Abstract: A system and method of identifying programs contained on a disk of any format, including, for example, either a single-sided or a double-sided disk with either a single-layer or multi-layer tracks, are presented. In particular, a dual-sided recording medium is disclosed having respective program data on the first and the second sides of said medium. In addition, the medium has a first area on the first side and a second area on the second side, and the areas have laser encoded data representing individualized information relating to said respective program data. The areas may or may not overlap each other depending on the configuration chosen. Also disclosed is an apparatus for laser encoding the above-described recording medium, and a method for processing a disk having more than one laser encoded areas.

Abstract: There is provided an Ebook. The Ebook includes a memory device, a text-to-speech (TTS) module, and at least one speaker. The memory device stores files. The files include text. The TTS module synthesizes speech corresponding to the text. The at least one speaker outputs the speech.

Abstract: A first method for acquiring data from a recording on a disk medium, comprises the steps of, successively reading bits defining a data set from different parts of the disk, continuously error correcting the bits to validate at least a part of the data set read from the disk, and, terminating reading upon successful validation of the data set by the error correcting step. A second method for acquiring data from a recording on a disk medium, comprises the steps of reading a data set beginning from a first position on the data recording, reading the data set from a second position radially spaced in a first direction from the first position absent acquisition of an error free data set from the first position; and, reading the data set from a third position radially spaced in an opposite direction beyond the first position absent acquisition of an error free data set from the second position.

Abstract: There is provided an Ebook. The Ebook includes a memory device, a command recognition module, and a processor. The memory device stores files. The files include text. The command recognition module recognizes spoken commands. The processor implements the spoken commands.

Abstract: There is provided an Ebook. The Ebook includes a memory device, a text-to-speech (TTS) module, and at least one speaker. The memory device stores files. The files include text. The TTS module synthesizes speech corresponding to the text. The at least one speaker outputs the speech.

Abstract: There is provided an Ebook. The Ebook includes a memory device, a text-to-speech (TTS) module, and a music module. The memory device stores files. The files include text and music. The TTS module synthesizes speech corresponding to the text. The music module plays back the music. The at least one speaker outputs the speech and the music.

Abstract: The invention includes a system and method for changing a playback speed of a selected video segment having a progressive frame structure which has been recorded onto a portion of a storage medium. A selected video segment can be modified for a changed playback speed and the modified video segment can be recorded exclusively on the portion of the medium. A plurality of non-video packs in the selected video segment can be deleted to reduce the amount of data contained in the modified video segment. Alternatively, the resolution of at least one frame in the modified video segment can be reduced. The video segment can contain intra and non-intra frames and can be modified by adding at least one picture. Alternatively, the video segment can be modified by removing at least one picture. The video segment can also be re-encoded for smoother trick mode and playback performance.

Abstract: The invention includes a system and method for changing a playback speed of a selected video segment having a non-progressive frame structure which has been recorded onto a portion of a storage medium. A selected video segment can be modified for a changed playback speed and the modified video segment can be recorded exclusively on the portion of the storage medium. A plurality of non-video packs in the selected video segment can be deleted to reduce the amount of data contained in the modified video segment. The video segment can be modified by decoding the frames in the video segment, reencoding such frames into their associated field pictures and adding at least one field picture. Alternatively, the video segment can be modified by removing at least one frame or field picture contained in the video segment. In either arrangement, the video segment can be reencoded to produce a smoother trick mode and playback performance.

Abstract: A method for controlling MPEG compatible data reproduced in sectors by a digital video disk player. The method comprises the steps of transducing groups of sectors including requested sectors having MPEG compatible data required for processing, and unrequested sectors having MPEG compatible data not required for processing. Coupling the requested sectors exclusive of the unrequested sectors to a data processor for processing. Processing the requested data sectors to extract the required MPEG compatible data representative of video information.

Abstract: An apparatus for reproducing a digitally encoded signal from a disk medium, comprises a transducerwhich transduces the digitally encoded signal. A memory is coupled to the transducer for storing the digitally encoded signal. A decoder is responsive to the digitally encoded signal for decoding a picture therefrom. A controller for the memory, wherein a first operational mode the controller controls the memory to read the stored digitally encoded signal from the memory responsive to a first sequence and in a second operational mode the controller controls the memory to read the stored digitally encoded signal from the memory in a second sequence.

Abstract: An apparatus for reproducing a digitally encoded signal from a medium, comprises a transducer for transducing the digitally encoded signal and generating a bit stream therefrom. A processor is coupled to receive the bit stream for controllably processing the bit stream. A memory is coupled to the processor for storing the processed bit stream information. A controller is coupled to control the memory and the processor for controlling identification of information within the bit stream, wherein the controller controls the processor to identify a specific sector type in the bit stream and responsive to the specific sector identification the controller controls the memory for storing the identified specific sector.

Abstract: In an digital disk player the timely acquisition of requested replay sectors is particularly important during trick mode operation. Delay in a transduced bitstream path is substantially obviated from the process of controlling a transducer position during replay by a method comprising the steps of receiving a first and a second transducer address for controlling the transducer position responsive to a replayed address. Comparing the replayed address with the first transducer address to detect equality therebetween. In response to the detected equality moving the transducer to a new position determined by the second transducer address.

Abstract: A method for controlling MPEG compatible data reproduced in sectors by a digital video disk player. The method comprises the steps of transducing groups of sectors including requested sectors having MPEG compatible data required for processing, and unrequested sectors having MPEG compatible data not required for processing. Coupling the requested sectors exclusive of the unrequested sectors to a data processor for processing. Processing the requested data sectors to extract the required MPEG compatible data representative of video information.

Abstract: An apparatus for reproducing a digitally encoded signal from a disk medium, comprises a transducer which transduces the digitally encoded signal. A memory is coupled to the transducer for storing the digitally encoded signal. A decoder is responsive to the digitally encoded signal for decoding a picture therefrom. A controller for the memory, wherein a first operational mode the controller controls the memory to read the stored digitally encoded signal from the memory responsive to a first sequence and in a second operational mode the controller controls the memory to read the stored digitally encoded signal from the memory in a second sequence.

Abstract: Video processing image manipulation and trick play modes provide seamless normal play and trick play functioning. Specifically, a system processes video data including encoded digital packetized data representative of a sequence of individual images and ancillary data identifying characteristics of the individual images. The system involves a pre-processor for parsing the ancillary data to determine characteristics of the individual images prior to storing the encoded digital packetized data. The system also includes a multiplexer for filtering the encoded digital packetized data based on the determined characteristics to identify particular images of the image sequence for storage in a memory and for excluding other images of the sequence from storage.

Abstract: An apparatus for reproducing a digitally encoded signal from a disk medium, comprises a source of a bitstream representative of the digitally encoded signal. A processor is coupled to the bitstream for processing the bitstream to extract at least a first and a second data type represented therein. A memory is controllably coupled to the processor for storing one of the first and a second data types. A controller is coupled to control allocation of the memory, wherein a first reproducing mode the controller allocates the memory for storing the first data type, and in a second reproducing mode the controller allocates the memory for storing the second data type.

Abstract: A method for picture decoding and display in an apparatus reproducing from a digital disk. The method comprises the steps of transducing a digitally encoded signal from the disk. Storing the digitally encoded signal in a first memory. Decoding the digitally encoded signal to produce a picture. Storing the picture in a second memory. Coupling the picture from the second memory for display. Controling the storing in the second memory and the coupling for display to occur substantially concurrently.