Abstract: The present invention is a folder indexing method that defines a format for storage and playback of digital audio files to support a specialized song selection access method. Access codes used to select media files for playback of music in a digital audio player, such as a juke box, are entered using track selection keys bearing the characters associated with the various access codes. At the software level, the track selection keys are assigned index values. Index values are used to locate a selected individual folder, but each individual folder uniquely stores only one media file. Preferably, folder names are only used for the purpose of alpha sorting folders so that index values can be used to count to a selected folder rather than searching for a term in a folder name. Multiple folder levels can be located using this method, but only the last folder level contains media files.

Abstract: In certain example embodiments, jukebox systems that have associated video servers for displaying video content on one or more displays or groups of displays external to the jukebox and/or directly on the jukebox are provided. Such video servers may effectively off-load at least some of the video processing load from the jukebox device. Accordingly, video content may be provided to complement and/or further enhance the interactive experience that jukeboxes currently provide, while also enabling patrons not directly in front of the jukebox to participate in the interactive process. Content may be distributed to the jukeboxes and/or video servers via a network. In addition to creating a compelling entertainment experience for patrons, it also is possible to create new revenue opportunities for customers. For example, operators and national account customers and advertising partners may provide additional value to venues through the innovative use of managed video content.

Abstract: A method of reproducing information, and more particularly, a method of playing an optical recording medium storing music files by which a user can load only desired directories from the optical recording medium to reproduce the music files contained therein. Directories are searched from the optical recording medium and are displayed on a screen if the optical recording medium is driven. Desired ones of the directories are selected from the displayed directories and are loaded. Information corresponding to the loaded directories is reproduced. Only a directory selected by a user is loaded and reproduced. Thus, disc-loading time is saved so that the user can rapidly reproduce desired information.

Abstract: An electronic-mechanical apparatus (1) for playing back optical disks, usually termed juke-box, comprises receiving means (5) for a plurality of optical disks (D), playback means (7) for an optical disk (D), selector means (T) for selecting an optical disk (D) to be played back, and handling means (6) for withdrawing an optical disk from the receiving means and transferring it to the playback means (7), as well as for withdrawing it from the playback means (7) and re-placing it into its respective receiving means (5). The electronic-mechanical apparatus (1) further comprises a ionizing means (10) for trapping any dust, a programmable electronic control unit (14), and a scanner (18).

Abstract: The present invention includes a condition setting portion configured to set a condition used to select titles to be registered in a play list among a plurality of titles recorded on a recording medium, a retrieval portion configured to retrieve titles corresponding to a set condition by making reference to management information recorded on the recording medium, and a registration portion configured to register retrieved titles in the play list.

Abstract: A DVD-video playback apparatus including a navigation manager that estimates the size of each title included in a DVD disc when the navigation manager receives a playback start command for the DVD disc from a main controller. The navigation manager sets titles whose sizes are larger than half of the size of the largest title as monitored titles, and starts playing back the DVD discs 1 by controlling a presentation engine. When the playback of all of the monitored titles is completed, the playback is stopped and a disc-change request is issued to the main controller. The main controller changes the DVD disc to another DVD disc by controlling a DVD changer, and issues a playback start command for the new DVD disc to the navigation manager.

Abstract: A method is for simultaneously operating the tray of an optical disk system and the front panel of the computer cabinet wherein the optical disk system is housed. In the method, the tray of the optical disk system is ejected immediately after the front panel of the computer case is completely opened when a tray operation instruction is issued and the front panel is currently at a close state. Additionally, the tray is retracted into the optical disk system before the front panel of the computer case is closed when a tray operation instruction is issued again and the front panel is currently at an open state so that the optical disk system may been closed inside a computer cabinet of the computer including HI-FI stereo. In the embodiment, the tray operation instruction is delivered via an output pin of the computer including HI-FI stereo and one of the reserved output pin of the optical disk system.

Abstract: An information recording and reproducing apparatus with a ring buffer which can expand a ring buffer area on a recording medium. In response to the extension command operation, an extension start point is obtained based on a current recording position in the ring buffer area, an empty area on the recording medium is set as an extended area in the ring buffer area, and the extended area is set as a target of recording and reproduction next to an area which ends at a position just before the extension start point.

Abstract: The system comprises one or more storage devices (34) for storing data media, particularly CDs, a read/writer (50), a picking and transfer device (42), a series of rotary platters (22) stacked one on top of the other and each associated with a drive device (60, 62) acting on the periphery of platters to rotate these between a position in which the disks are stored and a position in which the disks can be accessed. Each platter has a slot (28) and when all the platters (22) are in the storage position, the slots (28) define an open channel which allows the transfer device (42) to move vertically.

Abstract: A computer jukebox capable of receiving and storing advertisement data representing a plurality of advertisement from a remote central management system by way of a transmission link between the computer jukebox and the central management system, comprising a communication interface, a programmable computer memory and a processor. The computer jukebox downloads advertisement data. The communication interface receives advertisement data from the remote central management system by way of the transmission link. The advertisement data represents an identity of each of the plurality of advertisements, and data representing times for each of the advertisements to be run. The programmable computer memory stores the advertisement data. The processor runs the plurality of advertisements according to the advertisement data.

Abstract: A method for providing user-friendly selection of a storage medium, in particular an optical storage disk, from a plurality of storage mediums. The storage mediums are assigned to a playback device, in particular a compact disk changer, for reading out and reproducing stored data and can be stored in a storage apparatus, arrangement or structure, in which a playback probability is determined for each storage medium, and in which the storage medium having the lowest playback probability is then released to be ejected from the playback device or from the storage apparatus, arrangement or structure.

Abstract: A collection management system, or virtual jukebox, is provided for a collection of recordings that is independent of the physical media upon which the material is recorded. The system forms a part of a network that includes storage media and playback devices, and provides an easy to use system for collection cataloging, archiving, and retrieval. In a preferred embodiment, a collection management system resides on a consumer electronic (CE) device, or a personal or home computer (PC), and the collection includes recordings that are stored on one or more hard drives associated with the CE device or the PC. The collection management system includes a user interface that facilitates the retrieval of recordings for playback from one or more storage devices, based on an individual selection of genre, author, and so on.

Abstract: A modular storage system comprises one or more storage modules, a moveable display capable of coupling to a storage module, and a sensor capable of detecting movement of the display. The individual storage modules have one or more magazines that can hold a plurality of storage cartridges. The modular storage system further comprises a controller that responds to detected display movement by reconfiguring a state of the modular storage system.

Abstract: A video or audio play-back apparatus has a variable random play option to control a degree of randomnees of the selections made from a play list.

Abstract: A user can designate a track for program reservation of a Carousel player capable of loading both a CD and DVD-Audio, smoothly irrespective of the type of a disk. It is first checked whether a track corresponding to the disk number entered by a user is a track of CD or DVD-Audio. If the track is a track of a CD, after the disk number input, the user is immediately requested to enter a track number, whereas if the track is a track of a DVD-Audio, the user is requested to enter a group number and then the user is requested to enter a track number.

Abstract: To prevent a door opening when a carrier moves without using an electric actuator and without placing a burden on a device. An auto lock/unlock mechanism is composed solely of mechanical elements, and a lock mechanism is switched between an unlocked state and a locked state using the movement of the carrier. Thereby an automatic medium changer, which does not need an electric actuator such as a solenoid and is low price, is provided. Further, an opening manipulation of the door is permitted when the carrier is located at an evacuation position. This prevents a hand or a finger from being caught in an operable portion of the device. Further, since emergency stopping measures of the carrier for preventing an accident is not required, problems of damages, overlords or the like to the device are solved.

Abstract: The data structure includes a navigation area of the recording medium storing at least one playlist, a first entry point map and a second entry point map. The playlist includes at least one playitem and at least one sub-playitem. The playitem provides navigation information for reproducing at least one still picture from a first file, and the sub-playitem providing navigation information for reproducing audio data from a second file. The first entry point map includes at least one entry point pointing to the still picture, and the second entry point map includes at least one entry point pointing to the audio data.

Abstract: An automated data storage library accesses data storage media from storage shelves in response to commands from external host(s). The library receives a code update image while continuing to operate. The library is operated to an off-line status at external interface(s) that permit communication with the host(s). Then, and after the image is stored in nonvolatile memory, the processor(s) are reset, thereby activating the code update image, the processor(s) subsequently coming up from the reset to an operational state. Then, the library goes to an on-line status at the external interface(s).

Abstract: A system for storing, restoring and distributing video-films, based on optical disks of very high definition, that makes use of DVD disks (Digital Versatile Disk) as a support for the storing of films, so that said films may be stored onto said disks in a compressed format according to the MPEG-2 standard, and where the algorithm allows to modify the compression factor according to the requested quality from a few Mbps to a considerable number of Mbps.

Abstract: A digital audio recorder having a compact disk player for playing at least one compact disk having multiple tracks also has a hard drive and associated memory. The memory contains a database containing data relating to specific CD's such as album name, artist name, song title, and track, and may also contain playlists. The playlists can be loaded by the manufacturer or created by the user. There are correlations among the data. A central processor is connected to the compact disk player, the hard drive and associated memory, a second memory, display, audio output and buttons or knobs. Turning knobs or pushing buttons directs signals to the central processor and enables a user to operate the compact disk player, store in the second memory audio selections from a disk placed in the compact disk player, select and create playlists, and output audio selections contained in the second memory in an order according to a selected playlist. A keyboard communicates with the player through infrared signals.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compact disc recording device that includes a housing, sound receiving means for receiving audio signals, a compact disc recorder for recording onto a compact disc, and data storage structure in the housing for storing audio signals. The compact disc recording device is configured such that a music library of sound tracks is storable in the data storage structure, and the compact disc recording device includes means for selecting a set of sound tracks from the music library to be recorded onto a compact disc by the compact disc recorder. The housing includes a display which identifies at least one sound track of the music library.

Abstract: A process/method for controlling a digital data storage unit including a multiplicity of storage media slots for receiving media storage units, a plurality of media storage units loaded in some of the storage media slots, a plurality of data storage drives each having a unique drive address, a loader mechanism for selectively moving a media storage unit between a storage media slot and one of the plurality of data storage drives, and a storage unit controller connected to at least one host computer. One or more of the data storage drives are reserved as spare data storage drives wherein the spare data storage drives are masked from the host computer such the spare data storage drives are not directly accessible by the host computer. The storage unit controller receives and decodes host commands including a source address corresponding to a storage media slot location, and a destination address corresponding to a data storage drive specified by the host computer.

Abstract: A control system for a compact disc jukebox detects skips in the compact disc by reading an apparent elapsed time signal from the compact disc that is encoded on the compact disc. A timer is simultaneously started and outputs a real elapsed time signal. A comparison is made between the real elapsed time signal and the apparent elapsed time signal. If the difference between these two signals exceeds a predetermined amount of time, a skip is recorded. The detection of a skip may be recorded as to a particular selection on a particular CD, along with the time of the skip. Appropriate action may be taken in response to the recording of a skip, such as cancelling the selection or stopping the CD.

Abstract: A reproducing apparatus (100) is provided with a reading device (4) for reading reproduction data and reproduction control data to control a reproduction of the reproduction data from a record disc (1), on which the reproduction data and the reproduction control data are recorded, a record medium (7, 10) having a plurality of memory areas, a data managing device (9) for storing one reproduction control data read by the reading device into one of the memory areas, and a reproducing device (8) for reproducing the reproduction data in accordance with the reproduction control data stored in the memory areas.

Abstract: A control system for a compact disc jukebox detects skips in the compact disc by reading an apparent elapsed time signal from the compact disc that is encoded on the compact disc. A timer is simultaneously started and outputs a real elapsed time signal. A comparison is made between the real elapsed time signal and the apparent elapsed time signal. If the difference between these two signals exceeds a predetermined amount of time, a skip is recorded. The detection of a skip may be recorded as to a particular selection on a particular CD, along with the time of the skip. Appropriate action may be taken in response to the recording of a skip, such as cancelling the selection or stopping the CD.

Abstract: Data storage drives of an automated data storage library are allocated to received requests. A drive resource provider, upon receiving a request for a drive when all of the drives of the pool are allocated, holds any mount of a portable data storage cartridge relative to the request, releasing the hold when a drive is allocated. Spare drives are provided, outside of the pool. A spare drive may be allocated in response to the request, and a message is posted indicating use of the spare data storage drive. The posted message may comprise a notification that action may be taken to permanently transfer a spare data storage drive to the pool.

Abstract: A control system for a compact disc jukebox detects skips in the compact disc by reading an apparent elapsed time signal from the compact disc that is encoded on the compact disc. A timer is simultaneously started and outputs a real elapsed time signal. A comparison is made between the real elapsed time signal and the apparent elapsed time signal. If the difference between these two signals exceeds a predetermined amount of time, a skip is recorded. The detection of a skip may be recorded as to a particular selection on a particular CD, along with the time of the skip. Appropriate action may be taken in response to the recording of a skip, such as cancelling the selection or stopping the CD.

Abstract: A video reproducing apparatus that stores video programs on multiple removable media, automatically changes the removable media, and supplies requested video programs to multiple terminal devices has a control unit that stores predicted times at which the programs currently being reproduced will require a change of removable media. When a program request is received, the control unit calculates the media change times of the program, and adjusts these times according to the stored predicted times. The adjustments enable all terminals to receive video programs without noise or interruption when the removable media are changed.

Abstract: A playback apparatus for a recording medium, in particular a compact disc player, a compact disc changer, a cassette or tape player, which permits naming of the recording medium is described. The playback apparatus includes a display device and an input unit. In addition, a memory unit in which the name of the recording media can be stored is provided. In addition, a memory access unit by means of which the contents of the memory unit can be read out directly and displayed on the display device is provided. The memory unit is designed as a read-write memory. The contents of the memory unit displayed on the display device can be revised and stored or deleted by using the input unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compact disc recording device that includes a housing, sound receiving means for receiving audio signals, a compact disc recorder for recording onto a compact disc, and data storage structure in the housing for storing audio signals. The compact disc recording device is configured such that a music library of sound tracks is storable in the data storage structure, and the compact disc recording device includes means for selecting a set of sound tracks from the music library to be recorded onto a compact disc by the compact disc recorder. The housing includes a display which identifies at least one sound track of the music library.

Abstract: Disclosed is a music jukebox which is configured for storing a music library therein. The music jukebox includes a housing, audio input structure on the housing for receiving audio signals, audio output structure on the housing for outputting audio signals, and a data storage structure in the housing for storing audio signals. The music jukebox is configured such that a music library of sound tracks is storable in the data storage structure. The music jukebox includes means for selecting a sound track from the music library stored in the data storage structure to play through the audio output structure, and the housing includes a display thereon which identifies sound tracks in the music library. Preferably, the music jukebox is configured such that the sound tracks stored in the data storage structure are editable before being played through the audio output structure.

Abstract: A collection management system, or virtual jukebox, is provided for a collection of recordings that is independent of the physical media upon which the material is recorded. The system forms a part of a network that includes storage media and playback devices, and provides an easy to use system for collection cataloging, archiving, and retrieval. In a preferred embodiment, a collection management system resides on a consumer electronic (CE) device, or a personal or home computer (PC), and the collection includes recordings that are stored on one or more hard drives associated with the CE device or the PC. The collection management system includes a user interface that facilitates the retrieval of recordings for playback from one or more storage devices, based on an individual selection of genre, author, and so on.

Abstract: Controlling compact disc (CD) changers for recording tracks from CD's stored in the CD changers onto blank CD's in a CD recording mechanism is disclosed. A CD recorder of the invention includes one or more inputs, one or more control mechanisms, a user interface mechanism, and a CD recording mechanism. The inputs are for receiving audio information from the one or more corresponding CD changers. The control mechanisms are for controlling the CD changers. The user interface mechanism allows a user to select a desired ordered list of tracks from CD's stored in the CD changers for recording onto a blank CD. The CD recording mechanism is receptive to the blank CD, and capable of recording the desired ordered list of tracks selected by the user from the CD's stored in the CD changers onto the blank CD.

Abstract: For use with a computer network, a media and advertisement player, a method of manufacturing the player and a method of playing media and advertisements and reporting the playing of the media and advertisements to a remote system. In one embodiment, the player includes: (1) a media player that receives media from a remote system via the computer network and plays the media in response to customer requests, (2) an advertisement player that receives advertisements and a corresponding advertising schedule from the remote system via the computer network and plays the advertisements according to the advertising schedule and (3) a tracking subsystem that generates as-run logs containing records of a playing of the media and the advertisements and transmits the as-run logs to the remote system via the computer network.

Abstract: A cassette library (1) is provided with a driving apparatus (13), cassette housing shelves (14, 15) and a cassette carrier (16). A library controller (2) simulates as if driving apparatuses (13) having continuous address numbers were apparently used in the. host computer (3) even when physically discontinuous address numbers are allocated to the driving apparatus (13), thereby making it possible to set occupancy for a driving apparatus with an arbitrary address number. The library controller (2) has the cassette carrier (16) automatically carry, at a preset timing, a cleaning cassette from the cassette housing shelf (14, 15) to the driving apparatus (13) to clean a recording reproduction head of the driving apparatus (13) using the cleaning cassette which is then carried back to the housing section in the original cassette housing shelf (14, 15) after the cleaning work.

Abstract: In a music-reproducing unit having readers for a plurality of recording mediums, information of a recording medium being reproduced now is indicated on a display, but information of recording mediums not being reproduced now is not indicated. It is therefore necessary for a user to perform an operation so that information of the desired recording medium may be indicated on the display at first and, after the information is indicated, designate a tune that the user wants to listen to. Reproducing operation takes a long time.

Abstract: When an instruction to enter information unqualified for programmed reproduction is accepted, an optical disc reproducing apparatus according to the present invention gives a notification indicating that that information cannot be entered in a program.

Abstract: A method for operating a jukebox having a disc changer (2) for discs (3) containing a plurality of music titles, particularly CDs, at least one disc magazine (6), at least one playback unit (7), a computer-controlled disc-transport device (8), and a display device (9) for displaying the music titles of the discs (3), with an associated address (12) that encompasses a respective disc address (10) and a title address (21), wherein the music titles of a disc (3) are displayed together and selected through keystrokes. To improve the selection of music titles, individual music titles of different discs (3) are combined into a group (18), assigned a new target address (19) that encompasses a group address (20) and a title address (21), and displayed together as a group (18) in the display device (9). Depending on the programming, the groups (18) can expand or limit the title selection.

Abstract: Two reproducing systems are provided for reproducing CDs respectively. Each port is provided in each recording system for connecting the reproducing systems by an external cord. A switch circuit is provided in the port and arranged such that an output level is changed by connecting the external cord. A system controller is provided in each reproducing system and responsive to the change of the output level for designating one of the reproducing systems as a master system, and for designating the other reproducing system as a slave system.

Abstract: An audio system for playing recordings of audio programming includes a relatively large display device on which contextual information about the audio programming may be displayed. The contextual information is recorded on the same recording medium as the audio programming and may include any textual information or graphic images related to the audio programming or the artists who produced it. Preferably, the audio system is a personal, portable audio system which is battery-operated and which reads mini-discs.

Abstract: There has been disclosed a storage apparatus comprising a plurality of drive units each for writing and reading out data into and from a removable storage medium a transport unit for transporting a storage medium between a plurality of slots for accommodating storage mediums and the driving units and a control unit for controlling transportation of a storage medium by the transport unit. The control unit controls the transport unit in accordance with a command issued by a computer connected to the storage apparatus, setting a storage medium in a drive unit. The drive unit writes and reads out data into and from the storage medium in accordance with a parameter determined for a combination of the drive unit and the storage medium.

Abstract: An optical disk recording system includes a plurality of slots housing portable optical memory media and operative to select a desired optical recording medium to perform data read/write or includes a plurality of recording media housed in a magazine having the function of replacement. It is decided, during writing data to a recording medium, whether writing to the recording medium held in a slot is permissible and if writing is impermissible, writing to a recording medium of another slot is carried out. In the case of a medium exchangeable memory device having a detachable magazine having a plurality of slots, when writing to a slot of one magazine is impermissible, writing to a recording medium held in a slot of another magazine is carried out. Writing can be carried out without considering the state of the recording medium.

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: 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: A user can designate a track for program reservation of a Carousel player capable of loading both a CD and DVD-Audio, smoothly irrespective of the type of a disk. It is first checked whether a track corresponding to the disk number entered by a user is a track of CD or DVD-Audio. If the track is a track of a CD, after the disk number input, the user is immediately requested to enter a track number, whereas if the track is a track of a DVD-Audio, the user is requested to enter a group number and then the user is requested to enter a track number.

Abstract: A data reproducing unit reproduces data read by a first reading unit from a storage medium. A storage unit stores added information corresponding to data stored on the storage medium. The added information is read by the second reading unit and reproduced by an added information reproducing unit. A control unit controls such that the data is reproduced by the data reproducing unit in synchronism with the reproduction of the added information by the added information reproducing unit.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus is preferably made to contain hardware components of plural turntables, plural head units, plural decoding units, at least one encoding unit, and a system control unit. These components are adapted in such a manner as to afford (1) true multitasking in information reading and writing, (2) direct communication for information to be exchanged directly within the information processing apparatus, (3) disc removability for information to be stored as off-line archives and to become transportable between computer systems, (4) separation of user-created data from program files for eliminating time-consuming file-defragmentation processing and for conveniently safekeeping the user-created data, and (5) capability of launching favored software programs directly from original software discs.

Abstract: DVD 1′ has recording information areas VOR, AOR in which recording information is recorded and reproducing procedure information recording areas VNA, ANA in which reproducing procedure information indicating reproducing procedures of the recording information is recorded. In addition, this DVD 1′ has an integrated reproducing procedure information recording area GNA in which an integrated reproducing procedure information is recorded. The integrated reproducing procedure information indicates reproducing procedures to sequentially reproduce a plurality of recording information including recording information recorded in other DVD. Upon reproducing, the recording information recorded astride a plurality of DVDs is reproduced in accordance with the integrated reproducing procedure information.

Abstract: In an arrangement and method for offering a message when loading service data for a terminal device, a connector unit in a service center is connected to a server and is equipped with a number of modems that produce a connection to a communication system to which a number of clients are also connected. The server is operated in order to access a data bank, wherein the properties of the different clients are stored as to the information playback capabilities of the respective clients. The server selects an advertising message that is transmitted to the terminal device of one of the clients dependent on that client's playback capabilities. At least one data file of one of a number of advertising sources is through-connected by the connector unit to the terminal device.

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.