JP2008172331A - Media connection device and system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform reproduction operation itself in a media reproducer registered first for that content even when an external audio unit is utilized. <P>SOLUTION: The media connection device is arranged to connect a media reproducer and an audio unit such that the media reproducer is controlled in correspondence with operation of the audio unit by a user, and an audio signal reproduced by the media reproducer is outputted in sound from the audio unit. An audio unit having a USB host interface can be interfaced with an existing media reproducer with no external deformation, and an already purchased music can be used without requiring extra software support or repurchase even in case of DRM content. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention mediates between a media playback device and an audio device, controls the media playback device in response to a user operating the audio device, and performs USB packet processing on an audio signal played back by the media playback device. In particular, the present invention relates to a media connection device technology that enables sound to be output from an audio device by providing the audio device.

  Media playback devices that play back and record media files, such as MP3 players and voice recorders, have been widely used. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of such a conventional media playback apparatus.

  These conventional media playback devices 1 are equipped with a nonvolatile storage device 5 such as a flash memory, and store media files transmitted from an external host device 7 such as a PC via a network. When a playback command is input via the user interface module 3, the media file is read from the storage device 5 and transmitted to the signal processing module 6, thereby a predetermined signal processing method such as MPEG-1 Audio. Signal processing is performed according to Layer 3.

  For transmission / reception of media files, the host device 7 and the media playback device 1 have a transmission medium connection function. FIG. 1 shows a case where USB is used as an example. In the USB (Universal Serial Bus) technology, when two devices are connected, a device that functions as a master is called a USB host, and a device that functions as a slave is called a USB device. The device 7 becomes a USB host, and the media playback device 1 becomes a USB device. For this purpose, the host device 7 includes a USB host module, and the media playback device includes a USB device module.

  Transmission media that can be used for such purposes include IEEE1394 and wireless LAN in addition to USB, and are connected via a cable or interconnected with a connection port, even in a connection form. Or can be connected via a wireless medium. When using these IEEE 1394 or wireless LAN, other concepts that are not host-device concepts can be used. For example, IEEE 1394 uses a peer-to-peer configuration. The host device 7 becomes an SBP2 initiator (initiator) and the media playback device 1 becomes an SBP2 target (target) by the upper protocol SBP2 (Serial Bus Protocol 2). Accordingly, in a general transmission medium including USB and IEEE 1394, the host device 7 in FIG. 1 can be generalized as a controller and the media playback device 1 can be generalized as a target for modeling.

  Thus, with the widespread use of media playback devices, there is an increasing demand for consumers who wish to listen to songs stored in media playback devices using speaker systems for car audio systems for cars and home audio devices. For this reason, conventionally, an FM transmission function is added to the media playback device, and the media playback device transmits the reproduced music at a specific FM frequency, and the audio device tunes this frequency in the FM reception mode. A technique for listening to music has been proposed and is now widely used. Further, conventionally, a method has been generally used in which an Aux-Line is separately pulled out to an audio device and listened by connecting an earphone jack of a media playback device.

  In addition, with the spread of digital media technology in this way, there is a demand from consumers who want to directly play back digital content stored in a USB memory or the like via a car audio system for vehicles or a speaker system for home audio devices. For this reason, the applicant of the present patent application filed an invention related to “media processing device using an external storage device” as an application number 2003-21307 dated 2002.4.4. . In addition, patent registration has been received under registration numbers 403 and 376 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1). According to the above technique, the audio device has a USB host interface, and directly reads and reproduces content stored in the USB memory.

  Recently, in the case of a group of media playback devices such as Apple's i-POD products, it does not have an FM transmission function, and the earphone jack also has a remote control I / F and only through a dedicated interface. Since it has a connectable structure, it is difficult to use the conventional method without adding a car audio interface. Even if a consumer purchases and uses such a media playback device, its utility is not high.

Also, recently, DRM is considered important, so the content stored in the media playback device or USB memory is often DRM content, but when such DRM content is moved to another device, Since various problems and difficulties may occur, even when an external audio device is used, it is required that the playback operation itself be performed by a media playback device that is initially registered for the content.
Application No. 2003-21307 (Registration No. 403,376)

  The present invention has been made to improve the above-described problems, and its purpose is to control the media playback device in response to the user operating the audio device through the media playback device and the audio device. It is another object of the present invention to provide a media connection device technology that allows audio signals generated by playback of a media playback device to be output as sound from the audio device.

  In order to achieve the above object, a media connection device that mediates a media playback device and an audio device according to the present invention is connected to an audio jack of the media playback device, and an analog audio signal that is played back and output from the media playback device. A playback device connection module for providing an interface to the media playback device, including an audio connector for receiving and a remote control connector connected to a remote control jack of the media playback device to provide a device control signal for the media playback device, and a playback device connection A / D conversion module that receives an analog audio signal reproduced and output from the media playback device via the module and generates digital audio data via analog / digital conversion processing, and is connected to the audio device and a specific transmission medium The An audio device connection module that provides an interface to the audio device, and digital audio data provided from the A / D conversion module is packetized and generated according to the transmission medium, and the generated digital audio data packet is audio device connection module To the audio device through which the audio device outputs a sound corresponding to the analog audio signal through digital / analog conversion, and the operation control data generated by the user device operation in the audio device is transmitted specifically. When the data packet corresponding to the medium is provided via the audio device connection module, the device control content is analyzed from the operation control data, thereby generating a device control signal for the media playback device, and the playback device Constructed and a system control module for providing a media playback device via the connection module.

  In order to achieve the above object, a media connection system including a media playback device, an audio device, and a media connection device according to the present invention plays a digital file and converts an analog audio signal as a playback output corresponding to the digital file. A media playback device that performs device control according to specific remote control data that is output via a jack and provided via a remote control jack, and provides an interface to the media playback device, but an audio connector and a remote control corresponding to the audio jack A playback apparatus connection module including a remote control connector corresponding to jack, and an A / D conversion module that receives an analog audio signal via an audio connector and generates digital audio data via an analog / digital conversion process An audio device connection module connected to an audio device and a specific transmission medium and providing an interface; and digital audio data is packetized and generated by the transmission medium, and the generated digital audio data packet is transmitted through the audio device connection module. Provided to the audio device, and when the operation control data from the audio device is provided via the audio device connection module in a data packet corresponding to the specific transmission medium, the device control content is analyzed from the operation control data, thereby A media connection device including a system control module that generates a device control signal for the media playback device and provides the device control signal to the media playback device via a remote control connector, and a digital audio data packet provided from the media connection device The digital audio data is extracted, and the sound corresponding to the analog audio signal is output via digital / analog conversion. When the device operation input is provided by the user, the operation control data is generated thereby, and the specific transmission is performed. And an audio device provided to the media connection device via the audio device connection module in a data packet by the medium.

  In order to achieve the above object, a media connection device that mediates a media playback device and an audio device according to the present invention is connected to an audio jack of the media playback device, and is reproduced and output from the media playback device. Is connected to a remote control jack of the media playback device, provides a device control signal to the media playback device, and provides an interface to the media playback device, and via the playback device connection module An A / D conversion module that receives an analog audio signal reproduced and output from the media playback device and generates digital audio data through an analog / digital conversion process, and a digital signal generated from the A / D conversion module Packet audio data Generating and receiving operation control data from the audio device, then analyzing device control content, thereby generating a device control signal for the media playback device, and receiving the device control signal via the playback device connection module A system control module provided to the media playback device; and a digital audio data packet generated by the system control module, connected to the audio device and a specific transmission medium, to the audio device via the transmission medium; An audio device connection module that receives operation control data of the audio device as a data packet by the transmission medium, provides the data packet to the system control module, and provides an interface to the audio device.

In order to achieve the above object, a media connection system including a media playback device, an audio device, and a media connection device according to the present invention plays a digital file and converts an analog audio signal as a playback output thereby. A media playback device that controls the device itself according to specific remote control data that is output to the jack and provided via the remote control jack, and is connected to the audio jack of the media playback device and plays back from the media playback device A playback device connection module that receives an output analog audio signal, is connected to a remote control jack of the media playback device, provides a device control signal to the media playback device, and provides an interface to the media playback device; Via the playback device connection module An A / D conversion module that receives an analog audio signal reproduced and output from the media playback device and generates digital audio data through an analog / digital conversion process, and a digital audio generated from the A / D conversion module Data is generated in packets, operation control data is provided from the audio device, device control content is analyzed, device control signals for the media playback device are generated accordingly, via the playback device connection module A system control module that provides the device control signal to the media playback device; and a digital audio data packet that is connected to the audio device and a specific transmission medium and is generated from the system control module via the transmission medium. Providing to the device, An audio device connection module configured to receive an operation control data of the audio device as a data packet by the transmission medium, provide the system control module, and provide an interface to the audio device; The digital audio data is extracted from the digital audio data packet provided from the media connection device, the sound corresponding to the analog audio signal is output through digital / analog conversion, and the device operation input is provided by the user. And an audio device that generates operation control data in response to the data and supplies the operation control data to the media connection device via the audio device connection module as a data packet by the specific transmission medium.

  According to the media connection system of the present invention, the media playback device is controlled according to a user operation on the audio device through the media playback device and the audio device, and the audio signal played back by the media playback device is transmitted to the USB. There is an advantage in that sound output from an audio device is enabled through packet processing.

  Also, according to the media connection system of the present invention, the playback operation itself is performed by the media playback device, so that even in the case of DRM content, existing purchased songs can be enjoyed without additional software support or repurchasing. There is an advantage that you can.

  Further, according to the media connection system of the present invention, by using the existing USB interface of the audio device as it is, there is an advantage that it can be used without changing the exterior or installing a dedicated interface separately. .

An audio device having a USB host interface can interface with an existing media playback device without external deformation, and even in the case of DRM content, if it is a song that has already been purchased, no additional software support or repurchase is required. There is an effect that can be used.

Hereinafter, a media connection device and system according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the media connection device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the connection relationship of the media connection device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a usage state in which a car audio system for a vehicle is used as an audio device, and FIG. 4 is a reference diagram illustrating a usage state of the media connection device according to the embodiment of FIG. is there.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the media connection device according to the embodiment of the present invention is connected between the media playback device 10 and the audio device 20 and is configured to mediate both devices. A media playback device connection module 110, an A / D conversion module 120, a system control module 130, and an audio device connection module 140 are provided.

The media playback device connection module 110 is connected to the media playback device 10 via a predetermined transmission medium and provides an interface for the media playback device 10. The interface as described above basically includes an analog audio signal output that is output from the media playback device 10 as a playback result of the media file, and more preferably further includes control access to the media playback device 10.

  That is, the media playback device connection module 110 is connected to the earphone jack of the media playback device 10 and the remote control jack 11 as shown in FIG. 3, and the earphone connector 111 and the media playback device 10 that receive an analog audio signal. And remote control connectors 112 for outputting device control signals for each. At this time, the device control signal for the media playback device 10 is provided from the audio device 20 as described later.

  The shape of the media playback device connection module 110 is determined according to the configuration of the media playback device 10. For example, the media playback device 10 is separated into an earphone jack and a remote control jack 11 as shown in FIG. The provided shape structure is configured to include an earphone connector 111 and a remote control connector 112 having a shape structure separated correspondingly. On the other hand, the earphone jack and remote control jack 11 illustrated in FIG. 3 show the jack shape of Apple's i-POD.

  The media playback device connection module 110 can be applied not only to the above-mentioned Apple i-POD, but also to other media playback devices. The media playback device 10 has an earphone function and a remote control. In the case of a single jack (not shown) -shaped structure providing both control functions, a connector (not shown) is configured with a single-shaped structure corresponding to the structure. As described above, the media playback device connection module 110 is not limited to the shape structure shown as an example in FIGS. 3 and 4, and is manufactured and used in various structures according to the connection interface of the media playback device to be applied. be able to.

  The A / D conversion module 120 converts the analog audio signal transmitted from the media playback device 10 via the media playback device connection module 110 into digital audio data, and then provides the digital audio data to the system control module 130. At this time, the conversion operation performed by the A / D conversion module 120 for generating digital audio data is preferably a normal analog / digital conversion process in consideration of the processing load.

  The system control module 130 packetizes and generates the digital audio data provided from the A / D conversion module 120 in the USB format, and provides the generated USB packet to the audio device 20 via the audio device connection module 140.

  If the user performs a specific operation on the user interface of the audio device 20 in a state where the reproduction output of the media reproduction device 10 is transmitted to the audio device 20 via the media connection device 100 and is output as a sound, The corresponding device control is preferably performed in the media playback device 10, but the process will be described below.

  In response to the above user operation, the operation control data generated by the audio device 20 is transmitted to the media connection device 100 via the audio device connection module 140 in the form of a USB packet, for example, and the system control module 130 performs the operation control data. The contents are analyzed to generate a device control signal for the media playback device 10, and the generated device control signal is transmitted to the media playback device 10 via the media playback device connection module 110. Device control according to the user's operation action is performed by the media playback device 10 through such a process.

  The device operation at this time means a signal for controlling a normal operation of the media playback device such as an on / off function, a search function, a selection function, a play function, and a fast forward / rewind function of the media playback device 10.

  Here, in processing the audio signal output from the media playback device 10, the system control module 130 generates digital audio data in packets in the USB format, and provides the generated USB packets to the audio device 20. In order to perform this, after inputting digital audio data to a specific register, a USB packet is provided to the audio device 20 in response to a trigger operation.

  The audio device connection module 140 is connected to the USB host interface 21 of the audio device 20 via a predetermined transmission medium such as a USB connector, and provides communication using a packetized USB signal.

  As described above, the media connection device according to the present invention uses a known USB transmission medium as an example of the transmission medium, and the audio device connection module 140 is connected to the USB host interface 21 of the audio device 20 via the USB transmission medium. A USB connector 141 is provided for providing a packetized USB signal to the audio device 20 and transmitting the operation content of the media playback device 10.

  FIG. 4 is a reference diagram showing a usage state of the media connection device according to the embodiment of the present invention. On one side, the earphone connector 111 and the remote control connector 112 of the media connection device 100 are connected to the media playback device 10. In this state, the USB connector 141 of the media connection device 100 is attached to the USB host interface 21 of the audio device 20.

  As a result, the user controls the media playback device 10 via the key button operation of the audio device 20 using the USB communication relay of the media connection device 100, and the sound according to the audio signal output from the media playback device 10 Can be heard through the speaker SP of the audio device 20.

At this time, the audio processor of the audio device 20 acquires the digital audio signal from the digital audio signal data transmitted from the media connection device 100 in the USB packet form, and again converts the digital audio signal through digital / analog conversion. To obtain an analog audio signal and output a sound. From the above, it can be expected that the number of bits in analog / digital conversion and digital / analog conversion has a very important influence on sound quality.
The above-described preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for the purpose of illustration, and those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains depart from the technical idea of the present invention. Various substitutions, modifications, and alterations are possible within the scope of not being included, and such substitutions, alterations, and the like belong to the scope of the claims.

The functional block diagram which showed schematically the structure of the media reproduction apparatus concerning a prior art. The functional block diagram which showed the structure of the media connection apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram of a use state shown for explaining a connection relationship of the media connection device according to the embodiment of the present invention. The reference figure which showed the use condition of the media connection apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Claims (7)

A media connection device that mediates between a media playback device and an audio device,
An audio connector connected to the audio jack of the media playback device for receiving an analog audio signal played back and output from the media playback device, and a device control for the media playback device connected to a remote control jack of the media playback device A playback device connection module for providing an interface to the media playback device, comprising a remote control connector for providing a signal;
An A / D conversion module that receives an analog audio signal reproduced and output from the media reproduction device via the reproduction device connection module and generates digital audio data via an analog / digital conversion process;
An audio device connection module connected to the audio device and a specific transmission medium to provide an interface to the audio device;
The digital audio data provided from the A / D conversion module is packetized and generated according to the transmission medium, and the generated digital audio data packet is provided to the audio device via the audio device connection module. Accordingly, sound corresponding to the analog audio signal is output from the audio device through digital / analog conversion, and operation control data generated by user equipment operation in the audio device is a data packet corresponding to the specific transmission medium. When provided via an audio device connection module, the device control content is analyzed from the operation control data, thereby generating a device control signal for the media playback device, and the media via the playback device connection module. Playback device And a system control module that provides,
A media connection device comprising:   The specific transmission medium is USB, and the audio device connection module is connected to the USB host interface of the audio device via USB, and provides the generated digital audio data packet as a USB packet signal to the audio device The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a USB connector that provides a system control module with a device control signal for controlling the media playback device when the device control signal is provided from the audio device. Media connection device. A media connection system comprising a media playback device, an audio device, and a media connection device,
A media playback device that plays back a digital file, outputs an analog audio signal as an output corresponding to the audio file, and controls the device itself according to specific remote control data provided via the remote control jack;
An interface for the media playback device, the playback device connection module including an audio connector corresponding to the audio jack and a remote control connector corresponding to the remote control jack, and receiving the analog audio signal via the audio connector An A / D conversion module that generates digital audio data through an analog / digital conversion process, an audio device connection module that is connected to the audio device and a specific transmission medium and provides an interface, and the digital audio data Packetized by the transmission medium, and the generated digital audio data packet is provided to the audio device via the audio device connection module. When data is provided via the audio device connection module in a data packet corresponding to the specific transmission medium, device control content is analyzed from the operation control data, thereby generating a device control signal for the media playback device. A media connection device comprising a system control module for providing to the media playback device via the remote control connector;
When digital audio data is extracted from a digital audio data packet provided from the media connection device, a sound corresponding to the analog audio signal is output through digital / analog conversion, and a device operation input is provided from a user And an audio device that generates operation control data and supplies the operation control data to the media connection device via the audio device connection module in a data packet by the specific transmission medium. A media connection device that mediates between a media playback device and an audio device,
Connected to the audio jack of the media playback device, receives an analog audio signal played back and output from the media playback device, and connected to the remote control jack of the media playback device to provide a device control signal to the media playback device And a playback device connection module that provides an interface to the media playback device;
An A / D conversion module that receives an analog audio signal reproduced and output from the media reproduction device via the reproduction device connection module and generates digital audio data via an analog / digital conversion process;
The digital audio data generated from the A / D conversion module is packetized and generated, the operation control data is provided from the audio device, the device control content is analyzed, and thereby the device control signal for the media playback device is generated. A system control module for generating and providing the device control signal to the media playback device via the playback device connection module;
The digital audio data packet connected to the audio device and a specific transmission medium and generated by the system control module is provided to the audio device via the transmission medium, and operation control data of the audio device is provided to the transmission medium. An audio device connection module that receives and provides as a data packet to the system control module and provides an interface to the audio device;
A media connection device comprising: The playback device connection module includes:
An audio connector connected to the audio jack of the media playback device and receiving an analog audio signal played back and output from the media playback device;
A remote control connector connected to the remote control jack of the media playback device and providing a device control signal to the media playback device;
The media connection device according to claim 4, further comprising: A media connection system comprising a media playback device, an audio device, and a media connection device,
A media playback device that plays back a digital file, outputs an analog audio signal to the audio jack as a playback output by the digital file, and performs device control according to specific remote control data provided via the remote control jack;
Connected to the audio jack of the media playback device, receives an analog audio signal played back and output from the media playback device, and connected to the remote control jack of the media playback device to provide a device control signal to the media playback device A playback device connection module that provides an interface to the media playback device; and an analog audio signal that is played back and output from the media playback device via the playback device connection module; A / D conversion module for generating digital audio data, digital audio data generated from the A / D conversion module is packetized and generated, operation control data is provided from the audio device, and then device control contents are analyzed And respond accordingly A system control module that generates a device control signal for the media playback device and provides the device control signal to the media playback device via the playback device connection module, and is connected to the audio device and a specific transmission medium, The digital audio data packet generated from the system control module is provided to the audio device via the transmission medium, the operation control data of the audio device is received as a data packet by the transmission medium, and the system control module An audio device connection module that provides and provides an interface to the audio device; and a media connection device comprising:
When digital audio data is extracted from a digital audio data packet provided from the media connection device, a sound corresponding to the analog audio signal is output through digital / analog conversion, and a device operation input is provided from a user An audio device that generates operation control data accordingly and provides it to the media connection device via the audio device connection module as a data packet by the specific transmission medium;
A media connection system comprising: The playback device connection module of the media connection device is:
An audio connector connected to the audio jack of the media playback device and receiving an analog audio signal played back and output from the media playback device;
A remote control connector connected to the remote control jack of the media playback device and providing a device control signal to the media playback device;
The media connection system according to claim 6, further comprising:

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