MXPA00000214A - Optical storage device - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is an optical storage device (30) in the form of a compact disc recorder which includes sound receiving means (66, 68, 70, 71, 73, 78, 80, 82) for receiving analog signals, a convertor (92) connected to the sound receiving means for converting the rceived analog signals into digital data, data storage structure (106) communicatingly connected to the convertor for receiving the digital data from the convertor and storing the digital data received, and a compact disc recordable drive (58) communicatingly connected to the data storage structure for receiving the stored digital data from the data storage structure and recording the digital data onto a compact disc received by the compact disc recordable drive.

Description

OPTICAL STORAGE DEVICE DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to audio recording devices, and relates specifically to a novel recording device for recording on a compact disc or other optical storage medium - The recorders / reproducers of tape, current audio, provide audio recording on a cassette tape and playback of audio recording, and are usually relatively easy ~ to use. The typical audio tape recorder / player has several pressure buttons that allow a user to make the device perform a number of functions in relation to the cassette tape. Normally, the pressure button is provided for each of the following functions: pause, stop, rewind, fast forward, playback and recording. In addition to being easy to use, some audio recorders / players provide additional benefits in the form of advanced features. For example, some provide that a recording sound level can be determined before or during a recording, and set or adjust a recording gain level in "response of the same." Specifically, some provide a digital display, such as an LED display, which indicates the level of sound that will be recorded (or being recorded) on the cassette tape and provides a rotary knob or other type of adjuster that the user can adjust in order to set (or adjust) the recording gain level However, even those most modern audio tape recorders / players do not provide the one that you can hear how the recording actually sounds until the sounds are recorded on the tape.In other words, the audio tape recorders / players typically they do not allow a true "audition" of a recording before it is actually recorded on a cassette tape.As a result, several "shots" may be required that an acceptable recording is obtained. A recording may be unacceptable due to the number of reasons such as, for example, due to the recording gain level that was set too low or too high. Additionally, current audio tape recorders / players do not provide an easy way to vary the order in which a set of sounds, such as a set of songs, will appear on the cassette tape .. Because a recorder / player Audio tape essentially records what you "hear" or receive, in real time, it is not possible to easily adapt the order in which the sound tracks, such as songs, will appear on the recorded tape. Another disadvantage of audio tape recorders / players is that they produce analog recordings and analog recordings have lower sound quality than digital recordings. In addition, cassette tapes are not as durable as compact discs. For example, a dirty tape head can completely destroy a cassette tape when played. For these reasons, cassette tapes are no longer the industry standard in music, and compact discs are now fashionable. Therefore, while the demand for audio tape recorders / players has decreased, the demand for compact disc players has increased. Like today's audio tape recorders / players, today's compact disc players are also relatively easy to use and provide button pressure controls with a push button that is provided for each of the following functions with the compact disc: pause, stop, track backward, track advance and playback. The track backward and track advance functions of the current CD players are very similar to the rewind and forward functions, respectively, of the current audio tape recorder / player. Nevertheless, the nature of the compact discs provides that the rewind of the track and the track advance of a reproducer of a compact are more useful than the rewinding and the respective fast forward of a recorder / player. audio tape Specifically, by keeping the track backward or track advance button pressed, it is provided that the compact disc player returns or advances respectively within a given sound track. By comparison, typing the backsight button or track preview overdue CD player provides that the CD player skips very quickly backward or forward respectively, towards the previous or next sound of the track on the compact disc . Due to the general nature of cassette tapes, this latter feature can not be provided effectively on audio tape recorders / players. _ __ As mentioned, compact disc players provide certain advantages over audio tape players. Compact disc players reproduce digital sound recordings from a compact disc, and digital sound recordings have a higher sound quality than analog signal recordings. Also, the reproductive_s.of dis?o_ compact, provide fast movement to a previous track or the next. However, while audio tape recorders / players provide the one that can be recorded on a cassette tape, the most generally available compact disc players do not provide that one can record on a compact disc. These compact disc recorders are generally available for recording on a compact disc in real time and do not provide any of the true editing functions. For example, some compact disc recorders currently available, provide for a source device such as a compact disc player or cassette tape player to be connected first to the CD recorder's inputs. Then, as the source device is operated to start playing the music from the source, the compact disc recorder is operated to start recording. Therefore, as the source device is playing the music the compact disc recorder, it records the music in real time, as the disc recorder .compacto receives the music through its inputs. There are many disadvantages to having the recording in real time. One disadvantage is that the edition is severely limited. If an error is made, the error is generally not correctable. For example, if someone starts recording the wrong song on the compact disc or starts recording a song on the wrong volume, the error can not be easily corrected. He would have to start over and start recording on a new compact disc. Another disadvantage of recording in real time is that if you want to make several identical CDs, you would need to play all the source music inside the compact disc recorder. Of course, this effectively provides more opportunities for errors during recording. Also, if one wishes to make a second compact disc very similar to a compact disc that was previously made, with the exception of one song that is placed by another, one would need to play all the previous source music inside the compact disc recorder, besides having to play the new song inside the recorder. Likewise, if one wishes to make a second compact disc very similar to the compact disc that was previously made, with the exception of the songs that on the second compact disc appear in a different sequence, it would need to play all the previous source music within of the compact disc recorder, but in a different order. Other compact disc recorders available today include two compact disc trays, a tray for playing music from compact discs and a tray for recording music on another compact disc. In other words, the music is recorded from tray to tray.

This type of compact disc recorder presents many of the above disadvantages because the recording is done, still in real time. Most compact disc recorders available today can play music from a standard compact disc, thus operating in a manner similar to a standard CD player. However, the device generally can not play music that was previously received by the device unless the compact disc containing that music is first inserted in the device tray. Another disadvantage for CD recorders that are generally available today is that the devices can not be used to record on standard CD-R discs, which can be played using any standard CD player. Compact discs that can burn CD-R standard (as opposed to discs marked "for consumer use") are widely available today, inexpensive and can be played using any standard CD player. The present invention is directed to solving the disadvantages described hereinabove. It is a general object of the present invention to provide a compact disk recorder that provides the advantages that are not generally provided by other compact disk recorders currently available. Another object of the present invention is to provide a compact disc recorder that can be used to store music tracks as easily as the use of a modern audio tape recorder / player. "A further object of the present invention is to provide a compact disc recorder which provides that one can listen to a stored sound track before the sound track is recorded on a compact disc (i.e. true" audition "of a recording). Still another object of the present invention is to provide a compact disc recorder which provides that the order in which the sound tracks will appear on a compact disc can be easily adapted. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a compact disc recorder that can play the music that was previously received by the recorder without a compact disc containing that music. be inserted first into the device. A further object of the present invention is to provide a compact disc recorder that can be used for recording on computer compatible compact discs that are widely available today, are not expensive and can be reproduced using a standard compact disc player. Briefly, and in accordance with at least one of the foregoing objects, the present invention contemplates an optical storage medium recorder, such as a compact disc recorder, which includes sound receiving means for receiving analog signals, a connected converter to the media. sound receivers to convert the received analog signals into digital data, the data storage structure connected in the form of _, communication to the converter to receive the ... digital data from the converter and store the received digital data, and an optical storage unit such as a compact disk recording unit, connected in communication form to the storage structure. data for receiving the stored digital data from the data storage structure __ and recording the digital data on an optical storage medium such as a compact disk, re-routed by the optical storage unit. A preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a compact disk recorder presented in a housing and including at least one analog input line connection on the housing for receiving analog signals., an analog-to-digital converter inside the housing connected to at least one analog input line connection to convert the analog signals received by the analog input line connection into digital data, a central processing unit connected in a communicated manner with the analog to digital converter for receiving digital data, the data storage structure connected by communication to the central processing unit for receiving digital data from the central processing unit and storing the received digital data, a connected digital-to-analog converter to. central processing unit for receiving digital data, a compact disc recordable unit connected in a communication manner to the central processing unit for receiving stored digital data .in .. a .__ e5tjuctuta de ^ storage of data and to record the digital data on a compact disc received by the compact disc recordable unit, the audio output structure connected to the digital-to-analog converter to receive the analog signals from it and to emit the analog signals received, and a display device connected to the central processing unit. The central processing unit is configured to display information about the display device in relation to the sound tracks stored in. , the data storage device and there are input keys on the housing connected in communication to the central processing unit for manipulating the information displayed on the display device. The central processing unit is also configured so that at least one of the input keys can be operated to selectively store the sound tracks in the data storage structure and so that at least one of the input keys it can be used to selectively display a list of main songs and at least a list of session songs on the device. of display, where the main song list lists all the stored and available sound tracks in the data storage structure and the session song list shows a particular group of sound tracks that are previously selected to be in that particular session using at least one of the input keys. The central processing unit is also configured so that at least one of the input keys can be operated for analog output signals through the audio output structure with respect to the previously stored sound tracks to the structure of the output. . data storage. Preferably, the central processing unit is also configured so that at least one of the input keys can be operated to execute at least one of the following editing functions: combining a plurality of tracks, of sound stored within of an individual stored sound track, dividing an individual stored sound track into a plurality of stored sound tracks, trimming a stored sound track, converting a stored sound track, so that the sound track has a different amplitude, and converting a stored sound track so that the sound track is gradually intensified or weakened. Even the central processing unit is preferably also configured so that at least one of the input keys can be operated to control the reproduction of a compact disc received by the compact disc recordable unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The organization and manner of the structure and function of the invention, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, can be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein reference numbers similar identifiers identify similar elements, and in which: FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a compact disk recorder according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIGURE 2 is a front view of the compact disk recorder illustrated in FIGURE 1; FIGURE 3 is a view of the back of the compact disk recorder illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2; FIGURE 4 is a simplified block diagram of the internal components of the compact disk recorder illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2; FIGURE 5a is the left half of a more detailed block diagram of the internal components of the compact disc recorder illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2; FIGURE 5b is the right half of a more detailed block diagram of the internal components of the compact disc recorder illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2; FIGURE 6 is a circuit diagram of analog components of the compact disc recorder illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2; and FIGURES 7-23 illustrate some of the possible screen displays on the compact disk recorder illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2. While the present invention may be susceptible to being presented in different forms, it is shown in the drawings, and A method will be described in detail herein with the understanding that the present disclosure is considered an exemplary embodiment of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to that illustrated and described herein.

An optical storage device or compact disk recorder 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGURE 1. The compact disc recorder 30 is an easy-to-use stand-alone audio recording device that can receive signals from an analog audio source and produce digital recordings on a compact disc. As will be described, the compact disc recorder 30 has memory so that the sound tracks can be stored therein and selectively reproduced. In this regard, the compact disc recorder 30 can be used effectively as a modern turntable. Additionally, the fact that the compact disc recorder 30 includes a non-volatile memory that provides that the saved sound tracks can be checked, or "tested", before being recorded on the compact disc. Preferably, the compact disc recorder 30 has many improved features that allow advanced editing of stored sound tracks and can be used to play standard commercially available compact discs. These advantages as well as many others will be evident after reading the following description of the compact disc recorder 30. The internal components of the compact disc recorder 30 are protected by a housing 32, which can be a metal case manufactured very similar to those of standard stereophonic devices such as cassette devices and compact disc players. As shown in FIGURE 1, the housing 32 has a front panel 34, a rear panel 36, sides 38, an upper part 40 and a lower part 42. The housing 32 can incorporate, or have attached to it, mounting tools / standard computer module, such as rails for mounting, joining one or more slots for mounting circuit boards, and other mounting joint structure. As shown in FIGURES 1 and 2, the front panel 34 of the compact disc recorder 30 is an injection molded faceplate 44 that essentially provides a user interface that displays information to a user and provides means to enable the user to user programs and controls the compact disc recorder 30. The front plate 44 has a digital graphic display device 46 therein. The digital graphic display unit 46 is for example a 240 x 64 dot graphic LCD with LED backlight, or it may be a type of plasma display, and / or a group of lamp devices. In spite of everything, the digital graphic display device 46 provides that the compact disk recorder 30 can communicate certain information to the user in connection with the operation, control and programming of the compact disc recorder 30. In addition, the digital graphic display unit 46 can also be a graphic user interface, "such as a contact screen through which a user can operate, control and program the recorder of compact disc 30 physically touching the digital graphic display unit 46, with a finger, photosensitive pen or some other object.The faceplate 44 also provides a means to provide der editing commands to the integrated software (which will be described later in this description) for sorting, auditioning and playing sound tracks stored in the compact disc recorder 30, before recording the tracks on the compact disc. Specifically, the faceplate 44 has a set 48 of six control pressure buttons 41, 43, 45, 47, 49, 50 therein to provide the user with control over the power of the compact disc burner 30. The pressure button assembly 48 is identical to those typically found in current compact disc players, but also includes a push button for directing the compact disc recorder 30 to record a recording mode as described in greater detail then. In other words, there is a separate pressure button provided for each of the following functions in the compact disc recorder 30: stop (button 41), pause (button 43), back track (button 45), playback (button 47) ), track forward (button 49) and recording (button 50). The faceplate 44 also includes a second set 52 of six pressure buttons 53, 55, 57, 59, 637, 63, each of which relates to certain functions of the recorder, compact disc 30 in relation to programming of the compact disc recorder 30 and the edition of sound tracks previously stored in it. Preferably, the second pressure button assembly 52 allows the user to access and interact with the menus displayed on the digital graphic display device 46. This will be described in greater detail hereinafter. Preferably, both sets 48 and 52 of push buttons on the front plate are illuminated, such as by LED. - The faceplate 44 also includes the receiving structure of the optical storage means so that the optical storage medium can be inserted into an optical storage unit. As shown, the medium the receiving structure of the optical storage medium and the optical storage unit can comprise a compact disc tray 54 and a compact disc tray eject / remove button 56 where the disc tray 54 forms a portion of a compact disc drive 58 (see FIGURES 4 and 5) that are housed within the housing 32 of the compact disc recorder 30. Pressing the compact disc tray eject / remove button 56 once provides the CD tray 54 on the front plate 44 is opened and extended to allow the insertion of a compact disc or the removal of a compact disc, the compact disc drive 58 housed inside "housing 32 of the compact disc recorder 30. Pressing the eject / remove button again of compact disc 56. The compact disc tray 54 on the front plate 44 is provided to retract and close to provide the compact disc recordable unit 58 with the compact disc, alternatively or additionally, the disc recorder The compact disc can be configured so that one of the press buttons can be used to open and close the compact disc tray 54. The compact disc recordable unit 58 can be provided with rovista so that a plurality of .compactos disks can be inserted in it. For this purpose, the compact disc tray 54 may open to provide access to more than one compact disc, or the compact disc recordable unit 58 may have more than one compact disc tray 54. Instead of a recordable disc unit 58, the device may include some other type of optical storage device such as a DVD burner. In addition, the faceplate 44 includes analog / digital controls, thereby providing a means for operating a recording, or the level of the input signal and playback, or the level of the output signal. Specifically, the faceplate 44 includes gain adjusters 60 therein comprising two single turn rotary potentiometers 62 and 64 for controlling the input gain of each, one of the right and left channels 66 and 68 respectively of a line connector. inlet 70, which as shown in FIGURE 3 is on the rear panel 36 of the compact disc recorder 30. Markings on the front plate 44 can be provided in the vicinity of the gain adjusters 60 to indicate which adjuster 60 corresponds to the right channel and which adjuster 60 corresponds to the left channel. As shown in FIGURES 1 and 2, the faceplate 44 also includes a volume adjuster 72 comprising a double-turn rotary potentiometer 74 for controlling the output volume to a headset connector 76, also connected to the faceplate 44. Preferably, the hearing aid connector 76 on the faceplate 44 consists of a 0.635 cm (one-quarter inch) standard gold plate hearing aid connector. Additionally, as shown, the faceplate 44 may include a remote control signal receiving window 77 for receiving and / or sending signals to and / or from a remote control which may include buttons corresponding to either one or both of the sets 48 and 52 of pressure buttons provided on the front plate 44 of the compact disc recorder 30 as well as a display screen. Finally, an energy switch 79 is also included on the front plate of the compact disc recorder 30, which can be illuminated with an LED as the other pressure buttons on the front plate 44. As shown, the front plate 44 it may also include a microphone 75 to receive the user's voice and operate in response thereto. As mentioned, and as shown in FIGURE 3, the rear panel 36 of the compact disc recorder 30 includes an input line connector 70 having a right channel 66 and a left channel 68. input 70 provides that the recorder _de .discopapacto 30 can receive stereophonic signals from an external source, such as a tape drive, a compact disc player, a stereo radio receiver, or "virtually any other source of analog audic. The rear panel 36 of the compact disc recorder 30 also includes an output line connector 78 having a right channel 80 and a left channel 82. The output line connector 78 provides that the compact disc recorder 30 can transmit stereo signals to a pre-amplifier or amplifier, such as a stereo radio receiver, or even to a standard cassette unit, preferably, each of the connectors Line 70 and 78 is a standard RCA connector that has approximately 10,000 Ohms of impedance and is color coded for stereo connection to an existing stereo system. For example, the right channels 66 and 80 may be red, and the left channels 68 and 82 may be white. The marks can also be provided in the vicinity of the connectors 70 and 78 to indicate the respective channels thereof. As shown, balanced input connectors 71 and 73 can also be provided in the form of 0.635 cm (one-quarter inch) connectors. The back panel 36 also includes a power supply cable (not shown) that can be plugged into a common household electrical outlet to provide power to the compact disc recorder 3.Q when the power switch 79 on the front "plate 44 is pressed in. Depending on the configuration of the compact disc recorder 30, the power supply cable may be provided to operate either with an electrical outlet of 115 Volt / 60 Hz ~ which is commonly found in homes in the United States with a 230 Volt / 50 _Hz electrical outlet that is commonly found in other countries - As mentioned, the rear panel 36 preferably includes standard RCA input connectors 66 and 68 as well as balanced inputs 71 and 73. In addition to, or in lieu of, these input lines, the rear panel 36 may also include a stereophonic input __ of individual line. Also, in addition to, or instead of, the connector. of hearing aid 76 and the output line connector 78, the rear panel 36 may also include a single line stereo output. The individual line stereo input and the output can each comprise a standard TRS stereo connector of 0.317 cm (one ^ eighth of an inch). The individual line stereo input would provide that the compact disc recorder 30 can receive both channels from an external sound source through an individual connector. Likewise, the individual line stereo output would provide that the compact disc recorder 30 could transmit both channels of a stereophonic signal through a single connector. The back panel 36 can, of course, include other input and output lines. For example, the back panel 36 may include a standard JO.317 cm (one-eighth inch) monaural combination line / microphone input connector. In fact, one or more entry and exit lines may be provided on the faceplate 44 in addition, or instead of, the rear panel 36. The number of entries and exits and the locations thereof is not. imperative. In addition, an amplifier may be provided in the compact disc recorder 30, and the speaker output connectors may be provided on the rear panel 36. Regardless of the type of input and output lines provided, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that a corresponding gain or volume adjuster may be provided associated therewith. Alternatively, it can be provided that the gain of all available inputs can be controlled by the adjusters. gain 60_ specifically shown in the FIGURES. 1 and 2, so that a simple knob controls the gain for a plurality of inputs. Similarly it can be provided that the volume of all available outputs can be controlled by the volume adjuster 72 specifically shown in FIGURES 1 and 2, so that a single knob controls the volume for a plurality of outputs. Of course, all the adjusters can be provided electronically, such as on the digital graphic display device 46. As shown in FIGURE 3, in addition to the versatility of the compact disc recorder 30, the rear panel 36 thereof includes a SCSI port 84. The SCSI port 84 provides the 3.0 compact disc burner. can communicate with a personal computer (PC) to create or duplicate CD-ROM, or backup and restore data on a PC. For this purpose, the SCSI port 84 provides an active termination and a digital disk (not shown) is preferably provided in association with it - to allow the user to identify the number of devices (generally from zero to six) the PC must consider the Compact disc recorder 30. To connect to a PC, a SCSI interface cable is connected to the SCSI port 84 on the compact disc recorder 30 and to a SCSI card on the PC. To select the SCSI functionality on the compact disc recorder 30, a selector switch may be provided on the faceplate 44 or the back panel 36 of the device 30. Alternatively, the compact disc recorder 30 may be configured so that the display device 46 and one of the input keys "52 can be used to select the SCSI function of the device 30. In addition, the compact disc recorder 30 can be configured to automatically detect that a PC is connected to the SCSI port 84, and automatically respond to it. accessing a SCSI mode The internal components of the compact disc recorder 30 and the connections between them will be described with reference to FIGURE 4. As shown, two lines of. input 86 and 88 are connected to a signal conditioning unit 90. The input lines 86 and 88 represent analog signals received from one or more of the aforementioned inputs, such as the right and left channels 66 and 68 respectively of the connector of input line 70, from the balanced inputs 73 and 71, from the individual line stereo input and / or from a combination of microphone / line input connector. The signal conditioning unit 90 modifies the gain and frequency response of the analog signals carried by the input lines 86 and 88 in order to optimize them to enter an analog-to-digital converter 92, which is connected to the unit. signal conditioning 90. The signal conditioning unit 90 is not only connected to the analog-to-digital converter 92, but also to a control manifold. A central processing unit 94, such as a microprocessor having the software integrated therein, is incorporated on the circuit board together with the sound card structure (CODEC), a SCSI interface and all the main input and output connections. output, and is also connected to the control manifold. Preferably, the integrated command structure is based on the standard SCSI operating commands for CD-R devices. The connection to the central processing unit 94 towards the control manifold provides that the central processing unit 94 can control all other devices that are connected to the control manifold, such as the signal conditioning unit 90.

The signal conditioning unit 90 modifies the gain and frequency response of the analog signals carried by the input lines 86 and 88 under the control of the central processing unit 94 on the control manifold. As shown, in addition to being connected to the signal conditioning unit 90, the analog to digital converter 92 is also connected to the control manifold. The analog-to-digital converter 92 samples each of the analog input signals received from the signal conditioning unit ... 90 and converts the analog signals to digital data, a digital word. The analog-to-digital converter 92 executes this function under the control of the central processing unit 94 on the control manifold. Also connected to the control manifold is a disk storage controller 96 and the storage disk controller 96 is also connected to a disk subsystem collector to which the compact disk recordable unit 58 is connected and possibly a recordable drive of the disk. secondary compact disc 108, if provided. The recordable secondary disc unit 108 may be identical to the compact disc recordable unit 58, or may comprise means for storing and / or reading digital information on or from a magnetic or optical disc. For example, the recordable secondary disk unit may comprise a DVD burner. In fact, the compact disc recordable unit 58 may comprise a DVD recorder and a secondary recordable unit does not need to be provided. However, a recordable secondary disk unit 108 must be included, which is identical to the compact disc recordable unit 58, the front plate 44 may include a secondary compact disc tray, and a disc tray eject / remove button compact disc associated with it, or can provide that the individual compact disc tray 54 can provide a compact disc to the compact disc recordable units 58 and 108. The disc storage driver 96 essentially adds to an interface between the storage data or recovery requests from the central processing unit 94 and the disk subsystem collector. To facilitate control and programming of the central processing unit 94, a key input unit 98, essentially comprising the two sets 48 and 52 of the interactive user switches previously described on the front plate 44 of the compact disc recorder 30, is connected to the manifold d_e_ control. The graphic display device 46 located on the front plate 44 of the compact disc recorder 3H_ is also connected to the control manifold; therefore the central processing unit 94 can control to drive the digital graphic display device 46. Also connected to the control manifold is a digital-to-analog converter 100. Thus, the central processing unit 94 can control the operation of the same on the control manifold-Specifically the digital-to-analog converter 10.0 converts the received digital input from. a data collector under the control of the central processing unit 94. As shown, connected to the digital-to-analog converter 100 are two output lines 102 and 104 for communicating the analog signals produced to any of the aforementioned outputs, that is, the right and left channels 80 and 82 respectively, of the "line-out" connector 78, the individual line stereo output, the headset connector 76 and any provided balanced inputs, or any other outputs provided in the device 30. If the function selector switch (or other means of attaching the function of the compact disc recorder 30, in case it is not automatically detected by "the compact disc recorder 3B), set to select the function of "SCSI device of the compact disc recorder 30, a digital signal output should bypass the digital-to-analog converter 100 and proceed directly to the SCSI port 84 and then to a connected PC. shows, the analog-to-digital converter 92 is also connected to a data converter.In addition, the SCSI port 84 is connected to the data collector, together with the central processing unit 94. This provides that the digital signal input received through the SCSI port 84 can proceed to the central processing unit 94 without having to travel through the analog-to-digital converter 92. In this case, the function selector switch (or other means for fixing the function of the 30 compact disc recorder, if it is not automatically detected by the compact disc recorder 30), if it is provided, it would fix to select the SCSI function of the disc. to a compact disc recorder 30. Also connected. to the data collector are one or more data storage structures 106, the key unit of "input 98, the digital-to-analog converter 100, and the digital graphic display device 46. One or more data storage structures 106 may comprise essentially any type of data storage structure for storing and retrieving digital information from the memory locations that can be, randomly addressing using read-only and / or read-write solid-state memory types. more .106 storage structures may each comprise an IDE hard disk unit having a capacity of 2.1 or more gigabytes, as shown ^ the central processing unit 94 and one or more data storage structures 106 are interconnected by means of an address collector, integrated in at least one of the data storage structures 106, and preferably provided on a separate backup CD-ROM, is the operating software that includes DOS and the command / control code, thereby providing means for causing and directing the different components of the compact disc recorder 30 to perform specified functions, including reinitialization, diagnostics and installation procedures. Preferably, the code on the CD-ROM is authorized for the specific end user and is keyed to the serial number of the specific compact disc writer 30 with which it is shipped. In the event that the provided code portion integrated in the data storage structure 106 is accidentally damaged, the user can insert the backup CD-ROM into the compact disc tray 54 of the compact disc recordable unit 58. before providing power to the compact disc recorder 30. When power is supplied to it, this will result in the reformatting of the data storage structure 106, and the reinstallation of the operating system and the command structure. Therefore, except in the case of the storage structure, of data. complete 1Q6 failure or other component failure (which would preferably be detected by the central processing unit 94 using the code on the backup CD-ROM, which therefore exhibits an error message on the graphic display unit 46), preferably no other diagnosis or maintenance related to the system is necessary. FIGURES 5a, 5b and 6 are detailed views of the internal components of the compact disc recorder 30. Specifically, FIGURE 5a illustrates the digital components and FIGURE 5b illustrates the analog components of the compact disc recorder 30 in a simplified form. FIGURES 5a and 5b essentially form an individual block diagram, with FIGURE 5a being the left half and FIGURE 5b being the right half. FIGURE 6 illustrates analog components of the compact disc recorder 30 in more detail than FIGURE 5b. As shown in FIGURE 5a, the basic system will use a PC-compatible or microcirculatory board (system on a microcircuit, such as the STPC currently available from ST Microelectronics) that operates the compact disc recorder 30 and its software as an integrated system , to provide general control of the ordered circuit elements. Such a system will be referred to hereinafter as a PCS-ystém [PCS]. The PCS will communicate with the rest _ the system by means of a Main BUS (a collector representing a group of conductors that are routed to the same parts of a circuit such as an ISA or Pl type), each containing a data sub-selector. , direction and control. The Main Bus, an ISA BUS in this case, is controlled mainly by the PCS and will connect the PCs to the DSP (such as, an ADSP-2171 DSP, currently available from Analog Devices), Main Memory Ram [RAM], Boot Block EERAM , Real Time Clock / Configuration [RTC], Voice Processing / Storage [VPS], Latch System [LATCH], SCSI adapter [SCSI] and Memory Mapped Buffer System [BUFFER, which includes Memory Mapped Buffers 1 and 2 as illustrated in FIGURE 5a]. There is a secondary collector referred to as the DSP BUS, which is controlled mainly by the DSP and connects the DSP to the BUFFER through SWL, SW2, and SW3 bank switches to an ANALOG BOARD through Digital Optocouplers, and to the LATCH, and the I / O PROCESSOR [IOP]. A third BUS, called Collector of. Serial Interface [SPI] connects only to the ANALOG BOARD (shown in .FIGURE 5b), through Digital Optocouplers and passes data forward and backward from the DSP and the CODEC (on the Isolated Analog Board). The SPI also controls the ... DIG1TALLY CONTROLLED GAIN UNITS [DCGU 1 and DGCU 2] (see FIGURE 5b) and provides the External Interface Connection (which can be used in a Professional Unit). A fourth BUS7 called IDE BUS connects the HARD DISK SYSTEM [HD] to the PCS. A fifth BUS called SCSI BUS connects the .ADAPTER SCSI to the CD 58 recordable drive. With the application of the Central Power to the Central Power Supply [PS], the PS supplies the power first and then one. correct energy signal to the PCS. The PCS will initialize under the Bios control, run power-on tests and then load the integrated operating system of the compact disc recorder 30 [AADOS] from the EERAM. The application of an Energy will cause the data storage structure 106 (HD in FIGURE 5) and the compact disc drive 58 to initialize. The AADOS will initialize after LATCH, IOP, RTC and VPS. The AADOS will then initialize the DSP and then load the DSP [DSP CODE] operating system into DSP through the DSP Host Inferred Port [HIP]. The DSP will then establish communications with CODEC and DGGU. The AADOS will initialize the LCD and display the start screen and start normal operation in an available mode, waiting for the user to enter. The EERAM that initializes the AADOS. Can be reconfigured and rewritten under the control of the PCS, thus allowing the entire operation system to be updated at will. The BUFFER comprises BUFFER1 and BUFFER2, collector switches SWl, SW2 and SW3, and an ADRESS DECODER. These units comprise a method to map one half of the total BUFFER, BUFFER1, for example, in the address space of PCS memory while, at the same time, mapping the other buffer, BUFFER2, within the address space of DSP memory. In the recording mode, the CODEC (such as Crystal CS4222) converts the Audio Input Signals into Digital Data and passes the data through the SPI, to the DSP, which will store the data (after processing first of any way) to BUFFER2, in this case, until the buffer is full. While the BUFFER2 is full, the PCS was storing the data that was previously placed in BUFFER1 to the HARD DISK SYSTEM and / or the SCSI subsystem. After BUFFER2 has been filled the DSP switches the collector switches SWl, SW2, and S 3, which now maps BUFFER2 into the memory address space of the PCS and maps BUFFERl into the memory address space of the DSP. The DSP then begins to fill BUFFER1 with data from the CODEC and the cycle continues. In playback mode, the data flow is reversed and causes the Digital Data from the HARD DISK SYSTEM or the SCSI storage system to follow the same backward path, and allowed from CODEC as Audio (or additionally as a signal from digitally encoded audio, that is, an SPDIF signal).

While in the Record, Play or Stop mode, the VPS can be activated and a voice message [SLATE] can enter through the microphone to the VPS, digitized and stored as a voice bandwidth file (typically 11,025 k) which is linked to the current track. The RTC will store the correct time, date and configuration as long as the compact disc recorder 30 is turned off and will have the ability to start and stop the recording while it is not attended. _ The operation of the disk recorder .compacto 30 will now be described. By powering the device 30, the central processing unit 94 starts the graphic display unit 46 first (unless there is a fatal system error) and all the interactive user buttons, and knobs such as the push buttons 48 , the key set 52, and the gain and volume adjusters 60 and 72. After this initialization, the central processing unit 94 tests the RAM (see FIGURE 5). If there is a problem that is detected with the RAM, an appropriate error message would preferably be displayed on the digital graphic display unit 46 on the front plate 44 of the compact type 30 recorder. In case it is not detected. In this case, the central processing unit 94 proceeds to -probe one or more data storage structures 106, to determine if the integrated operating system code -to it is intact. If the operating system code ^ is completely intact, the code is loaded into the RAM and a specified installation application is loaded and operated. If the operating system code is not completely intact, the central processing unit .94 checks the compact disc recordable drive 58 to determine if the backup CD-ROM, a CD boot is inserted in the compact disc tray 54. In otherwise, the central processing unit preferably exhibits a suitable error message on the display unit. graphical digital error 46 and awaits the insertion of a CD Boot into the compact disc tray 54. When the CD Boot is detected, the central processing unit 94 restores the data storage structure 106, and executes a cold start. "~ Next, the central processing unit 94 initializes all the electromechanical components of the compact disc recorder 30 (see specifically FIGURES 4, 5a and 5b). Then, the central processing unit 94 determines whether the compact disk recorder 3_0 will be used as an external SCSI device for a PC. To this end, the central processing unit 94 can verify to determine if an interface cable is connected to the SCSI port 84 on the rear panel 36 of the compact disc recorder 30 , or can verify to determine the fixation of a function selector switch provided on the front plate 44 or the back panel 36. Of course, as mentioned, other means may be provided to direct the operation of the compact disc recorder 30 between. a SCSI device and for example a compact disc recorder / player for a common stereo system, if the central processing unit 94 determines that the compact disc recorder 94 is to be used as an external SCSI device, the compact disc recorder 30 enters a SCSI mode and if the central processing unit 94 determines that the compact disc recorder 94 is to be used for In another way, the central processing unit 94 preferably updates the display on the digital graphic display unit 46 and registers an idle mode awaiting user interaction. When the compact disc recorder 30 receives the analog input signals received by any of the analog inputs of the compact disc recorder, the signal conditioning unit 90, under the central processing control unit 94, modifies the response of the compact disc. gain and frequency of the analog signals in order to optimize the analog input signals for input to the analog-to-digital converter 92- The _. analog to digital converter 92 samples each of the analog input signals received from the .de unit. signal conditioning 90, and converts analog input signals to digital data, or a digital word. The analog-to-digital converter 92, under the control of the central processing unit 94, then places the digital data, or digital word, on the data collector at the appropriate time. Subsequently, the central processing unit 94 may cause the digital data to be saved in the data storage structure 106 as one or more digital files, such as digital audio wave table (.wav) files or initial files (. raw), in the order in which they were received. Preferably, a DOS system integrated in the central processing unit 94 together with the integrated command software allows the user to focus on the selection and ordering of the audio material (which will be described later herein) instead of the technical aspects of the typical premastered and mastered software. Preferably, the only provisions that the user must make are the general recording level and the balance, and even those functions can be programmed so that they are set automatically by the central processing unit 94. Other functions Which can be automatically executed by the central processing unit 94, include the regulation of the start and / or end of a shot, the intensification or weakening of a shot "intercalation of a shot, the setting of the equalization levels for a recording session or even for tracks of particular sounds within a session, supporting multiple sessions stored in the data storage device 106, and allowing the composition of a session from a volume library, _ Many of these functions, as well as others, will be described in more detail. complete below in the present in relation to the digital display 46 and the set 52 After the digital data has been stored in the storage structure of data 106 as one or more digital files, the digital files can be tested, or revised, before being stored on a compact disk, such as a CD-R or CD-RW, which has been inserted into the compact disc tray 54 of the compact disc recordable unit 58 and / or a secondary optical storage device 108 such as a recordable compact disc drive or a DVD recorder. To facilitate the testing of digital files and the discrete sorting of them before recording on a compact disc, each sound track or digital file is maintained as a separate file. Alternatively, one or more digital files can be saved on a compact disc without first testing them. To test one or more digital files, a user would interact with specific controls on the front plate 44 of the compact disc recorder 30, such as the set 48 or 52 of push buttons or directly with the digital graphic display unit 46 if provides a contact screen. Alternatively, a microphone 75 may be provided on the faceplate 44 and the voice operated device. As mentioned, preferably, pressing any of the pressure buttons on the front plate 44 essentially adds the interaction with the. input key unit 98 identified in FIGURE.4. The input key unit 98 allows user interaction with the program control of the compact disc recorder 30. If the user programs or directs the compact disc recorder 30 to test one or more digital files, the central processing unit 94 would cause one or more digital files to be sent to the digital to analog converter 100 over the data collector. The digital-to-analog converter 100 converts the data. digital_ received on the data collector to analytical signals, processes the signals to reduce or eliminate any effects from a digital clock provided by the central processing unit 94 and distributes the analog signals as the two input lines 102 and 104, all under the control of the central processing unit 94. Subsequently , as mentioned, the two output lines 102 and 104 can output the analog signals from any or all of the outputs 76, 78 of the compact disc recorder 30 that has already been described. All conversions of the analog signals to, and from, the digital data are executed in a wiring environment. This virtually eliminates the possibility of one or more files being altered during conversions. As will be described, during the test, a user may, for example, reproduce the take or eliminate the take as well as assemble the take within one or more sessions. Either before or after the test of the digital data and possibly after rearrangement of the order of the individual digital files, the file can direct or program the compact disc recorder 30 to record or save an image of sound tracks (digital data). ) stored in the data storage structure 106 on a compact disk. As will be described in a very short way. In the following, to do so, the user would interact again with the specific controls on the faceplate 44 of the compact disc recorder 30, such as the second set 52 of push buttons. If the user programs or directs the .compacto 30 disk burner to write one or more digital files on the compact disk, the central processing unit 94_ would cause ~ one or more digital files in the. data storage 106 will advance to the disk storage controller 96. As mentioned, the storage controller 96 is added to an interface between the data storage recovery requests of the central processing unit 94 and the data collector. disk subsystem. As a result, the central processing unit 94 may direct the recording of one or more digital files on the compact disc. recordable drive of compact disc 58 (and / or recordable drive of secondary compact disc or DVD 108). After the recording to a compact disc, the recording can be reproduced by the recordable unit of the compact disc 58 or any standard CD player. During playback using the compact disc recorder 30, the digital graphic display unit 48 can display certain information with. relation to reproduction. The reproduction of the recording (or to play any other compact disc), the user only presses the pressure button assembly 52 to direct the compact disc recorder 30 to register a compact disc mode and then presses the pressure button 47 corresponding to the "playback" "when the compact disc is inserted into the compact disc tray 54. This will be described in more detail hereinafter. During playback, the compact disc recordable unit 58 converts the digital data to the board and outputs the analog signals for output from any of the outputs of the compact disc recorder 30, mentioned above, for example, from the connector of output line 78 and / or from the hearing aid connector 76. Additionally, the compact disc recorder 30 may be configured so that the compact disc recordable unit 58 may emit signals to direct the recording onto the storage structure of the disc. data 106, thereby eliminating the need to connect a source, signal such as a .compacto disc player to any of the inputs of the compact disc recorder 30. In the manner described above, the compact disc recorder 30 is primarily designed to provide those analog audio signals that can be archived in a data storage structure 106, and then be calls again to be recorded, or saved on a compact disc. The compact disc recorder 30 also provides for a user to review the tracks of a. Archived sound accessing the data storage structure 106 through the integrated software within the central processing unit 94. This review feature can be conducted on a track basis by track and a full session basis. The benefit of having the ability to review or audition the audio tracks before recording them on the compact disc is that the recording quality, the gain level and the desired order of the sound tracks can be determined to be correct. In advance. Therefore, an ideal recording on a compact disc can be achieved on the first try. The compact discs produced by the compact disc recorder 30 are fully compatible with most of today's compact disc players. However, the compact disc recorder 30 can also be used. for reproducing the compact disc after it is recorded, in the same by the recordable disk unit .compacto 58 .. (or if the unit 58 is provided with some other type of optical storage unit, preferably the optical storage medium recorded in it it can be played on that type of standard optical storage player). For this purpose, the recordable disk drive. compact 56 (or a recordable compact disc drive 108) can play the compact disc. In addition, the compact disc recordable unit 56 can reproduce standard commercially produced audio compact disc (typically recorded in the form of CD-DAj audio.) As will be more fully described hereinafter, to have, the compact disc reer 30 playing a compact disc, the user would interact again with the specific controls on the front plate 44 of the. compact disk reer 30, such as the first set 48 of push buttons, as previously described herein. If the user programs or directs the compact disc reer 30 to play a compact disc, the analog signals would travel from the compact disc reable unit 58 to the outputs that are provided on the compact disc reer 30, such as outside of the disc. .the output line connector 78 on the rear panel 36. or _ the hearing aid connector 76 on the front plate 44. __ As mentioned, the rear panel 36 of the. Compact disc reer 30 includes a SCSI port 84. SCSI port 84 provides that the 30"compact disc reer can be used as a fully functional external CD-R drive for a multimedia personal computer (PC) system. , a .SCSI interface cable can be attached to the SCSI port 84 on the compact disc reer 30 and to a SCSI card in the PC This connection and the functionality of the compact disc reer 30 allow the user to create backup copies of the Existing multimedia CD-ROM or programs or data stored on a hard disk In addition, the user can compose and duplicate multimedia presentations using reable CD-R diskettes. Preferably, the compact disc reer 30 provides many improved features and functions , some of which have been mentioned hereinabove. Also, the compact disc reer 30 is preferably easy to use. Some of these improved features (some of which have already been described above) and the preferred screen displays of the display device 46 will now be described. Some of the outputs of the display device 46 to be described contain names of. song, etc., that are commercially available today and presumably protected by appropriate copyright laws. Of course, it is assumed that the user would have pre-acquired the leqal right to perform the functions described, or that the functions described are otherwise legal (for example, fair use). When the compact disc reer 30 is initially turned on, the digital display 46 can, after a short period (after the central processing unit 94 initializes the internal components of the device 30 as described), appears as shown. in FIGURE 1, displaying an initialization screen which may include a registered trademark. - After another short period, digital display 46 may appear as illustrated in FIGURES 2 and 7. FIGURES 7-23 are cutouts of faceplate 44, including set 52 of push buttons 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 63 adjacent to the display device 46. When each is described, of those displays, similar reference numbers will be used to identify similar items and, on occasion, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. especially the attention to FIGURE 7. As shown the display device 46 may initially display the signals of the session name 200, the song name indications 202, the time indication 208 indicating the duration of the song. of time, the indication of the peak level indicator 210, the indication of the track number 214 indicating the position of that particular song within the session, the indication of "status 206, which indicates which compact disc reer 30 is performing it, the indication of time of session 204, the display indication 218 which indicates which is a central display 216 that is indicating and the selection menu 212 that indicates the functions that a user you can access by pressing a esponding pressure button 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 63 from the set 52 of pressure buttons adjacent to the display device 46 on the front plate 44.

Essentially, the screen display shown in FIGURE 7, is indicating that the session called "Metallica", the song track titled "Fade to Black" is the first song in the session, the total track time is displayed and the song is 6.56 seconds, which is "approximately the remaining 20% in the session (the entire session will fit on a compact disc and some more sound tracks can be added), the compact disc recorder 30 is in a stop mode , the inputs to the compact disc recorder 30 are reduced (-45 right channel and -45 left channel) and the user can use the corresponding pressure button 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 63 to select one of the following functions :, utility, time, compact disk playback, make a compact disc, session and peak Specifically, the pressure button 55 (time function) will change the central display to indicate, for example, the time elapsed in to song during playback from the data storage structure, the amount of time used in the session, the amount of time remaining in the session, etc., depending on how many times the pressure button 55 is pressed. As the display changes central, the display indication 218 changes to indicate what the central display 216 is indicating.

Pressing the push button 57 causes the compact disc recorder 30 to record a CD playback mode where a compact disc placed in the compact disc tray 54 can be reproduced using the compact disc recordable unit 58. During the mode of reproduction, the set 48 of buttons of. Pressure on the faceplate 44 can be operated in a manner very similar to the controls of a standard compact disc player. When the compact disc recorder 30 registers this mode, the display device 46 may appear as shown in FIGURE 23 indicating that track one of the received compact disc is 00:00 in duration (essentially indicating that it has not been inserted. on the compact disc in the compact disc tray 54). At this time, the selection menu 272 includes two options: time and output. Pressing the pressure button 55 (corresponding to the time option) causes the central display 216. to indicate, for example, the elapsed time in the song, the time remaining in the song, the amount of time elapsed on the disc and the amount of time remaining on the disk, etc., depending on how many times the button 55 is pressed. As the central display changes, the display indication 218 changes to indicate what the central display 216 is indicating. Pressing the button 63 (which corresponds to the output option) causes the compact disc recorder 30 to exit the CD playback mode and return to the display illustrated in FIGURE 7. When the display device 46 appears as illustrated in FIGURE 7, pressing the button 59 causes ~ 7The compact disc recorder 30 to enter a compact disc writing mode at which time the display device 46 can indicate (such as pressing the button 47) to the user who confirms that a compact disc is going to be written. After the user confirms as such, the compact disc recorder 30 and specifically the compact disc recordable unit 58 thereof, begins to write the session to a compact disc inserted in the tray 54. As will be described a session will typically be a group of sound tracks that have been previously assigned to this particular session. To view the contents of a particular session, the button 61 is pressed when the display device 46 appears as illustrated in FIGURE 7, at which time the display may change to that shown in FIGURE 8. The display includes the session title indication 220, the free space indication of the storage data structure 222, the indication of remaining time 224, a list of session songs 228_. which is a list of all the sound tracks assigned to. that particular session, a cursor 226 that can be maneuvered between the session song track 228 and a selection menu 230"indicating the functions that a user can access by pressing, a corresponding button 53, 55, 57, 59", 61 , 63 from the set 52 of pressure buttons adjacent to the display device 46 on the front panel: see, up, down, play, exit, more. Essentially, the screen display illustrated in FIGURE 8 is indicating that the session is called "Metallica" the session includes at least sound tracks that have been titled (by the user) "Fade to Black", "King Nothing", "Sad But True" and "Fuel". Pressing the button 55 causes the cursor 226 to move up in the list of session songs 228, and pressing the button 57 causes the cursor 226 to descend over the song list 228. thereby possibly causing the list of session songs 228 scroll down and display the sound tracks beyond the first four. Pressing and holding the button 59 (or Play button 47) causes the disc recorder 30 to begin playing the highlighted track by the cursor 226 until the button 59 (or the Play button 47) is released (used mainly just to identify which sound track is highlighted, to listen to the tracks with a session, a user would press the button 61 (or stop key 41) and reverse the screen display shown in FIGURE 7, then the user, would interact with the other set 48 of push buttons operating in a manner similar to a standard compact disc recorder). Pressing the button 61 (Q stop key 41) causes the screen display to return to that shown in FIGURE 7. Pressing, the button 63 when the screen display is as shown in FIGURE 8, is caused the screen display as shown in FIGURE 19. As shown, the only difference between the two displays (FIGURE 8 and FIGURE 19) is that of the selection menu (266 in FIGURE 19) that has changed to indicate that the following functions are accessible: return, ascend, descend, eliminate. Pressing the button 53 causes the screen display to return to the display shown in FIGURE 8. In comparison, pressing the 55 button causes the resulting sound track in the song list of _-_. Session 228 to rise within. from the list (as "King Nothing" is displayed, it would move beyond "Fade to Black" to occupy the first point on the list), and pressing the 57 button causes the sound track highlighted in the song list of session 228 go down into the list (as shown. "King Nothing" would move under "Sad But True" to take third place in the list.) Pressing _ button 59 causes the sound track highlighted in The session song track 228 is removed from that particular session. However, this does not cause the sound track to be removed from the data storage device on which the sound track has been stored, and the sound track will remain contained in the master song list that is accessed by pressing the button 53 while the "display is as shown in FIGURE 8, after which" the display device 46 appears as shown in FIGURE 9. The display shown in FIGURE 9 includes the data storage structure indicia 232 which indicate in which data storage structure (eg, parts 106) the list of sound tracks is stored, a master sound track list 234 that refers to all sound tracks stored in the data storage structure indicated by. the data storage structure indication 232 and the selection menu 236 indicating that a user can access the next sessions by pressing a corresponding pressure key 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 63 from the set 5 ~ 2 ~ of pressure buttons on the faceplate 44: see, ascend, descend, add, exit, more. Essentially, the screen display shown in FIGURE 9 is indicating that the "" data storage structure indicated by the data storage structure indication 232 includes at least sound tracks that have been titled (by the user) " Breadfan "," Fade to Black "," Fuel "and" Harvester "and that each of the sound tracks is used within at least one session (as indicated by the x). Pressing the button 55 causes the cursor 226 to move upward in the master sound list track 234, and pressing the button 57 causes the cursor 226 to move downward from the master sound track list 234 possibly causing in this way the master sound track list 234 descends and displays the sound tracks beyond the first four. Pressing the button 59 causes the sound track highlighted by the cursor 226 to be added to the session that has been selected (session selection will be described in relation to FIGURE 10). Pressing the button 61 (or Detention key 41) causes the display to return to that shown in FIGURE 7. Pressing the button 63 causes the screen display to appear as shown in FIGURE 16. As shown , the only difference between the two exhibits (FIGURE 9 and FIGURE 16) is that of the selection menu (258 in FIGURE 16) that has changed to indicate that the following functions are accessable: return, name, delete, play, delete all , plus. Pressing the button 53 causes the screen display to return to the display shown in FIGURE 9. Pressing the button 55 allows the user to name (or rename) the highlighted sound track. Pressing the button 57 causes the sound track highlighted by the cursor 226 to be removed from the data storage structure indicated by the data storage structure indication 232. By pressing and holding down the button 59 (or the key 47) causes the compact disc recorder 30 to begin playing the track highlighted by the cursor 226 until the button 59 (or resolution key 47) is released (used primarily to identify which sound track is highlighted). , to truly listen to the tracks with a session, a user would press the stop key 41 when the screen appears as shown in FIGURE 16 or "onar" to the button "61" with the screen shown in FIGURE 9 for " cause the screen to appear as shown in FIGURE 7, then the user would interact with the other set 48 of pressure buttons that operate in a manner "very similar to a reproducer a of standard compact disk). Pressing button 61 when the screen appears as in FIGURE 16 causes any sound tracks that are not assigned to a session (indicated by not having an "x" in the used column) to be erased or otherwise not made available. Preferably, pressing the button 57 or 61 causes the compact disc writer to indicate to the user for a confirmation (such as by having the user press the button 47) that a deletion is actually desired. Additionally, the user can be notified for a password before one or more sound tracks are deleted. When you delete a sound track, the sound track will no longer appear in the master list 234. Pressing the 63 button causes the screen display to appear as shown in FIGURE 18. As shown, the only difference between the two displays (FIGURE 16 and FIGURE 18) is that the selection menu (264 in FIGURE 18) has changed to indicate that the following selections are possible: back, copy, move. Pressing the button 55 allows the user to copy the highlighted sound track to another data storage structure and pressing the button 57 allows the user to move the highlighted sound track to another data storage structure. Pressing the button 53 causes the screen display to return to that shown in FIGURE 16. As mentioned, pressing the button 5.5 when the display is as shown in FIGURE 16 allows the user to name (or re-name) the sound track that is highlighted by the cursor 226. After the 55 button is pressed, the display device 46 may appear as shown in FIGURE 17, where a name assignment box 260 appears substantially in the center of the exhibit. Pressing the 53 button causes "the cursor in the song title to move to the left, pressing the 55 button causes the cursor in the song title to move to the right, pressing the 57 button causes the letter highlighted by the cursor moves down (ie, from "b" to "a") and pressing the 59 button causes the letter highlighted by the cursor to move up (ie, from "b" to " Then, pressing the 61 button causes the display to return to that of FIGURE 16 after saving the newly accessed sound track title using buttons 53, 55, 57, and 59, "and pressing the button 63 causes the display to return to that of FIGURE 16 without saving the newly-accessed sound track title using buttons 53, 55, 57 and 59, (ie, the previous title is retained. provide these means to register a song title, a four-way menu or another-type can be provided to select letters and other characters. Alternatively, as mentioned, a microphone 75 (or a microphone connector for receiving a microphone) can be provided on the compact disc recorder 30 thereby allowing the user to enter the song names by voice. This is illustrated in FIGURES 1, 2 and 5a. In fact, the compact disc recorder 30 can be configured so that a user can also maneuver through the different menus using the own voice. After the display has returned to that shown in FIGURE 16, the button 53 can be pressed to have the display return to that shown in FIGURE 9. If the button 53 is pressed then (the function of " view "), the display appears as shown in FIGURE 10, where the display contains a session list 240. The selection menu 242 indicates that pressing the button 55 causes the cursor 226 to move up into the list of sessions and pressing the button 57 causes the cursor 226 to move down within the list of sessions. Pressing the button 59 results in the session highlighted by the cursor 226 being selected. As a result, any sound tracks re-recorded in the compact disc recorder 30 (the recording will be described in greater detail below) will be assigned at the end of that particular session. Pressing the button 61 causes the display to return to that shown in FIGURE 7, at which time the recording of a sound track within that session can be executed. Pressing the button 63 when the display is as shown in FIGURE 10, causes the display to appear as shown in FIGURE 20 at which time the selection menu 266 indicates that pressing the photon 57 provides that the highlighted session by the cursor 226 is eliminated (the sound tracks, contained therein would remain in the master sound track list 234 illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 16-18), by pressing the button 59 the user is allowed to name (or rename) the session highlighted by the cursor 226 in a manner similar to how a song is named or renamed (see FIGURE 17 and the previous description associated with it), pressing the 55 button provides a new session to be added to the session list (The new session can be given first with a generic name by the compact disc recorder 30 so that the "session 33" although the session can be renamed as mentioned above) and pressing button 53 when the display is as shown in FIGURE 20, it is provided that the exhibition returns to that shown in 1.a. FIGUB.A 10. Pressing the button 53 at that moment provides that the display appear as shown in FIGURE 11, where the storage structure list of. data 246 is displayed and a selection menu 248. indicates that pressing the button 55 causes the cursor to move up into the list 246, pressing the button 57 causes the cursor to move toward the inside of the list 246, pressing the push button 59 causes the highlighted data storage structure to be selected, pressing the button 61 (or Stop key 41) causes the display to return to that shown in FIGURE 7, and pressing the button 53 the exhibit is caused to display a list of session 228 songs again as shown in FIGURE 8. When the display is as shown in FIG.

FIGURE 7, a sound track can be recorded within the selected data storage structure (ie, 106) as described above in relation to FIGURE 11. To start recording, a user only presses the 50 key (the "record" key) on the front panel 44. This causes the display to appear as shown in FIGURE 21. At that time, the compact disc recorder 30 is not initially recording any sound received through the analog line in the connector 70 (or any of the other inputs provided on the device 30) but is listening to the sounds. Therefore, a user can start sending sounds within the analog line at the connector 70 or any other analog lines provided (by pressing the playback on the standard CD player or the cassette tape player connected to it) and You can preview and fix -the recording level. The recording level can appear on the right side of the display as two vertical bars, one corresponding to the left channel and the other corresponding to the right channel. Likewise, two numbers (both -64 as shown in FIGURE 21) on the vertical bars will indicate the amount of space that the maximum signal has before the digital signal is created by the recording that is set. A user may wish to obtain those two numbers for a specific value (often depending on the type of music recorded) as the compact disc recorder 30 previews the recordings in the sound track. To adjust the recording volume, a user manipulates the adjusters 60 (left 62 and right 64). When a user presses "button 47 on faceplate 44, the compact disc recorder 3-0 starts recording the sound track within the previously selected session and on the previously selected data storage structure. FIGURE 22, during recording, the display indicates the elapsed time in the recording (1:03), the position of the sound track within the session (track 14) and the name of the session in which the track of sounds is recording (a session called "Metallica"). Additionally, the display indicates the status of the compact disc recorder 30 (recording) that uses the status indicator 206 and indicates the remaining time within the session, which will depend finally on how the music can be stored on a compact disc, in addition, the display indicates the recording volume in the form of the two vertical bars mentioned above and associated numbers, and indicates the sound track which has been assigned to the generic name "New034" (of course, the name of the sound track can be changed as will be described above). During recording, the selection menu 270 indicates that a user can press the button 55 to change the central display 216 to indicate, for example, the total elapsed session time, the total remaining session time, the remaining track time , etc., and that the central display 216 is "indicating what it will identify by the display indication 218. Pressing the button 63 causes the peak level bars, and the associated numbers to be restored. "mark" on the sound track at the particular location in the song and pressing the button 59 causes the mark to be erased.When a user decides that the recording is finished, the user presses the button 50 on the front plate 44 to immediately start recording the next track, or press the 41 button to stop recording Once the recording is stopped, the display returns to that described in FIGURE 7 at which time a user can edit any of the sound tracks in that particular session. Leaving one or more marks within the sound tracks allows the sound tracks to be edited once they have been recorded within the selected data storage structure. The edition of sound tracks contained within a session will now be described. To edit a particular sound track in a session, the sound track is selected using buttons 45 and 49 when the display device 46 appears as shown in FIGURE 7. Once the desired sound track has been displayed, button 53 is pressed, and appears in the display as shown in FIGURE 12 at which time button 63 is pressed causing the display to return to that shown in FIGURE 7. In comparison, pressing button 53 when the display appears as shown in the FIGURE 12 causes the display to appear as shown in JEIGURE 13, at which time, the selection menu 252 indicates that the button 55 is pressed to cause the compact disc recorder 30 to connect a plurality of sound tracks together in a individual sound track, eliminating the portion of the preceding sound track that follows the last mark placed on the track and eliminating the portion of a subsequent sound track before the first mark co located on that particular track. Pressing the button 57 causes the compact disc recorder 3.0 to reconfigure two contiguous sound tracks within a session in a sound track so that it intensifies to the first mark placed on the sound track, by pressing the button 59, it is provoked that the compact disc recorder 30 reconfigures the sound track so that it reduces from the last mark placed on the sound track, pressing the button 61 causes the display to return to that shown in FIGURE 12, and pressing the button 63 causes the display to provide a selection menu 254-as shown in FIGURE 14 at which time it is indicated that pressing the button 55 causes the compact disc recorder 30 to regulate the start of a sound "track" the first mark placed on the sound track, pressing the button 57 causes the compact disc recorder 30 to regulate the end of a sound track from the last mark. placed on the sound track, pressing the button 59 causes the compact disc recorder 30 to reconfigure the sound track so that it decreases from the last mark placed on a sound track and increases to the first mark placed on the sound track. next track in the session, and pressing the button 61 causes the display to adjust to the amplitude of the sound track to a selected value after which the user is preferably instructed to enter a value corresponding to the desired amplitude. Pressing the button 63 causes the display to provide a selection menu 256 as shown in FIGURE 15, indicating that pressing the button 55 will cause any marks placed within the sound track to be erased and pressing the button 57 will cause let two sound tracks come together. Pressing the button 53 causes the display to return to that shown in FIGURE 14 and pressing the button 53 again causes the display to return to that shown in FIGURE 13, at which time pressing the button 61 causes that the display returns to that shown in FIGURE 7. Starting from FIGURE 7, pressing the button 53 causes the display to return to that of FIGURE 12. Subsequently pressing the button 55 causes the compact disc recorder 30 Look in and use for a compact disc update in the compact disc tray 54. Therefore, as mentioned the updates in the software can be executed using a compact disc update. Pressing the button 57 causes the display 46 to indicate to the user how the sound tracks should be classified in the master song list 234 such as by name, size or time and date recorded. Pressing the button 59 allows the user to search the date and time on the device 30. Pressing the button 61 causes the compact disc recorder 30 to reconstruct certain files of session information. As mentionedpressing the button 63 causes the display to return to that shown in FIGURE 7. Of course, the screen displays as illustrated in FIGS. 7-23 are illustrative only and can take various forms without departing from the scope of FIG. the present invention. Additionally, in fact, there are non-input keys provided in the device 30 and all the commands can be given by voice through the microphone 75 if provided. The compact disc recorder 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention provides several advantages including, but not limited to, being easy to handle in many aspects such as a modern audio tape recorder / player or compact disc player. Additionally, the compact disc recorder 30 according to the present invention also provides that a sound track can be heard before the sound track is recorded. In other words, you can really try a recording. In addition, compact disc recording 30 can be used as a modern record player where songs are played directly from the memory without the need to insert the compact disc containing the music. Additionally, the compact disc recorder 30 preferably provides improved features for editing the sound tracks recorded in the memory of the compact disc recorder 30. Using the compact disc recorder 30, the order in which the audio tracks can be easily adapted can be easily adapted. sound will appear on the compact disc and one can easily write several compact discs that have different song orders or have slightly different compilations without having to re-register the sounds within the device 30. Finally, unlike the current compact disc players, the compact disk recorder 30 preferably duplicates as a SCSI device for use with a PC.While a preferred embodiment of the present invention was shown and described, it is contemplated that those skilled in the art can devise various modifications and equivalents without departing of the spirit and scope of the invention n as defined. " in the appended claims.

Claims (31)

1. CLAIMS 1. An optical storage device presented in a housing, such an optical storage device characterized by: sound receiving means for receiving analog signals; an analog to digital converter connected to the sound receiving means for converting the received analog signals into digital data; non-volatile data storage structure connected in a communication manner to the analog to digital converter to receive the digital data from the analog to digital converter and store the received digital data; a digital to analog converter connected to the data storage structure to receive the digital data from the data storage structure and convert the digital data into analog signals; structure of audio output connected to the digital to analog converter to receive analog signals from it and to emit the received analog signals; and an optical storage device connected in the form of communication to said data storage structure for receiving the digital data stored from the data storage structure and recording the digital data on an optical storage medium received by the optical storage unit, wherein the optical storage device is configured to receive analog signals, convert the analog signals to digital data, and store the digital data in the data storage structure for subsequent conversion to analog signals to test through the output structure of audio and for subsequent recording on the optical storage medium by the optical storage unit, such optical storage unit further comprises means for editing the digital data stored in the data storage structure before the digital data is recorded on the optical storage medium. The optical storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sound receiving means comprises an analog input line connector on the housing to receive analog signals, the analog to digital converter connected to the analog input line connector for converting the analog signals received by the analog input line connector into digital data for storage in the data storage structure. "3. The optical storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical storage unit comprises one of a CD-R recordable unit and a CD-RW recordable unit 4. The optical storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that the analog to digital converter that is connected to the sound receiving means for converting the signals analogs received in digitale data s, the optical storage device further comprises a central processing unit connected in the form of communication to the analog-to-digital converter to receive the digital data therefrom, the digital-to-analog converter connected to the central processing unit for receiving the data. from there, the data storage structure connected in the form of communication to the central processing unit to receive the digital data from the central processing unit and to store the received digital data. The optical storage device according to claim 4, characterized by the optical storage unit connected in communication to the central processing unit for receiving digital data stored in the data storage structure and for recording the digital data on a data storage device. Optical storage medium received by the optical storage unit. - - 6. The optical storage device according to claim 5, characterized in that the audio output structure comprises an analog output line connector on the housing. The optical storage device according to claim 4, characterized by a display device connected to the central processing unit, the central processing unit configured to display information about the display device in relation to stored sound tracks. in the data storage device. The optical storage device according to claim 7, characterized by the input keys on the housing and connected in communication to the central processing unit for manipulating the information displayed on the display device. 9. The optical storage device according to claim 8, characterized by the central processing unit configured so that at least one input key can be operated to selectively display a master song list and at least one. a list of session songs on the display device, the list of master songs that lists all sound lists stored and available in the data storage structure, the list of session songs that ~~ lists a group of tracks from sound previously selected to be in that particular session using at least one input key. The optical storage device according to claim 4, characterized by a set of input keys on the housing and connected in communication to the central processing unit, the processing unit which is configured so that the set of keys input can be operated to manipulate sound tracks stored in the data storage device. . The optical storage device according to claim 5, characterized by a set of input keys in the housing and connected in communication to the central processing unit, the central processing unit which is configured so that the set of input keys can be operated to selectively store sound tracks in the data storage structure and the central processing unit that is configured so that the set of input keys can be operated to output analog signals through the structure of audio output in relation to sound tracks previously stored in the data storage structure. The optical storage device according to claim 11, characterized by the central processing unit configured so that the set of input keys can be operated to control the reproduction of an optical storage medium received by the storage unit optical. The optical storage device according to claim 8, characterized in that the central processing unit is configured so that at least one of the input keys can be operated to combine a plurality of sound tracks stored in the structure of data storage within an individual sound track stored in the data storage structure. 14. The optical storage device according to claim 8, characterized in that the central processing unit is configured so that at least one of the input keys can be operated to divide an individual sound track stored in the structure. storage of data in a plurality of sound tracks stored in the data storage structure. The optical storage device according to claim 8, characterized in that the central processing unit is configured so that at least one of the input keys can be operated to regulate a sound track stored in the storage structure. of data. 16. The optical storage device according to claim 8, characterized in that the central processing unit is configured so that at least one of the input keys can be operated to convert a sound track stored in the data storage structure so that the stored sound track and such a data storage structure have a different amplitude. The optical storage device according to claim 8, characterized in that the central processing unit is configured so that at least one of the input keys can be operated to convert a sound track stored in the storage structure. of data so that the sound track stored in the data storage structure in at least one of the intensification or weakening. 18. A compact disc recording device including a housing, sound receiving means for receiving audio signals, a compact disc recorder for recording on a compact disc and data storage structure in the housing for storing "audio signals. , the compact disc recording device, characterized in that a "musical track" sound library is storable in the data storage structure, the compact disc recording device includes means for selecting a set of sound tracks from the music library to be recorded on a compact disc by the compact disc recorder, and the housing includes an exhibit that identifies at least one sound track of the music library. 19. The compact disk recording device according to claim 18, characterized in that the data storage structure is non-volatile. 20. The compact disk recording device according to claim 18, characterized in that the data storage structure comprises a magnetic storage disk. The compact disk recording device according to claim 18, characterized in that the audio output structure in the housing, the compact disc recording device configured such that the sound tracks that are stored in the audio Data storage are selectively reproducible through the audio output structure. The compact disc recording device according to claim 18, characterized by the audio output structure in the housing, the compact disc recording device configured such that the sound tracks that are stored in the structure of Data storage are selectively reproducible through the audio output structure without having to record the sound tracks on a compact disc. The compact disc recording device according to claim 18, characterized in that the compact disc recording device is configured in such a way that the sound tracks stored in the data storage structure can be edited before being recorded on a compact disc. 24. The compact disc recording device according to claim 22, characterized in that the compact disc recording device is configured so that the sound tracks stored in the data storage structure can be edited before being selectively reproduced. through the audio output structure. 25. The compact disk recording device according to claim 22, characterized in that the. The compact disc recording device is configured so that the sound tracks stored in the data storage structure can be edited before they are recorded on a compact disc and before they are selectively reproduced through the audio output structure. 26. The compact disc recording device according to claim 18, characterized in that the means for selecting which sound tracks are recorded on the compact disc is in the housing. 27. The compact disc recording device according to claim 21, characterized in that the means on the housing for selecting which sound track is recorded through the audio output structure. 28. The compact disc recording device according to claim 23, characterized by means on the housing for editing the sound tracks. 29. The compact disc recording device according to claim 24, characterized by means on the housing for editing the sound tracks. . 30. The compact disc recording device according to claim 25, characterized by means on the housing for editing the sound tracks. 31. The compact disc recording device according to claim 18, characterized in that the housing has a rectilinear configuration.