JP3835515B2 - CD player - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a CD player , and more particularly to a CD player configured to be connected to a network.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Electronic device systems configured by connecting electronic devices via a network are disclosed in JP-A-10-304477, JP-A-11-68991, JP-A-7-503592, and JP-A-6-54379. Some are described.
Such an electronic device system includes a network such as the Internet, and a host computer and an electronic device that can transmit and receive data to and from the network. The host computer is, for example, a PC (personal computer) provided with communication means for transmitting and receiving with a network. The electronic device is, for example, a television set or a hot water supply device in each home, and includes a communication unit for transmitting and receiving with a network. In such an electronic device system, a host computer transmits data (for example, weather information, TV program information) necessary for control to each electronic device via a network. Each electronic device stores data received via a network in a ROM or the like and is controlled using the data. In addition, when the program for controlling each electronic device is upgraded, each electronic device can also obtain the upgraded program from the host computer via a network.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the future, electronic devices connected to the network are expected to be digitized. Examples of digitized electronic devices, so-called digital devices, include digital television, MD (mini disc), and STB (set top box for receiving satellite broadcast). These devices perform digital processing according to the device on the data received from the outside or the data read from the recording medium, convert the processed digital data into analog signals, and output them as images or sounds. Such digital processing is performed not by software but by hardware processing from the viewpoint of processing speed. In this case, for example, if the data processing in the MPEG2 format is to be upgraded to the MPEG4 format, conventionally, the system LSI needs to be replaced and the digital device itself needs to be replaced. Even if a digital device is connected to a network as in the system described in the above publication, the system LSI cannot perform desired information processing only by upgrading the program.
[0004]
An object of the present invention is to make the information processing capability of a CD player compatible with future version upgrades.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The CD player according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a communication unit that transmits and receives a programmable signal via a network, and a signal processing unit that includes a plurality of logic circuits, and the connection between the logic circuits is changed by a programmable signal transmitted from the network. The communication means comprises a writing means for changing the connection between the logic circuits of the signal processing means based on the programmable signal received from the network, and an optical means capable of reading both CD and DVD, the communication means comprising: Programmable signals that enable processing of both CD and DVD can be received via the network, and the writing means is connected between the logic circuits of the signal processing means based on the programmable signals that enable processing of both CD and DVD. a connection from only a processable state CD allows CD and DVD both treatment A D player.
[0006]
In such a CD player, the communication means transmits the programmable signal received via the network to the writing means. The writing means changes the connection between the logic circuits of the signal processing means based on the programmable signal. In this case, only the function can be changed by the programmable signal without changing the hardware constituting the signal processing means. For example, when it is desired to update the signal processing means from MPEG2 compatible to MPEG4 compatible, the desired processing capability can be provided to the hardware by changing the connection of the logic circuit based on the programmable signal. Therefore, only the function can be updated without replacing the signal processing means, and the latest function can be provided while minimizing the burden on the user. Further, a player who can use only this CD can be purchased at a lower price than a player who can use CD and DVD, and after that, the DVD can be used only by upgrading the function of the signal processing means. When the user first purchases as a low-priced CD-only player and wants to use the DVD after that, the user can use the DVD at a lower price than when the player itself is replaced.
[0007]
CD player according to a second aspect is the invention first CD player, the network is connected to the Internet, connecting the logic circuits constituting the signal processing means is changed by a programmable signal transmitted over the Internet. In such a CD player , for example, a user's intention display is confirmed by telephone, and a programmable signal is transmitted from the manufacturer's host computer to the CD player via the Internet to update the function of the signal processing means. In this case, it is possible to update the processing method of the signal processing device without troublesome work.
[0008]
CD player according to a third aspect is the invention 1 or 2 of the CD player, the network is IEEE1394. Such a CD player can be connected to the Internet or other digital devices via IEEE1394. In this case, since the transmission bandwidth can be ensured reliably, it is also suitable for transmission of moving images such as digital television. In addition, since the plug can be inserted and removed without turning off the device, it is convenient when changing the connection of the device.
[0009]
CD player according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is first to third aspects of the CD player is connected to the communication means and the writing means further comprises a storage means for storing the contents of the programmable signal. In such a CD player , a programmable signal upgraded by a CDROM or the like is stored in the storage means, and the connection between the logic circuits of the signal processing means can be changed.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
〔overall structure〕
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The digital device 1 is connected to a network such as IEEE1394, and the network 2 is further connected to the Internet 3 or the like. In the present embodiment, DTV (digital television), CD player (compact disc player), STB (set-top box for satellite broadcast reception, etc.), DVHS (digital video player) are shown as digital devices. A DTV is a device that converts a digital signal received by an antenna into an image and displays it on a monitor. A CD player is a device that reads digital data stored on a compact disc by optical means such as a semiconductor laser, converts it into sound, and outputs it to a speaker. The STB is a device that converts an encrypted satellite broadcast signal into an image signal and outputs the image signal to a DTV or a normal television. DVHS is a device that reads digital data recorded on a magnetic tape, converts it into an image signal, and outputs it to a DTV or a normal television.
[0011]
As the network 2, USB (Universal Serial bus), Ethernet, IEEE 1394, or the like can be used. In this embodiment, IEEE1394 is used. In this case, since the transmission bandwidth can be ensured reliably, it is also suitable for transmission of moving images such as digital television. In addition, since the plug can be inserted and removed without turning off the device, it is convenient when changing the connection of the device. Further, when connected to other digital devices, the functions of other devices can be shared.
[0012]
Further, the network 2 is connected to the Internet 3. In general, the network 2 is connected to the Internet 3 via a modem, TA (terminal adapter), or telephone line. Alternatively, the network 2 can be connected to the Internet 3 by connecting to a PC on the Internet 3.
In addition, a host computer 4 of the manufacturer of the digital device 1 may be connected to the Internet 3. In this case, information can be transmitted and received between the host computer 4 and the digital device 1 via the network 2 and the Internet 3.
[0013]
[ Configuration of CD Player ] FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the CD player of the present invention . The CD player mainly includes an optical unit 16, a signal processing unit 11, a D / A conversion unit 17, a communication unit 12, a writing unit 13, and a storage unit 14. The CD player can be loaded with a storage medium (CD or DVD) 15 in which digital data is recorded.
[0014]
The optical means 16 includes a semiconductor laser, a lens, a light receiving element, and the like, and detects digital data on the recording medium 15. In the present embodiment, the optical means 16 includes a CD laser and a DVD laser, and by changing the focal length of the lens, only the CD can be read, and both the CD and the DVD can be read. It can be configured.
[0015]
The signal processing means 16 is an FPGA (Field Program Gate Array).
System LSI such as PLD (Programmable Logic Device),
It is configured by a microcomputer, a DSP, or a combination thereof, and performs processing corresponding to each CD player on the digital signal. In addition, system LSIs such as FPGA and CPLD are composed of a plurality of logic circuits, and are programmable ICs that can change the connection between logic circuits by external digital signals (programmable signals).
[0016]
The D / A conversion means 17 converts the digital signal processed by the signal processing means 11 into an analog signal and outputs it to a speaker or the like.
The communication unit 12 is capable of bidirectional communication with the network 2 and converts a signal received from the network 2 to a level suitable for processing in the CD player. The communication unit 12 receives a programmable signal for changing the connection between the logic circuits of the signal processing unit 11 via the network 2.
[0017]
The writing unit 13 changes the connection between the logic circuits of the signal processing unit 11 based on the programmable signal received by the communication unit 12. The storage unit 14 stores the contents of the programmable signal received by the communication unit 12. The writing unit 13 can read the contents of the programmable signal stored in the storage unit 14 and change the connection between the logic circuits of the signal processing unit 11 based on the content.
[0018]
〔Version upgrade〕
The audio reproduction by this CD player is as follows. The optical means 16 reads the digital data of the recording medium 15 and outputs it to the signal processing means 11. The signal processing means 11 performs predetermined digital processing, and the D / A conversion means 17 converts the processed digital signal into an analog signal. The analog signal is output to a speaker or the like to reproduce sound.
[0019]
In this CD player, when the digital processing in the signal processing means 11 is upgraded from, for example, MPEG2 compatible to MPEG4 compatible, it is as follows. A programmable signal is transmitted from the manufacturer's host computer 5 to the CD player via the Internet 3 and the network 2. The communication unit 12 receives this programmable signal via the network 2, converts the level, and transmits it to the storage unit 14. The writing unit 13 reads the programmable signal from the storage unit 14 and changes the connection between the logic circuits of the signal processing unit 11 based on the programmable signal. In this way, the information processing function of the signal processing means 11 can be upgraded from that corresponding to MPEG2 to that corresponding to MPEG4.
[0020]
It is also possible to send a programmable signal directly from the communication means 12 to the writing means 13 so that the writing means 13 upgrades the signal processing means 11 based on the programmable signal. Alternatively, the contents of the programmable signal may be stored in the recording unit 14 by a CD ROM or the like.
For example, the function of the signal processing unit 11 is obtained by renewing the content of the storage unit 14 from the host computer 5 on the manufacturer side via the Internet in response to an intention to update by telephone from the user. Can also be updated. In this case, the user can upgrade the function of the signal processing means 11 only by making an intention display by telephone or the like without troublesome work. Alternatively, it is possible to apply for a version upgrade on the manufacturer's website. Alternatively, it may be registered in advance and automatically updated via the Internet each time the function of the signal processing means 11 is updated.
[0021]
[Multitasking of a CD player ] Using such a version upgrade function, it is possible to add a plurality of device performances to one CD player later. The CD player of this embodiment includes optical means 16 that can read both CDs and DVDs. For example, if the signal processing means 11 can be provided with a function corresponding to only a CD or a function corresponding to both a CD and a DVD, it can be sold in the future as a CD player compatible with a DVD. it can. A player that can use only the CD can be purchased at a lower price than a player that can use the CD and DVD, and the DVD can be used only by upgrading the function of the signal processing means 11 after that. When the user first purchases as a low-priced CD-only player and wants to use the DVD after that, the user can use the DVD at a lower price than when the player itself is replaced.
[0022]
The change of multitasking from the CD-only player to the multiplayer can also be performed by the same signal processing as in the above-described version upgrade. That is, a programmable signal that enables processing of both CD and DVD from the host computer 5 may be transmitted. In this case, the information on the laser type of the optical means 16 and the focal length of the lens may be previously stored in the CD player, or may be transmitted in the same manner as the programmable signal. Based on this information, the optical means 16 selects the type of laser and the focal length of the lens and reads digital data from the DVD.
[0024]
【The invention's effect】
According to the CD player of the present invention, the function of the signal processing means is updated by the programmable signal, so that the information processing function of the CD player can be upgraded without replacing the device. In this case, an expensive signal processing means can be used as it is, which can contribute to resource saving.
[0025]
Further, according to the CD player of the present invention, the signal processing means can be changed by a programmable signal so that information processing of other devices can be performed, so that it is not necessary to purchase a separate device, and the burden on the user is reduced. Various functions of a CD player can be provided while minimizing.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a digital device adopting an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration thereof.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Digital apparatus 2 Network 3 Internet 11 Signal processing means 12 Communication means 13 Writing means 14 Storage means

Claims (4)

Communication means configured to transmit and receive programmable signals via a network, signal processing means configured by a plurality of logic circuits, the connection between the logic circuits being changed by programmable signals transmitted from the network, and the communication means Writing means for changing the connection between the logic circuits of the signal processing means based on the programmable signal received from the network, and optical means capable of reading both CD and DVD,
The communication means is capable of receiving a programmable signal that enables processing of both CD and DVD via the network;
The writing means enables the processing of both the CD and the DVD from the state in which only the CD can be processed based on the programmable signal that enables the processing of both the CD and the DVD. CD player. 2. The CD player according to claim 1, wherein the network is connected to the Internet, and a connection of a logic circuit constituting the signal processing means is changed by a programmable signal transmitted via the Internet. The CD player according to claim 1, wherein the network is IEEE1394 . 4. The CD player according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit connected to the communication unit and the writing unit to store the contents of the programmable signal .

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