Patent US5751672A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5751672A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Compact disc changer utilizing disc database
Assignee: Sony Corp
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Filing: 1995-07-26
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Granted: 1998-05-12
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Expires: 2015-07-26
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for updating a memory in a Compact Disc changer. Information identifying discs stored in a CD changer is stored in a memory. The memory is updated when a CD is loaded which does not have identifying features which are recognized by the CD changer. Updating is carried out via a modem connection to a remote database. The database can be stored locally in a local database residing in a personal computer where the database can be queried to locate desired tracks and can be used to facilitate control of the compact disc changer by providing a simplified interface for building a play list and the like.
Inventors
- 👤 Carl J. Yankowski
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 23:43
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11B; G11B20/00; G11B20/10; G11B27/00; G11B27/002; G11B27/10; G11B27/11; G11B27/34; G11B2220/00; G11B2220/20; G11B2220/21; G11B2220/213; G11B2220/25; G11B2220/2525; G11B2220/2529; G11B2220/2537; G11B2220/2545; G11B2220/2562; G11B2220/60; G11B2220/65; G11B27/005; G11B27/007; G11B27/102; G11B27/105; G11B27/19; G11B27/28; G11B27/32; G11B27/327; G11B27/329; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S707/00; Y10S707/912; Y10S707/913; Y10S707/916; Y10S707/99941; Y10S707/99944; Y10S707/99945; Y10S707/99948
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 43
Claim 1
Independent Claim
149 words
A system for playback of music compact discs, comprising in combination: a disc changer for receiving a compact disc and converting data from said disc to signals representing music; means for reading an identifying portion of said disc which uniquely identifies said disc; a memory; means for comparing said identifying portion of said disc with said memory to determine if said identifying portion and associated identifying information relating to said compact disc is stored in said memory; a modem; searching means for accessing a remote database via said modem, wherein in the event said comparing means does not detect said identifying portion in said memory, said searching means accesses said remote database via said modem to locate identifying information relating to said disc, said disc being identified in said database by said identifying portion; and downloading means for downloading said identifying information from said remote database to said memory.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
149 words
A system for playback of music compact discs, comprising in combination: a disc changer for receiving a compact disc and converting data from said disc to signals representing music; means for reading an identifying portion of said disc which uniquely identifies said disc; a memory; means for comparing said identifying portion of said disc with said memory to determine if said identifying portion and associated identifying information relating to said compact disc is stored in said memory; a modem; searching means for accessing a remote database via said modem, wherein in the event said comparing means does not detect said identifying portion in said memory, said searching means accesses said remote database via said modem to locate identifying information relating to said disc, said disc being identified in said database by said identifying portion; and downloading means for downloading said identifying information from said remote database to said memory.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said disc includes a TOC area and wherein said identifying portion includes a portion of the TOC data of said compact disc.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said disc includes program material, and wherein said identifying portion includes a sample of said program material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said memory includes an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
76 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said searching means additionally includes means for accessing a local database, wherein in the event said comparing means does not detect said identifying portion in said memory, said searching means accesses said local database to locate identifying portion relating to said disc, said disc being identified in said database by said identifying portion, and wherein said downloading means includes means for downloading information from said local database to said memory.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for manually updating said memory in the event a said identifying portion is not found in said remote database.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising means for manually updating said memory in the event a said identifying portion is not found in said local database.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising database management software for selectively searching said remote database.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising database management software for selectively searching said local database.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising means for storing playback attributes for entries in said local database.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising means for controlling playback of said disc in accordance with said playback attributes stored in said local database.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said disc may include a plurality of tracks and wherein playback attributes are stored on a track-by-track basis for each track of said disc.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
226 words
A system for playback of music compact discs, comprising in combination: a disc changer for receiving a compact disc and converting data from said disc to signals representing music; means for reading an identifying portion of said disc which uniquely identifies said disc; a memory; means for comparing said identifying portion of said disc with said memory to determine if said identifying portion and associated identifying information relating to said compact disc is stored in said memory; first searching means for accessing a local database, wherein in the event said comparing means does not detect said identifying portion in said memory, said first searching means accesses said local database to locate said identifying portion relating to said disc, said disc being identified in said local database by said identifying portion; a modem; second searching means for accessing a remote database via said modem, wherein in the event said comparing means does not detect said identifying portion in said memory and said first searching means does not locate said identifying portion in said local database, said second searching means accesses said remote database via said modem to locate identifying information relating to said disc, said disc being identified in said remote database by said identifying portion; and downloading means for downloading said identifying information from either of said local database or said remote database to said memory.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
226 words
A system for playback of music compact discs, comprising in combination: a disc changer for receiving a compact disc and converting data from said disc to signals representing music; means for reading an identifying portion of said disc which uniquely identifies said disc; a memory; means for comparing said identifying portion of said disc with said memory to determine if said identifying portion and associated identifying information relating to said compact disc is stored in said memory; first searching means for accessing a local database, wherein in the event said comparing means does not detect said identifying portion in said memory, said first searching means accesses said local database to locate said identifying portion relating to said disc, said disc being identified in said local database by said identifying portion; a modem; second searching means for accessing a remote database via said modem, wherein in the event said comparing means does not detect said identifying portion in said memory and said first searching means does not locate said identifying portion in said local database, said second searching means accesses said remote database via said modem to locate identifying information relating to said disc, said disc being identified in said remote database by said identifying portion; and downloading means for downloading said identifying information from either of said local database or said remote database to said memory.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said disc includes a TOC area and wherein said identifying portion includes a portion of the TOC data of said compact disc.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said disc includes program material, and wherein said identifying portion includes a sample of said program material.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said memory includes an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 13 further comprising means for manually updating said memory in the event a said identifying portion is not found in one of said local database and said remote database.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising database management software for selectively searching said remote database.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 13 further comprising database management software for selectively searching said local database.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising means for storing playback attributes for entries in said local database.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 20, further comprising means for controlling playback of said disc in accordance with said playback attributes stored in said local database.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 20, wherein said disc may include a plurality of tracks and wherein playback attributes are stored on a track-by-track basis for each track of said disc.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
344 words
A system for playback of music compact discs, comprising in combination: a multiple disc changer for receiving a compact disc and reading data from said disc to convert to signals representing music; means for reading an identifying portion of said disc which can be used to uniquely identify said disc, said disc including a table of contents (TOC) area and a program area, and wherein said identifying portion includes data taken from said TOC area; an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM); means for comparing said identifying portion of said disc with said EEPROM to determine if data relating to said compact disc is stored in said EEPROM; a modem; a database manager comprising: first searching means for accessing a local database, wherein in the event said comparing means does not detect said identifying portion in said EEPROM, said first searching means accesses said local database to locate said identifying portion relating to said disc, said disc being identified in said local database by said identifying portion; second searching means including a programmed computer for accessing a remote database via said modem, wherein in the event said comparing means does not detect said identifying portion in said EEPROM and said first searching means does not locate said identifying portion in said local database, said second searching means accesses said remote database via said modem to locate identifying information relating to said disc, said disc being identified in said database by said identifying portion; downloading means for downloading information from either said local database or said remote database to said EEPROM; manual update means for manually updating said EEPROM in the event said identifying portion is not found in one of said local database and said remote database; means for storing playback attributes for entries in said local database, wherein said disc may include a plurality of tracks and wherein said playback attributes are stored on a track-by-track basis for each track of said disc; and means for controlling playback of said disc in accordance with said playback attributes stored in said local database.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
344 words
A system for playback of music compact discs, comprising in combination: a multiple disc changer for receiving a compact disc and reading data from said disc to convert to signals representing music; means for reading an identifying portion of said disc which can be used to uniquely identify said disc, said disc including a table of contents (TOC) area and a program area, and wherein said identifying portion includes data taken from said TOC area; an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM); means for comparing said identifying portion of said disc with said EEPROM to determine if data relating to said compact disc is stored in said EEPROM; a modem; a database manager comprising: first searching means for accessing a local database, wherein in the event said comparing means does not detect said identifying portion in said EEPROM, said first searching means accesses said local database to locate said identifying portion relating to said disc, said disc being identified in said local database by said identifying portion; second searching means including a programmed computer for accessing a remote database via said modem, wherein in the event said comparing means does not detect said identifying portion in said EEPROM and said first searching means does not locate said identifying portion in said local database, said second searching means accesses said remote database via said modem to locate identifying information relating to said disc, said disc being identified in said database by said identifying portion; downloading means for downloading information from either said local database or said remote database to said EEPROM; manual update means for manually updating said EEPROM in the event said identifying portion is not found in one of said local database and said remote database; means for storing playback attributes for entries in said local database, wherein said disc may include a plurality of tracks and wherein said playback attributes are stored on a track-by-track basis for each track of said disc; and means for controlling playback of said disc in accordance with said playback attributes stored in said local database.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 23, wherein said identifying portion further includes a sample of said program material.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
136 words
A multiple disc compact disc (CD) player, comprising in combination: a multiple disc CD changer mechanism for playing and storing a plurality of compact discs; a memory for storing information associated with said plurality of compact discs; a controller for controlling operations of said multiple disc compact disc player; a modem coupled to said controller for accessing a remote database via a telephone line connection; and said controller including: means for issuing a first query to said memory to determine if said memory includes information associated with a selected disc in said CD changer mechanism; means for issuing a second query to a remote database via said modem in order to find information associated with said selected disc if said first query fails to locate said information in said memory associated with said selected compact disc.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
136 words
A multiple disc compact disc (CD) player, comprising in combination: a multiple disc CD changer mechanism for playing and storing a plurality of compact discs; a memory for storing information associated with said plurality of compact discs; a controller for controlling operations of said multiple disc compact disc player; a modem coupled to said controller for accessing a remote database via a telephone line connection; and said controller including: means for issuing a first query to said memory to determine if said memory includes information associated with a selected disc in said CD changer mechanism; means for issuing a second query to a remote database via said modem in order to find information associated with said selected disc if said first query fails to locate said information in said memory associated with said selected compact disc.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 25, wherein said controller further comprises means for downloading said information said information from said remote database in order to update said memory.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
139 words
A system for playback of recorded media, comprising in combination: a media changer for receiving a recorded medium and reading data from said medium; means for reading an identifying portion of said medium which can be used to uniquely identify said medium; a memory; means for comparing said identifying portion of said medium with said memory to determine if data relating to said medium is stored in said memory; a modem; searching means for accessing a remote database via said modem, wherein in the event said comparing means does not detect said identifying portion in said memory, said searching means accesses said remote database via said modem to locate identifying information relating to said medium, said medium being identified in said database by said identifying portion; and downloading means for downloading information from said remote database to said memory.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
139 words
A system for playback of recorded media, comprising in combination: a media changer for receiving a recorded medium and reading data from said medium; means for reading an identifying portion of said medium which can be used to uniquely identify said medium; a memory; means for comparing said identifying portion of said medium with said memory to determine if data relating to said medium is stored in said memory; a modem; searching means for accessing a remote database via said modem, wherein in the event said comparing means does not detect said identifying portion in said memory, said searching means accesses said remote database via said modem to locate identifying information relating to said medium, said medium being identified in said database by said identifying portion; and downloading means for downloading information from said remote database to said memory.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 27, wherein said medium includes a TOC area and wherein said identifying portion includes a portion of the TOC data of said medium.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 27, wherein said medium includes program material, and wherein said identifying portion includes a sample of said program material.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 27, wherein said memory includes an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
76 words
The apparatus of claim 27, wherein said searching means additionally includes means for accessing a local database, wherein in the event said comparing means does not detect said identifying portion in said memory, said searching means accesses said local database to locate identifying portion relating to said medium, said medium being identified in said database by said identifying portion, and wherein said downloading means includes means for downloading information from said local database to said memory.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 27, further comprising means for manually updating said memory in the event a said identifying portion is not found in said remote database.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 32, further comprising means for manually updating said memory in the event a said identifying portion is not found in said local database.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 27, further comprising database management software for selectively searching said remote database.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 31, further comprising database management software for selectively searching said local database.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 31, further comprising means for storing playback attributes for entries in said local database.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 36, further comprising means for controlling playback of said recorded medium in accordance with said playback attributes stored in said local database.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 36, wherein said recorded medium may include a plurality of tracks and wherein playback attributes are stored on a track-by-track basis for each track of said disc.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-05-11 | 2001-11-10 | 2002-05-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-05-11 | 2005-11-10 | 2006-05-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-05-11 | 2009-11-10 | 2010-05-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |