WO2006137639A1

WO2006137639A1 - Electronic music medium

Info

Publication number: WO2006137639A1
Application number: PCT/KR2006/000203
Authority: WO
Original assignee: Ezmax Co., Ltd.; Lee, Young-Man
Priority date: 2005-06-21
Filing date: 2006-01-18
Publication date: 2006-12-28

Abstract

Provided is an electronic music medium capable of providing novel opportunity that can increase sales volume in various music related fields. The electronic music medium includes an electronic memory inserted therein, and a microcomputer installed to control the electronic memory, thereby reproducing music and making a user hear the music through an earphone, using a decoder, a battery, and a display unit installed in the electronic music medium, without a separate music player. Therefore, it is possible for any user to obtain convenience of use since the user can hear the electronic music medium without a separate player.

Description

ELECTRONIC MUSIC MEDIUM

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to an electronic music medium capable of replacing a conventional phonograph disc and, more particularly, to an electronic music medium capable of reproducing music for itself without a separate player. Background Art

[2] With development of the industry, a phonograph disc recording music sung by a singer is subjected to rapid change. For example, a long-playing (LP) record, well known to general users, is reproduced by an audio device such as an electric gramophone, which was available from all over the world, being now more worthy of possession.

[3] However, the LP record has a large size and heavy-weight, so that the LP record is restricted to its mobility, thereby remarkably decreasing its frequency of use due to restriction of an available place. In order to solve the problem, an audiotape using a magnetic tape is developed.

[4] Since the audiotape has a small size and light-weight, the audiotape is characterized by free mobility. The audiotape can be reproduced through a portable player having a trade name of Walkman or MyMy, or a car stereo, regardless of place, thereby providing complete substitution of the LP record.

[5] However, when the audiotape is reproduced through the handheld player or the car stereo, the reproduced sound is not as clear as its original sound. Therefore, a compact disc (CD) employing digital technology has been developed.

[6] Since the CD has a sound source alone, the CD can be reproduced through an exclusive player, thereby ensuring that a clean sound can be output, maintaining advantages of the audiotape as many as possible.

[7] However, the CD is also less used due to appearance of an MP3 player for reproducing a compressed sound source based on MP3, a novel audio format. The MP3 player is a device for reproducing MP3 files by storing them from any computer or Internet, which is very convenient in comparison with the CD available from markets.

[8] Though it doesn t matter that the MP3 files are downloaded after lawful payment, many users download the MP3 files without lawful payment to cause social problems such as violation of copyright and so on. In addition, such illegal download have no alternative but to decrease consumer s interest of buying the CD.

[9] Therefore, it is required to prevent the illegal download of the sound source and promote the music market. Nevertheless, there is no special way of promoting the music market.

Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[10] In order to solve the foregoing and/or other problems, it is an aspect of the present invention to provide an electronic music medium capable of reproducing a sound source for itself without a separate exclusive player. Technical Solution

[11] The foregoing and/or other aspects of the present invention may be achieved by providing an electronic music medium including: a memory in which a sound source is recorded; a decoder for reading the sound source data out of the memory, and converting the data into an analog signal using an exclusive decoder; an audio amplifier for amplifying an audio signal output from the decoder; a display unit for displaying reproduction information and operation of the sound source data; a key input unit for outputting a signal required to reproduce the sound source to the microcomputer; a power supply for supplying power; and a microcomputer for controlling each of the components;.

[12] In one embodiment of the present invention, the decoder and the microcomputer may be integrally formed.

[13] In another embodiment of the present invention, the decoder may be a decoder for reproducing the sound source based on any one of MP3 (MPEG audio layer-3), WMA (Windows media audio), and OGG (Ogg vorbis).

[14] In still another embodiment of the present invention, the display unit may include an LCD for informing a name of a singer, a title of a song, and information of words of the song.

[15] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the display may further include an LED lamp turned on or off so as to inform an operation state of the electronic music medium.

[16] In another aspect, an electronic music medium include: a memory connector connectable to an external memory in which a sound source is recorded; a decoder for reading sound source data out of the external memory, and converting the data into an analog signal using an exclusive decoder; an audio amplifier for amplifying an audio signal output from the decoder; a display unit including an LCD for informing a name of a singer, a title of a song, and information of words of the song, and an LED lamp for indicating an operation state; a key input unit for outputting a signal required to reproduce the sound source to the microcomputer; a power supply for supplying power; and a microcomputer for controlling each of the components.

Advantageous Effects [17] As described above, the electronic music medium of the present invention is capable of reproducing a predetermined sound source for itself by employing a sound reproduction device therein.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[18] These and/or other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

[19] FlG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic music medium employing an LCD in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[20] FlG. 2 is a plan view of the electronic music medium shown in FlG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[21] FlG. 3 is an exemplary view showing songs sequentially recorded in the electronic music medium in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[22] FlG. 4 is a block diagram of an electronic music medium employing an LED lamp in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[23] FlG. 5 is a front view of the electronic music medium shown in FlG. 4 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[24] FlG. 6 is an external view of the electronic music medium employing an external memory in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[25] FlG. 7 is an external view of an external memory in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[26] FlG. 8 is a block diagram of an electronic music medium employing an external memory in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[27] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[28] Referring to the block diagram of an electronic music medium in FlG. 1, the electronic music medium in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a memory 100, a decoder 101, an audio amplifier 102, a display unit including an LCD 103 and an LED lamp 403, a microcomputer 104, a key input unit 106, and a power supply 105.

[29] The memory 100 stores sound source data, which may employ a masking ROM, a flash Rom, an SRAM, or the like.

[30] The decoder 101 is an MP3 decoder that extracts the sound source data compressed and recorded in the memory, converts the extracted data into an analog signal, and outputs the converted signal, and may make use of a sound source compression format such as MP3, WMA, OGG and so on. [31] The audio amplifier 102 is an amplifier for amplifying an audio signal output from the decoder 101, and then outputting the amplified audio signal through a built-in speaker.

[32] The LCD 103 is a display window for displaying which song is currently output from the electronic music medium.

[33] The microcomputer 104 controls operations of all components in the electronic music medium as described herein, and the power supply 105 is a component for supplying power to the electronic music medium, which may employ a rechargeable battery.

[34] The key input unit 106 is for operating the electronic music medium described herein, as shown in FlG. 2, which includes a play key 200, a first key 201 for rapidly moving a sound source in a forward direction, a second key 202 for rapidly moving the sound source in a backward direction, and a stop key 203.

[35] Specifically, FlG. 2 illustrates an electronic music medium in accordance with the present invention, which includes an outer case 206. The outer case 206 includes an attachment surface 204 for attaching a photograph of a singer of the electronic music medium, an LCD 103 for displaying a title of a played song and a name of the singer, and an audio output terminal 207, in addition to the components of the key input unit 106 described above.

[36] In the electronic music medium in accordance with the present invention, a compressed sound source data of the electronic music medium is recorded in the memory 100. It is impossible to change the information of the sound source data from the initially recorded state. Such information can be changed by only a manufacturer of the electronic music medium, similar to the CD.

[37] At this time, the decoder 101 is required in order to reproduce the sound source data recorded as described above. The sound source data is based on, for instance, MP3 in the present invention, but it may be based on any other format such as WMA, OGG, or the like, on the condition of that it is good in efficiency.

[38] Specifically, when a user operates the key input unit 106 to output a signal for reproducing a specific sound source to the microcomputer 104, the decoder 101 recovers the sound source date stored in the memory 100 according to the control of the microcomputer 104, and then, converts the sound source data into an analog signal to output the converted sound source data to the audio amplifier 102.

[39] Then, the audio amplifier 102 amplifies the analog audio signal, and outputs the amplified signal to the exterior, thereby enabling the user to hear the sound through a speaker or earphone, which may be connected to an audio output terminal 207 included in the electronic music medium through the medium of a jack.

[40] At this time, the LCD 103 included in the electronic music medium displays the title of the currently played song or the name of the singer, thereby allowing the user to confirm the information of the currently played sound source.

[41] Meanwhile, FlG. 3 illustrates a list of titles of songs recorded in the memory 100 of the electronic music medium. As shown, the electronic music medium sequentially stores songs of more than 10, and reproduces the songs.

[42] In addition, FIGS. 4 and 5 show the components of FlG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and the display unit is constituted of an LED lamp 403, which is turned on and off so as to indicate a current progress state of the electronic music medium.

[43] For example, when the LED lamp 403 is turned off, the reproduction of the sound source is in a stop state, and when turned on and off, the user can see that the sound source is in the reproduction state.

[44] The reason of adapting the LCD 103 and the LED lamp 403 is directed not only to save the cost of the electronic music medium, but also differentiate the design. Mode for the Invention

[45] Meanwhile, FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 illustrate the electronic music medium adapting an external memory. For this, a slot 609 for inserting an external memory 608 having a connector 701 is formed at the electronic music medium.

[46] At this time, when the external memory 608 is used, the electronic music medium can be compatibly used by simply changing a memory. In addition, a general user can enjoy the electronic music medium at a lower price by changing the external memory 608 in which singer's songs are recorded.

[47] In the block diagram of FlG. 8, the external memory 608 employs a memory such as a masking ROM, a flash memory, an SRAM, or the like, which is impossible to change the information. Therefore, a sound source manufacturer can store music in the external memory and sale the stored music. Thereby, it is possible for a user to selectively reproduce the sound source from the electronic music medium by changing the external memory 608. Industrial Applicability

[48] As can be seen from the foregoing, while the music record available in market can be reproduced in an exclusive player, the electronic music medium of the present invention includes a reproduction function therein to enable to reproduce the sound source anywhere, without a separate player. In addition, it is possible to remove social problems caused by the illegal download of the sound source and promote a music market in the digital era.

[49] The forgoing description concerns an exemplary embodiment of the invention, is intended to be illustrative, and should not be construed as limiting the invention. The present teachings can be readily applied to other types of devices and apparatuses.

Many alternatives, modifications, and variations within the scope and spirit of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Sequence Listing [50] 100 : Memory

[51] 101 : Decoder

[52] 102 : Audio amplifier

[53] 103 : LCD

[54] 104 : Microcomputer

[55] 105 : Power supply

[56] 106 : Key input unit

[57] 403 : LED lamp

[58] 608 : External memory

[59] [60]

Claims

[ 1 ] An electronic music medium comprising : a memory in which a sound source is recorded; a decoder for reading sound source data out of the memory, and for converting the data into an analog signal using an exclusive decoder; an audio amplifier for amplifying an audio signal output from the decoder; a display unit for displaying reproduction information and operation of the sound source data; a key input unit for outputting a signal required to reproduce the sound source to the microcomputer; a power supply for supplying power; and a microcomputer for controlling each of the components. [2] The electronic music medium according to claim 1, wherein the decoder and the microcomputer are integrally formed. [3] The electronic music medium according to claim 2, wherein the decoder is a decoder for reproducing the sound source based on MP3. [4] The electronic music medium according to claim 2, wherein the decoder is a decoder for reproducing the sound source based on WMA. [5] The electronic music medium according to claim 2, wherein the decoder is a decoder for reproducing the sound source based on OGG. [6] The electronic music medium according to claim 1, wherein the display unit includes a liquid crystal display for informing a name of a singer, a title of a song, and information on words of the song. [7] The electronic music medium according to claim 1, wherein the display unit further comprises an LED lamp turned on or off so as to inform an operation state of the electronic music medium. [8] The electronic music medium according to claim 1, wherein the electronic music medium is provided with an outer case, and the outer case comprises an audio output terminal on one end thereof, to which any one of a speaker or earphone is connected to hear a reproduced sound source amplified by the audio amplifier. [9] An electronic music medium comprising: a slot being connectable to an external memory in which a sound source is recorded; a decoder for reading sound source data out of the external memory connected to the slot, and converting the data into an analog signal using an exclusive decoder; an audio amplifier for amplifying an audio signal output from the decoder; a display unit for displaying reproduction information and operation of the sound source data; a key input unit for outputting a signal required to reproduce the sound source to the microcomputer; a power supply for supplying power; and a microcomputer for controlling each of the components. [10] The electronic music medium according to claim 9, wherein the decoder and the microcomputer are integrally formed. [11] The electronic music medium according to claim 10, wherein the decoder is a decoder for reproducing the sound source based on MP3. [12] The electronic music medium according to claim 10, wherein the decoder is a decoder for reproducing the sound source based on WMA. [13] The electronic music medium according to claim 10, wherein the decoder is a decoder for reproducing the sound source based on OGG. [14] The electronic music medium according to claim 9, wherein the display unit includes a liquid crystal display for informing a name of a singer, a title of a song, and information of words of the song. [15] The electronic music medium according to claim 9, wherein the display unit further comprises an LED lamp turned on or off so as to inform an operation state of the electronic music medium. [16] The electronic music medium according to claim 9, wherein the electronic music medium is provided with an outer case, and the outer case comprises an audio output terminal on one end thereof, to which any one of a speaker or earphone is connected to hear a reproduced sound source amplified by the audio amplifier.