Abstract: A playback system includes a playback controller that causes a sound outputter to play a sound in accordance with an operation made by a user to an operator that is operated while the user is in contact with the operator; and a vibration imparter that vibrates the operator in accordance with a vibration signal that corresponds to the sound.

Abstract: A method for data allocation in a storage device includes performing an analysis on current and past Input/Output (I/O) requests to access data in the storage device, the analysis yielding an output comprising a hotness of data and an access pattern of data associated with a file in the storage device, wherein the hotness and the access pattern are obtained by monitoring a working set of files in the storage device with respect to the I/O requests, and updating an allocation of data in the storage device based on the output of the analysis.

Abstract: A device-specific and application-specific computing device, a playback device and a method for controlling the playback device using the computing device is disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, a user may control the playback device using a control information generated according to a device configuration information of the computing device in his/her possession.

Abstract: An operation device includes a rotational operation element, an angular velocity detection portion detecting an angular velocity of a rotational operation on the rotational operation element, and a playback speed information computation portion calculating, when the angular velocity detected by the angular velocity detection portion is in a first velocity range including an angular velocity of 0, playback speed information according to the detected angular velocity through a first functional computation and when the angular velocity detected by the angular velocity detection portion is in a second velocity range, which is a range higher than the first velocity range, playback speed information according to the detected angular velocity through a second functional computation, and outputting the calculated playback speed information.

Abstract: An administration server determines whether a request from a first client terminal is for authentication of a specific user who is in a log-in state via a second client terminal. When the request is for the specific user, the administration server performs a first or a second control, the first control including creating a new password; replacing an old password that is for the specific user to log-in to a network via the second client terminal with the new password; and sending the new password to the first client terminal, and the second control including determining that the request is disapproval; and sending a result of disapproval to the first client terminal. A double-log in by the same user and crush of an individual storage unit caused by a double-log in with the same user ID can be prevented.

Abstract: In order to facilitate the management of the hardware key of a library apparatus employing the LTO system, a write function of a noncontact memory (CM: cartridge memory) contained in an LTO tape cartridge is implemented in a medium carrying mechanism part of the library apparatus, and during an insertion to a tape drive, the IDs unique to a library control part and to the medium carrying mechanism part are recorded in the non-contact memory and utilized as the hardware key of an encrypting apparatus. The hardware key written once is overwritten (erased) during an ejection, thereby preventing leakage of key information.

Abstract: A system and method to remotely access optical disc media over a network. The present invention provides the benefits of consolidated storage of media and remote access, while maintaining an exclusive playback policy and allowing access to optical multimedia stored on remotely stored optical discs in accordance with the playback policy. The present invention provides a solution to those seeking to remotely access multimedia stored on optical discs from remote locations, particularly in situations that require direct hardware access to properly read the data from optical disc drives.

Abstract: An optical disk device includes an intermittent reproducing unit to perform an intermittent reproducing process to reproduce data recorded on an optical disk in a forward or reverse direction and at specific time intervals, each removing predetermined amount of data, an intermittent reproduction start instruction unit, upon receiving an instruction to start the intermittent reproducing process, to designate an intermittent reproduction start position and an intermittent reproducing direction, and to issue an instruction, and a storage unit to store the intermittent reproduction start position as information concerning a recording position for data skipped and unreproduced during a current intermittent reproducing process, when the instruction is issued.

Abstract: A device-specific and application-specific computing device, a playback device and a method for controlling the playback device using the computing device is disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, a user may control the playback device using a control information generated according to a device configuration information of the computing device in his/her possession.

Abstract: In an optical disc reproducing apparatus, when a stop key is pressed during reproduction of an optical disc, a resume function is activated, and a resume-on indication appears on a display device. When the resume-on indication goes out a predetermined time thereafter, a resume-indicating light-emitting device is lit. Thereafter, when a play key is pressed, resume reproduction is started. If, by mistake, a key other than the play key is pressed, a warning indication appears on the display device to indicate that a resume-on state is currently established, and also, if the pressing of the key is a first-time pressing, the pressing of the key is neglected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical drive (10) suitable to write optical storage discs and comprising means for accessing at least one central database (14) which may be accessed by a plurality of optical drives to derive write strategy information assigned to known disc types. In accordance with the present invention the optical drive (10) is adapted to provide said central database (14) with at least a part of disc type identification information obtained from an inserted disc (16), if said inserted disc (16) is of an unknown disc type. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for determining the write strategy of an optical drive (10).

Abstract: A storage system includes a communication port, the mode of operation of which can be dynamically switched by a user between a target mode and an initiator mode. The port may be a Fibre Channel port. The storage system may be a unified storage system operable to provide file-level access and block-level access to stored data.

Abstract: An information playback apparatus is provided to obtain editing effects using an optical disc in the same sense as an analog record disc is manipulated. An audio editing apparatus for playing back an optical disc such as a CD is provided with a rotatable jog dial, detecting device for detecting the amount of rotation of the jog dial, and sensing device for sensing the presence or absence of a pressing force on the jog dial. When the jog dial is rotated while being depressed with a predetermined pressing force, processing for providing sound effects is performed on the playback data to be played back from the optical disc in response to the amount of rotation detected by the detecting device. It is thereby possible to provide the same feeling of operation as provided by rotating an analog record disc through hand operations to produce playback sounds.

Abstract: A method may be provided for establishing a service communication channel to a multi-server computer system comprising a plurality of modular units. At least selected modular units can have a wireless communication port. The method may comprise transmitting an existence request message to the wireless communication port of each modular unit provided therewith; and receiving at least one existence response message from at least one of the plurality of modular units. The existence response message may include an identifier of the modular unit.

Abstract: An information playback apparatus is provided to obtain editing effects using an optical disc in the same sense as an analog record disc is manipulated. An audio editing apparatus for playing back an optical disc such as a CD is provided with a rotatable jog dial, detecting device for detecting the amount of rotation of the jog dial, and sensing device for sensing the presence or absence of a pressing force on the jog dial. When the jog dial is rotated while being depressed with a predetermined pressing force, processing for providing sound effects is performed on the playback data to be played back from the optical disc in response to the amount of rotation detected by the detecting device. It is thereby possible to provide the same feeling of operation as provided by rotating an analog record disc through hand operations to produce playback sounds.

Abstract: A power supply module removably disposed within an automated data storage and retrieval system. An automated data storage and retrieval system which includes one or more power supply modules removably disposed therein. An accessor movably disposed with an automated data storage and retrieval system comprising a gripper mechanism which can be releaseably attached to a power supply module. A method to supply power to an automated data storage and retrieval system. A method to monitor the operation of a power supply module removably disposed within an automated data storage and retrieval system.

Abstract: An optical disk recording apparatus writes data onto and reads data from a target optical disk, and is connected to a control device so as to control data recording and data reading operations of the optical disk recording apparatus. The control device generates recording status information of the target optical disk. The optical disk recording apparatus includes an optical disk drive coupled electrically to the control device and including an optoelectronic mechanism operable for writing data onto and reading data from the target optical disk, and an operating face panel mounted on the optical disk drive and including a display unit and a driver circuit coupled electrically to the optoelectronic mechanism and the display unit. The driver circuit activates the display unit so as to generate a visual indication of the recording status information from the control device.

Abstract: This invention enables moving whichever position of a file recorded on a recording medium to a designated position by simple operation and starting reproduction. The number of times of operation of a rapid traverse key or a rapid return key input in a reproduction stop state are counted. If the number of times of operation is two or more, there is a simple reproduction command. Time is designated according to this number of times of operation. If the present position in the reproduction stop state is moved forward or backward by as much as the designated time and a position corresponding to the designated time is detected, the reproduction is started.

Abstract: An information playback apparatus is provided to obtain sound effects by using an optical disc in much the same way an analog record is manipulated. A pressing pressure applied onto a rotatable jog dial is detected by providing a pressure sensing layer to the jog dial. When no pressing pressure is applied onto the jog dial, audio information is played back from an optical disc at a normal tempo. When an end of the jog dial at rest is pressed with a pressing pressure within a predetermined range, a tempo of a playback sound played from the audio information is changed in response to the pressing pressure. When an end of the jog dial at rest is pressed with a large pressing pressure, a tempo of a playback sound played from the audio information is changed in such a manner that playback of a playback sound is stopped eventually.

Abstract: A reproducing system is produced for reproducing music recorded on a digital disc, and a rotating dial is provided to be rotated by a user.

Abstract: An information reproducing apparatus for reproducing information recorded on a record medium. One of reproduce modes of reproducing information recorded on a record medium is selected. A reproduce program for selecting pieces of information recorded on the record medium on a random basis without duplication based on the selected reproduce mode and indicating the reproduce order of the selected pieces of information is prepared. The pieces of information recorded on the record medium are reproduced according to the reproduce order of the prepared reproduce program.

Abstract: A desktop sound producing device for playing audio recordings from pre-recorded media having a plurality of individual selections recorded thereon. The device has a pyramid shaped housing having four side walls extending upward from a bottom wall to an apex forming a cavity therein. A playback mechanism is positioned within the cavity, and includes a means for storing pre-recorded media, and a processing means capable of providing an audio output signal from the pre-recorded median and amplifying the audio output signal for reproduction of the pre-recorded media through a speaker. The processing means can include an optical scanning system for reading pre-recorded media located on a compact disk. A control panel extends outwardly from one of the walls and includes a plurality of depressable keys electrically coupled to the processing means, wherein at least one of the keys is available for playing a single selection from the pre-recorded media.

Abstract: When a disk reproduction apparatus 1 receives an input caused by the operation of “a fast-forwarding key” or “a rewinding key” during the reproduction operation, then the apparatus detects the number of successive operations of “the fast-forwarding key” or “the rewinding key” to thereby determine the fast-forwarding reproduction speed or the rewinding reproduction speed, and executes the fast-forwarding reproduction or the rewinding reproduction at the reproduction speed thus determined. Further, when the apparatus receives an input caused by the operation of “a normal fast-forwarding key” or “a normal rewinding key”, the apparatus reads a normal fast-forwarding reproduction speed or a normal rewinding reproduction speed stored in a memory and executes the fast-forwarding reproduction or the normal rewinding reproduction at the reproduction speed thus read.

Abstract: In an optical disk reproducing device for reproducing the video/audio information recorded on an optical disk wherein a setup menu is displayed for setting various kinds of functions of the optical disk reproducing device and a function is selected from the displayed setup menu, assuming that an instantaneous reproduction has been selected by the selecting means, when the optical disk is loaded in the optical disk reproducing device to reproduce the video/audio information, without an opening screen and a menu screen set for the optical disk being displayed, the video/audio information is reproduced from a first chapter included in a first title of the video/audio information recorded on the optical disk.

Abstract: A push-button speed change device for CD ROM drive is included in a CD ROM drive having a system casing and a front panel, and the front panel has indicating light, CD loader, and a plurality of control buttons. By means of each control button, it individually controls the play, pause, fast forward, fast reverse, of the optical disk drive, or when the user simultaneously presses any two of the control buttons, it can control the optical disk drive to rotate the motor in different speeds.

Abstract: An information playback apparatus is provided to obtain sound effects by using an optical disc in much the same way an analog record is manipulated. A pressing pressure applied onto a rotatable jog dial is detected by providing a pressure sensing layer to the jog dial. When no pressing pressure is applied onto the jog dial, audio information is played back from an optical disc at a normal tempo. When an end of the jog dial at rest is pressed with a pressing pressure within a predetermined range, a tempo of a playback sound played from the audio information is changed in response to the pressing pressure. When an end of the jog dial at rest is pressed with a large pressing pressure, a tempo of a playback sound played from the audio information is changed in such a manner that playback of a playback sound is stopped eventually.

Abstract: An information playback apparatus is provided to obtain editing effects using an optical disc in the same sense as an analog record disc is manipulated. An audio editing apparatus for playing back an optical disc such as a CD is provided with a rotatable jog dial, detecting device for detecting the amount of rotation of the jog dial, and sensing device for sensing the presence or absence of a pressing force on the jog dial. When the jog dial is rotated while being depressed with a predetermined pressing force, processing for providing sound effects is performed on the playback data to be played back from the optical disc in response to the amount of rotation detected by the detecting device. It is thereby possible to provide the same feeling of operation as provided by rotating an analog record disc through hand operations to produce playback sounds.

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.

Abstract: When a disk reproduction apparatus 1 receives an input caused by the operation of “a fast-forwarding key” or “a rewinding key” during the reproduction operation, then the apparatus detects the number of successive operations of “the fast-forwarding key” or “the rewinding key” to thereby determine the fast-forwarding reproduction speed or the rewinding reproduction speed, and executes the fast-forwarding reproduction or the rewinding reproduction at the reproduction speed thus determined. Further, when the apparatus receives an input caused by the operation of “a normal fast-forwarding key” or a normal rewinding key, the apparatus reads a normal fast-forwarding reproduction speed or a normal rewinding reproduction speed stored in a memory and executes the fast-forwarding reproduction or the normal rewinding reproduction at the reproduction speed thus read.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recording apparatus and a reproducing apparatus that record/reproduce a digital audio signal to/from a rewritable magnetic optical disc. With an operating portion and a displaying portion having an input field with a plurality of lines, character information such as titles of individual programs in a plurality of character formats can be input at a time.

Abstract: An audio reproduction apparatus capable of modulating an audio signal with at least one of reproduction factors, including the speed and direction of reproduction, and the sound pressure of the audio signal, an audio reproduction method used by the audio reproduction apparatus, a remixing apparatus employing the audio reproduction apparatus, and a remixing method used by the remixing apparatus are provided. The audio reproduction apparatus for reproducing a first audio signal recorded in a predetermined first recording medium includes: a reproduction control unit for generating a reproduction control signal by analyzing at least one of first and second displacement values, which are varied by a user, and outputting the generated reproduction control signal; and an audio reproduction unit for modulating and reproducing the first audio signal according to the reproduction control signal. The audio reproduction apparatus can modulate an audio signal in a variety of ways.

Abstract: A new Musical CD Creation Unit for providing both review and recording functions for the automated merchandising of music entertainment on recordable CDs. The inventive device includes a storage means, a selection means, and a production means. A CD jukebox of the kind commonly available and used in commercial markets provides is used to store musical selections. A computer terminal having a display monitor and input means, such as a computer keyboard or a touch screen allows a customer to review and create a musical selection to be reproduced on a recordable CD. Predetermined musical selections allow a customer to make selections based on music type, such as jazz, pop, rock, country, soul, gospel, or blues, popularity, such as “Top 20 Hits,” artist, or other options.