FR2887068A1 - Copyrighted data e.g. voice, reproduction apparatus e.g. compact disc player, for use as electronic album, has controller executing function of reproducing data stored in data storage unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The apparatus has a data storage unit (200) storing copyrighted data, and a controller (400) generates control signals for reproducing the stored copyrighted data. The controller executes the function of reproducing the stored data, and does not execute writing of data into the data storage unit from outside. An output unit (500) outputs played signals for the copyrighted data. A key input unit (300) inputs a signal which controls the operation of the controller, and a display unit (700) indicates an operating condition of the controller.

Description

The present invention relates to a data reproducing apparatus, and

  more particularly an apparatus for reproducing sound source data and / or copyrighted image data.

  As a general rule, conventional music recording means include long-duration (LP) discs, audio cassettes, compact discs (CDs), etc., and reproducing apparatuses of a sound source contained therein are long-life vinyl record players, cassette recorders, CD players. Recently appeared MP3 players that reproduce an MP3 sound source.

  A CD player can provide excellent audio quality when compared to a vinyl record player or tape recorder. However, such a CD player is not practical in that when the CD player is used for portable purposes, particular care should be taken with the handling of the CD player during the reproduction operation of the CD player, because the CD player is very sensitive to vibrations and external impacts.

  Both image data and sound source data reproducing apparatus includes video cassette recorders, DVD (universal digital disk) players or the like. Sales of VCRs and DVD players have recently increased, as they can provide high quality audio and video.

  The recent significant development of the Internet has accelerated the digitization of media as well as information retrieval, and audio cassettes and video cassettes, which are of analog type, such as compact discs (CDs), which are of the Wave type, are being replaced by MPEG-type media, which offer a higher compression rate and transmission rate. In particular, the multiplication and use of MP3s, which among the MPEG-type media, can extremely efficiently compress a sound source such as audio data, has experienced a vertiginous progression, because they can store not only ordinary audio data, but also to transmit high quality music at high speed using various means of communication.

  Such MP3s can compress existing Wave files to one-eleventh of their original size, with a so-called MP3 compression standard (MPEG audio, level 3), while maintaining excellent sound quality. As a result, websites entirely devoted to music, such as websites providing information, widely distribute sound sources using MP3 io so as to increase user access times.

  In addition, the proliferation of MP3 sharing programs, such as Napster (www, napster.com) and Soribada (www.soribada, com), is disrupting the record market, thus generating a serious problem of infringement of copyright rights. 'author. There is a problem that MP3 sharing programs can hardly provide a good sound source because they use user-to-user MP3 file sharing, and are a factor in preventing sound source providers from generating a profit.

  In addition, suppliers of sound sources that provide sound sources using MP3 on the Internet, occupy a position in which it is virtually difficult or impossible to offer a sound source service, which is not directly related to the provision of the required information, while assuming a significant burden in terms of copyright costs, such as providing sound sources without breaking without solving the problem of copyright. In addition, as a digital rights management (DRM) or equivalent has recently been applied, it becomes even more difficult to use sound sources without cost.

  In addition, since it is simple to illegally convert a sound source recorded on a CD, DVD or equivalent into an MP3 or MP4 file or equivalent, there are problems in the unlawful use of copyrighted works. is a growing trend, and that the right of a copyright owner can not be adequately protected by illicit reproductions.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been realized to solve the aforementioned problems existing in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a data reproducing apparatus in which the copyrighted data is recorded, and which is suitable for reading only copyrighted data.

  To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, a copyrighted data reproducing apparatus is provided comprising: a data storage unit for storing the copyrighted data; a controller for generating a control signal for reproducing the copyrighted data stored in the data storage unit; an output unit for transmitting read signals of copyright protected data according to the control signal from the controller; a key input unit for inputting a control signal of the operation of the controller; a display unit for indicating the operating status of the controller, the display unit displaying information as to whether the copyright protected data is read or not; a source of energy, intended to supply the controller; and a housing for receiving the data storage unit, the controller, the output unit, the key input unit, the display unit and the power source.

  The data reproducing apparatus may further comprise a ring connection portion formed at one side of the housing, the ring connecting portion having a through hole which is formed through the ring connecting portion. and for inserting a connecting ring into the through hole.

  In addition, the data storage unit is a memory device that is adapted to prevent rewriting of data on the copyrighted data, and to allow only the output of the read signal to be outputted. data protected by copyright. The memory may be at least one memory selected from a NAND flash memory, a NOR flash memory, a mask-elaborated read-only memory, a magnetic memory, a phase memory and a ferroelectric memory.

  The copyrighted data may include at least one of sound source data and image data.

  The output unit may include at least one of an earphone branch port and a TV connector branch port.

  The housing may be formed in a circular or polygon shape, as viewed from the front thereof, and have an information indication area on one side thereof, so as to indicate the information relating thereto. data protected by copyright.

  The information indicating area may be formed in a circular or polygon shape by embossing or intaglio printing.

  The above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention, as well as others, will become more apparent from the following detailed description, combined with the accompanying diagrams, among which: FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the apparatus of the invention for reproducing copyrighted data; Fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the apparatus of the invention for reproducing data protected by copyright; and FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of the apparatus of the invention for reproducing copyrighted data, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

  Next preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying diagrams.

  Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the apparatus of the invention for reproducing data protected by copyright. Referring to FIG. 1, the apparatus of the invention for reproducing data 100 (hereinafter referred to as "data reproducing apparatus") includes a data storage unit 200 for storing copyrighted data, a key input unit 300 for inputting signals for operating the data reproducing apparatus 100, a controller 400 for reproducing the copyrighted data stored in the data storage unit 200 an output unit 500 for outputting the generated signals when the data stored in the data storage unit 200 is read, a power source 600 for supplying power and supplying the data reproducing apparatus 100, and a display unit 700 for indicating the operation of the data reproducing apparatus 100.

  The term "copyrighted data" refers to data for which an exclusive right has been granted to an author of a creative work, copyright protected data in accordance with the present invention. comprising sound source data, for which the sound is recognized as a creative work, and image data, such as a still image, an animated image, or the like. The sound source data may include music, voices, etc., and the image data may contain a single image, such as a still photograph, or include both sound and images, such as a movie, a television show, or equivalent.

  The data storage unit 200 is configured to record copyrighted data. Preferably, the data storage unit 200 is a memory that is adapted to prevent data from being overwritten on the copyrighted data, and to allow only the signals to be used to reproduce the data. protected by copyright are issued from the memory. This means that after storing the copyrighted data, the data storage unit 200 is adapted to prevent any data from being written (stored) in the data storage unit from outside, and to allow only the signals to be used to reproduce the copyright protected data and stored in the data storage unit 200 to be outputted. The memory comprises at least one memory selected from a NAND flash memory, a NOR flash memory, a mask elaborate read only memory, a magnetic memory, a phase memory and a ferroelectric memory.

  In addition, the data stored in the data storage unit 200 is recorded in a file format in which the sound source data such as the voice is preferably stored in an MP3 format file and the image data is saved in a file in MP4 format.

  The key input unit 300 is provided for inputting a control signal for driving the data reproducing apparatus 100 to reproduce the copyrighted data. The key input unit 300 is now described with reference to FIG. 2, which illustrates an embodiment of the data reproducing apparatus of the invention for reproducing copyrighted data.

  Referring to FIG. 2, the key input unit 300 is provided on one side of the data reproducing apparatus 100 so that the data reproducing apparatus 100 can read sound source data or data from the data reproducing apparatus 100. image stored in the data storage unit 200 when manipulating the key input unit 300. Thus, it is possible to input a control signal for driving the data reproducing apparatus 100 into moving the key input unit 300 up, down, right or left, or by pushing the key input unit 300. Although the key input unit 300 is On the one side of the data reproducing apparatus 100 of the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the installation position of the key input unit 300 can be easily changed.

  Referring again to FIG. 1, the controller 400 operates to generate control signals for reproducing the copyright protected data stored in the data storage unit 200; the controller 400 executes only the function of reproducing the copyrighted data stored in the data storage unit 200, and does not execute writing (storage) of the data in the storage unit of the data storage units 200, and 200 data from the outside. This means that the controller 400 prevents externally inputted data from being written to (stored) in the data storage unit 200 or overwrites copyrighted data, that it detects the data that it is requested to reproduce from the copyrighted data such that the sound source data and / or the image data are read, and that it emits the sound source signals and / or the image signals to play them, thereby avoiding the original copyrighted data from being reproduced illegally.

  In addition, when the copyrighted data stored in the data storage unit 200 is read, the controller 400 generates a control signal indicating the operation of the data reproducing apparatus 100, so that the user can confirm whether the data reproducing apparatus 100 is functioning or not.

  The output unit 500 serves to connect the signals reproduced by the controller 400 with an external output device (not shown), so that the reproduced signals can be output by the external output device. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in a case in which the data stored in the data storage unit 200 is sound source data, the output unit 500 interconnects the controller 400 and a listener 510, so that the source data Sounds read can be output from the earpiece 510. Preferably, the output unit 500 is a headphone connection port. This means that the output unit 500 outputs only the signals reproduced by the data reproducing apparatus 100.

  The power source 600 is connected to the controller 400 so as to supply the various components of the data reproduction apparatus 100 via the controller 400. The energy source 600 is composed of at least one of a main battery and a secondary battery; preferably, the power source 600 consists of a main battery.

  The display unit 700 is used to indicate whether the data reproducing apparatus 100 is actuated or not by the controller 400, and consists of at least one LED and a liquid crystal display; preferably, the display unit 700 consists of an LED. This means that when the copyrighted data stored in the data storage unit is read according to a control signal from the controller 400, the display unit turns on the LED according to the control signal transmitted from the controller 400, indicating whether the data is reproduced or not.

  When viewed from the front, the data reproducing apparatus 100 of the invention has an outer appearance which is circular or polygonal in shape, preferably a quadrilateral shape.

  A ring connecting portion 800 is formed at a corner of the data reproducing apparatus 100, and a through hole 810 is preferably formed through the center of the ring connecting portion 800 to insert a ring or connecting cord for holding the data reproducing apparatus 100.

  In addition, an information indication area 900 is provided on one side of the data reproducing apparatus 100 to indicate brief information that enables a user to confirm the contents of the copyright protected data recorded. in the data reproducing apparatus 100.

  Preferably, the brief information may comprise one or more photographs, the name of the data stored in the data storage unit 200 or equivalent, which are printed on the front side of a printed material, for example for an advertisement, where the printed material is adhered to the information indicating area 900 by an adhesive coating on the back side of the printed material.

  In addition, the information indicating area 900 may be formed by embossing or intaglio printing into a circular or polygonal shape on the corresponding side of the data reproducing apparatus 100. If the information indicating area 900 takes a stamped or recessed, circle or polygon shape, the design of the data reproducing apparatus 100 can be improved.

  Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the data reproducing apparatus of the invention for reproducing copyrighted data, wherein the data reproducing apparatus 100 of the fig. 3 differs from the data reproducing apparatus 100 of FIG. 2 by the following points: the data reproducing apparatus 100 of FIG. 2 has an output unit 500 which is formed as a headphone connection port, so that the copyrighted data stored in the data reproducing apparatus 100 is transmitted via a headphone 510 (see FIG. Fig. 2), while the data reproducing apparatus 100 of Fig. 3 has an output unit 500 which is formed as a TV connector branch port, so that in a case in which the copyrighted data stored in the data reproducing apparatus 100 is data. image, the image data read by a controller 400 (see Fig. 1) is transmitted to a TV 530 via a connection cable 520.

  This means that the above-mentioned arrangement is such that one end of the connection cable 520 is connected to the output unit 500 of the data reproducing apparatus 100 and the other end is connected to a communication unit. external terminal connection (not shown) formed on one side of the TV 530, and the output unit 500 (see Fig. 1) can output audio and video signals, where it is preferred that the output unit 500 can separately transmit the red (R), green (G) and blue (B) video signals, and the audio signals.

  Accordingly, the copyrighted data stored in the data storage unit 200 can be reproduced only by the data reproducing apparatus 100 which is integrally formed with the copyrighted data. , thereby avoiding unlawful reproduction of copyrighted data.

  As previously described, the present invention has the advantage that since the copyrighted sound source and image data are stored in a data storage unit in such a way that they can be read only by a data copying device integrally formed with the copyrighted data, it is possible to avoid then the illicit reproduction of the sound source and image data protected by a copyright.

  In addition, the present invention has the advantage that since only audio and / or video signals that are produced by reproducing the copyrighted data can be outputted, it is possible to avoid illegal reproduction. original data protected by copyright themselves.

  In addition, by avoiding the illegal reproduction of original data, there is also an advantage in that it is possible to avoid the occurrence of illicit reproductions of high quality audio and video data and to block the circulation of such reproductions.

  It is also contemplated that the data reproducing apparatus of the invention can replace expensive MP3 devices.

  In addition, the data reproducing apparatus of the invention can be used as an electronic album that can solve the problem of a conventional CD music album with which the new music it contains can be reproduced so easily.

  Although a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described for purposes of illustration, those skilled in the art will understand that various additions, modifications and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. invention as disclosed in the appended claims. he

Claims (10)

claims   An apparatus for reproducing copyrighted data, comprising: a data storage unit for recording copyrighted data; a controller for generating a control signal for reproducing copyright protected data stored in the data storage unit; an output unit for outputting reproduced signals of copyrighted data in accordance with the control signal transmitted by the controller; a key input unit for inputting a control signal of the operation of the controller; a display unit for indicating the operating status of the controller, the display unit displaying information as to whether the copyright protected data is read or not; a source of energy, intended to supply the controller; and a housing for receiving the data storage unit, the controller, the output unit, the key input unit, the display unit and the power source.   Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a ring connecting portion formed at one side of the housing, the ring connecting portion having a through hole which is formed through the housing portion. ring connection for inserting a connecting ring into the through hole.   Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the data storage unit is a memory which is adapted to prevent data from being rewritten on the copyrighted data, and Allow only read signals from copyright protected data to be output.   Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the memory is at least one memory selected from a NAND flash memory, a NOR flash memory, a mask-elaborated read-only memory, a magnetic memory, a memory phase and a ferroelectric memory.   An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the copyrighted data comprises at least one of sound source data and image data.   Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the output unit comprises at least one of an earphone branch port and a TV connector branch port.   An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing comprises an information indication area on one side thereof, to indicate information relating to the copyrighted data.   Apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the information indicating area is formed by stamping or intaglio printing into a circular shape.   Apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the information indicating area is formed by stamping or intaglio printing in a polygonal shape.   An apparatus as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein the outer shape of the housing of the apparatus is a function of the shape of the information indicating area, i.e., circular or polygonal.