20.
[0057] Once the user has access to the entire content of a compact
disc via the database 174, other opportunities for control are
possible. For example, the Sony CDP-CX100 includes a function known
as "custom files" in which, for example, the volume level for
playback can be stored along with each disc (a so-called "level
file"). Once the user has access to the database 174 including
information regarding every track of every disc, one can readily
appreciate that the individual attributes of each track can be
individually controlled via computer 36. For example, in an
extension of the "custom file" function of the CDP-CX100, computer
36 can issue commands to the CD changer 20 to alter the volume
level on a track by track basis on the playback list. Moreover,
other attributes such as sound fields can similarly be manipulated
on a track by track basis. Thus, the play list and/or the local
database can also include entries for attributes associated with
each track as illustrated in TABLE 2 below. Such entries can be
expanded in a separate window showing selections of attributes for
each database entry (track).
2TABLE 2 Track Title: Come Down Easy Track: 1 Disc: 3 Disc Title:
Rhymes & Reasons Artist: Carole King Play Time: 03:06 Play
Attributes: Level: 65% Sound Field: Live Room
[0058] Thus, for the example of TABLE 2, at play time the track
will be played at a volume level of 65% with a signal processing
sound field "live room". Of course, other user controllable
attributes can similarly be stored and assigned on a track by track
basis.
[0059] Referring now to FIG. 7, a second embodiment of the present
invention is shown. In this embodiment, a compact disc changer 220
incorporates an internal modem 240 which operates under the control
of controller 268 to access remote database 50 via telephone line
44. In this embodiment, a portion of the function of computer 32 is
absorbed into the compact disc changer 220. The function and
operation of controller 268 is similar to that of controller 68
except that the additional functions required to control modem 240
and the additional search and communications functions are
incorporated therein. Infrared receiver 284 is similar in function
to that of infrared receiver 84, except that it may require a
broader vocabulary of commands in the absence of the computer 32.
Similarly, display/control panel 282 is similar to that of
display/control panel 82 except that in the absence of the computer
display and keyboard, a more extensive display and keyboard
function is desirable.
[0060] In operation, the CD changer 220 of FIG. 7 performs
functions similar to those of CD changer 20 of FIGS. 2 and 3,
except that the local database search is bypassed. Of course, those
skilled in the art will appreciate that by incorporating mass
storage into the CD changer 220, the function of computer 32 could
be more or less completely integrated into a single package.
[0061] FIG. 8, illustrates one method of operation of CD changer
220. This method starts at step 300, When the user selects or loads
a disc at step 304, the controller 268 directs the changer
mechanism 74 to read the portion of the disc which contains the
identifying information or "fingerprint" of the selected disc at
step 306. The controller then compares this with the "fingerprints"
stored in memory 72 at step 310. If the "fingerprint" is found at
step 314, the CD changer 220 operates in a more or less
conventional manner at step 316 and then returns to await the next
disc selection at step 304.
[0062] If the "fingerprint" is not found at step 314, the user is
informed via a display (or other message system) indicating that
the disc data was not found in the CD changer's internal memory 72.
The user is then asked if the disc is to be played or if the user
wishes to attempt to retrieve the data from a database, or if the
user desires to enter data manually at step 320. The user may
respond via a remote commander or via the display/control panel
282. If the user decides to simply play the disc, control returns
to step 316 where conventional operation proceeds. If the user
decides to enter the data manually, a manual entry routine is
initiated at step 322 and then control returns to step 316.
[0063] If the user wishes to download information from a database
at step 320, control passes to step 344 where the controller 268
directly initiates a call to the remote database 50 via modem 240
and telephone line 44 to attempt to retrieve the data. Once the
database is accessed, controller 268 initiates a query of the
remote database to locate the "fingerprint" for the disc in
question at step 350.
[0064] If the disc's "fingerprint" is not found, a message is
provided at step 362 indicating such and providing the user with
the option of manual entry of the data or playing the CD without
data entry. If the user elects to play, control again returns to
step 316. If the user elects to enter data manually, this can be
carried out via the remote commander or the display/control panel
at step 322. If the "fingerprint" is found in the remote database
at step 358, the controller 268 downloads the data to the changer's
memory 72 at step 370.
[0065] Thus, by the above processes, the CD changer's memory can be
updated without need for tedious manual entry whenever the disc in
question can be found in the computer's local database or when the
information can be downloaded from a remote database. For the sake
of not obscuring the present invention with unnecessary details,
the above process has been described without the details of error
trapping, database format, communications protocol for contact with
the remote database, full messaging and other details which are not
required for the understanding of the present invention. In
addition, the above process, of course, assumes that the computer
is active at the time of the need for contact by the CD changer.
These details are well within the abilities of those skilled in the
art and need not be explained here. In addition, as CD formats
evolve to incorporate specific identifying information stored on
the disc for this purpose (or to contain the actual database
information), the present invention contemplates utilizing this
information to the extent it is available.
[0066] Many alternative embodiments of the above processes will
occur to those skilled in the art. For example, the processes
described can be carried out with the CD in question playing while
the database updating process is carried out. In another variation,
the user may select default answers to the download queries of
steps 120, 138, 162, 320, or 362. In addition, although the
possibility of having two discs which have identical "fingerprints"
is remote, the process can provide the user with the ability to
select among them if the situation were to occur.
[0067] While the present invention has been described in terms of a
compact disc as the media containing the program material, the
present invention also contemplates equivalent embodiments in other
music or video or other recording media which might not contain
machine readable information which would be useful to a user of the
media. For example, an equivalent embodiment can be devised for
media such as the MiniDisc.TM., digital video discs or other as yet
undeveloped media. Accordingly, the present invention should not be
limited to the illustrated format.
[0068] Thus it is apparent that in accordance with the present
invention, an apparatus that fully satisfies the objectives, aims
and advantages is set forth above. While the invention has been
described in conjunction with specific embodiments, it is evident
that many alternatives, modifications, permutations and variations
will become apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the
foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended that the present
invention embrace all such alternatives, modifications and
variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *