MXPA98000613A - Compact disc changer using a disc database - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and an apparatus for updating a memory in a CD changer. The information identifies the disks stored in a DC changer is stored in a memory. The memory is updated when the DC is charged which does not have identification features that are recognized by the DC changer. The update is carried out through a modem connection with a remote database. The database can be stored locally with a local database left on a personal computer where the database can be queried to locate the desired tracks and can be used to facilitate control of the CD changer by providing a simplified interface for build a playlist and for similar media

Description

"COMPACT DISC CHANGER USING A DISCS DATABASE" BACKGROUND 1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to the field of audio and audio / video equipment that includes compact disk (CD) playback apparatus. More particularly, this invention relates to a DC changer that can access a database that is searchable by the user and updated during recognition of an unknown DC. This invention is particularly useful for multiple DC changers which serve to store considerable numbers of compact disks. In addition, this invention provides a mechanism for computer control of the operation of the DC changer. 2. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Several high capacity compact disc players are commercially available today. For example, Sony Corporation, of Tokyo, Japan, produces several of these reproducing devices such as the model CDP-CX100 and CDP-CX153, obtainable through Sony Electronics Inc., 1 Sony Drive, Park Ridge, NJ 07656. Each of these players includes an internal rotary table with 100 slots that can store up to 100 CDs. Reproduction devices with even greater storage capacity will undoubtedly appear in the future. CD players of this nature are commonly used not only to play compact discs, but also as a convenient mechanism for storing these discs in a very sharp and compact arrangement. In previous compact disc players that only hold one or a few discs, compact discs are commonly stored in their protective jewel case. These jewelry cases eventually include an insert that provides a written directory for each disc and that usually lists in order, the selection available on the disc, including playback times and other information related to the selection (eg. , artist, title, author, etc.). This information facilitates the selection of the listener of the desired track or disc. Unfortunately, this information may not be readily available to the user of the DC playback apparatus that is used as a storage device such as the high capacity DC production apparatus mentioned above. Since users commonly use these reproduction apparatuses to store the compact disks, they also frequently store the jewel case and the related information inserts in a less convenient location. In addition, the user must know not only the disc he wishes to reproduce, but also the location of the disc on the rotary table and possibly a track number in order to easily access a specific chosen selection. It is also difficult for the user to have a clear summary of the available musical selections and to control the reproduction of these selections. This problem has been partially focused on the aforementioned Sony disc reproduction apparatuses providing the user with the ability to program the disc reproduction apparatus to store the identification information for each disc in the memory of the reproduction apparatus and to classify the discs in a number of groups of the user's selection (eg, jazz, classics, rock, etc.). These multiple DC changers use a portion of the Index data (TOC) to uniquely identify each compact disc stored therein. In particular, the total music playing time and the number of movements (typically songs) as indicated in the TOC is used in some changers to uniquely identify the discs. CD changers also include a feature known as "Custom File" which is described in Japanese Patent Application Publication Number 03-76082 which is incorporated herein by reference. Even when this technique is useful to locate a desired selection, the user still has only limited access to the available information related to the disk. For example, there is no information available on the tracks specified on the disc, artist, etc. unless this information is used to identify the entire disc. In addition, all this information must currently be admitted by the user using a remote control or push combing disk to be cycled through the available characters. The process of admitting this data is somewhat inconvenient (especially for large numbers of disks) and therefore, it is frequently omitted by the user. In addition, the user of these playback devices are currently restricted from controlling the discs using stored parameters (eg, level and sound field selections) on a disc by the base of the disc without taking into account the content of the tracks. Individuals on the disk.

Even though the variations of the format of the compact disk could allow different information about the disk that is going to be included in the disk itself in a readable form by the machine, there is a great amount of work that does not have this identification information. Therefore, there is a need to provide the user with access to a quantity of equivalent information for use, particularly in relation to the high capacity of the multi-disc reproduction apparatus. The present invention addresses these problems by providing a database of information for access by the user in order to provide unsecure access to information and the ability to download this information. This minimizes and in most cases eliminates the need for data entry by the user.

COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a CD player with access to an external database that allows easy selection of the discs stored in a multi-disk distribution apparatus.

A particularity is that the present invention provides the ability to search or query a database for desired music selections with minimal input or no user input to the data of the database. An additional feature is that the present invention identifies a DC by the area of the disc index (or other unique identification information) that is used as a "digital print" for the disc. A further particularity is that certain embodiments of the present invention can facilitate control through the reproduction parameters of a compact disc on a track-by-track basis. An advantage is that the present invention can provide a large number of searchable information for the user to access without data entry. A further advantage of the present invention is that compact discs or other storage media can be easily stored within a multi-disc playback apparatus while an improved ability to locate a selection of music of their choice is produced. Another advantage of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide the user with control of the reproduction selections of the DC playback apparatus through the computer user interface. Broadly speaking, the present invention provides a modem link to a remote database that the user can use in order to provide updates of the information to a memory that is part of the DC playback apparatus. The system uses a "digital print" in a DC to search the remote database for information, such as the title, track names, artist, etc. Once the DC is identified, the information associated with the DC can be loaded into a local database so that the user can search or search for music, artists, etc. desired. In addition, the information is loaded into the memory of a DC playback apparatus so that the discs stored in the DC playback apparatus can be easily identified. This is especially useful for high capacity multiple DC playback apparatus while also being used to store the DCs. The user can also use the computer as a simplified control interface to search for selections, build playlists as well as improve control of the playback operation. The present invention proposes many alternatives and variations, For example, in one aspect of the present invention, a system for the production of music compact discs includes a disc changer for receiving a compact disc and a reading data from the disc for turn into signals that represent music. An identification portion of the disk is read in order to uniquely identify the disk. The identification portion of the disk with a memory to determine if the data related to the compact disk is stored in the memory. A modem is provided along with an inquiry or search mechanism to access a remote database through the modem, where in case the comparison does not detect the identification information in the memory, the remote database can have access through the modem to locate the identification information related to the disk, the disk being identified in the database. data through the identification portion. The information is then downloaded from the remote database to the memory. In another aspect of the invention, a system for the reproduction of music compact discs includes a disc changer for receiving a compact disc and reading the data from the disc to convert the signals representing the music. A portion of the changer reads an identification portion of the disk that can be used to uniquely identify the disk. The identification portion of the disk is compared with the memory to determine if the data related to the compact disc is stored in the memory. A first inquiry mechanism is provided to access a local database, where in the case that the comparison does not detect the identification portion in the memory, the first search mechanism has access to the local database for locate the identification portion related to the disk, the disk being identified in the local database by the identification portion. A second search mechanism is provided to provide access to a remote database through a modem, where in case the comparison does not detect the identification information in the memory and the first search mechanism does not locate the portion of identification in the local database, the second search mechanism has access to the remote database through the modem to locate the identification information related to the disk, the disk being identified in the database through the identification portion . The information is downloaded from either the local database or the remote database to the memory. In another aspect of the invention, a multi-disc compact disc player apparatus includes a multi-disc DC changer mechanism for reproducing and storing a plurality of compact discs. A memory stores the information associated with the plurality of compact disks. A controller controls the operation of the multi-disc compact disc player. A modem is attached to the controller to access a remote database through a telephone line connection. The controller includes the ability to issue a first query to the memory to determine if the memory includes the information associated with a selected disk in the DC changer mechanism, and to issue a second query to a remote database through the modem to In order to find the information associated with the selected one, if the first query stops locating the information in the memory associated with the selected compact disc. In another aspect of the invention, a system for reproducing the means of registration includes a media changer for receiving a registered medium and reading the data of the medium. A portion of identification of the medium is read and used to uniquely identify the medium. The identification portion of the medium is compared with a memory to determine if the data related to the medium is stored in the memory. There is access to a remote database and it is searched through a modem, where in case the comparison does not detect the identification information in the memory, the remote database is searched through the modem to locate the identification information related to the medium, the medium being identified in the database through the identification portion. The information related to the medium is downloaded from the remote database to the memory. A method for updating a memory in an audio CD changer in accordance with an aspect of the invention includes the steps: reading an identification portion of a compact disc that uniquely identifies the compact disc, compare the identification portion with the identification portions stored in the memory, consult a database that is outside of the CD changer to identify the portion of the disk but the identification portion is in the memory, and download the data from the database to the memory corresponding to the identification portion. A method for updating a memory in the reproducing apparatus of registered media according to an aspect of the invention, includes the steps of: reading an identification portion of the recorded medium that uniquely identifies the medium; compare the identification portion with the identification portions stored in a memory, consult a database that is outside of the reproduction apparatus of registered media for the identification portion of the medium, if the identification portion is not in the memory; and download the data from the database to the memory corresponding to the identification portion. The present invention furthermore proposes a method for controlling the operation of a CD player, in one aspect it includes the steps of: storing the data related to a compact disc in a database, the database includes the related information with each track of the compact disc; store a playback attribute in the database on a track-by-track basis; and instructs the CD changer to play a selected track using the playback attribute. In addition, the present invention proposes a method for constructing a playlist for a multi-disc compact disc changer, which in one embodiment includes the steps of: in a computer, storing the information in a database about a plurality of compact discs left in the multi-disc compact disc changer, the database includes playback attributes for CD tracks; presenting a track chart of the plurality of compact discs, selecting a play in sequence from the tracks of the plurality of compact discs in order to define a play list; and sending a sequence of commands from the computer to the multi-CD changer in order to play back in sequence the selected tracks of the playlist. The objects, advantages and particularities mentioned above and others of the invention, as well as others, will become apparent to those skilled in the art when taking into account the following description of the invention. The particularities of the invention that are believed to be novel are pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as regards its organization as an operating method, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, can be better understood by referring to the following description taken together with the drawing that it is accompanied.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 illustrates the format of the TOC data for a conventional compact disc. Figure 2 is a functional diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a functional diagram of the DC changer 20 of Figure 2. Figure 4, which is shown as in Figure 4A and Figure 4B, is a flow chart describing the operation of one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 illustrates the use of the computer 32 for control of the DC changer 20. Figure 6 is a simplified flow chart of a routine mode for issuing commands to the DC changer 20. Figure 7 is a functional diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a flow chart describing the operation of the second mode as shown in Figure 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Although this invention is susceptible to embodiments in many different forms, the specific embodiments are shown in the drawings and will be described in detail herein, with the understanding that the present disclosure should be considered as an example of the principles of the invention. and that is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described. In the description which will be presented below, like reference numbers are used to describe the equal, similar or corresponding parts in the different views of the drawing. Before discussing the effective method and apparatus of the present invention in detailIt is useful to understand the different basic concepts related to the normal formation of compact discs so that the options available to uniquely identify each disc are understood. Compact discs of conventional music are prepared in a format in accordance with a specification that is known in the industry as the "Red Book" specification. The format is also discussed, for example, in Chapter 5 of Compact Pise Technology, by Heitaro Nakajima and Hiroshi Ogawa, 1992, Ohmsha, Ltd., 3-1 Kanda Nishiki-cho, Chidoya-ku, Tokyo 101, Japan, which joins in the present by reference. Even though the Red Book specification allows an identification code to be used with each disk, the industry rarely uses this option. Therefore, there is no single label that currently ensures that it is available for each disc. However, the Red Book specification defines an area to include a subcode area that has the so-called P-channel data and Q-channel data. This data includes information known as the index (TOC) which is somewhat analogous to the index of a book. Since each DC is unique in the exact content, it is possible to use this TOC information as a kind of "digital printing" in order to uniquely identify each DC. Figure 1 illustrates the format of a TOC input for a typical music compact disc. It will be noted that a TOC data frame is provided for each track (movement) of the music disc. Each TOC entry includes the elapsed time of each movement and an absolute time for the POINT content. These periods of time are extremely accurate since they are measured in minutes, seconds and frames. Each disc can include up to 99 of these tracks or movements with each TOC entry occupying 72 bits. The TOC entries are repeated in order to fill the entire area. As stated above, a small portion of this TOC information has been used to uniquely identify compact discs for purposes of the "Custom File" feature in Sony compact disc players. In the present invention, a larger sampling of the data may be required in order to uniquely identify or "obtain digital printing" of each compact disc, since the invention depends on the unique identification of all the disks in a database extremely extensive. The solution to this problem is to simply select a sampling of information that is large enough to uniquely identify each disk. There is a huge amount of data available on each disk that can be used to uniquely classify each disk. The TOC input for the first movement would only theoretically account for up to 2 ^ 2 (which is approximately 4.7E21) of singular discs. In practice, the actual number of singular values that tend to occur in this input is considerably smaller since a typical movement lasts for approximately 3 minutes, the movement number for the first movement is always 1, the value of the DOT it is often the same, etc. Still, it is evident that each disc has an adequate amount of unique information, which one can easily understand that each CD has its own unique "digital determination" that can be used to uniquely identify the disc of all other discs. By way of example and not limitation, an extremely large number of discs could be uniquely identified by examining the number of movements, the playing time of each movement (or eg, the playing time of the first five movements). and the total reproduction time of the DC. This project would provide data of a manageable size that would uniquely identify a large number of disks. Due to the variables mentioned above, the exact number of discs that could be identified by this project for practical purposes is difficult to ensure with a high degree of accuracy, but it is clearly enormous. Other combinations will occur to those skilled in the art. The exact project selected should be based on an analysis for a large sampling of compact discs to ensure that a sufficient amount of TOC data is used in order to make the amount of data unnecessarily large. In addition, from the aforementioned example of using the TOC data for identification information, a sample of the actual disk data representing a musical selection or movement can be used to uniquely identify each disk. Since the broad dynamic music scale characterized on each disc, the various data samples that are taken at compatible locations on a disc may also statistically have a tendency to uniquely identify the disc, either alone or in combination with a portion of the disc. TOC data. Therefore, by selecting data samples large enough to characterize each disk, it is possible to uniquely identify each disk that has been manufactured and has a tendency to be manufactured in the future. Accordingly, an accurate definition of the "digital print" data must be determined by a detailed analysis of a large number of discs and is not critical to the understanding of the overall concept and operation of the present invention. After the selection of this sampling of data that will be used as the "digital impression" of the DC, in an event that has no possible tendency for the "digital printing" of identification of two or more discs to be the same, they are proposed by means of the present invention solutions such as selection of the appropriate disk user. Referring now to Figure 2, a first embodiment of a system according to the present invention is shown in the form of a functional diagram. In this embodiment, a DC changer 20 is coupled in a conventional manner with a stereo amplifier (or receiver) 24 that provides the appropriate power amplification to drive a pair (or more) of stereo speakers 26 and 28 or telephone headsets. In accordance with the present embodiment, the DC changer 20 includes an interconnection with an external computer 32 such as a personal computer or dedicated computer designed to carry out the functions of the present invention. Computer 32 includes input devices such as a keyboard, mouse or other input device and a screen. The computer 32 may be coupled to the DC changer 20 through any appropriate normal or proprietary interface, including SCSI or RS-232 or through a local area network interconnection as desired. The computer 32 includes a disk drive 36 that includes any appropriate database management software (e.g., a flexible SQL database, such as those that can be obtained commercially from different manufacturers). The computer 32 also includes a modem 40 (either internal or external) that is connected to a telephone network 44. Although the present invention proposes a conventional data modem connection using a conventional telephone service, those skilled in the art They will appreciate that a number of alternatives are possible, such as ISDN networks and associated terminal adapters. During operation, the present invention uses the modem 40 to automatically dial a database 50 that can be maintained by a service provider or made available on the Internet, for example. The database 50 preferably is maintained in the industry to ensure the maximum level of perfection, but could also be maintained by the user community, the DC changer manufacturer, trade associations or other sources. The database 50 includes the identification information as described above for a large number of compact discs that is associated with the tabulated data for each disc. An example of the type of data in each database is illustrated in TABLE 1, which is presented below. The preferred method for accessing and using this information will be described later.

TABLE 1 Print Title Artist Motion # 1 Movement # 1 digital DC Title Time (Min., Sec., Frame) The Album Yo-Yo Concert for 06:38:42 New Ma Cello and Orchestra: York 1: Audacemente ma sostenuto Movement # 99 Movement # 99 Total Number Time Title Time Reproduction (Min., Sec., Frame) Total Movement (Min., Sec., Frame) none 00:00:00 78:04:22 As illustrated in TABLE 1, the readable data of the machine available in the current DC can be considerably supplemented by the addition of titles of each movement, DC title, artist, etc. Those skilled in the art will also understand that the database may also include even more detailed information such as the composer, producer, record label, as well as any other information that could be of value to the user. While FIG. 1 illustrates the data in a form that could be interpreted as a flat field database, those skilled in the art will understand that the data can be more easily stored in the form of a related database. TABLE 1 is therefore intended to be an illustrative example of the database and should not be considered as limiting, since those skilled in the art will understand that the database can be designed in numerous ways and can contain any related data. of the choice of the designer. Referring now to Figure 3, a more detailed diagram of the DC changer 20 of Figure 2 is illustrated. Interconnection with the computer 32 is provided through a conventional computer interface 64. The interface 64 is coupled to a controller 68 based on the microprocessor to provide communication between the computer 32 and the controller 68. The controller 68 is coupled with a memory 72 which is preferably a non-volatile read-only memory, such as a Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) or a battery reinforced by a Random Accidental Memory (RAM). The memory 72 is used to store an internal database of information related to a plurality of DC. In particular, the memory 72 contains information related to at least all of the DCs currently stored in the multi-disk changer mechanism, but may also be more extensive. The controller 68 is coupled with a multi-disk DC changer mechanism 74 such as that used in the commercially available SONY CDP-CX153 apparatus and the associated signal processing unit 78 to provide control thereto in a conventional manner. The controller 68 also couples with a display / control board 82 to receive commands directly from the user and to provide visual presentations in a more or less conventional manner. In addition, the controller 68 may be coupled when an infrared (or RF) receiver 84 receives control signals from a remote control apparatus.

The controller 68 is used to control the normal function of the CD changer 20 in a conventional manner and further provides the function of (1) receiving memory updates from the computer interface 64, (2) updating the memory 72, and (3) sending requests through interface 64 for information updates for memory 72. A method of operation in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in the flow chart of Figure 4 (which has been disintegrated in the Figures). 4A and 4B). The process begins in step 100. When the user selects or loads a disk in step 104, the controller 68 directs the changer mechanism 74 to read the portion of the disk containing the identification information or the "digital print" of the disk. selected in step 106. The controller then compares this with the "digital impressions" stored in the memory 72 in step 110. If the "digital print" is in step 114, the DC changer 20 operates more or less in a conventional manner in step 116 and then returns to wait for the next disk selection. If the "digital print" is not found in step 114, the user is informed through a visual presentation unit (or other message system) indicating that the disc data was not found in the data changer database. DC. The user then interrogates to see if the disc is to be reproduced, if the user wishes to try to remove the data from a database or if the user wishes to input the data manually in step 120. The user can respond through of a remote control apparatus or through the display / control board 82. If the user decides to simply play the disc (for example, if the disc is borrowed or is played infrequently), the control returns to step 116 where the conventional operation continues. If the user chooses to input the data manually, a manual entry routine is initiated in step 122. This manual input can be achieved in a manner similar to that used in commercially available DC changers to input the information called "file personalized". After step 122, the control returns to step 116. If the user decides to try to recover the data, the "digital print" of the disk is sent to the computer 32 through the 64 interface of the computer in step 124. Under control of the software, the computer 32 then initiates a query of the database stored in the disk drive 36 to try to match the "digital print" in question in step 128. If it is in step 132, the appropriate portions of the database are downloaded to the memory of the DC changer in step 138, and the control returns to step 116. Therefore, the user is released from the load of the manual input. In case the "digital print" is not in step 132, the user can obtain information in step 138. At this point, the user can again make a decision as to whether to simply play the disk, make attempts additional data download from a database or opt for manual input of the data. If the user chooses to play the disc, the control returns to step 116. If the user chooses to input the data manually, the control returns to step 122. The manual entry routine 122 preferably must use the connection on the computer 32 to In order to allow a simplified manual entry of the data through the keyboard of the computer 32. If the user selects to make additional attempts to download the data, the computer 32 initiates a call to the remote database 50 through the modem 40 and the telephone line 44 to try to recover the data. Once the database is accessed, the computer 32 initiates a query of the remote database to locate the "digital print" for the disk in question in step 150.

If the "digital print" of the disk is not found, a message is provided in step 162 indicating this and providing the user with an option to input the data or to reproduce the DC without input of the data. If the user chooses to perform the reproduction, the control again returns to step 116. If the user chooses to input the data manually, this can be done on the computer keyboard in step 122. If the "digital print" is located in the remote database in step 158, the computer 32 downloads the data to the local database stored in 36 in step 166. The computer 32 then proceeds to download the appropriate data to the memory 72 of the changer in step 170. Once the data is stored in the database at 36, the user can use the search power of the database administration software to find the selections; classify the discs by type of music, artist, etc .; and carry out other activities of administration of the known database. Once the interconnection referred to above between the DC changer 20 and the computer 32 is established, once the local database has been created, this arrangement can be used advantageously to control the operation of the computer. DC changer using the computer keyboard, mouse or other input devices. The computer can be used to provide a more user-friendly or user-friendly interface than that provided by the conventional DC changer to allow the user to start or stop the playback of a DC. Reproduction analyst selection, identify a DC or track of a DC for playback, look for a passage in a DC, and in general perform control through all aspects of the DC changer. In order to illustrate this, we will take into account Figure 5 that first illustrates the local database (shown at 174) placed as a cell array. The aforementioned control can be carried out by selecting any of the desired DC changer functions from a menu of available functions or directly sending commands from the computer keyboard. Those skilled in the art will understand that there are many ways to represent these control functions in a user interface, for example, a bar menu can be provided with drop-down menus or specific control icons that can be provided as well. This interface will desirably occupy the presentation device of the computer simultaneously with the database tables, including the data related to the compact disks.

In an embodiment of the improved control possible with the invention, the user can generate a playlist by first having the computer 32 have a query with the DC changer to determine which DCs are contained within the changer as identified in the memory 72. Since the local database 174 can carry the information related to as many DCs as the user wishes without taking into account the content of the DC changer 20 the user can then reduce the visual display of the local database 174 in a representation of only those discs that have actually been loaded into the DC changer 20. This reduced representation 176 is shown as having only 5 entries corresponding to 5 compact discs. In other modalities, the loaded discs could be represented in a different color or they could be accentuated in any other way. Once the user has a visual presentation of the available discs, including the titles of all the tracks on the discs, the user can create a playlist by simply reviewing the available tracks and then making a selection by, for example, activating a button on the disc. mouse when a presentation cursor points to a desired selection and then confirm that the item is to be added to a playlist. This is shown in Figure 5 as shaded blocks in the database 176. Once the user selects an item for the playlist, the playlist can be reviewed in a window or screen of the playlist shown at 178. Therefore, the user can select as many selections for playback in a specified order as desired. This selection is made based on the complete knowledge of the title of the selection and / or the disc, instead of simply the number of the disc and the track number. In addition, the power of the database management software can be used to search for specific selections to add to the playlist. In this way, for example, the user could initiate a search by admitting the words of a specific key. The search results can be presented as a list of possible tracks or possible discs containing the word (s) of the key and the user can add the track or the disc to the playlist by selecting the desired match. Once the playlist is assembled in this way, the user can then start playing the list at 188. The control interface can be implemented as a graphical character or user interface as desired. In one embodiment, the interface can be designed in a similar way to that of the Music Box window available in the Microsoft Windows ™ operating system and can include all conventional instructions that would be issued through a remote control (including stopping , playback, pause, skip backward, skip forward, playback modes such as mix and repeat, volume, sound fields, etc.). In addition, the interface can include character and graphic presentations of these attributes such as the DC and track playing time, DC time and track or shelves, track number, track title, DC title. , the artist and any other desired information from the database. Of course, the interface of the Music Box, the user must admit any desired information from the database, and this interface does not have a communication mechanism that allows the computer to know the contents of the disc of a disc player. multiple Those skilled in the art will understand that many variations of this method can be implemented within the scope of the present invention. With reference to Figure 6, a simplified process for implementing the control of the DC changer 20 is illustrated. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations of this implementation are possible and an implementation similar to this could be built around the Microsoft Music box program, as described above. In step 180, the DC changer 20 is queried by the computer 32 for a list of all the "digital prints" of the DC for the DCs that are currently installed in the DC changer. This step can be carried out when the user requests the same or when the DC changer detects that the DC has loaded or unloaded. in step 182, these "fingerprints" are checked against the local database 174 and the local database is restricted to those DCs currently installed in the database at 182. This produces an image of the installed DCs at present in step 176. At this point, the user can scan the matrix presented at 176 and select the DC or tracks to be added to the playlist, using mouse or keyboard commands. Alternatively, the user may implement a search in step 184 to select a "SEARCH" from a menu (e.g., a bar menu, menu button or icon). In this event, the database is searched using conventional query methods in step 186. When the query is complete, a visual display of the matching selections is displayed for the user to select and the control returns to step 184.

Once one or more selections have been made, the user can select the "PLAYLIST LIST" command from the menu. At this point, the user can select any variety of commands related to the playlist in step 190. Step 190 illustrates three of these commands, but those skilled in the art will understand that a full complement of these commands can be programmed. if desired If the user selects "ADD" at 190, the control goes to a routine 192 that adds the selected tracks or DCs to the current playlist. If you select "DELETE" in step 190, the control goes to a routine 196 that suppresses the selected tracks or DCs from the current playlist. If you select "PRESENTATION" a list opens in window 178 to show a representation of the list of the playlist. Of course, once the playlist is represented as a list in a window 178, the user can more easily see the list of songs or selected CDs in their playback order, and preferably can manipulate the list directly. to determine items, rearrange items, etc. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the process of Figure 6 is only a partial illustration of a control structure that could be used to control the DC changer 20. Of course, many useful additional commands can be implemented (as discussed above) throughout the process. Accordingly, the present process is not limited to being limiting, but rather illustrative of the type of control that can be implemented once the computer 32 is linked to the DC changer 20, and once the power of the database it is connected to be used to control the DC changer 20. Once the user has access to the entire content of the compact disc through the database 174, other opportunities for control are possible. For example, the Sony CDP-CX100 device includes a function known as "custom files" where, for example, the volume level for playback can be stored together with each disc (a so-called "level file"). Once the user has access to the database 174 including the information related to each track of each disc, it will be readily appreciated that the individual attributes of each track can be controlled individually through the computer 36. For example, in a extension or extension of the "custom file" function of the CDP-CX100, the computer 36 can issue commands to the DC changer 20 to alter the volume level on a track-by-track basis in the playlist. In addition, other attributes such as sound fields can be manipulated in a similar manner on a track-by-track basis. In this way, the playlist and / or the local database may also include entries for the attributes associated with each track, as illustrated in TABLE 2, which is presented below. These entries can be expanded in a separate window that shows the selection of attributes for each entry in the database (track).

TABLE 2 Track Title: Come Down Easy Track: 1 Album: 3 Album Title "Rhymes &Reasons" Artist: Carole King Play Time: 03:06 Play Attributes: Level: 65 percent Sound Field: Reverberating Room In this way, for the example of TABLE 2, the playing time, the track will be played at a volume level of 65 percent with a signal processing sound field of "reverberant room". Of course, other attributes that can be controlled by the user can be similarly stored and assigned on a track-by-track basis. Referring now to Figure 7, a second embodiment of the present invention is shown, in this embodiment, a CD changer 220 incorporates an internal modem 240 that operates under the control of the controller 268 to provide access to the remote database 50 through the telephone line 44. In this embodiment, a portion of the function of the computer 32 is absorbed in the compact disk exchanger 220. The function and operation of the controller 268 is similar to that of the controller 68 with the exception of the additional functions required to control the modem 240, and the additional search and communication functions that are incorporated therein. The infrared receiver 284 is similar in function to that of the infrared receiver 84 with the exception that it may require a larger command vocabulary in the absence of the computer 32. Similarly, the presentation / control board 282 is similar to that of the 82 presentation / control board - 3Í with the exception that in the absence of presentation of the presentation device and keyboard of the computer, a more extensive function of presentation device and the board is desirable. During operation, the DC changer 220 of Figure 7 performs functions similar to those of the DC changer 20 of Figures 2 and 3, except that it deviates from the local beam data search. Of course those skilled in the art will appreciate that by incorporating a mass storage in the DC changer 220 the function of the computer 32 could be more or less completely integrated into a single package. Figure 8 illustrates a method of operating the DC changer 220. This method begins at step 300. When the user selects or loads a disk on the disk 304, the controller 268 directs the changer mechanism 74 to read the portion of the disk containing the identification information or the "digital print" of the disk. selected in step 306. The controller then compares this with the "digital print" stored in the memory 72 in step 310. If the "digital print" is in step 314, the DC changer 220 works in a more efficient manner. or less conventional in step 316 and then return to wait for the next disk selection in step 304. If the "digital print" is not found in step 314, the user is informed through a visual display device (u another message system) indicating that the disk data was not found in the internal memory of the DC changer. The user then asks if the disc to be played or if the user wishes to try to retrieve the data from a database, or if the user wishes to annually admit a data in step 320. The user can respond through a device of remote control through board 282 of visual presentation / control. If the user decides to simply play the disc, the control returns to step 316 where the conventional operation continues. If the user chooses to manually admit the data, he starts a manual entry routine in step 322 and then the control returns to step 316. If the user wishes to download the information from the database in step 320, the control passes to the step 344 wherein the controller 268 directly initiates a call to the remote database 50 through the modem 240 and the telephone line 44 to try to recover the data. Once the database is accessed, the controller 268 initiates a query of the remote database to locate the "digital print" for the disk in question in step 350. If the "digital print" of the disk is not find, a message is provided in step 362 indicating this and the user is provided with an option of manual input of the data or reproduction of the DC in the data entry. If the user chooses to perform the reproduction, the control again returns to step 316. If the user chooses to input the data manually, this can be carried out through the remote control device or the visual presentation / control tavern in the step 322. If the "digital print" is in the remote database in step 358, the driver 268 downloads the data to the memory 72 of the changer in step 370. Therefore, by the above-mentioned processes, the DC exchanger memory can be updated without the need for a tedious manual input when the disk in question can be found in the local database of the computer or when the information can be downloaded from the remote database. In order not to obstruct the present invention with unnecessary details, the aforementioned process has been described in the details of error trapping, database format, communication protocol for contacting the remote database, sending complete messages and other details that are not required for the understanding of the present invention. further, the aforementioned process of course supposes that the computer is activated while it is needed to get in touch through the DC exchanger. These details are within the capabilities of those skilled in the art and do not need to be explained here. In addition, since the DC formats are developed to incorporate the specific identification information stored on the disk, for this purpose (or to contain the information of the actual database), the present invention proposes to use this information to the extent possible. that is available. Many alternative modalities of the aforementioned processes will occur to those skilled in the art. For example, the processes described can be carried out with the DC in question being reproduced while the process of updating the database is carried out. In another variation, the user can select the faulty replies to queries downloaded from steps 120, 138, 162, 320 or 362. In addition, even though the possibility that there are two disks having identical "fingerprints" is remote, the process can provide the user with the ability to select among them in case this situation occurs. Although the present invention has been described in terms of a compact disc as the medium containing the program material, the present invention also proposes equivalent modalities in other music or video media or other recording media that may not contain the information capable of to be read on a machine that would be useful to a user of the medium. For example, an equivalent mode can be devised for media such as MiniDisc ™, digital video discs, multimedia compact discs, or other media not yet developed. Accordingly, the present invention should not be limited to the illustrated format. It is evident, therefore, that in accordance with the present invention, an apparatus that fully satisfies the objects, sights and advantages has been indicated above. Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments, it is clear that many other alternatives, modifications, permutations and variations may become apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended that the present invention encompass all those alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (27)

1. R E I V I N D I C A C I O N E S: 1. A system for reproducing music CDs, which comprises in combination: a CD changer. discs to receive a compact disc and read the data of the disc to convert the signals that represent the music; means for reading an identification portion of the disk that can be used to uniquely identify the disk; a memory; means for comparing the identification portion of the disk with the memory in order to determine whether the data related to the compact disk is stored in the memory; a modem; a means of searching to give access to a remote database through the modem, where in case the comparison means does not detect the identification information in the memory, the search or inquiry means gives access to the base of remote data through the modem to locate the identification information related to the disk, the disk being identified in the database through the identification portion; and a download means for downloading the information from the remote database to the memory. 2. A system for playing compact discs of music comprising, in combination: a disc changer for receiving a compact disc and reading the data from the disc to become signals representing music; means for reading an identification portion of the disk that can be used to uniquely identify the disk; a memory; means for comparing the identification portion of the disk with the memory, to determine if the data related to the compact disk is stored in the memory; a first search means for providing access to a local database, where in case the comparison means does not detect the identification portion in the memory, the first search means gives access to the local database to locate the identification portion related to the disk, the disk in the local database being identified by the identification portion; and a modem; a second search means for providing access to a remote database through the modem, where in case the comparison means does not detect the identification information in the memory and the first search means does not locate the identification portion in the local database, the second search means provides access to the remote database through the modem to locate the identification information related to the disk, the disk being identified in the database through the identification portion; and a download means for downloading the information from either the local database or the remote database to the memory. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the disk includes a TOC area wherein the identification portion includes a portion of the TOC data of the compact disk. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the disk includes a program material, and wherein the identification portion includes a sample of the program material. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a means for manually updating the memory in case the identification portion is not in one of the local database and the remote database. The apparatus of claim 2 or 5, further comprising a means for storing the reproduction attributes for entries in the local database. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a means for controlling the reproduction of the disc in accordance with the reproduction attributes stored in the local database. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the disc may include a plurality of tracks and wherein the playback attributes are stored on a track-by-track basis for each track of the disc. 9. A system for playing compact discs of music that comprises in combination: a multi-disc changer to receive a compact disc and to read the data from the disc to convert the signals representing the music; means for reading an identification portion of the disk that can be used to uniquely identify the disk, the disk includes an index area (TOC) and a program area, and wherein the identification portion includes data from the area of TOC; : an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM); means for comparing the identification portion of the disk with the EEPROM to determine if the data related to the compact disk is stored in the memory; a modem; a database administrator comprising: first search means to provide access to the local data base, where in case the comparison means does not detect the identification portion in the EEPROM, the first search means gives access to the local database to locate the identification portion related to the disk, the disk being identified in the local database by the identification portion; a second search means that includes a computer programmed to give access to a remote database through the modem, where the case that the comparison means does not detect the identification information in the EEPROM, and the first means of search do not locate the identification portion in the local database, the second search means gives access to the remote database through the modem to locate the identification information related to the disk, the disk being identified in the database by the identification portion; a download medium for downloading information from either the local database or the remote database to the EEPROM; and a manual update means for manually updating the memory in case the identification portion is not in the local database and the remote database; means for storing the reproduction attributes for the entries in the local database, wherein the disk may include a plurality of tracks wherein the reproduction attributes are stored on a track-by-track basis for each track of the disk; and a means for controlling the reproduction of the disc in accordance with the reproduction attributes stored in the local database. 10. A compact disc or multiple disc reproducing apparatus comprising in combination: a multi-disc DC changer mechanism for reproducing and storing a plurality of compact discs; a memory for storing the information associated with the plurality of compact disks; a controller for controlling the operation of the multi-disc compact disc playback apparatus; a modem coupled with the controller to give access to the remote database through a telephone line connection; and the controller includes: means for issuing a first query to the memory in order to determine whether the memory includes information associated with a selected disk in the DC changer mechanism; a means for issuing a second query with a remote database through the modem in order to find information associated with that selected, if the first query fails to locate an information in the memory associated with the selected compact disc. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the controller further comprises means for downloading the information from the remote database in order to update the memory. 12. A system for reproducing registered media comprising in combination: a media changer for receiving a registered media and reading the data from the media; a means for reading a portion of identification of the medium that can be used in order to uniquely identify the medium; a memory; means for comparing the identification portion of the medium with the memory in order to determine whether the data related to the medium is stored in the memory; a modem; a search means for providing access to a remote database through the modem, where in case the comparison means does not detect the identification information in the memory, the search means gives access to the remote data base through the modem to locate the identification information related to the medium, the means being identified in the database through the identification portion; and a download means for downloading the information from the remote database to the memory. The apparatus of claim 10 or 12, wherein the means includes a TOC area and wherein the identification portion includes a portion of the TOC data of the medium. 14. The apparatus of claim 10 or 12, wherein the medium includes a program material, and wherein the identification portion includes a sample of the program material. 15. The apparatus of claim 1, 2, 10 or 12, wherein the memory includes an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory. The apparatus of claim 1 or 12, wherein the search means further includes a means for providing access to a local database, in the event that the comparison means does not detect the identification portion in the memory, the search means gives access to the local data base to locate the identification portion related to the medium, the means being identified in the database by means of the identification portion, and where the means of download includes a means to download the information from the local database to the memory. The apparatus of claim 1, 2, 10 or 12, further comprising a means for manually updating the memory in case the identification portion is not in the remote database. 18. The apparatus of claim 1, 2, 10 or 12, further comprising a database management software for selectively searching the remote database. 19. The apparatus of claim 2, 9 or 16, further comprising a database management software for selectively searching the local database. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a means for storing the reproduction attributes to enter the local database, and for controlling the reproduction of the recorded medium in accordance with the reproduction attributes stored in the database local. 21. A method for updating a memory in an audio CD changer, comprising the steps of: reading an identification portion of a compact disc that uniquely identifies the compact disc; comparing the identification portion with the identification portions stored in a memory; consult the database that is left outside of the CD changer for the identification portion of the disk if the identification portion is not in the memory; and download the data from the database to the memory corresponding to the identification portion. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the database is in a computer coupled with the CD changer. The method of claim 21, wherein the database is at a remote location and wherein the query step includes the step of providing access to the database through the connection of a modem. 24. A method for updating a memory in an audio CD changer, comprising the steps of: reading an identification portion of a compact disc that singularly identifies the compact disc, the identification portion including a portion of the data TOC of the compact disc; compare the identification portion with identification portions stored in the EEPROM; consult the first database that is on a computer located outside and connected to the CD changer for the identification portion of the disk, if the identification portion is not in the EEPROM; consult a second database that is in a remote location through a modem connected to the computer for the identification portion of the disk if the identification portion is not found in the first database; and download the data of the first and second databases to the EEPROM corresponding to the identification portion. 25. A method for updating a memory in a registered media reproducing apparatus comprising the steps of: reading an identifying portion of a registered medium that singularly identifies the medium; compare the identification portion with the identification portion stored in a memory; consulting a database that is outside of the media playback device registered for the identification portion of the medium, if the identification portion is not in the memory; and download the data from the database to the memory corresponding to the identification portion. 26. A method for controlling the operation of a multi-disc compact disc player comprising the steps of: storing the data related to a plurality of compact discs in a database, the database includes the information related to each track of each compact disc, and where the database is placed on a computer outside of the CD player. storing a plurality of reproduction attributes including at least one attribute of the level and one attribute of the signal processing in the database on track by track bases; and instructing the CD changer to play a selected track from a playlist using the playback attributes by sending an instruction from the computer to the CD player. 27. A method for constructing a playlist for a multi-disk compact disc changer comprising the steps of: in a computer, storing information in the database about the plurality of compact discs remaining in the disc changer multi-disc compact discs; the database includes playback attributes for CD tracks; present a picture of tracks of the plurality of compact discs; selecting a game in sequence of tracks from the plurality of compact discs to define a playlist; and send a sequence of commands from the computer to the multi-CD changer in order to play back in sequence the tracks selected from the first playlist.