U.S. patent application number 10/610151 was filed with the patent office on 2004-01-01 for optical storage device.
Invention is credited to Buntinas, Rimas M., Keller, Peter J., Kelley, Michael J., Lahr, John M..
Application Number | 20040001395 10/610151 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24571353 |
Filed Date | 2004-01-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040001395 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Keller, Peter J. ; et
al. |
January 1, 2004 |
Optical storage device
Abstract
Disclosed is a compact disc recording device that includes a
housing, sound receiving means for receiving audio signals, a
compact disc recorder for recording onto a compact disc, and data
storage structure in the housing for storing audio signals. The
compact disc recording device is configured such that a music
library of sound tracks is storable in the data storage structure,
and the compact disc recording device includes means for selecting
a set of sound tracks from the music library to be recorded onto a
compact disc by the compact disc recorder. The housing includes a
display which identifies at least one sound track of the music
library.
Inventors: |
Keller, Peter J.; (Lake
Forest, IL) ; Kelley, Michael J.; (Arlington Heights,
IL) ; Buntinas, Rimas M.; (Evanston, IL) ;
Lahr, John M.; (Barrington, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TREXLER, BUSHNELL, GIANGIORGI,
BLACKSTONE & MARR, LTD.
105 WEST ADAMS STREET
SUITE 3600
CHICAGO
IL
60603
US
|
Family ID: |
24571353 |
Appl. No.: |
10/610151 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10610151 |
Jun 30, 2003 |
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09641200 |
Aug 17, 2000 |
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6587404 |
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09641200 |
Aug 17, 2000 |
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09111989 |
Jul 8, 1998 |
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6172948 |
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60051999 |
Jul 9, 1997 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
369/30.09 ;
700/94; 707/999.104; 707/999.107; G9B/17.051; G9B/17.054;
G9B/17.056; G9B/20.009; G9B/27.012; G9B/27.051; G9B/27.052 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 2220/2562 20130101;
G11B 2020/10546 20130101; G11B 27/36 20130101; G11B 2220/218
20130101; G11B 2220/2545 20130101; G11B 27/34 20130101; G11B 33/10
20130101; G11B 17/225 20130101; G11B 27/002 20130101; G11B 2220/41
20130101; G11B 27/034 20130101; G11B 2220/90 20130101; G11B 20/10
20130101; G11B 17/228 20130101; G11B 2220/216 20130101; G11B 17/22
20130101; G11B 2220/213 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
369/30.09 ;
700/94; 707/104.1 |
International
Class: |
G11B 007/085; G06F
017/00; G06F 007/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A compact disc recording device comprising: a housing; an audio
data receiver arranged to receive audio data from outside the
housing; a compact disc recorder located at least partially within
the housing for recording onto a compact disc; and data storage
memory located at least partially within the housing for storing
audio data received from outside the housing, said compact disc
recording device configured such that a music library of sound
tracks is storable in digital form in the data storage memory as a
result of audio data being received through the audio data
receiver, said compact disc recording device including a user
interface comprising one or more manually operable function
controllers on the housing, said compact disc recording device
configured such that said music library is organizable into a song
list, wherein said compact disc recording device is configured such
that said one or more manually operable function controllers on the
housing is useable to select a group of sound tracks stored in the
data storage memory and operate the compact disc recording device
to record audio data related to the group of sound tracks onto a
compact disc using said compact disc recorder.
2. A compact disc recording device as recited in claim 1, wherein
said audio data receiver comprises at least one external digital
interface.
3. A compact disc recording device as recited in claim 2, wherein
said external digital interface is communicatingly connected to at
least one of a Serial Interface Bus and a Digital Signal
Processor.
4. A compact disc recording device as recited in claim 3, wherein
said external digital interface comprises an interface that is
compatible with an SPDIF signal.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates generally to audio recording
devices, and relates specifically to a novel recording device for
recording onto a compact disc or other optical storage media.
[0002] Present audio tape recorder/players provide for both audio
recording onto a cassette tape and play back of the audio
recording, and are generally relatively easy to use. The typical
audio tape recorder/player has several push-buttons which allow a
user to have the device perform a number of functions in connection
with the cassette tape. Normally, a push-button is provided for
each of the following functions: pause, stop, rewind, fast forward,
play and record.
[0003] In addition to being easy to use, some audio tape
recorder/players provide additional advantages by way of advanced
features. For example, some provide that one can determine a
recording sound level before or during a recording, and set or
adjust a recording gain level in response thereto. Specifically,
some provide a digital display, such as an LED display, that
indicates the sound level which will be recorded (or which is being
recorded) onto the cassette tape, and provide a rotary knob, or
other type of adjustor, which one can adjust in order to set (or
adjust) the recording gain level. However, even these more advanced
audio tape recorder/players do not provide that one can listen to
how the recording actually sounds until after the sounds are
recorded onto the tape. In other words, the typical audio tape
recorder/player does not allow one to truly "audition" a recording
before it is actually recorded onto a cassette tape. As a result,
several "takes" may be required before an acceptable recording is
obtained. A recording may be unacceptable because of a number of
reasons such as, for example, because the recording gain level was
set too low or too high.
[0004] Additionally, present audio tape recorder/players do not
provide an easy way to vary the order in which a set of sounds,
such as a set of songs, will appear on the cassette tape. Because
an audio tape recorder/player records essentially what it "hears"
or receives, in real time, it is not possible to easily customize
the order in which sound tracks, such as songs, will appear on the
recorded tape.
[0005] Another disadvantage of audio tape recorder/players is that
they produce analog recordings, and analog recordings have a lower
sound quality than do digital recordings. Furthermore, cassette
tapes are not as durable as compact discs. For example, a dirty
tape head may effectively destroy a cassette tape upon play back.
For these reasons, cassette tapes are no longer the standard in the
music industry, and compact discs are now en vogue. Therefore,
while the demand for audio tape recorder/players has decreased, the
demand for compact disc players has been increasing.
[0006] Like present audio tape recorder/players, present compact
disc players are also relatively easy to use and provide
push-button controls, with a push-button being provided for each of
the following functions in connection with the compact disc: pause,
stop, track reverse, track forward and play. The track reverse and
track forward functions of the present-day compact disc player are
much like the rewind and forward functions, respectively, of the
present-day audio tape recorder/player. However, the nature of
compact discs provides that the track reverse and track forward
functions of a compact disc player are more useful than the
respective rewind and fast forward functions of an audio tape
recorder/player. Specifically, holding the track reverse or track
forward push-button down provides that the compact disc player
skips back or forward, respectively, within a given sound track. In
contrast, tapping the track reverse or track forward push-button on
the compact disc player provides that the compact disc player very
quickly skips back or ahead, respectively, to the previous or next
sound track on the compact disc. Because of the general nature of
cassette tapes, this latter feature cannot effectively be provided
on audio tape recorder/players.
[0007] As mentioned, compact disc players provide certain
advantages over audio tape players. Compact disc players play back
digital sound recordings from a compact disc, and digital sound
recordings have a higher sound quality than do analog signal
recordings. Also, compact disc players provide for fast movement to
the previous or next sound track. However, while audio tape
recorder/players provide that one can record onto a cassette tape,
most presently generally available compact disc players do not
provide that one can record onto a compact disc.
[0008] Those compact disc recorders which are generally available
record onto a compact disc in real time and do not provide any true
editing functions. For example, some compact disc recorders now
available provide that a source device, such as a compact disc
player or a cassette tape player, is first connected to inputs of
the compact disc recorder. Then, as the source device is operated
to begin playing music from the source medium, the compact disc
recorder is operated to begin recording. Therefore, as the source
device is playing music, the compact disc recorder records the
music in real time, as the compact disc recorder receives the music
through its inputs.
[0009] There are many disadvantages to having to record in real
time. One disadvantage is that editing is severely limited. If a
mistake is made, the mistake is generally non-correctable. For
example, if one begins recording the wrong song onto the compact
disc or begins recording a song at the wrong volume, the mistake
cannot readily be corrected. One would have to start over, and
begin recording onto a new compact disc. Another disadvantage to
having to record in real time is that if one wishes to make several
identical compact discs, one would need to re-play all of the
source music into the compact disc recorder. Of course, this
effectively provides more opportunities for mistakes to be made
while recording. Furthermore, if one wishes to make a second
compact disc much like a compact disc which was made previously,
with the exception of one song being replaced by another, one would
need to re-play all of the previous source music into the compact
disc recorder in addition to having to play the new song into the
recorder. Likewise, if one wishes to make a second compact disc
much like a compact disc which was made previously, with the
exception of the songs on the second compact disc appearing in a
different sequence, one would need to re-play all of the previous
source music into the compact disc recorder, albeit in a different
order.
[0010] Some other compact disc recorders now available include two
compact disc trays--one tray for playing music from a compact disc,
and one tray for recording the music onto another compact disc. In
other words, music is recorded from tray-to-tray. This type of
compact disc recorder presents many of the same disadvantages as
discussed above because the recording is still done in real
time.
[0011] Most of the compact disc recorders presently available can
play music from a standard compact disc, thereby operating like a
standard compact disc player. However, the devices generally cannot
play back music which was received previously by the device unless
the compact disc containing that music is first inserted into the
tray of the device.
[0012] Another disadvantage to the compact disc recorders which are
presently generally available is that the devices cannot be used to
record onto standard CD-R discs which can be played back using any
standard compact disc player. Standard CD-R recordable compact
discs (as opposed to discs marked "for consumer use") are presently
widely available, are inexpensive, and can be played back using any
standard compact disc player.
[0013] The present invention is directed at solving the
disadvantages discussed hereinabove.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0014] A general object of the present invention is,to provide a
compact disc recorder which provides advantages not generally
provided by other presently available compact disc recorders.
[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
compact disc recorder which can be used to store music tracks as
easily as using a modem-day audio tape recorder/player.
[0016] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
compact disc recorder that provides that one can listen to a stored
sound track before the sound track is recorded onto a compact disc
(i.e. truly "audition" a recording).
[0017] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a compact disc recorder that provides that one can easily customize
the order in which sound tracks will appear on a compact disc.
[0018] Yet still another object of the present invention is to
provide a compact disc recorder that can play back music which was
received previously by the recorder without a compact disc
containing that music being first inserted into the device.
[0019] Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide
a compact disc recorder that can be used to record onto
computer-compatible compact discs which are presently widely
available, are inexpensive, and can be played back using a standard
compact disc player.
[0020] Briefly, and in accordance with at least one of the
foregoing objects, the present invention envisions a compact disc
recording device that includes a housing, sound receiving means on
the housing for receiving audio signals, a compact disc recorder in
the housing for recording onto a compact disc, and a data storage
structure in the housing for storing audio signals. The compact
disc recording device is configured such that a music library of
sound tracks is storable in the data storage structure. The compact
disc recording device includes means for selecting a set of sound
tracks from the music library to be recorded onto the compact disc
by the compact disc recorder, and the housing includes a display
which identifies at least one sound track of the music library.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The organization and manner of the structure and function of
the invention, together with further objects and advantages
thereof, may be understood by reference to the following
description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings,
wherein like reference numerals identify like elements, and in
which:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a compact disc recorder in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a view of the front of the compact disc recorder
illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a view of the back of the compact disc recorder
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of the internal
components of the compact disc recorder illustrated in FIGS. 1 and
2;
[0026] FIG. 5a is the left half of a more detailed block diagram of
the internal components of the compact disc recorder illustrated in
FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0027] FIG. 5b is the right half of a more detailed block diagram
of the internal components of the compact disc recorder illustrated
in FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0028] FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of analog components of the
compact disc recorder illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2; and
[0029] FIGS. 7-23 illustrate some of the different possible screen
displays of the compact disc recorder illustrated in FIGS. 1 and
2.
DESCRIPTION
[0030] While the present invention may be susceptible to embodiment
in different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and herein will
be described in detail, an embodiment with the understanding that
the present description is to be considered an exemplification of
the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the
invention to that as illustrated and described herein.
[0031] Shown in FIG. 1 is an optical storage device or compact disc
recorder 30 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. The compact disc recorder 30 is a easy-to-use
stand-alone audio recording device that can receive signals from an
analog audio source and produce digital recordings onto a compact
disc. As will be described, the compact disc recorder 30 has memory
so sound tracks can be stored therein and selectively played back.
In this regard, the compact disc recorder 30 can be effectively
employed as a modem-day juke box. Additionally, the fact that the
compact disc recorder 30 includes memory provides that saved sound
tracks can be reviewed, or "auditioned", before being burned onto a
compact disc. Preferably, the compact disc recorder 30 has many
enhanced functions allowing for the advanced editing of stored
sound tracks, and can be used to play back standard, commercially
available compact discs. These advantages as well as many others
will be apparent after reading the following description of the
compact disc recorder 30.
[0032] Internal components of the compact disc recorder 30 are
protected by a housing 32, which may be a fabricated metal case
much like those of standard stereo decks such as cassette decks and
compact disc players. As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 32 has a
front panel 34, a back panel 36, sides 38, a top 40 and a bottom
42. The housing 32 may incorporate, or have attached thereto,
standard computer bay/mounting hardware, such as rails for drive
mounting, one or more slots for circuit board mounting, and other
mounting attachment structure.
[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front panel 34 of the compact
disc recorder 30 is an injection-molded front bezel 44 which
provides, essentially, a user interface which displays information
to a user and provides means for allowing the user to program and
control the compact disc recorder 30. The front bezel 44 has a
digital graphic display device 46 thereon. The digital graphic
display unit 46 is, for example, a 240.times.64 dot graphics LCD
with LED back-light, or may be a type of plasma display and/or a
group of lamp devices. Regardless, the digital graphic display
device 46 provides that the compact disc recorder 30 can
communicate certain information to the user in connection with the
operation, control and programming of the compact disc recorder 30.
In addition, the digital graphic display unit 46 may also be a
graphic user interface, such as a touch screen whereby a user can
operate, control and program the compact disc recorder 30 by
physically touching the digital graphic display unit 46 with a
finger, light pen, or some other object.
[0034] The front bezel 44 also provides a means to give editing
commands to embedded software (to be discussed later herein) for
ordering, auditioning and playing back sound tracks stored in the
compact disc recorder 30, prior to recording the tracks onto a
compact disc. Specifically, the front bezel 44 has a set 48 of six
transport control push-buttons 41, 43, 45, 47, 49, 50 thereon for
providing that the user can control the functioning of the compact
disc recorder 30. The set 48 of push-buttons are identical to those
typically found on present-day compact disc players, but also
includes a push-button to direct the compact disc recorder 30 to
enter a record mode as will be described more fully later. In other
words, there is a separate push-button provided for each of the
following functions of the compact disc recorder 30: stop (button
41), pause (button 43), reverse track (button 45), play (button
47), forward track (button 49) and record (button 50). The front
bezel 44 also includes a second set 52 of six push-buttons 53, 55,
57, 59, 61, 63 each of which relates to certain functions of the
compact disc recorder 30 relating to programming the compact disc
recorder 30 and editing sound tracks previously stored therein.
Preferably, the second set 52 of push-buttons allows a user to
access and interact with menus displayed on the digital graphic
display device 46. This will be described in more detail later
herein. Preferably, both sets 48 and 52 of push-buttons on the
front bezel are illuminated, such as by LEDs.
[0035] The front bezel 44 also includes optical storage medium
receiving structure so that an optical storage medium may be
inserted into an optical storage drive. As shown, the optical
storage medium receiving structure and optical storage drive may
comprise a compact disc tray 54 and a compact disc tray
eject/retract button 56 where the compact disc tray 54 forms a
portion of a compact disc recordable drive 58 (see FIGS. 4 and 5)
that is housed within the housing 32 of the compact disc recorder
30. Pressing the compact disc tray eject/retract button 56 one time
provides that the CD tray 54 on the front bezel 44 opens and
extends to allow the insertion of a compact disc into, or the
removal of a compact disc from, the compact disc recordable drive
58 housed within the housing 32 of the compact disc recorder 30.
Pressing the compact disc tray eject/retract button 56 again
provides that the compact disc tray 54 on the front bezel 44
retracts and closes to provide that the compact disc recordable
drive 58 can interact with the compact disc. Alternatively or
additionally, the compact disc recorder may be configured such that
one of the push-buttons can be used to open and close the compact
disc tray 54. The compact disc recordable drive 58 may be provided
such that a plurality of compact discs may be inserted therein. To
this end, the compact disc tray 54 may open to provide access to
more than one compact disc, or the compact disc recordable drive 58
may have more than one compact disc tray 54. Instead of a compact
disc recordable drive 58, the device may include some other type of
optical storage device such as a DVD recorder.
[0036] Further, the front bezel 44 includes analog/digital
controls, thus providing a means to operate a recording, or input,
signal level and the play back, or output, signal level.
Specifically, the front bezel 44 may include gain adjustors 60
thereon comprising two single-turn rotary potentiometers 62 and 64
for controlling the input gain of each of the right and left
channels, 66 and 68, respectively, of a line-in jack 70, which, as
shown in FIG. 3, is on the back panel 36 of the compact disc
recorder 30. Indicia may be provided on the front bezel 44 in the
vicinity of the gain adjustors 60 to indicate which adjustor 60
corresponds to the right channel, and which adjustor 60 corresponds
to the left channel. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front bezel 44
also includes a volume adjuster 72 which comprises a dual-turn
rotary potentiometer 74 for controlling the output volume to a
headphone jack 76, also located on the front bezel 44. Preferably,
the headphone jack 76 on the front bezel 44 consists of a standard
one-quarter inch, gold-plated three conductor stereo headphone
jack. Additionally, as shown, the front bezel 44 may include a
remote control signal receiving window 77 for receiving and/or
sending signals to and/or from a remote control which may include
buttons corresponding to either or both sets 48 and 52 push-buttons
provided on the front bezel 44 of the compact disc recorder 30 as
well as a display screen. Finally, also included on the front bezel
44 of the compact disc recorder 30 is a power switch 79 which may
be illuminated with an LED like the other push-buttons on the front
bezel 44. As shown, the front bezel 44 may also include a
microphone 75 for receiving a user's voice and operating in
response thereto.
[0037] As mentioned, and as shown in FIG. 3, the back panel 36 of
the compact disc recorder 30 includes a line-in phono jack 70
having a right channel 66 and a left channel 68. The line-in jack
70 provides that the compact disc recorder 30 can receive
stereophonic signals from an external source, such as from a tape
deck, a compact disc player, a stereo radio receiver, or
practically any other analog audio source. The back panel 36 of the
compact disc recorder 30 also includes a line-out jack 78 having a
right channel 80 and a left channel 82. The line-out jack 78
provides that the compact disc recorder 30 can transmit
stereophonic signals to a pre-amplifier or amplifier, such as to a
stereo radio receiver, or even to a standard cassette deck.
Preferably, each of the line jacks 70 and 78 is a standard RCA jack
having about 10,000 Ohms of impedance, and is color-coded for
stereo connection to an existing stereo system. For example, the
right channels 66 and 80 may be colored red, and the left channels
68 and 82 may be colored white. Indicia may also be provided in the
vicinity of the jacks 70 and 78 to indicate the respective channels
thereof. As shown, there may also be provided balanced input jacks
71 and 73 in the form of one-quarter inch jacks.
[0038] The back panel 36 also includes a power supply cord (not
shown) that can be plugged into a common household electrical
outlet to provide power to the compact disc recorder 30 when the
power switch 79 on the front bezel 44 is pressed. Depending on the
configuration of the compact disc recorder 30, the power supply
cord can be provided to operate either with a 115 Volt/60 Hz
electrical outlet which is commonly found in United States
households, or with a 230 Volt/50 Hz electrical outlet which is
commonly found in other countries.
[0039] As mentioned, the back panel 36 preferably includes standard
RCA input jacks 66 and 68 as well as balanced inputs 71 and 73. In
addition to, or instead of, these input lines, the back panel 36
may also include a single line stereo input. Also, in addition to,
or instead of, the headphone jack 76 and the line-out jack 78, the
back panel 36 may also include a single line stereo output. The
single line stereo input and output may each comprise a standard,
one-eighth inch TRS stereo jack. The single line stereo input would
provide that the compact disc recorder 30 can receive both channels
of an external sound source through a single jack. Likewise, the
single line stereo output would provide that the compact disc
recorder 30 can transmit both channels of a stereo signal through a
single jack. The back panel 36 may, of course, include still other
lines in and out. For example, the back panel 36 may include a
standard one-eighth inch mono combination line/microphone input
jack. In fact, the one or more input lines in and out may be
provided on the front bezel 44 in addition to, or instead of, the
back panel 36. The number of inputs and outputs and locations
thereof is not imperative. Furthermore, an amplifier can be
provided in the compact disc recorder 30, and speaker output jacks
can be provided on the back panel 36.
[0040] Regardless of the type of lines in and out provided, one
having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that a
corresponding gain or volume adjustor may be provided associated
therewith. Alternatively, it can be provided that the gain of all
the available inputs can be controlled by the gain adjustors 60
specifically shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, such that a single knob
controls the gain for a plurality of inputs. Likewise, it can be
provided that the volume of all the available outputs can be
controlled by the volume adjustor 72 specifically shown in FIGS. 1
and 2, such that a single knob controls the volume for a plurality
of outputs. Of course, all adjustors can be provided
electronically, such as on the digital graphic display device
46.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 3, furthering the versatility of the
compact disc recorder 30, the back panel 36 thereof includes a SCSI
port 84. The SCSI port 84 provides that the compact disc recorder
30 can communicate with a personal computer (PC) to create or
duplicate multi-media CD-ROMs, or backup and restore data onto a
PC. To this end, the SCSI port 84 provides active termination and a
thumb-wheel (not shown) is preferably provided in association
therewith to allow the user to identify the device number
(generally from zero to six) the PC should regard the compact disc
recorder 30. To connect to a PC, a SCSI interface cable is
connected to both the SCSI port 84 on the compact disc recorder 30
and to a SCSI card on the PC. To select the SCSI functionality of
the compact disc recorder 30, a selector switch can be provided on
the front bezel 44 or back panel 36 of the device 30.
Alternatively, the compact disc recorder 30 may be configured such
that the display device 46 and one of the input keys 52 can be used
to select the SCSI function of the device 30. Still further, the
compact disc recorder 30 may be configured for automatically
sensing that a PC is connected to the SCSI port 84, and
automatically responding thereto by entering a SCSI mode.
[0042] The internal components and connections of the compact disc
recorder 30 will now be described with reference to FIG. 4. As
shown, two input lines 86 and 88 are connected to a signal
conditioning unit 90. The input lines 86 and 88 represent analog
signals received from one or more of the inputs mentioned
hereinabove, such as from the right and left channels 66 and 68,
respectively, of the line-in jack 70, from the balanced inputs 73
and 71, from the single line stereo input and/or from a combination
line/microphone input jack. The signal conditioning unit 90
modifies the gain and frequency response of the analog signals
carried by the input lines 86 and 88 in order to optimize same for
input to an analog-to-digital converter 92, which is connected to
the signal conditioning unit 90. The signal conditioning unit 90 is
not only connected to the analog-to-digital converter 92, but also
to a control bus. A central processing unit 94, such as a
microprocessor having software embedded therein, is incorporated on
a circuit board along with a sound card (CODEC) structure, a SCSI
interface and all principal input and output connections, and is
also connected to the control bus. Preferably, the embedded command
structure is based on the standard SCSI operating commands for CD-R
devices. The connection of the central processing unit 94 to the
control bus provides that the central processing unit 94 can
control all the other devices which are connected to the control
bus, such as the signal conditioning unit 90. The signal
conditioning unit 90 modifies the gain and frequency response of
the analog signals carried by the input lines 86 and 88 under
control of the central processing unit 94 over the control bus.
[0043] As shown, in addition to being connected to the signal
conditioning unit 90, the analog-to-digital converter 92 is also
connected to the control bus. The analog-to-digital converter 92
samples each of the analog input signals received from the signal
conditioning unit 90, and converts the analog signals to digital
data, or a digital word. The analog-to-digital converter 92
performs this function under control of the central processing unit
94 over the control bus.
[0044] Also connected to the control bus is a disc storage
controller 96, and the disc storage controller 96 is also connected
to a disc subsystem bus to which is connected the compact disc
recordable drive 58 and possibly a secondary compact disc
recordable drive 108, if provided. The secondary disc recordable
drive 108 may be identical to the compact disc recordable drive 58,
or may comprise a means to store and/or read digital information on
or from a magnetic or optical disc. For example, the secondary disc
recordable drive may comprise a DVD recorder. In fact, the compact
disc recordable drive 58 may comprise a DVD recorder, and a
secondary recordable drive need not even be provided. However,
should there be included a secondary disc recordable drive 108
which is identical to the compact disc recordable drive 58, the
front bezel 44 may include a second compact disc tray, and a second
compact disc tray eject/retract button associated therewith, or may
provide that the single compact disc tray 54 can provide a compact
disc to both of the compact disc recordable drives 58 and 108. The
disc storage controller 96 essentially amounts to an interface
between the data storage or retrieval requests from the central
processing unit 94 and the disc subsystem bus. To facilitate the
control and programming of the central processing unit 94 itself,
an input key unit 98, essentially comprising the two sets 48 and 52
of previously-described user interactive switches on the front
bezel 44 of the compact disc recorder 30, is connected to the
control bus. The digital graphic display device 46 located on the
front bezel 44 of the compact disc recorder 30 is also connected to
the control bus; therefore, the central processing unit 94 can
control and drive the digital graphic display device 46.
[0045] Also connected to the control bus is a digital-to-analog
converter 100. Therefore, the central processing unit 94 can
control the operation thereof over the control bus. Specifically,
the digital-to-analog converter 100 converts digital input received
from a data bus under control of the central processing unit 94. As
shown, connected to the digital-to-analog converter 100 are two
output lines 102 and 104 for communicating the produced analog
signals to any of the outputs already mentioned, namely, the right
and left channels 80 and 82, respectively, of the line-out jack 78,
the single line stereo output, the headphone jack 76, any balanced
outputs provided, or any other outputs provided on the device 30.
Should the function selector switch (or other means of setting the
function of the compact disc recorder 30, if not automatically
detected by the compact disc recorder 30) be set to select the SCSI
device function of the compact disc recorder 30, a digital signal
output would bypass the digital-to-analog converter 100 and proceed
directly to the SCSI port 84 and then to a connected PC.
[0046] As shown, the analog-to-digital convertor 92 is also
connected to a data bus. Additionally, the SCSI port 84 is
connected to the data bus along with the central processing unit
94. This provides that the digital signal input received through
the SCSI port 84 can proceed to the central processing unit 94
without having to travel through the analog-to-digital converter
92. In this case, the function selector switch (or other means of
setting the function of the compact disc recorder 30, if not
automatically detected by the compact disc recorder 30), if
provided, would be set to select the SCSI function of the compact
disc recorder 30. Also connected to the data bus is one or more
data storage structures 106, the input key unit 98, the
digital-to-analog converter 100 and the digital graphic display
device 46. The one or more data storage structures 106 may comprise
essentially any type of data storage structure for storing and
retrieving digital information from randomly addressable memory
locations using solid state read only and/or read and write types
of memory. Specifically, the one or more data storage structures
106 may each comprise an IDE hard drive having a capacity of 2.1 or
more gigabytes. As shown, the central processing unit 94 and one or
more data storage structures 106 are interconnected via an address
bus and a data bus.
[0047] Embedded in at least one of the data storage structures 106,
and preferably supplied on a separate back-UP CD-ROM, is operating
software which includes operating system and command/control code,
thus providing means for causing and directing the various
components of the compact disc recorder 30 to perform specified
functions, including re-boot, diagnostic and installation
procedures. Preferably, the code on the CD-ROM is licensed to the
specific end user and is keyed to the serial number of the specific
compact disc recorder 30 with which it is shipped. In the event
that the portion of the code provided embedded in the data storage
structure 106 becomes accidentally damaged, the user can insert the
back-up CD-ROM into the compact disc tray-54 of the compact disc
recordable drive 58 prior to providing power to the compact disc
recorder 30. When power is provided thereto, this will result in
the testing and any necessary correcting of the data storage
structure 106 and of the operating system and command structure.
Thus, except in the case of complete data storage structure 106
failure, or other component failure (which would preferably be
detected by the central processing unit 94 using the code on the
back-up CD-ROM, thus displaying an appropriate error message on the
digital graphic display unit 46), preferably no other diagnostic or
system-related maintenance is necessary.
[0048] FIGS. 5a, 5b and 6 are detailed views of the internal
components of the compact disc recorder 30. Specifically, FIG. 5a
illustrates digital components and FIG. 5b illustrates analog
components of the compact disc recorder 30 in a simplified form.
FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b essentially form a single block diagram, with
FIG. 5a being the left half, and FIG. 5b being the right half. FIG.
6 illustrates analog components of the compact disc recorder 30 in
more detail than does FIG. 5b.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 5a, the basic system will use a PC
compatible board or chip (system on a chip, such as the STPC
presently available from ST Microelectronics) running the compact
disc recorder 30 software as an embedded system, to provide overall
control of the assorted circuit elements. Such a system will be
referred to hereinafter as a PCSystem [PCS]. The PCS will
communicate with the rest of the system by means of a Main BUS (a
bus meaning a grouping of conductors which is routed to the same
parts of a circuit, such as an ISA or PCI type), each containing a
Data, an Address and a Control sub-bus. The Main Bus, an ISA BUS in
this case, is primarily controlled by the PCS and will connect the
PCS to the DSP (such as a ADSP2111 DSP presently available from
Analog Devices), Main Memory Ram [RAM], Boot Block Eeram, Real Time
Clock & Configuration [RTC], Voice Processing & Storage
[VPS], Latch System [LATCH], SCSI adapter [SCSI] and Memory Mapped
Buffer System [BUFFER, including Memory Mapped Buffers 1 and 2 as
illustrated in FIG. 5a]. There is a secondary bus referred to as
the DSP BUS, which is primarily controlled by the DSP and connects
the DSP to the BUFFER through bank switches SW1, SW2, and SW3, to
the ANALOG BOARD through Digital OptoCouplers, and to the LATCH,
and to the I/O PROCESSOR [IOP]. A third BUS, called the Serial
Interface Bus [SPI] only connects to the ANALOG BOARD (shown in
FIG. 5b), through Digital OptoCouplers, and passes data back and
forth from the DSP and the CODEC (on the Isolated Analog Board).
The SPI, together with the Analog Board Control Bus, also controls
the DIGITALLY CONTROLLED GAIN UNITS [DCGU 1 and DCGU 2] (see FIG.
5b) and provides for connection to an External Digital Interface
(which may be utilized in a Professional Unit). A fourth BUS,
called the IDE BUS connects the HARD DISK SYSTEM [HD] to the PCS. A
fifth BUS called the SCSI BUS connects the SCSI ADAPTER to the
compact disc recordable drive 58.
[0050] With application of Mains Power to the Main Power Supply
[PS], the PS will first supply power and then a power good signal
to the PCS. The PCS will initialize under Bios control, perform
power on tests, and then load the compact disc recorder 30 imbedded
Operating System [AADOS] from the EERAM. The application of Power
will cause the data storage structure 106 (HD in FIG. 5a) and
compact disc recordable drive 58 to initialize. The AADOS will then
initialize LATCH, TOP, RTC and VPS. The AADOS will then initialize
the DSP and then load the DSP operating system [DSP CODE] into the
DSP through the DSP Host Interface Port [HIP]. The DSP will then
establish communications with the CODEC and DCGU's. The AADOS will
initialize the LCD and display the start screen and begin normal
operation in a ready mode, waiting for User input.
[0051] The EERAM which boots the AADOS can be reconfigured and
rewritten under control of the PCS, thereby allowing for the
complete operating system to be upgraded at will.
[0052] The BUFFER comprises BUFFER1 and BUFFER2, bus switches SW1,
SW2 and SW3, and an ADDRESS DECODER. These units comprise a method
to map one half of the total BUFFER, BUFFER1 for instance, into the
memory address space of the PCS while, at the same time mapping the
other buffer, BUFFER2, into the memory address space of the
DSP.
[0053] In the record mode, the CODEC (such as a Crystal CS4222)
converts the Audio Input Signals into Digital Data and passes the
data through the SPI to the DSP, which will store the data (after
first perhaps processing it in some way) to BUFFER2, in this
instance, until the buffer is full. While BUFFER2 was filling, the
PCS was storing the data which was previously placed in BUFFER1 to
the HARD DISK SYSTEM and/or the SCSI subsystem. After BUFFER2 has
been filled the DSP switches the bus switches, SW1, SW2, and SW3,
which now maps BUFFER2 into the memory address space of the PCS and
maps BUFFER1 into the memory address space of the DSP. The DSP then
begins to fill BUFFER1 with data from the CODEC and the cycle
continues.
[0054] In playback mode the flow of data is reversed and originates
as Digital Data from the HARD DISK SYSTEM or the SCSI storage
system, follows the same path in reverse, and is output from the
CODEC as Audio (or additionally as a digitally coded audio signal,
typically a SPDIF signal).
[0055] While in Record, Playback or Stop mode, the VPS can be
activated and a voice message [SLATE] can be input through the
microphone to the VPS, digitized, and stored as a voice bandwidth
(typically 11.025 k) file which is linked to the current track.
[0056] The RTC will store the correct time, date and configuration
while the compact disc recorder 30 is off, and will have the
capability to start and stop recording while unattended.
[0057] Operation of the compact disc recorder 30 will now be
described. Upon powering the device 30, the central processing unit
94 first initializes the digital graphic display unit 46 (unless
there is a fatal system error) and all the user-interactive buttons
and knobs such as the push-buttons 48, the soft-key keyboard set
52, and the gain and volume adjustors, 60 and 72. After this
initialization, the central processing unit 94 tests the RAM (see
FIG. 5). Should a problem with the RAM be detected, an appropriate
error message would preferably be displayed on the digital graphic
display unit 46 on the front bezel 44 of the compact disc recorder
30. Should no problem be detected, the central processing unit 94
proceeds to test the one or more data storage structures 106, to
determine whether the operating system code embedded therein is
intact. If the operating system code is completely intact, the code
is loaded into the RAM and a specified start-up application is
loaded and run. Should the operating system code not be completely
intact, the central processing unit 94 checks the compact disc
recordable drive 58 to determine whether the back-up CD-ROM, a Boot
CD, is inserted in the compact disc tray 54. If not, the central
processing unit 94 preferably displays an appropriate error message
on the digital graphic display unit 46 and awaits for the insertion
of a Boot CD into the compact disc tray 54. When the Boot CD is
detected, the central processing unit 94 restores the data storage
structure 106, and performs a cold boot.
[0058] Then, the central processing unit 94 initializes all the
hardware of the compact disc recorder 30 (see specifically FIGS. 4,
5a and 5b). Then, the central processing unit 94 determines whether
the compact disc recorder 30 is to be used as an external SCSI
device for a PC. To this end, the central processing unit 94 may
check to determine whether an interface cable is connected to the
SCSI port 84 on the back panel 36 of the compact disc recorder 30,
or may check to determine the setting of a function selector switch
provided on the front bezel 44 or back panel 36. Of course, as
mentioned, other means may be provided to direct the functioning of
the compact disc recorder 30 between being a SCSI device and being,
for example, a compact disc recorder/player for a common stereo
system. If the central processing unit 94 determines that the
compact disc recorder 94 is to be used as an external SCSI device,
the compact disc recorder 30 enters a SCSI mode, and if the central
processing unit 94 determines that the compact disc recorder 94 is
to be used otherwise, the central processing unit 94 preferably
updates the display on the digital graphic display unit 46 and
enters an idle mode waiting for user interaction.
[0059] After pressing the Record button 50, when the compact disc
recorder 30 receives analog input signals received by any of the
analog inputs of the compact disc recorder, the signal conditioning
unit 90, under control of the central processing unit 94, modifies
the gain and frequency response of the analog signals in order to
optimize the analog input signals for input to the
analog-to-digital convertor 92. The analog-to-digital convertor 92
samples each of the analog input signals received from the signal
conditioning unit 90, and converts the analog input signals to
digital data, or a digital word. The analog-to-digital convertor
92, under control of the central processing unit 94, then places
the digital data, or digital word, on the data bus at the proper
time. Thereafter, the central processing unit 94 can cause the
digital data to be saved in the data storage structure 106 as one
or more digital files, such as digital audio wavetable (.wav) or
raw (.raw) files, in the order in which they were received.
Preferably, an operating system embedded in the central processing
unit 94 together with the embedded command software enable the user
to focus on selection and ordering of audio material (to be
described later herein), rather than on the technical aspects of
typical pre-mastering and mastering software. Preferably, the only
settings the user must make are overall recording level and
balance, and even these functions can be programmed such that these
are set automatically by the central processing unit 94. Other
functions which may be automatically performed by the central
processing unit 94 include trimming the lead and/or tail from a
take, fading in or out a take, slating a take, setting the
equalizing levels for a recording session or even for particular
sound tracks within a session, supporting multiple sessions stored
in the data storage device 106, and permitting the composing of a
session from a library of takes. Many of these functions as well as
others will be described more fully later herein in connection with
the digital display 46 and set 52 of push-buttons.
[0060] After digital data has been saved in the data storage
structure 106 as one or more digital files, the digital files can
be auditioned, or reviewed, before being saved onto a compact disc,
such as a CD-R or CD-RW, which has been inserted in the compact
disc tray 54 of the compact disc recordable drive 58 and/or a
secondary optical storage device 108 such as a secondary compact
disc recordable drive or a DVD recorder. To facilitate the
auditioning of the digital files and the discrete ordering thereof
prior to recording onto a compact disc, each sound track, or
digital file, is maintained as a separate file. Alternatively, the
one or more digital files can be saved onto a compact disc without
first auditioning same. To audition one or more digital files, a
user would interact with specific controls on the front bezel 44 of
the compact disc recorder 30, such as the set 48 or 52 of
push-buttons or directly with the digital graphic display unit 46
if a touch screen is provided. Alternatively, a microphone 75 may
be provided on the front bezel 44 and the device operated by
voice.
[0061] As mentioned, preferably the pressing any of the
push-buttons on the front bezel 44 essentially amounts to
interaction with the input key unit 98 identified in FIG. 4. The
input key unit 98 enables user interaction with the program control
of the compact disc recorder 30. Should the user program or direct
the compact disc recorder 30 to audition one or more digital files,
the central processing unit 94 would cause the one or more digital
files to be forwarded to the digital-to-analog converter 100 over
the data bus. The digital-to-analog converter 100 converts this
digital data received over the data bus to analog signals,
processes the signals to reduce or eliminate any effects from a
digital clock supplied by the central processing unit 94, and
distributes the analog signals as the two output lines 102 and 104,
all under control of the central processing unit 94. Thereafter, as
mentioned, the two output lines 102 and 104 can emit the analog
signals from any or all of the outputs 76, 78 of the compact disc
recorder 30 which have already been described. All conversions of
the analog signals to and from digital data are performed in a
hard-wired environment. This virtually eliminates the possibility
that one or more files will be corrupted during the conversions. As
will be described, during auditioning, a user can, for example,
play the take or delete the take as well as assemble the take into
one or more sessions.
[0062] Either before or after auditioning the digital data and
possibly after rearranging the order of the individual digital
files, the user may direct or program the compact disc recorder 30
to record, or burn, an image of sound tracks (digital data) stored
in the data storage structure 106 onto a compact disc. As will be
described more fully later herein, to do so, the user would again
interact with specific controls on the front bezel 44 of the
compact disc recorder 30, such as the second set 52 of
push-buttons. Should the user program or direct the compact disc
recorder 30 to write one or more digital files onto the compact
disc, the central processing unit 94 would cause the one or more
digital files in the data storage structure 106 to forward to the
disc storage controller 96. As mentioned, the disc storage
controller 96 amounts to an interface between the data storage or
retrieval requests from the central processing unit 94 and the disc
subsystem bus. As a result, the central processing unit 94 can
direct the recording of the one or more digital files onto the
compact disc by the compact disc recordable drive 58 (and/or the
secondary compact disc recordable or DVD drive 108).
[0063] After writing to a compact disc, the recording can be played
back by the compact disc recordable drive 58 or any standard
compact disc player. During play back using the compact disc
recorder 30, the digital graphic display unit 48 may display
certain information relating to the play back. To play back the
recording (or to play any other compact disc), the user merely
employs the set 52 of push-buttons to direct the compact disc
recorder 30 to enter a play compact disc mode and then presses the
push-button 47 corresponding to "play" when the compact disc is
inserted into the compact disc tray 54. This will be described more
fully later herein. During play back, the compact disc recordable
drive 58 converts the digital data on-board and outputs the analog
signals for output through any of the outputs of the compact disc
recorder 30 mentioned above, for example, through the line-out jack
78 and/or through the headphone jack 76. Additionally, the compact
disc recorder 30 may be configured such that the compact disc
recordable drive 58 can output signals for direct recording onto
the data storage structure 106, thereby obviating the need to
connect a signal source such as a compact disc player to any of the
inputs of the compact disc recorder 30.
[0064] In the manner described above, the compact disc recorder 30
is primarily designed to provide that analog audio signals can be
archived in a data storage structure 106, and later recalled to be
recorded, or burned, onto a compact disc. The compact disc recorder
30 also provides that a user can review archived sound tracks by
accessing the data storage structure 106 through software embedded
within the central processing unit 94. This auditioning feature can
be conducted on both a track-by-track basis and on an entire
session basis. The benefit of being able to audition or review
audio tracks before recording same onto a compact disc is that the
recording quality, gain level and desired order of the sound tracks
can be determined to be correct beforehand. Therefore, an ideal
recording onto a compact disc can be achieved on the first try.
[0065] The compact discs produced by the compact disc recorder 30
are fully compatible with any present-day compact disc player.
However, the compact disc recorder 30 can also be used to play back
the compact disc after it is recorded thereon by the compact disc
recordable drive 58 (or if the drive 58 is provided as being some
other type of optical storage drive, preferably the optical storage
medium recorded thereon can be played in that type of standard
optical storage player). To this end, the compact disc recordable
drive 56 (or a secondary compact disc recordable drive 108) itself
can play back the compact disc. In addition, the compact disc
recordable drive 56 can play standard commercially-produced audio
compact disc (typically recorded in CD-DA audio format). As will be
described more fully later herein, to have the compact disc
recorder 30 play a compact disc, the user would again interact with
specific controls on the front bezel 44 of the compact disc
recorder 30, such as the first set 48 of push-buttons, as described
previously herein. Should the user program or direct the compact
disc recorder 30 to play a compact disc, analog signals would
travel from the compact disc recordable drive 58 to outputs which
are provided on the compact disc recorder 30, such as out the
line-out jack 78 on the back panel 36 or the headphone jack 76 on
the front bezel 44.
[0066] As mentioned, the back panel 36 of the compact disc recorder
30 includes a SCSI port 84. The SCSI port 84 provides that the
compact disc recorder 30 can be used as a fully functional CD-R
external drive for a multi-media personal computer (PC) system. To
this end, a SCSI interface cable can be attached to the SCSI port
84 on the compact disc recorder 30 and to a SCSI card on the PC.
This connection and the functionality of the compact disc recorder
30 enables a user to create backup copies of existing multi-media
CD-ROMs, or programs or data stored on a hard drive. In addition,
the user can compose and duplicate multi-media presentations using
CD-R recordable blank media.
[0067] Preferably, the compact disc recorder 30 provides many
enhanced features and functions, some of which have been mentioned
hereinabove. Also, preferably the compact disc recorder 30 is easy
to use. Some of these enhanced features (some of which have been
already discussed hereinabove) and preferred screen displays of the
display device 46 will now be described.
[0068] Some of the display device 46 outputs to be described
contain song names, etc. which are presently commercially available
and presumably protected by appropriate copyright laws. Of course,
it is assumed that the user would have pre-acquired the legal right
to do the acts to be described, or that the acts to be described
are otherwise legal (e.g., fair use).
[0069] When the compact disc recorder 30 is initially turned on,
the digital display 46 may, after a short time (after the central
processing unit 94 initializes the internal components of the
device 30, as already described), appear as shown in FIG. 1
displaying a start-up screen which may include a trademark.
[0070] Then, after another short time period, the digital display
46 may appear as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 7. FIGS. 7-23 are
cut-aways of the front bezel 44, including the set 52 of
push-buttons 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 63 adjacent the display device 46.
When describing each of these displays, like reference numerals
will be used to identify like items and, at times, detailed
discussion thereof will be omitted.
[0071] Attention is specifically directed to FIG. 7. As shown, the
display device 46 may initially display session name indicia 200,
song name indicia 202, time indicia 208 which indicates the length
of the song in terms of time, peak level indicator indicia 210,
track number indicia 214 which indicates the position of that
particular song within the session, status indicia 206 which
indicates what the compact disc recorder 30 is doing, session time
remaining indicia 204, display indicia 218 which indicates what it
is that a center display 216 is indicating, and selection menu 212
which indicates functions a user can access by pressing a
corresponding push-button 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 63 from the set 52 of
push-buttons adjacent the display device 46 on the front bezel
44.
[0072] Essentially, the screen display shown in FIG. 7 is
indicating that the session is called "Metallica", the song track
entitled "Fade to Black" is the first song in the session, the
total track time is being displayed and the song is 6:56 long,
there is about 20% remaining in the session (the entire session
will fit on a compact disc and some more sound tracks can still be
added), the compact disc recorder 30 is in a stop mode, the inputs
to the compact disc recorder 30 are low (-45 right channel and -45
left channel), and the user may use the corresponding push-button
53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 63 to select one of the following functions:
utility, time, play a compact disc, make a compact disc, session
and peak.
[0073] Specifically, pressing push-button 55 (time function) will
change the center display to indicate, for example, the time
elapsed in the song during play back from the data storage
structure, the amount of time used in the session, the amount of
time remaining in the session, etc. depending on how many times the
push-button 55 is pressed. As the center display changes, the
display indicia 218 changes to indicate what it is that the center
display 216 is indicating.
[0074] Pressing push-button 57 causes the compact disc recorder 30
to enter a play CD mode wherein a compact disc placed in the
compact disc tray 54 can be played back using the compact disc
recordable drive 58. During play CD mode, the set 48 of
push-buttons on the front bezel 44 may be operated much like the
controls of a standard compact disc player. When the compact disc
recorder 30 enters this mode, the display device 46 may appear as
shown in FIG. 23 indicating that track one of the compact disc
received is 00:00 long (essentially indicating that no compact disc
has been inserted in the compact disc tray 54). At this time, the
selection menu 272 includes two options: time and exit. Pressing
the push-button 55 (corresponding to the time option) causes the
center display 216 to indicate, for example, the time elapsed in
the song, the amount of time remaining in the song, the amount of
time elapsed on the disc and the amount of time remaining on the
disc, etc. depending on how many times the push-button 55 is
pressed. As the center display changes, the display indicia 218
changes to indicate what it is that the center display 216 is
indicating. Pressing push-button 63 (corresponding to the exit
option) causes the compact disc recorder 30 to exit the play back
mode and revert back to the display illustrated in FIG. 7.
[0075] When the display device 46 appears as illustrated in FIG. 7,
pressing push-button 59 causes the compact disc recorder 30 to
enter a write compact disc mode at which time the display device 46
may prompt (such as by pressing push-button 47) the user to confirm
that a compact disc is to be made. After the user confirms as such,
the compact disc recorder 30, and specifically the compact disc
recordable drive 58 component thereof, begins writing the session
to a compact disc inserted in the tray 54. As will be described, a
session will typically be a group of sound tracks which have been
previously assigned to that particular session.
[0076] To view the contents of a particular session, one presses
the push-button 61 when the display device 46 appears as
illustrated in FIG. 7, at which time the display changes to that
which is shown in FIG. 8. The display includes session title
indicia 220, data storage structure free space indicia 222, session
remaining time indicia 224, a session song list 228 which is a list
of all the sound tracks assigned to that particular session, a
cursor 226 which can be maneuvered among the session song list 228,
and a selection menu 230 which indicates the functions a user can
access by pressing a corresponding push-button 53, 55, 57, 59, 61,
63 from the set 52 of push-buttons adjacent the display device 46
on the front panel: view, up, down, play, exit, more.
[0077] Essentially, the screen display depicted in FIG. 8 is
indicating that the session is called "Metallica", the session
includes at least sound tracks which have been entitled (by the
user) "Fade to Black", "King Nothing", "Sad But True" and
"Fuel".
[0078] Pressing push-button 55 causes the cursor 226 to move up the
session song list 228, and pressing push-button 57 causes the
cursor 226 to move down the session song list 228 thereby possibly
causing the session song list 228 to scroll down and display sound
tracks beyond the first four. Pressing and holding down push-button
59 causes the compact disc recorder 30 to begin playing the track
highlighted by the cursor 226 until the push-button 59 is released
(used primarily only to identify which sound track is
highlighted--to truly listen to tracks within a session, a user
would press push-button 61 and revert back to the screen display
shown on FIG. 7, then the user would interact with the other set 48
of push-buttons much like operating a standard compact disc
player). Pressing push-button 61 causes the screen display to
revert back to that which is shown in FIG. 7. Pressing push-button
63 when the screen display is as shown in FIG. 8 causes the screen
display to appear as shown in FIG. 19. As shown, the only
difference between the two displays (FIG. 8 and FIG. 19) is that
the selection menu (266 in FIG. 19) has changed to indicate that
the following functions are accessible: back, move up, move down,
delete. Pressing push-button 53 causes the screen display to revert
back to the display shown in FIG. 8. In contrast, pressing
push-button 55 causes the highlighted sound track in the session
song list 228 to move up within the list (as shown "King Nothing"
would be moved ahead of "Fade to Black" to occupy the first spot in
the list), and pressing push-button 57 causes the highlighted sound
track in the session song list 228 to move down within the list (as
shown "King Nothing" would be moved behind "Sad But True" to occupy
the third spot in the list). Pressing push-button 59 causes the
highlighted sound track in the session song list 228 to be deleted
from that particular session. However, this does not cause the
sound track to be deleted from the data storage device on which the
sound track has been stored, and the sound track will still remain
contained in the master song list which is accessed by pressing
push-button 53 while the display is as shown in FIG. 8, after which
the display device 46 appears as shown in FIG. 9.
[0079] The display shown in FIG. 9 includes data storage structure
indicia 232 which indicates in which data storage structure (e.g.
part 106) the list of sound tracks is stored, a master sound track
list 234 which lists all the sound tracks stored in the data
storage structure indicated by the data storage structure indicia
232, and selection menu 236 which indicates that a user can access
the following functions by pressing a corresponding push-button 53,
55, 57, 59, 61, 63 from the set 52 of push-buttons on the front
bezel 44: view, up, down, add, exit, more.
[0080] Essentially, the screen display shown in FIG. 9 is
indicating that the data storage structure indicated by the data
storage structure indicia 232 includes at least sound tracks which
have been entitled (by the user) "Breadfan", "Fade to Black",
"Fuel" and "Harvester" and that each of the sound tracks are used
within at least one session (as indicated by the x's).
[0081] Pressing push-button 55 causes the cursor 226 to move up the
master sound track list 234, and pressing push-button 57 causes the
cursor 226 to move down the master sound track list 234 thereby
possibly causing the master sound track list 234 to scroll down and
display sound tracks beyond the first four. Pressing push-button 59
causes the sound track highlighted by the cursor 226 to be added to
the session which has been selected (session selection will be
described in connection with FIG. 10). Pressing push-button 61
causes the display to revert back to that which is shown in FIG. 7.
Pressing push-button 63 causes the screen display to appear as
shown in FIG. 16. As shown, the only difference between the two
displays (FIG. 9 and FIG. 16) is that the selection menu (258 in
FIG. 16) has changed to indicate the following functions are
accessible: back, name, delete, play, delete all, more. Pressing
push-button 53 causes the screen display to revert back to the
display shown in FIG. 9. Pressing push-button 55 allows the user to
name (or re-name) the highlighted sound track. Pressing push-button
57 causes the sound track highlighted by the cursor 226 to be
deleted from the data storage structure indicated by the data
storage structure indicia 232. Pressing and holding down
push-button 59 causes the compact disc recorder 30 to begin playing
the track highlighted by the cursor 226 until the push-button 59 is
released (used primarily only to identify which sound track is
highlighted--to truly listen to tracks within a session, a user
would press push-button 61 when the screen appears as shown in FIG.
9 to cause the screen to appear as shown in FIG. 7, then the user
would interact with the other set 48 of push-buttons much like
operating a standard compact disc player). Pressing push-button 61
when the screen appears as shown in FIG. 16 causes any sound tracks
which are not assigned to a session (indicated as not having an "x"
in the used column) to be erased or otherwise made unavailable.
Preferably, pressing push-button 57 or 61 causes the compact disc
recorder to prompt the user for a confirmation (such as by having
the user press push-button 47) that a deletion is actually desired.
Additionally, the user may be prompted for a password before the
one or more sound tracks are deleted. Upon deleting a sound track,
the sound track would no longer appear in the master list 234.
Pressing push-button 63 causes the screen display to appear as
shown in FIG. 18. As shown, the only difference between the two
displays (FIG. 16 and FIG. 18) is that the selection menu (264 in
FIG. 18) has changed to indicate that the following selections are
possible: back, copy, move. Pressing push-button 55 allows the user
to copy the highlighted sound track to another data storage
structure, and pressing push-button 57 allows a user to move the
highlighted sound track to another data storage structure. Pressing
push-button 53 causes the screen display to revert back to that
which is shown in FIG. 16.
[0082] As mentioned, pressing push-button 55 when the display is as
shown in FIG. 16 allows a user to name (or re-name) the sound track
which is highlighted by the cursor 226. After the push-button 55 is
pressed, the display device 46 may appear as shown in FIG. 17 where
a naming box 260 appears substantially at the center of the
display. Pressing push-button 53 causes the cursor in the song
title to move to the left, pressing push-button 55 causes the
cursor in the song title to move to the right, pressing push-button
57 causes the letter highlighted by the cursor to move down (i.e.
from "b" to "a") and pressing push-button 59 causes the letter
highlighted by the cursor to move up (i.e. from "b" to "c"). Then,
pressing push-button 61 causes the display to revert back to FIG.
16 after saving the sound track title just entered using
push-buttons 53, 55, 57 and 59, and pressing push-button 63 causes
the display to revert back to FIG. 16 without saving the sound
track title just entered using push-buttons 53, 55, 57 and 59 (i.e.
the former title is retained). Of course, instead of providing this
means to enter a song title, a four-way or other type of menu may
be provided for selecting letters and other characters.
Alternatively, as mentioned, a microphone 75 (or a microphone jack
for receiving a microphone) may be provided on the compact disc
recorder 30 thereby allowing the user to input song names by voice.
This is depicted in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5a. In fact, the compact disc
recorder 30 can be configured such that a user can also maneuver
through the several menus using one's voice.
[0083] After the display has reverted back to that which is shown
in FIG. 16, push-button 53 can be pressed to have the display
revert back to that which is shown in FIG. 9. If push-button 53 is
then pressed (the "view" function), the display appears as shown in
FIG. 10 where the display contains a session list 240. Selection
menu 242 indicates that pressing push-button 55 causes the cursor
226 to move up within the list of sessions, and pressing
push-button 57 causes the cursor 226 to move down within the list
of sessions. Pressing push-button 59 results in the session
highlighted by the cursor 226 being selected. As a result, any
sound tracks recorded into the compact disc recorder 30 (recording
will be described more fully later herein) will be assigned to the
end of that particular session. Pressing push-button 61 causes the
display to revert back to that which is shown in FIG. 7 at which
time recording a sound track into that session can be performed.
Pressing push-button 63 when the display is as shown in FIG. 10
causes the display to appear as shown in FIG. 20 at which time the
selection menu 266 indicates that pressing push-button 57 provides
that the session highlighted by the cursor 226 becomes deleted (the
sound tracks contained therein would still remain in the master
sound track list 234 depicted in FIGS. 9 and 16-18), pressing
push-button 59 allows the user to name (or re-name) the session
highlighted by the cursor 226 in much the same manner as a song is
named (or re-named) (see FIG. 17 and the description hereinabove
associated therewith), pressing push-button 55 provides that a new
session is added to the session list (the new session may first be
given a generic name by the compact disc recorder 30 such as
"session33", but the session can be re-named as mentioned above)
and pressing push-button 53 when the display is as shown in FIG. 20
provides that the display reverts back to that which is shown in
FIG. 10.
[0084] Pressing push-button 53 at such time provides that the
display appears as shown in FIG. 11, where a data storage structure
list 246 is displayed and a selection menu 248 indicates that
pressing push-button 55 causes the cursor to move up within the
list 246, pressing push-button 57 causes the cursor to move down
within the list 246, pressing push-button 59 causes the highlighted
data storage structure to be selected, pressing push-button 61
causes the display to revert back to that which is shown in FIG. 7,
and pressing push-button 53 causes the display to again display a
session song list 228 as shown in FIG. 8.
[0085] When the display is as shown in FIG. 7, a sound track may be
recorded into the selected data storage structure (i.e. 106), as
described above in connection with FIG. 11. To begin recording, a
user merely presses key 50 (the "record" key) on the front bezel
44. This causes the display to appear as shown in FIG. 21. At such
a time, the compact disc recorder 30 is not initially recording any
sounds received through the analog line in jack 70 (or any of the
other inputs provided on the device 30), but is "listening" to the
sounds. Thus, a user may start sending sounds into the analog line
in jack 70 or any other analog lines in provided (such as by
pressing play on the standard compact disc player or cassette tape
player connected thereto) and may preview and set the recording
level. The recording level will appear in the right-hand part of
the display as two vertical bars--one corresponding to the left
channel, and the other corresponding to the right channel. Also,
two numbers (both -64 as shown in FIG. 21) over the vertical bars
will indicate the amount of headroom the maximum signal has before
the digital signal to be created by the recording is clipped. A
user may want to get these two numbers to a specific value (often
depending on the type of music recorded) as the compact disc
recorder 30 previews the highs in the sound track. To adjust the
recording volume, a user manipulates the adjusters 60 (left 62 and
right 64).
[0086] When a user then presses the push-button 47 on the front
bezel 44, the compact disc recorder 30 begins recording the sound
track into the session previously selected, and onto the data
storage structure previously selected. Preferably, the compact disc
recorder 30 is configured such that a user can "Pause" the
recording (such as by pressing button 43). As shown in FIG. 22,
during the recording, the display indicates the time elapsed in the
recording (1:03), the position of the sound track within the
session (track 14) and the name of the session into which the sound
track is being recorded (a session called "Metallica").
Additionally, the display indicates the status of the compact disc
recorder 30 (recording) using the status indicator 206 and
indicates the time left within the session, which will ultimately
depend on how much music can be stored on a compact disc.
Furthermore, the display indicates the recording volume in the form
of the already-mentioned two vertical bars and associated numbers,
and indicates that the sound track has been assigned the generic
name "New034" (of course, the sound track name can be changed as
described above). During recording, the selection menu 270
indicates that a user may press push-button 55 to change the center
display 216 to indicate, for example, total session time elapsed,
total session time remaining, track time remaining, etc. and what
the center display 216 is indicating will be identified by display
indicia 218. Pressing push-button 63 causes the peak level bars and
associated numbers to reset. Pressing push-button 57 leaves a
"mark" in the sound track at that particular location in the song,
and pressing push-button 59 causes the mark to be cleared. When a
user decides that recording is finished, the user presses
push-button 50 on the front bezel 44 to immediately begin recording
the next track, or presses push-button 41 to stop recording. Once
recording is stopped, the display reverts back to that which is
described in FIG. 7 at which time a user may edit any of the sound
tracks in that particular session. Leaving one or more marks within
the sound tracks allows one to edit the sound tracks once they have
been recorded into the selected data storage structure.
[0087] Editing sound tracks contained within a session will now be
described. To edit a particular sound track in a session, one
selects the sound track by using the push-buttons 45 and 49 when
the display device 46 appears as shown in FIG. 7. Once the desired
sound track is displayed, push-button 53 is pressed, and the
display appears as shown in FIG. 12 at which time pressing
push-button 63 causes the display to revert back to that which is
displayed in FIG. 7. In contrast, pressing push-button 53 when the
display appears as shown in FIG. 12 causes the display to appear as
shown in FIG. 13 at which time selection menu 252 indicates that
pressing push-button 55 causes the compact disc recorder 30 to
connect a plurality of sound tracks together into a single sound
track, pressing push-button 57 causes the compact disc recorder 30
to re-configure the sound track so that it fades in to the first
mark placed in the sound track, pressing push-button 59 causes the
compact disc recorder 30 to re-configure the sound track so that it
fades out from the last mark placed in the sound track, pressing
push-button 61 causes the display to revert back to that which is
displayed in FIG. 12, and pressing push-button 63 causes the
display to provide a selection menu 254 as shown in FIG. 14 at
which time it is indicated that pressing push-button 55 causes the
compact disc recorder 30 to trim the beginning of a sound track up
to the first mark placed in the sound track, pressing push-button
57 causes the compact disc recorder 30 to trim the end of a sound
track from the last mark placed in the sound track, pressing
push-button 59 causes the compact disc recorder 30 to re-configure
the sound track so that it fades out from the last mark placed in a
sound track and fades in to the first mark placed in the next sound
track in the session, and pressing push-button 61 causes the
display to adjust the amplitude of the soundtrack to a selected
value whereafter preferably the user is prompted to input a value
corresponding to the amplitude desired.
[0088] Pressing push-button 63 causes the display to provide a
selection menu 256 as shown in FIG. 15 indicating that pressing
push-button 55 will cause any marks placed within the sound track
to be cleared and pressing push-button 57 will cause two sound
tracks to be joined. Pressing push-button 53 causes the display to
revert back to that which is shown in FIG. 14, and pressing
push-button 53 again causes the display to revert back to that
which is shown in FIG. 13 at which time pressing push-button 61
causes the display to revert back to the display shown in FIG.
7.
[0089] From FIG. 7, pressing push-button 53 causes the display to
revert back to the display shown in FIG. 12. Thereafter, pressing
push-button 55 causes the compact disc recorder 30 to search for
and utilize an upgrade compact disc in the compact disc tray 54.
Hence, as mentioned, upgrades in the software can be performed
using an upgrade compact disc. Pressing push-button 57 causes the
display 46 to prompt the user as to how the sound tracks should be
sorted in the master song list 234 such as by name, size or time
and date recorded. Pressing push-button 59 allows the user to set
the date and time in the device 30. Pressing push-button 61 causes
the compact disc recorder 30 to rebuild certain session information
files. As mentioned, pressing push-button 63 causes the display to
revert back to that which is shown in FIG. 7.
[0090] Of course, the screen displays as illustrated on FIGS. 7-23
are merely illustrative, and may take many forms without departing
from the scope of the present invention. Additionally, there may,
in fact, be no input keys provided on the device 30 and all
commands can be given by voice via the microphone 75, if
provided.
[0091] Preferably, the compact disc recorder 30 is configured such
that a user can implement an AutoPilot function (preferably by
interacting with buttons 48 and/or 52), as sound is being received
by the compact disc recorder 30 (i.e. via input 70 or 71/73),
wherein the compact disc recorder 30 automatically "marks" tracks
"on the fly" whenever a low enough sound level (or "threshold") of
silence is reached for a sufficiently long period of time. In other
words, the compact disc recorder 30 is configured to close a sound
track and start another each time a low enough sound level (or
"threshold") of silence is reached for a sufficiently long period
of time. Hence, for example, if a twelve track CD is being played
into input 70 while the compact disc recorder 30 is recording and
the AutoPilot function is on, the compact disc recorder 30
automatically marks the twelve tracks without a user having to hit
"record" (i.e. button 50) (or "stop" (i.e. button 41) and record
(i.e. button 50)) between each track. Preferably, the compact disc
recorder 30 is configured such that the user can adjust both the
threshold level of silence and the duration of silence required,
thereby increasing the versatility of the AutoPilot functionality.
Preferably, the display 46 provides some indication (for example,
displays the indicia "AP") to the user that the AutoPilot function
is presently active.
[0092] As discussed above, the compact disc recorder 30 is
configured such that a user can edit a track which is stored on the
data storage structure 106. Preferably, the compact disc recorder
30 is configured such that a noise reduction function can be
applied to a sound track, for example, so a "hiss" or "pops" can be
removed therefrom. Preferably, a standard noise reduction function
can be implemented, which does not require that any parameters be
set by the user. However, the compact disc recorder 30 may also be
configured to provide advanced noise reduction functions, wherein
the user adjusts parameters such as variable smoothing and
post-filtering factors, detection threshold and length of detection
alarms, thereby enabling the user to customize noise reduction
algorithms for the severity of noise and set the parameters to
obtain the best possible results.
[0093] Preferably, the compact disc recorder 30 is configured such
that the compact disc recorder 30 implements post-processing
"compression" algorithms, thereby enabling the user to smooth out
unintentional imbalances in the volume of recorded material. Both
single band and multi-band compression algorithms may be employed.
The primary use of such algorithms is in "finishing" operations,
for material that is recorded live, in order to compensate for such
phenomena as variations in vocal tracks arising as a result of the
artist's inadvertently failing to project his or her voice directly
into the microphone, insufficient gain (volume) on an instrument
(such as a too quiet bass) or similar anomalies.
[0094] Preferably, the compact disc recorder 30 is configured such
that the user can compare the original version of a sound track
with a changed version of a sound track (i.e. a sound track which
has been subjected to a post-processing operation), and is
configured to allow the user to select which version he
prefers.
[0095] Preferably, the compact disc recorder 30 is configured such
that the user can direct the compact disc recorder 30 to convert a
previously recorded Red Book audio (44.1 KHz per second) track to
mp3 (MPEG Audio 1 Layer 3) file format or, alternatively, to record
directly into mp3 format. Library and Session management functions
may also be provided. Preferably, user adjustable parameters allow
a user to choose between various "densities" of mp3 (typically, 96
KHz up to 160 KHz or even 320 KHz). The compact disc recorder 30
may also be configured to write mp3 libraries to CD, and/or to
export sessions comprised of mp3 files via the SCSI connector 84
located on the rear panel 36 of the compact disc recorder 30.
Preferably, the compact disc recorder 30 is configured to playback
multiple format sessions from the data storage structure 106,
wherein the sessions are comprised of files which are in any of the
following formats: Red Book audio, mp3, DVD and/or some other
digital audio file format. Preferably, the compact disc recorder 30
is configured such that CD's containing, for example, mp3 files can
be played when the compact disc recorder 30 is in play CD mode, as
described hereinabove. Preferably, the resulting CD containing the
mp3 files could be played in computers, or car CD/radios with mp3
play capabilities.
[0096] A consumer audio digital recorder capable of receiving a
digital image of a copyrighted audio soundtrack, and replicating
that soundtrack "bit-for-bit," is required by the Audio Home
Recording Act of 1992 ("AHRA") to use Consumer Audio blank media
and to incorporate an anti-piracy system called SCMS ("Serial Copy
Management System"). Consumer Audio CD-R(W) blanks are more
expensive than standard computer CD-R(W) blanks, primarily because
a royalty is included in their retail purchase price. Consumer
Audio blank media are also less readily available. SCMS allows a
first generation digital copy to be made, but prevents a subsequent
generation of digital copying to be made from a first generation
digital copy by setting a "copy protection" bit. When the SCMS bit
is set on a first generation copy, a subsequent digital copy of
that first generation copy cannot be made legally by means of a
consumer Digital Audio Recording Device, as the term is defined in
AHRA. All existing consumer audio CD Recorders comply with AHRA
requirements, thus permitting the user to make unlimited numbers of
"first generation" exact bit-for-bit digital copies of digitally
recorded copyrighted soundtracks onto Consumer Audio blanks. To
date, the presumption has been made that every recording will be
made from a copyrighted, digitally recorded original, so that
existing consumer Digital Audio Recording Devices use only Consumer
Audio media. In contrast, preferably the compact disc recorder 30
described herein is configured to receive digital inputs of
copyrighted digital soundtracks, and to comply with SCMS and any
other requirements of AHRA as follows: for any copyrighted
digitally recorded soundtrack, the copyright "bit" is set (as
required by AHRA); for any CD produced containing one or more
digitally copied copyrighted soundtracks, the use of a Consumer
Audio blank is required, and the SCMS "bit" is set on the copy,
thereby complying fully with AHRA (hereinafter sometimes referred
to as "Smart SCMS Compliance"); for CD's containing no digitally
copied copyrighted soundtracks, standard blanks can be used,
without SCMS.
[0097] As described above, the compact disc recorder 30 is
configured such that a user can "mark" a track while recording
simply by depressing the Record key 50 while the unit 30 is
operating in Record mode. In other words, the compact disc recorder
30 is configured to close a sound track and start another each time
the Record key 50 is pressed. This is particularly useful when the
user is recording from vinyl records, analog tapes, radio
broadcasts or live music performances.
[0098] Preferably, the compact disc recorder 30 is configured to
provide a DAT File Rebuild function, wherein the function
"rebuilds" the lists of songs on each internal drive partition
within the operating system, renames all songs sequentially, and
deletes all Sessions. The function is intended to be used only in
the event the operating system's configuration ("DAT") files have
become corrupted for some reason. It has the consequence of erasing
all session names and filenames that the user may have entered for
sessions or songs. Once the DAT files have been rebuilt, the user
can again rename sessions and songs and recreate sessions in a
straightforward manner from the Songs menu (see FIGS. 9, 16, 17 and
20), as described in detail hereinabove.
[0099] Preferably, the compact disc recorder 30 is configured to
provide a Margin Restore function, wherein following a DAT File
Rebuild, the compact disc recorder 30 reads through the file,
sample by sample, as quickly as can be permitted by the processor
and hard drive, and automatically restores stored margins for each
song.
[0100] Preferably, the compact disc recorder 30 is configured such
that a user can adjust the tempo and pitch of the music recorded,
for example, to maintain pitch while varying tempo. As with analog
tape recordings, simply slowing the tempo normally also lowers the
pitch of recorded music, and vice versa. However, preferably, the
compact disc recorder 30 is configured to digitally process a song
file for which its tempo is being adjusted to maintain the original
pitch. This is useful in applications involving choreographed
movement to a sound track, such as ballroom dancing and ballet
rehearsal, where a slower pace might be desired in practice. This
is also useful for rehearsal of recorded instrumental
accompaniment.
[0101] Preferably, the compact disc recorder 30 is configured such
that sound tracks in a session can be randomly played back.
Additionally, preferably the compact disc recorder 30 employs a 32
bit file allocation table ("FAT"). Hence, relatively long Song
names and Session names can be employed. Another feature of
employing a 32 bit FAT is the ability to use Hard Drives larger
than 8.4 GB as the data storage structure 106. This eliminates the
required maximum partition size of 2.1 GB, and eliminates the need
to recognize multiple "logical drives".
[0102] Preferably, the compact disc recorder 30 is configured such
that a user can make changes to the session content of previously
recorded sessions (adding or deleting songs and reordering of songs
within sessions) while the unit 30 is burning a CD. Preferably, the
user can perform other functions while the unit 30 is in Record
mode (or in Play mode), including burning a CD while playing or
recording.
[0103] Preferably, the compact disc recorder 30 is configured such
that a user can direct the unit 30 to continuously play only one
song file within a session, such as by pressing another key
simultaneously along with the Play key 47 or by double-pressing the
Play key 47. Preferably, the compact disc recorder 30 provides that
a user can enable a continuous play (loop or replay) function
regarding a session, and the continuous play function can be
activated either during hard drive playback (wherein sound tracks
are being played back from the data storage structure 106) or while
the compact disc recorder 30 is playing a compact disc (i.e. during
Play CD mode).
[0104] As discussed above, to facilitate the editing of sound
tracks stored in the data storage structure 106, the compact disc
recorder 30 is configured such that a user can place one or more
marks in a sound track. Preferably, the compact disc recorder 30 is
configured to provide that after one or more marks are set in a
song track(s), a user can audition whether the mark was actually
set in the correct place without having to perform the edit.
Specifically, preferably the compact disc recorder 30 includes a
toggle capability wherein an audible "blip" is provided and/or a
visual indication is provided to the user to show where a mark is
located.
[0105] Preferably, the compact disc recorder 30 is configured such
that a CD can be played and simultaneously recorded to the data
storage structure 106, either through an "analog input" or "digital
copy" approach. Consistent with the "Smart" SCMS Compliance
functionality described hereinabove, the compact disc recorder 30
preferably enables a user to play a CD and to record in real time
onto the data storage structure 106 or, alternatively, to make a
"bit-for-bit" digital image of one or more tracks from a source CD
directly onto the data storage structure, at a faster read speed
supported by the CD-R(W) drive 58. In the latter case, if a source
track is copyrighted, then the copyright "bit" is set and SCMS as
well as "Consumer Audio" blanks are required for any session
subsequently recorded to a CD that included that track. For any
source CD that has the SCMS bit set for one or more tracks on that
CD, no "bit-for-bit" digital image is allowed. However, "analog
input" of that track or CD is permitted just as if the CD were
being played on an external CD Player, and the signal were being
received through analog input jacks 70 or 71/73 on the rear panel
36.
[0106] Preferably, the compact disc recorder 30 is configured such
that a user can make 24-bit, 96 KHz recordings of source material,
input via balanced input jacks (71/73). This allows users recording
live performances to use a higher sampling rate, thereby improving
the quality of recording. In, addition to providing that the
compact disc recorder 30 is configured to generate mp3 files, the
compact disc recorder 30 is preferably configured to permit users
to translate between various standard sampling rates, such as 44.1
KHz (Red Book audio), 48 KHz (a Digital Audio Tape standard), and
96 KHz.
[0107] Preferably, the compact disc recorder 30 is configured such
that data files can be exported onto a CD. In the case of
copyrighted digitally recorded sound tracks, SCMS normally would
need to be complied with, and Consumer Audio blanks would be
required. However, preferably the compact disc recorder 30 is
configured to output data for backup purposes in a proprietary file
format that will not play on any other devices that are designed to
play CD's. Following this procedure obviates the need to use
Consumer Audio blanks and comply with SCMS. An alternative is to
provide that the compact disc recorder 30 does not permit backups
to be made of any tracks for which the copyright bit has been
set.
[0108] Preferably, to assist the user in determining the loudest
portion of a CD being played, or of a session stored on the data
storage structure 106, the compact disc recorder 30 is configured
such that a user can direct the compact disc recorder 30 to quickly
search a CD, Track or Session to ascertain the passage containing
the highest gain, and repeatedly cycle through a two second clip
that brackets the point of highest gain, so that maximum recording
levels and/or playback/output volume can be adjusted, as
desired.
[0109] In addition to the "Smart" SCMS Compliance feature described
hereinabove, preferably the compact disc recorder 30 is configured
to enable the user to optionally invoke both copyright protection
and SCMS. This permits a musician to "copyright" and/or to prevent
"bit-for-bit" digital reproductions of his or her proprietary
work.
[0110] The data storage structure 106 and/or the secondary disc
unit 108 may be a plug-in slot for an external or removable hard
drive.
[0111] The compact disc recorder 30 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention provides several advantages
which include, but are not limited to, being as easy to use in many
respects as a modern-day audio tape recorder/player or compact disc
player. Additionally, the compact disc recorder 30 in accordance
with the present invention also provides that one can listen to a
sound track before the sound track is to be recorded. In other
words, one can truly audition a recording. Moreover, the compact
disc recorder 30 can be used like a modem day juke box where songs
are played directly from memory without needing to insert the
compact disc containing the music. Additionally, the compact disc
recorder 30 preferably provides enhanced features for editing the
sound tracks recorded into the memory of the compact disc recorder
30. Using the compact disc recorder 30, one can easily customize
the order in which sound tracks will appear on the compact disc and
one can easily write several compact discs having different orders
of songs or having slightly different compilations without having
to re-enter the sounds into the device 30. Finally, unlike
present-day compact disc players, the compact disc recorder 30
preferably doubles as a SCSI device for use with a PC.
[0112] While a preferred embodiment of the present invention is
shown and described, it is envisioned that those skilled in the art
may devise various modifications and equivalents without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims.
* * * * *