Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and adjusting volumes levels may include a processor capable of receiving data from a carrier(s). The processor is also capable of receiving trigger control signals from a trigger control and arranging the data into frames that are stored in a buffer. The processor is also capable of determining whether the trigger control signals include data indicating whether a determination regarding adjustment of a volume level of the data is required. The apparatus also includes a packet analyzer capable of calculating an average volume level associated with the frames when a determination reveals that adjustment of the volume level is required and is capable of generating categories, corresponding to intensity levels and categorizing the frames according to the intensity levels based on the average. The packet analyzer is also capable of determining whether to adjust the volume level based on a category assigned to the frames.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and apparatus for extracting digital data from a medium. Digital audio extraction techniques are implemented with additional features that improve the quality of the resulting audio playback files. In one embodiment of the invention, a user can extract digital audio data from a source medium and store the data as a file or, alternatively, stream the data into a memory. The file/stream can then be analyzed to determine the precise locations, in time, at which the sound levels represented by the data cross a specified threshold, particularly at locations near and between track edges. This information can be stored for reference. Subsequently, the file/stream can be accurately divided into smaller files wherein each file contains one or more complete and distinct tracks, and the data representing sound levels below the specified threshold can be excluded from the resulting files. The files may then be encoded and/or further divided into standard playback files.

Abstract: Compressed audio data for 5.1 channels stored in the DVD-ROM 11A is read by the AC-3 decoder 12 of a pseudo multi-channel stereo play-back apparatus and, after expansion, stored temporarily in a buffer 13, channel by channel. Among stored audio data stored in the buffer 13, audio data for left and right channels and for a front center channel are then subjected to the phase transformation. Audio data for left and right front channels are mixed with the phase transformed audio data by first and second mixing circuits 21 and 22 and mixed audio data are converted into analog audio signals by first and second D/A converters. The apparatus is capable of pseudo reproduction of the multi-channel audio signals stored in a recording medium such as a DVD-ROM by two channel play-back with an excellent sound effect which is not obtainable by usual two-channel play-back systems.

Abstract: An optical recording medium has a user data area and a lead-out area each having grooves and lands formed thereon. Wobbles are formed on at least one lateral surface of the grooves of the user data area and the lead-out area, and configured such that wobble characteristics are made different between the user data area and the lead-out area. Different types of the wobbles are formed on the grooves of either the user data area or the lead-out area, thereby preventing an optical pickup that performs recording/reproducing, from deviating from the user data area. Also, in a multi-layer optical recording medium, a whole area of a recording layer is configured to have the same condition, thereby preventing deterioration in reproducing and/or recording due to a difference in light power transmittance of another recording layer.

Abstract: A recording medium has a first recording area on which multiplexed audio informations are recorded as sets of one or more information units, a second recording area on which control information for controlling recording of the multiplexed audio informations are recorded. The control informations include first information representing the number of sets of information composing the multiplexed audio informations, and second information instructing to record the multiplexed audio informations as a stream.

Abstract: A digital signal recording disc has a first area storing an audio title set. The audio title set has data representing audio information and data representing a still picture. The audio title set is void of a pack of data for playback control. The first area also stores information for managing the audio title set. The digital signal recording disc is void of a second area storing a video title set and information for managing the video title set.

Abstract: In a demodulation process of a first modulated signal and a second modulated signal, phase adjustment is automatically performed by generating, in response to demodulation results, an optimum phase value of a second internal reference wave for demodulating the second modulated signal. A phase of a second internal reference wave for demodulating the first modulated signal is also adjusted using the optimum phase value for the automatic adjustment.

Abstract: The present invention provides an information recording medium in which at least one set of an audio data portion and a music block, which represent a piece of music, is recorded. The audio data portion includes first audio data. The music block includes first music reproduction information associated with the first audio data so as to manage reproduction of the first audio data. The first music reproduction information includes a first block type which indicates that the first audio data is audio data for a first use.

Abstract: In a multi-channel acoustic apparatus with a DVD reproduction function, comprising a DVD reproduction control unit for controlling the reproduction of a DVD, and a system control unit for controlling the overall acoustic apparatus and controlling the reproduction of another input source other than the DVD, the DVD reproduction control unit comprising the function of controlling a first Dolby Pro Logic decoder which can be used at the time of reproducing the DVD, and the system control unit comprising the function of controlling a second Dolby Pro Logic decoder which can be used at the time of reproducing the input source other than the DVD, there are provided means for adjusting a surround delay time period on the basis of a user operation, and means for transmitting to the system control unit the adjusted surround delay time period.

Abstract: A DVD audio signal reproducer reproduces a DVD to generate a DVD reproduced audio signal. A reproduced signal determiner determines whether the DVD reproduced audio signal is a 5.1-channel digital surround audio signal or a 2-channel digital audio signal, and generates a determination signal. If the determination signal indicates that the DVD reproduced audio signal is a 5.1-channel digital surround audio signal, a digital surround effector converts the DVD reproduced audio signal to a 2-channel digital surround audio signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides an information recording method and an information recording apparatus, which are capable of recording reproduction controlling information in information recording medium such as DVD. An operation portion designates a division timing in the audio information in case of dividing continuous audio information to record it in the DVD. A pickup records the audio information before the designated division timing and the audio information after the designated division timing in the DVD. A system controller repeats generating object recording sequence information in associated with the audio information before and after the division timing, respectively, to record them in the DVD every time when the division timing is designated.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and apparatus for extracting digital data from a medium. Digital audio extraction techniques are implemented with additional features that improve the quality of the resulting audio playback files. In one embodiment of the invention, a user can extract digital audio data from a source medium and store the data as a file or, alternatively, stream the data into a memory. The file/stream can then be analyzed to determine the precise locations, in time, at which the sound levels represented by the data cross a specified threshold, particularly at locations near and between track edges. This information can be stored for reference. Subsequently, the file/stream can be accurately divided into smaller segments wherein each segment contains one or more complete and distinct tracks, and the data representing sound levels below the specified threshold can be excluded from the resulting segments. The segments may then be encoded and/or further divided into standard playback files.

Abstract: In a write process through channels Ch1, Ch2, and Ch3, the deadline of each channel is set based on the transfer rate variable by the ratio of dummy packets to valid packets, and deadline information is written with write data on a disk. In a read process through a channel Ch4, the deadline is set according to the deadline information read with read data from the disk. Then, data is sequentially processed in order from the data having the earliest deadline. Considering the difference in transfer rate between outer and inner zones on the disk, a write zone is determined. When data is simultaneously recorded through the channels Ch1 and Ch2 on an ASMO in a groove-land record system, the data is sequentially recorded through the channel Ch1 on the groove and through the channel Ch2 on the land.

Abstract: A DVD audio data structure following high-sound-quality specifications is realized, making the best use of the audio data structure standard in DVD video. A first sample data string created by digitizing a first channel audio signal at a first sampling frequency in a first number of quantization bits, a second sample data string created by digitizing a second channel audio signal at a second sampling frequency in a second number of quantization bits, and header data including timing data to synchronize the first sample data string with the second sample data string are recorded on a recording medium.

Abstract: A disk recording/reproduction device ideal for processing audio-visual data streams requiring real-time characteristics. A disk device has an operating mode ideal for recording and reproduction of motion image and audio data requiring real-time continuity by limiting the time needed for error processing, and the host incorporating the disk device can easily monitor the real-time continuity. The host can specify the urgency of individual recording and reproduction instructions to the disk so that control of real-time continuity can be actively implemented in better detail. A means for assigning a total number to a plurality of simultaneously recorded or reproduced data streams as well assigning individual data stream numbers allows informing the disk device of the throughput required by the host.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to easily and quickly decode a plurality of types of compressed audio data. A compressed audio data reproduction apparatus comprising a plurality of decoders configured to decode compressed audio data of respective exclusive compression forms, a compression form identifying portion configured to identify the compression form based on header information of the compressed audio data, and a selector configured to select the decoders corresponding to the compression form identified by said compression form identifying portion from said plurality of decoders.

Abstract: A disc has a first area for recording musical data and a second area for recording information (first-area recorded-content information) related to the content of what is recorded in the first area. In each block constituting the second area, a character code of the block and language codes of all blocks are recorded in addition to the first-area recorded-content information. The disc is loaded into a disc player. When a system controller in the disc player reads the first-area recorded-content information from a designated block and displays it, the system controller counts and saves a read count corresponding to the language code of the block. When a new disc is played back, first-area recorded-content information is read from a block having a language code which has the maximum count and displayed in a language corresponding to the language code.

Abstract: A ping-pong recording method and apparatus is disclosed, which allows the mixing process to proceed while listening to the sounds for all of the parts. The ping-pong recording apparatus includes a hard disk-based multi-track recorder means 10, a first mixer means 20, a second mixer means 30, and a master recorder means 40. During the ping-pong recording process, the musical data for which the parts have finished the mixing may be saved in the saving area 12 that is provided in the multi-track recorder means 10. When the mixing is retried, it may be accomplished by moving the musical data that has been saved in the saving area 12 back to the appropriate tracks and reproducing the musical data from those tracks, and by reproducing other musical data for which the parts have finished the mixing.

Abstract: An information record medium (1) is provided with: an audio information recording area on which a plurality of audio information (210) which are different in recording method are recorded; and a control information recording area on which control information (211) required to reproduce the plurality of audio information recorded on the audio information recording area is recorded. The control information recorded on the control information recording area includes identification information indicating that the plurality of audio information are same in content and different in recording method with each other. The control information may include a plurality of first division information for identifying first division units (260) respectively so as to divide each of the plurality of audio information recorded on the audio information recording area by the first division units respectively.

Abstract: Both of one audio information and another audio information are recorded on a same information record medium. An audio information reproducing apparatus is provided with: a detecting device for detecting said one audio information and said another audio information from the information record medium and also detecting a time period required for one beat of the detected another audio information; and an accumulating device for accumulating said one audio information detected from the information record medium to thereby continue reproducing and outputting said one audio information through the accumulating device. The audio information reproducing apparatus is also provided with a controlling device for controlling the detecting device to detect said another audio information and the time period required for one beat, within a time duration that the accumulated one audio information is being reproduced and outputted through the accumulating device.

Abstract: An optical disc drive with a structure that can reduce the access time to an optical disc required for information recording and reproducing. The optical disc drive includes a turntable on which an optical disc is rotatably loaded, and an optical pickup unit accessing a recording area of the optical disc to record or reproduce information, wherein the optical pickup unit includes at least two optical pickups that independently access different recording areas to simultaneously record information in or reproduce information from the different recording areas.

Abstract: An information recording apparatus for recording digital information inputted from outside onto an information storage medium, includes: a multiplexing unit for multiplexing the digital information by a plurality of window functions to generate a plurality of multiplied digital information, each of the plurality of window functions having a fade-out time-axis characteristic and having overlaps with neighboring window functions on time axis; a recording unit for recording the plurality of multiplied digital information corresponding to the respective window functions; an ending unit for changing ending multiplexed digital information which are the multiplied digital information corresponding to the window function including a recording end timing of the digital information to zero information, and for ending recording the digital information after recording the zero information onto the information storage medium in place of the ending multiplexed digital information.

Abstract: The data structure for managing reproduction of at least video data recorded on the recording medium may include, for example, path management information for managing reproduction of the multiple reproduction path video data recorded on the recording medium. The path management information indicates at least one playlist belonging to each reproduction path. The data structure further includes at least one playlist file identified by the path management information recorded in a playlist area of the recording medium. The playlist file identifies at least one playitem, and each playitem identifies a clip of the multiple reproduction path video data. The data structure may includes chapter management information for managing reproduction of the video data by chapters. In one example, the chapter management information is recorded in the playlist files.

Abstract: A digital signal recording disc has a first area and a second area. The second area differs from the first area. The first area stores a first-channel digital audio signal and a second-channel digital audio signal. The first-channel digital audio signal results from quantizing a first-channel analog audio signal with a first quantization bit number. The second-channel digital audio signal results from quantizing a second-channel analog audio signal with a second quantization bit number. The second area stores information of the first and second quantization bit numbers.

Abstract: An optical disc, as an information recording medium for storing map audio object recorded on the optical disc in a constant bit rate format or a variable bit rate format and a recording position on the disc, can reduce a size of the map information. The map information stored in the optical disc records a playback duration for only first and last units of a plurality of audio object units (AOBU) comprised in an audio object (AOB) for each AOB when audio data in the variable bit rate mode is to be recorded, and records the sizes and playback duration of the AOBU for the last one of AOBUs comprised in AOB and for any one of the AOBUs except for the last AOBU.

Abstract: A recording medium at least having a first recording layer for recording first information and a second recording layer for recording second information. A discriminating signal indicating the playback mode is recorded on at least one of the first and second recording layers provided on the recording medium. The discriminating signal indicates a first playback mode for respectively reproducing the first information recorded in the first recording layer and the second information recorded on the second recording layer, or a second playback mode for calculating the first information recorded in the first recording layer and the second information recorded in the second recording layer to generate playback signals. A reproducing method and apparatus for the recording medium are also provided for reproducing the recording medium.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide multi-channel reproducing apparatuses and multi-channel reproducing loudspeaker apparatuses that can be easily connected to one another. In the multi-channel reproducing apparatus 1, a DSP 6 converts an inputted audio signal to audio signals for a plurality of channels, adds channel identification information to each audio signal and multiplexes the audio signals to generate a multi-channel reproducing signal. The DSP 6 supplies the multi-channel reproducing signal to a plurality of multi-channel reproducing loudspeaker apparatuses 201 to 20n that are dispersedly arranged. These multi-channel reproducing loudspeaker apparatuses 201 to b 0n input the multi-channel reproducing signal from an input terminal 20a and output the signal to outside from an output terminal 20b.

Abstract: This invention relates to a karaoke CD format and a device for controlling audio signals utilizing the karaoke CD format which provides a user with selective reproduction of the voice of a player. The karaoke CD format includes a CD format divided into video sectors and audio sectors. The audio sectors are further divided into a part for recording accompaniment sound and playing sound at the same time and a part for recording accompaniment sound only. There is provided record coding information for distinguishing the parts.

Abstract: This invention relates to a karaoke CD format and a device for controlling audio signals utilizing the karaoke CD format, which provides a user with selective reproduction of the voice of a player. The karaoke CD format includes a CD format divided into video sectors and audio sectors. The audio sectors are further divided into a part for recording accompaniment sound and playing sound at the same time and a part for recording accompaniment sound only. There is provided record coding information for distinguishing the parts.

Abstract: A DVD player receives output control information for controlling output of an audio signal to output lines, from an AV amplifier apparatus, and determines output channels for the audio signal based on the output control information. When decoding audio data recorded on a DVD and generating an audio signal, down mix processing is conducted as occasion demands, based on the output channels determined based on the output control information.

Abstract: Recording/reproducing apparatus records attribute information on sound data of a music piece onto a recording medium, and creates a rule table associating the attribute information and DSP program parameters. The recording/reproducing apparatus acquires, from the table, any of DSP program parameters that corresponds to the attribute information, and sets the DSP program parameter in the amplifier apparatus. The recording/reproducing apparatus also detects a recorded level of each succession of sound data to be recorded onto the medium, and then records the detected recorded level onto the medium in association with the sound data. Also, the recording/reproducing apparatus acquires a recorded level corresponding to a succession of the sound data to be reproduced, and adjusts, on the basis of the acquired recorded level, an output level of the succession of the sound.

Abstract: An MFI synchronization manager determines the continuity of MFI values to manage the synchronization of the MFI values. A phase adjuster detects a reference VC-3 channel of VC-3 channels which make up a virtual concatenation based on detected MFI values. A write controller writes frame data into a phase adjustment memory based on a write permission signal from the phase adjuster and data valid/invalid information. A write frame manager manages the frame data written in the phase adjustment memory with respect to each of the VC-3 channels and generates a read permission signal for the frame data whose all VC-3 channels of the concatenation have been written. A read controller reads the frame data from phase adjustment memory according to the read permission signal.

Abstract: An information storage medium includes: a plurality of unit audio information to be reproduced independently of each other; aggregate audio information each including one or more of the unit audio information; unit attribute information indicating attributes of the unit audio information included in the aggregate audio information; and aggregate attribute information including the unit attribute information corresponding to the aggregate audio information recorded on the storage medium. By referring to the aggregate attribute information, the attributes of all the unit audio information may be readily and quickly obtained.

Abstract: A quadraphonic compact disc system for providing enhanced acoustic imaging of sound reproductions. The quadraphonic compact disc system includes a compact disc with data streams representing at least four audio channels, a compact disc player assembly designed for reading the data streams when the compact disc is placed in the compact disc player assembly, a plurality of speakers electrically coupled to the compact disc player assembly and an audio switching assembly designed for directing a plurality of electrical signals from the compact disc player to an associated one of the plurality of speakers.

Abstract: In a reproducing apparatus of the present invention, an input audio signal is divided into bands and an envelope value of each band is measured. Based on a change of the envelope value, a predetermined sound source is superimposed. Further, according to the envelope value of a reproduced audio signal, a tempo of reproduced music is detected and animation representation is changed in synchronism with the detected tempo. Further, a rhythm box is reproduced in synchronism with the detected tempo and a sound field is automatically selected corresponding to the detected tempo to perform synthesization.

Abstract: A disc has a first area for recording musical data and a second area for recording information (first-area recorded-content information) related to the content of what is recorded in the first area. In each block constituting the second area, a character code of the block and language codes of all blocks are recorded in addition to the first-area recorded-content information. The disc is loaded into a disc player. When a system controller in the disc player reads the first-area recorded-content information from a designated block and displays it, the system controller counts and saves a read count corresponding to the language code of the block. When a new disc is played back, first-area recorded-content information is read from a block having a language code which has the maximum count and displayed in a language corresponding to the language code.

Abstract: A DVD-Audio which includes a data zone for storing data to be reproduced and an information zone for storing information on the data to be reproduced. The information zone includes directories of a video title set (VIDEO_TS) and an audio title set (AUDIO_TS). The AUDIO_TS directory includes information on an audio manager (AMG) having information on audio titles. The data zone includes the audio titles each having an audio title set information (ATSI) followed by a plurality of contiguous audio objects (AOBs). The ATSI includes a plurality of audio stream attributes each having an audio coding mode, first to third quantization bit numbers, first to third sampling frequencies and decoding algorithm information relating to the number of audio channels. Each of the AOBs includes a plurality of audio packs recorded with audio data corresponding to the decoding algorithm stored in the audio stream attribute.

Abstract: A DVD audio data structure following high-sound-quality specifications is realized, making the best use of the audio data structure standard in DVD video. A first sample data string created by digitizing a first channel audio signal at a first sampling frequency in a first number of quantization bits, a second sample data string created by digitizing a second channel audio signal at a second sampling frequency in a second number of quantization bits, and header data including timing data to synchronize the first sample data string with the second sample data string are recorded on a recording medium.

Abstract: This invention relates to a karaoke CD format and a device for controlling audio signals utilizing the karaoke CD format which provides a user with selective reproduction of the voice of a player.

Abstract: An information recording medium has: a plurality of audio information which are independent of each other; and a plurality of reproducing control information to be used for reproducing the audio information. Each of the plurality of reproducing control information is assigned to any one of the plurality of audio information. The reproducing control information includes double reproducing control information. The double reproducing control information is assigned to one of the plurality of audio information to which different one of the plurality of reproducing control information has been assigned.

Abstract: The present invention provides an information recording medium in which at least one set of an audio data portion and a music block, which represent a piece of music, is recorded. The audio data portion includes first audio data. The music block includes first music reproduction information associated with the first audio data so as to manage reproduction of the first audio data. The first music reproduction information includes a first block type which indicates that the first audio data is audio data for a first use.

Abstract: In a reproducing apparatus of the present invention, an input audio signal is divided into bands and an envelope value of each band is measured. Based on a change of the envelope value, a predetermined sound source is superimposed. Further, according to the envelope value of a reproduced audio signal, a tempo of reproduced music is detected and animation representation is changed in synchronism with the detected tempo. Further, a rhythm box is reproduced in synchronism with the detected tempo and a sound field is automatically selected corresponding to the detected tempo to perform synthesization.

Abstract: A karaoke CD format and a device for controlling audio signals utilizing the karaoke CD format provides a user with selective reproduction of the voice of a player. The karaoke CD format includes a CD format divided into video sectors and audio sectors. The audio sectors are further divided into a part for recording accompaniment sound and vocal sound at the same time and a part for recording accompaniment sound only. Record coding information distinguishes the parts.

Abstract: A DVD-Audio which includes a data zone for storing data to be reproduced and an information zone for storing information on the data to be reproduced. The information zone includes directories of a video title set (VIDEO_TS) and an audio title set (AUDIO_TS). The AUDIO_TS directory includes information on an audio manager (AMG) having information on audio titles. The data zone includes the audio titles each having an audio title set information (ATSI) followed by a plurality of contiguous audio objects (AOBs). The ATSI includes a plurality of audio stream attributes each having an audio coding mode, first to third quantization bit numbers, first to third sampling frequencies and decoding algorithm information relating to the number of audio channels. Each of the AOBs includes a plurality of audio packs recorded with audio data corresponding to the decoding algorithm stored in the audio stream attribute.

Abstract: An EET (“eight-to-ten”) method has been proposed for two-dimensional spatial encoding of information stored in two- or three-dimensional, in particular fluorescent optical carriers. The method specifically ensures the same writing density as DVD carriers with EFM (“eight-fourteen modulation”) modulation code but for 0.8×0.4&mgr; information pit (fluorescent mark), i.e. as in CD data carriers. The larger—as compared to the DVD format—pit size enables a simpler technology for manufacturing fluorescent multilayer carriers, for instance of ROM type, and a stronger fluorescent signal in reading. The high writing density is ensured through virtually 100% filling of the information layer area with fluorescent marks in a gap-free manner. In addition, this allows application of the parallel data reading procedure and a ten-fold higher reading speed than in DVD systems. Increasing the size of the channel bit to 0.4 &mgr;m—which is 1.

Abstract: Level detectors detect levels of digital audio signals of individual channels. A controller predicts whether or not an overflow will take place corresponding to detected signals. When the controller predicts an occurrence of an overflow, attenuators attenuate a signal level of at least one channel. In addition, when variable length delaying devices vary the phases of signals, an overflow can be prevented.

Abstract: An optical disc controller for controlling recording or reproduction of an optical disc includes: a rewritable memory for storing information necessary for recording or reproduction of the optical disc; a determination section for determining a class and type of the optical disc; a search section for searching for a region of the optical disc in which control information is recorded based on a determination result of the determination section; a reproduction section for reproducing the control information recorded in the region searched by the search section; and a memory control section for changing an arrangement of the memory based on at least one of the determination result and the control information reproduced by the reproduction section.

Abstract: An apparatus for writing on and reading an overwritable optical disk comprises an identifier detector that identifies a recording condition in the sector to be overwritten, and a delay time controller circuit that sets a variation range of the start point for writing according to the recording condition. The record timing of the modulated data signal is changed at random within the set variation range when overwriting the sector of the optical disk.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of writing audio data to a rewritable recording medium as grouping the written audio data into each Audio Object Unit (AOBU). This method changes AOBU grouping criterion such as time or size if a bit rate of input audio data being written to the rewritable disk is changed, and groups written audio data into each AOBU in accordance with the changed AOBU grouping criterion while recording. As a result, an amount of management information to be created for each AOBU is reduced remarkably even if the bit rage of input audio data is relatively low.

Abstract: An information recording medium has: a plurality of audio information which are independent of each other; and a plurality of reproducing control information to be used for reproducing the audio information. Each of the plurality of reproducing control information is assigned to any one of the plurality of audio information. The reproducing control information includes double reproducing control information. The double reproducing control information is assigned to one of the plurality of audio information to which different one of the plurality of reproducing control information has been assigned.