CN1758361A

CN1758361A - Unified control and memory for a combined DVD/HDD system

Info

Publication number: CN1758361A
Application number: CN 200510093823
Authority: CN
Inventors: S·苏塔迪加
Original assignee: Mawier International Trade Co Ltd
Current assignee: Marvell World Trade Ltd; Mawier International Trade Co Ltd
Priority date: 2004-09-14
Filing date: 2005-08-30
Publication date: 2006-04-12
Anticipated expiration: 2025-08-30
Also published as: CN1758360B; CN1758358A; CN1905034B; CN1905034A; CN1758361B; CN1758358B; CN1758360A

Abstract

A combined digital versatile disc (DVD)/hard disk drive (HDD) system controls a HDD assembly and a DVD assembly comprises a DVD/HDD control module controls operation of the HDD assembly and the DVD assembly. Volatile memory communicates with the DVD/HDD control module and stores volatile data relating to the operation of the DVD assembly and the HDD assembly. Nonvolatile memory communicates with the DVD/HDD control module and stores nonvolatile data relating to the operation of the DVD assembly and the HDD assembly.

Description

The unified control and the storage of combined DVD/HDD system

The cross reference of related application

The application is that the sequence number submitted on January 19th, 2005 is the continuation application of 11/039,288 U. S. application, and this U. S. application has required 60/609, No. 889 U.S. Provisional Application No. submitting on September 14th, 2004.This with way of reference with above-mentioned application in disclosed full content incorporate this paper into.

Technical field

The application relates to hard disk drive (HDD) system and digital omnipotent optical disk system (DVD), more specifically relates to combined type HDD/DVD system.

Background technology

The persistent data storage system comprises digital omnipotent optical disk system and hard disk driver system.Dvd system utilizes the optical storage data, and the HDD system utilizes the magnetic storage data.In system with DVD and HDD subsystem, general each subsystem all has the CPU (central processing unit) of oneself, outside DRAM (dynamic RAM) impact damper and flash memory, is used to handle the storage of ephemeral data and the storage of control routine.

Refer now to Fig. 1, shown HDD system 10 comprises HDD PCB (printed circuit board (PCB)) 14.Impact damper 18 storages reading and writing and/or the volatibility control data relevant with the control of HDD system 10.Impact damper 18 adopts usually has the low volatile memory that postpones.For example, can use the low delay memory of SDRAM (synchronous DRAM) or other types.Also can provide nonvolatile memory 19 (for example flash memory) to store critical data, for example certain permanent control routine.

The processor 22 that is arranged on the HDD PCB 14 is carried out data and/or the control and treatment relevant with the operation of HDD system 10.Hard disk control module (HDC) 26 communicates by letter with input/output interface 24, and with spindle/voice coil motor (VCM) driver or module 30, and/or read/write channel module 34 communication.HDC 26 coordinates the control of main shaft/VCM driver 30, read/write channel module 34 and processor 22, and coordinates the data I/O by carrying out between interface 24 and the main frame 35.

During write operation, read/write channel module 34 will be write the digital coding on the read/write device 59.Read/write channel module 34 is handled write signal reliably, but and application examples such as Error Correction of Coding (ECC), run-length-limited encoding (RLL) etc.During read operation, read/write channel module 34 is converted to digital read signal with the simulation read signal output of read/write device 59.Then, the signal after can utilizing known technology to conversion detects and decodes, with the data of recovery record on HDD.

Hard disk drive component (HDDA) 50 comprises one or more hard disc driver discs 52, and disc 52 comprises the magnetic coating of storage tape.Disc 52 is by the spindle motor driven rotary that schematically is shown in Reference numeral 54 places.Spindle motor 54 rotates hard disc driver disc 52 with controlled speed usually during read/write operation.One or more read/write arm 58 move with respect to disc 52, with from hard disc driver disc 52 read datas, and/or write data to hard disc driver disc 52.Main shaft/VCM driver 30 control spindle motors 54, and spindle motor 54 rotation discs 52.Main shaft/VCM driver 30 also produces the control signal of location read/write arm 58, for example uses voice coil actuator, stepper motor or any other suitable actuator.

Read/write device 59 is positioned near the far-end of read/write arm 58.Read/write device 59 comprises a writing component, for example an inductor that produces magnetic field.Read/write device 59 also comprises a reading component that the magnetic field on the disc 52 is responded to (for example magnetic resistance (MR) element).HDDA 50 comprises the preamplifier circuit 60 that the read/write signal of simulation is amplified.When reading of data, the low level signal that preamplifier circuit 60 amplifies from reading component, and the output amplifying signal is given read/write channel module 34.When write data, produce the write current of the writing component that flows through read/write device 59.Write current switched to produce magnetic field with negative or positive electrode.Negative or positive electrode is stored by hard disc driver disc 52, and is used to represent data.

Some part in the HDD system 10 can be realized by one or more integrated circuit (IC) or chip.For example, processor 22 and HDC 26 can be realized by single chip.Main shaft/VCM driver 30 and/or read/write channel module 34 also can utilize chip and/or other the chip the same with processor 22, HDC 26 to realize.Perhaps, in HDD system 10, the overwhelming majority except that HDDA 50 all can be embodied as a SOC (system on a chip) (SOC).

With reference now to Fig. 2,, shown dvd system 110 comprises a DVD PCB 114, and it comprises an impact damper 118, these impact damper 118 storages read data, write data and/or volatibility control routine relevant with the control of dvd system 110.Impact damper 118 can adopt volatile memory, for example the low delay memory of SDRAM and/or other types.Nonvolatile memory 119 for example flash memory also can be used to critical data, for example writes the data of form and/or other permanent control routine about DVD.The processor 122 that is arranged on the DVD PCB 114 is carried out data and/or the control and treatment relevant with the operation of dvd system 110.Processor 122 also can be carried out the decoding of copy protection as required, and/or, compression/de-compression.DVD control module 126 is communicated by letter with input/output interface 124, and communicates by letter with main shaft/feeding motor (FM) driver 130 and/or read/write channel module 134.DVD control module 126 is coordinated the control of main shaft/FM driver, read/write channel module 134 and processors 122, and the data I/O of being undertaken by interface 124.

During write operation, read/write channel module 134 will be write digital coding on the DVD disc by optical read/write (ORW) or light read-only (OR) device.Read/write channel module 134 is handled write signal reliably, but and application examples such as ECC, RLL or the like.During read operation, read/write channel module 134 is converted to digital signal with the simulation output of ORW or OR device 159.Then, the signal after can adopting known technology to conversion detects and decodes, with the data of recovery record on DVD.

DVD parts (DVDA) 150 comprise the DVD disc 152 of storing data optically.Disc 152 is by the spindle motor driven rotary that schematically is shown in Reference numeral 154 places.Spindle motor 154 rotates DVD disc 152 with controlled and/or variable speed during read/write operation.ORW or OR device 159 move with respect to DVD disc 152, with from DVD disc 152 read datas, and/or write data to DVD disc 152.ORW or OR device 159 typically comprise a laser instrument and an optical sensor.

For DVD read/write and DVD read apparatus, during read operation, laser instrument is directed on the track of DVD, and this track contains plane (land) and pit (pit).The reflection that the optical sensor induction is caused by plane/pit.Use for DVD read/write (RW), also can be used to heat die layer on the DVD disc at laser instrument during the write operation.If die is heated to a temperature, die is exactly transparent and represents a binary digit value.If die is heated to another temperature, die is exactly opaque and represents another binary digit value.

Main shaft/FM driver 130 control spindle motors 154, spindle motor 154 controllably rotates DVD disc 152.Main shaft/FM driver 130 also produces the control signal of location feeding motor 158, for example uses voice coil actuator, stepper motor or any other suitable actuator.Feeding motor 158 is generally with respect to radially mobile ORW of DVD disc 152 or OR device 159.Laser driver 161 produces laser-driven signal based on the output of read/write channel module 134.DVDA 150 comprises a preamplifier circuit 160 that the simulation read signal is amplified.When reading of data, preamplifier circuit 160 amplifies from the low level signal of ORW or OR device and output amplifying signal gives read/write channel module 134.

Dvd system 110 also comprises a codec modules 140, its coding and/or decoded video, for example video of any mpeg format.Audio frequency and/or video digital signal processor and/or

module

142 and 144 carry out audio frequency respectively and/or vision signal is handled.

The same with HDD system 10, the parts in the dvd system 110 can be realized by one or more integrated circuit (IC) or chip.For example, processor 122 and DVD control module 126 can be realized by single chip.Main shaft/FM driver 130 and/or read/write channel module 134 also can be realized by chip and/or other the chip the same with processor 122, DVD control module 126.Most of dvd system 110 except DVDA 150 can be embodied as SOC.

DVD player only comprises a DVD player usually, and this makes the difficulty of duplicating of DVD.In order to duplicate DVD, the user must copy to dvd content the hard disk drive of computing machine.Typically, the copy protection scheme such as digital copyright management (DRM) can prevent this duplicating, although can allow some to duplicate under the control of the Copyright Law.Therefore some reasons are to be in a kind of unprotected form when it is exported to other devices owing to data are by dvd system 110 deciphering and/or decoding.

Summary of the invention

A kind of DVD dubbing system comprises a hdd unit with nonvolatile memory.DVD parts read the dvd content with copy protection selectively from dvd media.Combined type HDD/DVD control module and hdd unit and DVD components communicate, and the dvd content that will have copy protection selectively copies in the nonvolatile memory of hdd unit.

According to detailed description provided below, other applications of the present invention will become obvious.It should be understood that detailed description and specific example although understand the preferred embodiments of the present invention, but they only are presented for purposes of illustration, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Description of drawings

According to describing in detail and appended accompanying drawing, the present invention will obtain more comprehensively understanding, in the accompanying drawing:

Fig. 1 is the theory diagram of prior art hard disk driver system;

Fig. 2 is the theory diagram of the omnipotent optical disk system of prior art numeral;

Fig. 3 is according to the simplification theory diagram of certain embodiments of the invention, combined DVD/HDD system;

Fig. 4 A is according to other embodiments of the invention, theory diagram with combined DVD/HDD system of DVD read/write ability;

Fig. 4 B is according to other embodiments of the invention, theory diagram with combined DVD/HDD system of the read-only ability of DVD;

Fig. 4 C is according to other embodiments of the invention, theory diagram with combined DVD/HDD system of common interface and the read-only ability of DVD;

Fig. 5 A is according to other embodiments of the invention, theory diagram with combined DVD/HDD system of DVD read/write ability;

Fig. 5 B is according to other embodiments of the invention, theory diagram with combined DVD/HDD system of the read-only ability of DVD;

Fig. 5 C is according to other embodiments of the invention, theory diagram with combined DVD/HDD system of common interface and the read-only ability of DVD;

Fig. 6 has illustrated according to some embodiment of the present invention, and permanent HDD storer is divided into user-accessible part and hidden parts;

Fig. 7 A is a process flow diagram, has illustrated that the dynamic assignment compose buffer is to support the method step of DVD write operation in HDD;

Fig. 7 B is a process flow diagram, has illustrated to use the HDD buffer zone to reduce the power consumption of DVD during write operation;

Fig. 8 is a process flow diagram, has illustrated that dynamic assignment is read buffer zone to support the method step of DVD read operation in HDD;

Fig. 9 is that explanation uses HDD to duplicate the process flow diagram of the method step of DVD;

Figure 10 is a process flow diagram, and the method step that utilizes compose buffer priority the DVD write data to be buffered to HDD has been described;

Figure 11 is a process flow diagram, and the method step that the DVD file of sequential access is read HDD has been described;

Figure 12 is a process flow diagram, illustrated with the DVD file portions of sequential access read the method step of HDD;

Figure 13 A and Figure 13 B are process flow diagrams, and the method step that permission is carried out N playback to the DVD file that is replicated protection from HDD has been described;

Figure 14 A and Figure 14 B are process flow diagrams, and the method step that the reproduction time that is stored in DVD file on the HDD, that be replicated protection is limited has been described; With

The theory diagram of combined DVD in the automobile, of the present invention/HDD system that Figure 15 is mounted in.

Embodiment

Following description to preferred embodiment only is exemplary, never plans to limit the scope of the invention, use or its use.For the sake of clarity, use identical numbering to identify similar elements in the accompanying drawings.Term used herein " module " is meant that the processor (shared, special-purpose or grouping) of certain special IC (ASIC), electronic circuit, the one or more softwares of execution or firmware program and storer, combinational logic circuit and/or other provide the suitable assembly of described function.

Unification DVD/HDD system not only controls DVD but also control HDD.This DVD/HDD system has reduced total system cost, and function and performance are enhanced.By using single DRAM and flash memory to be used for DVD and HDD data storage, reduced cost.Only need the minimizing of single power supply and outside number of connection, further reduced cost.

In addition, unify the content that the DVD/HDD system allows to be replicated protection and directly copy to HDD bit by bit.In other words, the content that is replicated protection can be replicated, and does not need copy protection scheme or digital copyright management (DRM) are decrypted, and does not also need operating system to participate in a large number.In other words, traditional separate type DVD and HDD system needed DVD that DRM or other copy protection are decoded/decipher before output.DRM or other copy protections may allow or not allow subsequent duplicate to arrive HDD.By making up described system, the present invention can provide the additional functionality with copy protection or DRM scheme intrinsic safety, because DRM or copy protection still are kept perfectly.For example, support the replicate run of single DVD driver, and do not need to remove copy protection or DRM.In addition, HDD can be as virtual DVD converter work.

With reference now to Fig. 3,, it shows according to simplification theory diagram certain embodiments of the invention, the box-like DVD/HDD of exemplary group system 200.Combined DVD/HDD system 200 comprises a combined system control module 204, and it is communicated by letter with volatile memory 212 with nonvolatile memory 210, and these storeies have been stored the data that are used for DVD and HDD operation.System control module 204 is communicated by letter with the interface 216 of main frame 218 via interface 214.In certain embodiments,

interface

214 and 216 is small computer system interface (SAS) or other appropriate interface of serial ATA interface, optical-fibre channel (FC), series connection.

In certain embodiments, combined DVD/HDD system can be connected to distributed communication system (DCS) 220, server 221 and remote content supplier 222.For example, network equipment 224 is connected to interface 214, and is connected to a cable modem 226 that leads to cable supplier 228, and cable supplier 228 provides the broadband connection of DCS 220.When predetermined access times or predetermined pot life expired, the user can be connected to content provider 222, obtains the extra usage license.Though be that cable modem is connected with cable shown in the figure, but wireless connections, wireless base station, access point, router, DSL modulator-demodular unit, DSL supplier, telephone modem and flexible (cord), and/or other suitable network devices can be used for providing the access of DCS 220.In certain embodiments, cable ISP 228 also can serve as content provider 222.Though do not illustrate, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other embodiment that illustrate below also can be connected in a similar fashion to the remote content supplier.By allowing remote reflash to use data, the user can lease video or other guide from the video rental store, and original contents is returned rental store.If the user wishes to be limited in use the phase or check described content once more after surpassing access times, the user does not need rental store so, selects this content, reloads this content.On the contrary, the user only needs the extra use of remote request.

With reference now to Fig. 4 A, Fig. 4 B and Fig. 4 C,, it shows respectively according to more detailed theory diagram certain embodiments of the invention, the exemplary combined formula DVD/HDD 200-1 of system, 200-2 and 200-3.In Fig. 4 A, the 200-1 of DVD/HDD system comprises DVD/HDD control module 230-1, and it is communicated by letter with volatile memory 212 with nonvolatile memory 210.Combined processor 234 is communicated by letter with DVD/HDD control module 230-1, and carries out data and control and treatment.

DVD/HDD control module 230-1 can realize according to the mode shown in the figure, perhaps is realized as independently DVD and HDD control module.Though show independently read/write

channel module

34 and 134, can use single read/write channel module to carry out HDD and DVD read/write operation.In addition, though show independently main shaft/VCM and main shaft/

FM driver

30 and 130 respectively, also can use integrated main shaft/VCM/FM driver.

Among the embodiment in Fig. 4 A, DVD has the DVD read/write ability.That is to say that read/write channel module 134, laser driver 161, prime amplifier 160 and optical read/write device 159 are supported the DVD read/write operation.But in Fig. 4 B, combined DVD/200-2 of HDD system comprises read channel module 235, laser driver 161, prime amplifier 160 and supports the light of DVD read-only operation to read (OR) device 236.

In Fig. 4 C, HDD and dvd system are as independently integrated circuit 250 and 252 realizations, and integrated circuit 250 is communicated by letter with the interface 216 of main frame 218 via common interface 254 with 252.Though Fig. 4 C shows a read-only embodiment of DVD, also can derive DVD read-write embodiment with read/write channel module 134 and ORW 159.

Embodiment among Fig. 4 C has common interface 254, and HDD 50 has a hidden parts and a user-accessible part.In certain embodiments, the dvd content with copy protection is stored in the hidden parts of HDD.In certain embodiments, use data, access times of due date and/or time, permission or the like for example also are stored in hidden parts and/or the storer related with DVD/HDD and/or HDD control module.When the use of using the data indication to allow used up, the dvd content on the HDD was just deleted automatically.

With reference now to Fig. 5 A, Fig. 5 B and Fig. 5 C,, it shows respectively according to theory diagram other embodiments of the invention, the exemplary combined formula DVD/HDD 200-4 of system, 200-5 and 200-6.In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5 A, signal processor 260 is carried out MPEG or other similar compressed encodings and decoding, Audio Signal Processing, vision signal and is handled, and provides and the interface of televisor (TV) 264.This interface is also carried out coding and/or format, for example is used for the National Television System Committee (NTSC), Phase Alternate Line (PAL), SCART and/or extended formatting.

In the embodiment of Fig. 5 A, DVD supports the DVD read/write operation.But in the embodiment of Fig. 5 B, DVD supports read-only operation.In Fig. 5 C, HDD and dvd system are used as independently integrated circuit 270 and 272 realizations, and integrated circuit 270 is communicated by letter with TV 264 via common interface 274 with 272.Though Fig. 5 C shows a DVD read-write embodiment, also can derive the read-only embodiment of DVD.Embodiment among Fig. 5 C has common interface 254 and the HDD zone that hides and the HDD zone of user-accessible, as mentioned above.

With reference now to Fig. 6,, it has shown according to some embodiment the nonvolatile memory 300 of HDD has been divided into user accessible area and hidden area.Nonvolatile memory 300, promptly HDD is allocated to the first 304 of user-accessible and (promptly hiding) second portion 308 of user's inaccessible.According to some embodiment of the present invention, use second hidden parts 308 in one or more following modes.

For example, with the data storage relevant with writing the current or following form that is used for writing DVD of strategy 310 (for example CD-RW, CD+RW, DVD-RW, DVD+RW) and other at hidden parts 308.In addition, hidden parts 308 is used to provide static or dynamic compose buffer 314, in order to support the DVD write operation.This hidden parts is used to provide static or dynamically reads buffer zone 316, in order to support the DVD read operation.Hidden parts 308 is used to interim storage dvd content (comprising hiding data) to be duplicated, and does not need to avoid the copy protection of DVD.In addition, the hidden parts 308 of HDD is used to the DVD transmission dish (carousel) that provides virtual.In other words, a plurality of DVD can be copied to HDD, and date playback afterwards.0, one or more these features and function can be incorporated into combined DVD/HDD system.

With reference now to Fig. 7 A,, shown flowchart text the compose buffer among the dynamic assignment HDD to support DVD method of operating step.Control is from step 350.In step 354, compose buffer size (W_Buf_size) is set as and equals minimum dimension (min.).In step 358, start moving window.In step 362, control determines whether DVD blocks (stall).If step 362 is true, is controlled at step 366 so and sets obstructing event (SE).

If step 362 is false or after step 366, control proceeds to step 370 and determines that during moving window whether the quantity of obstructing event is more than or equal to maximum thresholding (SE-Max).If step 370 is true, control determines whether the size of compose buffer equals the full-size (Buf_max) of compose buffer in step 374 so.If step 374 is true, control turns back to step 362.If step 374 is false, is controlled at the size that step 378 increases compose buffer so, and turns back to step 362.If step 370 is false, be controlled at so and determine in the step 380 during moving window, whether the number of times of obstructing event is smaller or equal to the minimal number (SE_Min) of obstructing event.If step 380 is false, step 362 is returned in control.If step 380 is true, control proceeds to step 384 so, and whether the size of definite compose buffer equals the minimum dimension (W_Buf_min) of compose buffer.If step 384 is true, step 362 is returned in control.If step 384 is false, is controlled at the size that step 388 reduces compose buffer, and returns step 362.

The DVD data also can be buffered among DRAM (classic method) and the HDD as the level 2 buffering district.This is for DVD write operation particular importance.Any interruption during the DVD write operation all can cause the loss of data in the DVD dish.By using HDD as the level 2 buffering district, the size of buffer zone can increase, and surpasses the size of the DRAM buffer zone of low value.Therefore only when this buffer zone is filled among the HDD, can carry out the DVD write operation, this can reduce power consumption.Also can adjust minimal buffering district size, postpone, reduce write error thereby optimize according to the obstruction frequency of DVD write operation.

With reference now to Fig. 7 B,, shows and use HDD that the write data to DVD is carried out step of buffering.Control starts from step 390.In step 392, control determines whether to exist the DVD write request.If step 392 is false, step 392 is returned in control.If step 392 is true, is controlled at step 394 and determines whether the HDD compose buffer is full of.If step 394 is false, step 392 is returned in control.If step 394 is true, is controlled at and writes data to DVD in the step 396.What will be understood that is, writes bigger data block to DVD, has reduced power consumption.In other words, the compose buffer size on the HDD is configured to greater than normally used sdram buffer.

With reference now to Fig. 8,, shown flowchart text read buffer zone to support DVD method of operating step among the dynamic assignment HDD.Control starts from step 400.In step 404, read buffer size (R_Buf_size) and be set as and equal the minimum buffer size (min.) of reading.In step 408, start moving window.In step 412, whether control determines to read buffer zone greater than certain thresholding.For example, this thresholding can be configured to equal a current number percent reading buffer size, and for example 80%, 90% or the like, and/or this thresholding can be configured to equal the byte number of appointment, it is smaller or equal to the current buffer size of reading.

If step 412 is true, is controlled at step 416 setting and reads the full incident (RBE) of buffer zone (R_Buff).If step 412 is false, perhaps after step 416, control proceeds to step 420, and determines between window phase, and whether the quantity of reading the full incident of buffer zone is more than or equal to maximum thresholding (RBE_Max).If step 420 is true, in step 424, control the full-size (R_Buf_max) whether the size (R_Buf_size) of determining to read buffer zone equals to read buffer zone so.If step 424 is true, step 412 is returned in control.If step 424 is false, is controlled at step 428 increase so and reads the size of buffer zone, and return step 412.If step 420 is false, be controlled at step 430 so and determine between window phase, whether the quantity of reading the full incident of buffer zone is smaller or equal to the minimum number (RBE_Min) of reading the full incident of buffer zone.If step 430 is false, step 412 is returned in control.If step 430 is true, control proceeds to step 434, and whether the size of determining to read buffer zone equals to read the minimum dimension (R_Buf_min) of buffer zone.If step 434 is true, step 412 is returned in control.If step 434 is false, is controlled at the size that step 438 reduces to read buffer zone, and returns step 412.

Use HDD to cushion read operation (buffer memory DVD read operation), improved overall system performance.Because therefore the HDD access time can realize that usually than a fast order of magnitude of the access time of DVD significant read access speed promotes at random.As distributing the HDD storage area to be used for DVD cache read write operation, the hidden parts on the HDD can be used to this purpose, makes not obliterated data unexpectedly of user.Alternatively, the hidden parts on the HDD can have dynamic size and distribute, and this depends on available free space size and total HDD memory capacity.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, exist the whole bag of tricks to realize reading dynamically and/or the compose buffer size.Therefore, the technician it will be appreciated that also Fig. 7 A and illustrative steps shown in Figure 8 only are to illustrate for example.

With reference now to Fig. 9,, shown flowchart text use HDD to duplicate the method step of DVD.Control starts from step 450.In step 454, control determines whether to have asked DVD to duplicate.If no, step 454 is returned in control.If step 454 is true, be controlled at the data of on HDD, storing in the step 458 so from DVD, it comprises hiding data and/or copy protection data, for example DRM.That is to say, with the data bitwise copy on the DVD to HDD.And replicate run can be carried out bit by bit, and seldom or not needs with operating system mutual.

In step 462, control determines whether to insert blank DVD.If step 462 is false, is controlled at step 466 so and starts timer alternatively.In step 470, control determines whether the user has abandoned reproduction process, and perhaps optional timer is (if using timer) then.If step 470 is false, step 462 is returned in control so.

If step 462 is true, be controlled at the data that step 474 will be stored on the HDD so and write on the blank DVD, described data comprise hiding data and/or copy protection data.In step 478, control determines whether the user wants to make another DVD copy.If step 478 is true, step 462 is returned in control.If step 478 is false, is controlled at step 482 deletion and is stored in the DVD data on the HDD and returns step 454.If step 470 is true, control also proceeds to step 482.

By the hierarchy of control structure of unified DVD and HDD, just only need a connectivity port that composite set is connected to host computer system (for example PC, family's sound-track engraving apparatus, and/or televisor).This will reduce overall system cost and power consumption.Cost reduces the minimizing that is subject to chip and packaging cost, also comprises the saving of cable and host chip cost and power.Another cost savings are to use single PCBA (printed circuit board component), and the cost of relevant separation assembly (for example single power connector and single power management controller) is reduced.

Unified architecture has utilized combined DVD/HDD system to have the advantage of the permanent and fixing nonvolatile memory of high power capacity (HDD).In this example, HDD stores important DVD parameter, for example is used for the various strategies of writing of different DVD-RW CD media.This has further reduced the cost of overall subsystem, because the high capacity flash memory is used to store the optical disc media formats that a large amount of needs are supported traditionally.

Along with the increase of supplier's quantity of DVD CD media in the coming years and DVD disk format, will further save cost.In order to prevent that accidental erasure is stored in the important DVD data of (rather than in flash memory) among the HDD, the special-purpose DVD data among the HDD are preferably hidden HDD user.This means, unless HDD user's care intentionally, otherwise in HDD, just do not have crucial DVD data.

Knockdown architecture has also been improved the replicate run of single DVD driver.This finishes in HDD by bitwise copy DVD data at first, and seldom or not needs with operating system mutual.Because HDD is under the control identical with the DVD device; thereby all information (comprises hiding and/or copy protection data of DVD CD; DRM for example) can be copied on the HDD, and needn't worry if information and data are moved on the HDD, will be by bootlegging.Copy protection and/or DRM remain complete.

Place the hidden parts of HDD by the HDD zone that will be used for DVD data temporary copy, security is provided.In case inserted new blank DVD CD, described temporary copy can be written back on the DVD driver.If a plurality of DVD are copied to HDD, HDD also can be used as the virtual DVD converter so.The DVD data that are stored among the HDD are taken as virtual DVD.When reading the DVD data from HDD, DVD operation that can operative norm, for example DVD copy protection.

By code and/or medium format are placed DVD, rather than in the flash memory, be easy to more fresh code and/or medium format.In certain embodiments, code and/or medium format are remote updates, for example upgrade by distributed communication system (for example intranet, the Internet and/or any other WAN (wide area network) or LAN (LAN (Local Area Network))) via host apparatus (for example computing machine).On the contrary, when the code in the flash memory and/or medium format need be upgraded, just must fire flash memory again, this is inconvenient.

With reference now to Figure 10,, shows the method step that utilizes compose buffer priority the DVD write data to be buffered to HDD.Usually use little buffer zone, this can make the DVD write operation slack-off, and/or causes overflowing when exceeding buffer zone.According to some embodiment of the present invention, wait that the data of writing DVD are buffered to HDD, this has just prevented to overflow.Control starts from 500.In step 502, control determines whether HDD is cushioning the DVD write data.If step 502 is false, step 502 is returned in control.If step 502 is true, control determines whether to exist a HDD write request from another data source, and this another data source also is not used in DVD and writes buffered.If step 504 is true, be controlled at step 506 and be beneficial to finish mode that DVD writes buffered and solve HDD and write contention, step 502 is returned in control then.After DVD write the buffered end, other HDDs relevant with other HDD write datas write processing and can finish.This method allows to finish DVD and writes buffered and do not lose the DVD write data.

With reference now to Figure 11,, shows the DVD file that the reads sequential access method step in the HDD.In other words, HDD be used as sequential access the DVD file read buffer zone.Control starts from 520.In step 524, control just determines whether the read operation at the DVD of order of occurrence access file.If step 524 is false, step 524 is returned in control.If step 524 is true, control proceeds to step 526, and with the DVD file buffering to HDD.Control proceeds to step 528, and closes after the DVD sequential access file is buffered to HDD or the rotation of the DVD that slows down.Control proceeds to step 530, and buffer culture is outputed to main frame from HDD.As long as HDD has cushioned the data of q.s, just can carry out the data output of HDD, and needn't be cushioned by pending file.

With reference now to Figure 12,, shows with the part of fixing or variable-size the DVD file of sequential access is read method step among the HDD.Control starts from 550.In step 554, control determines whether to read the DVD file of sequential access.If step 554 is false, step 554 is returned in control.If step 554 is true, control proceeds to step 558, and cushions a part of DVD file to HDD.Can carry out the HDD retaking of a year or grade this moment.In step 560, HDD begins the file of buffering is outputed to main frame.In step 564, whether the buffering that the definite HDD of control goes up this part is finished.If step 564 is false, step 564 is returned in control.If step 564 is true, control is closed or the rotation of the DVD that slows down.In step 570, control need to determine whether extra buffered data.When just need extra data during by retaking of a year or grade from the data of described storage area.Before part formerly ran out, extra buffered data preferably was moved to HDD, to prevent delay.Can based on as be stored in the buffer portion on the HDD number percent read or read data size, relevant read/write time delay and/or other factors are not made this decision.

If need extra buffered data, be controlled at step 574 so and determine in the DVD file of order, whether have extra part as determining in the step 570.If step 574 is false, step 554 is returned in control.If step 574 is true, the another part that is controlled in the step 576 the DVD file is buffered to HDD, and control proceeds to step 564.

With reference now to Figure 13 A,, showing permission will be from the method step of file playback HDD, that be replicated protection N time.Control starts from 600.In step 602, control determines whether the DVD file that is replicated protection is stored on the HDD.If be false, step 602 is returned in control.If step 602 is true, is controlled in the step 604 and N=1 is set for the DVD file.In step 606, control determines whether will be stored in file on the HDD, that be replicated protection and reads from HDD.If step 606 is false, step 606 is returned in control.If step 606 is true, is controlled at N is increased progressively.In step 614, control determines whether N equals N _Max

If step 614 is false, step 606 is returned in control.If step 614 is true, is controlled at and determines in the step 620 whether the user wishes additionally to use this content.If step 620 is true, be controlled at step 622 and send message, the original DVD that request will comprise this content inserts in the DVD player.In step 624, control starts timer.In step 626, control determines whether the DVD that comprises this content inserts in the DVD player.Determine the whether overtime of timer if no, be controlled at step 628.If step 628 is false, step 626 is returned in control.If step 626 is true, be controlled at step 629 alternatively with N _MaxBe set to a new value K (may with the front used several similar and different), and return step 604.If step 620 is vacation or step 628 is true, is controlled at step 630 content can not be obtained, and/or is replicated the file of protection, and control and return step 602 from the HDD deletion.

By allowing to refresh the use data after the broadcasting time that has used permission, the user can avoid dvd content is written into the required time of HDD again.In other words, if the user wishes after the broadcasting time that has used permission viewing content once more, the user do not need this content is written into HDD again.On the contrary, the user only needs to insert original dvd content, with the right of checking user to described content.Like this, the user has just saved the time.

With reference now to Figure 13 B,, when having used up access times, combined DVD/HDD can be via the net connection content provider, to ask and/or to buy extra

access times.Step

622 and 626 is replaced by

step

634 and 636 respectively.In step 634, DVD or any other network equipment (for example computing machine) send message to the content provider, the use that amount of the claim is outer.If desired, the content provider can start the dialogue with the user.Described message can be produced by combined DVD/HDD, and/or the user can use notebook or desk-top computer or other to have the device of network capabilities to visit the interface (web enabledinterface) of webpage or other network activation, with the outer access times of amount of the claim.In step 636, DVD determines whether to receive the extra usage license.In certain embodiments, the usage license connects reception electronically by network, needs user interactions or does not need user interactions.In other embodiments, the user is given a current code, imports this current code and just can obtain extra use.

Remote reflash uses data after the broadcasting time that has used permission by allowing, and the user can lease video or other guide from the video rental store, and original contents is returned rental store.If the user wishes after the broadcasting time that has used permission viewing content once more, the user does not need the content rental store, selects this content, and reload this content.On the contrary, the user only needs the extra use of remote request.

With reference now to Figure 14 A,, shows the method step that the reproduction time that is stored in file on the HDD, that be replicated protection is limited.Control starts from 640.In step 644, control determines whether the DVD file that is replicated protection is stored on the HDD.If step 644 is false, step 644 is returned in control.Otherwise control proceeds to step 646, and timer Timer1 is set.In step 648, control determines whether Timer1 equals T _MaxIf step 648 is false, step 648 is returned in control.If step 648 is true, is controlled at step 650 and determines whether the user wishes to obtain the extra use of this content.If step 650 is true, be controlled at step 652 and send message, the original DVD that request will comprise this content inserts in the DVD player.In step 654, control starts timer Timer2.In step 656, control determines whether the DVD that comprises this content inserts in the DVD player.Determine whether timer Timer2 is overtime if no, be controlled at step 658.If step 658 is false, step 656 is returned in control.If step 656 is true, be controlled at step 659 alternatively with T _MaxBe set to a new value.If step 650 is vacation or step 658 is true, is controlled at step 660 this content can not be obtained, and/or is replicated the file of protection, and control and return step 644 from the HDD deletion.Though described herein is timer, can carry out any use measurement and/or comparison.For example, can use date, time period and/or timestamp, and with current data or time ratio.To those skilled in the art, other using method also is tangible.

Allow to refresh the use data after expiring in the time period of permitting, the user can avoid dvd content is written into the required time of HDD again.That is to say that if the user wishes to be limited in use after the phase viewing content once more, the user does not need this content is written into HDD again.On the contrary, the user only needs to insert original dvd content, with the right of checking user to described content.Like this, the user has just saved the time.

With reference now to Figure 14 B,, when the pot life used up, combined DVD/HDD can be via the net connection content provider, to ask and/or to buy extra

service time.Step

652 and 656 is replaced by

step

664 and 666 respectively.In step 664, DVD or any other network equipment (for example computing machine) send message to the service time outside content provider's amount of the claim.If desired, the content provider can start the dialogue with the user.This message can be produced by combined DVD/HDD, and/or the user can use notebook or desk-top computer or other to have the device of network capabilities to visit the interface of webpage or other network activation, with amount of the claim outer service time.In step 666, combined DVD/HDD determines whether to receive the extra usage license.In certain embodiments, the usage license connects reception electronically by network, needs user interactions or not mutual.In other embodiments, the user is given a current code, imports this current code and can obtain extra service time.

Allow remote reflash to use data after being limited to the phase in use, the user can lease video or other guide from the video rental store, and original contents is returned rental store.If the user wishes to be limited in use after the phase viewing content once more, the user does not need the content rental store, selects this content, and reloads this content.On the contrary, the user only needs the extra use of remote request.

With reference now to Figure 15,, any combined DVD of the present invention/HDD system can be installed in the automobile 700.For example, the combined DVD shown in Fig. 3/HDD system 200.Can for example be written into and use a plurality of DVD on the journey, and not need DVD is left in the automobile.In addition, can use wireless network to connect automobile and allow extra use to the content provider, as indicated above, and/or can use verification technique among Figure 13-14B.

So far, those skilled in the art can recognize that according to the description of front the principle of broadness of the present invention can accomplished in various ways.Therefore, though combine specific example in description of the invention, actual range of the present invention should not be subject to this, because to those skilled in the art, after having studied accompanying drawing, instructions and claims, carry out other modifications and will become obvious.

Claims

1. DVD dubbing system, it comprises:

A hdd unit, it comprises nonvolatile memory;

DVD parts, it reads the dvd content with copy protection selectively from dvd media; With

A combined type HDD/DVD control module, itself and described hdd unit and described DVD components communicate, and the described dvd content that will have a described copy protection copies in the described nonvolatile memory of described hdd unit selectively.

2. DVD dubbing system according to claim 1, wherein said copy protection comprises digital rights management data.

3. DVD dubbing system according to claim 1, also comprise the volatile memory and second nonvolatile memory, wherein said volatile memory is all stored the data relevant with the operation of described DVD parts and described hdd unit with described second nonvolatile memory.

4. DVD dubbing system according to claim 1, wherein said combined type HDD/DVD control module is implemented as an integrated circuit.

5. DVD dubbing system according to claim 1, the described dvd content that wherein has described copy protection is copied to a hidden parts of the described nonvolatile memory of described hdd unit.

6. virtual DVD transmission dish, it comprises the described DVD dubbing system of claim 1, wherein the dvd content with copy protection from a plurality of dvd medias is stored in the described nonvolatile memory of described hdd unit.

7. DVD dubbing system according to claim 1, wherein said combined DVD/HDD control module allows the described dvd content of N playback, and described dvd content can't be used.

8. DVD dubbing system according to claim 7, wherein said DVD/HDD control module are deleted described dvd content from the described nonvolatile memory of described HDD.

9. DVD dubbing system according to claim 1, wherein said combined DVD/HDD control module allow the described dvd content of playback in a pre-specified time, and described dvd content can't be used.

10. DVD dubbing system according to claim 9, wherein said DVD/HDD control module are deleted described dvd content from the described nonvolatile memory of described HDD.