WO2008038290A2 - A digital media player circuit device and method - Google Patents

A digital media player circuit device and method Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008038290A2
WO2008038290A2 PCT/IL2007/001209 IL2007001209W WO2008038290A2 WO 2008038290 A2 WO2008038290 A2 WO 2008038290A2 IL 2007001209 W IL2007001209 W IL 2007001209W WO 2008038290 A2 WO2008038290 A2 WO 2008038290A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
memory
secure
player
present
data
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IL2007/001209
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2008038290A3 (en
Inventor
Amir Geva
Refael Mosseri
Original Assignee
Musicpump Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from PCT/IL2007/000841 external-priority patent/WO2008004235A2/en
Application filed by Musicpump Ltd. filed Critical Musicpump Ltd.
Publication of WO2008038290A2 publication Critical patent/WO2008038290A2/en
Publication of WO2008038290A3 publication Critical patent/WO2008038290A3/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N5/00—Details of television systems
    • H04N5/76—Television signal recording
    • H04N5/91—Television signal processing therefor
    • H04N5/913—Television signal processing therefor for scrambling ; for copy protection
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N5/00—Details of television systems
    • H04N5/76—Television signal recording
    • H04N5/765—Interface circuits between an apparatus for recording and another apparatus
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N5/00—Details of television systems
    • H04N5/76—Television signal recording
    • H04N5/907—Television signal recording using static stores, e.g. storage tubes or semiconductor memories
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N9/00—Details of colour television systems
    • H04N9/79—Processing of colour television signals in connection with recording
    • H04N9/80—Transformation of the television signal for recording, e.g. modulation, frequency changing; Inverse transformation for playback
    • H04N9/82—Transformation of the television signal for recording, e.g. modulation, frequency changing; Inverse transformation for playback the individual colour picture signal components being recorded simultaneously only
    • H04N9/8205—Transformation of the television signal for recording, e.g. modulation, frequency changing; Inverse transformation for playback the individual colour picture signal components being recorded simultaneously only involving the multiplexing of an additional signal and the colour video signal

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to the field of data storage and playback. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and device for storing and playing both secure and non-secure content.
  • SD Secure Digital
  • the present invention is a digital media player circuit, device and method.
  • a digital media player may include one or more digital data storage modules, wherein at least one of the digital data storage modules may include a memory portion to which a user of the media player may write content bearing data ("shared memory” portion), and wherein at least one of the digital memory modules may include a memory portion to which a user of the media player does not have write access (“secure memory” portion).
  • the media player may include only a single digital memory module, wherein the single digital memory module may have both secure and shared memory portions.
  • the device may include (1) a controller, (2) an input/user interface module, (3) an output/external interface module, (4) a data storage module ,(5) a secure data load module.
  • the media player may include an external interface adapted to connect with an external digital memory device such as a USB storage device, a FireWire storage device etc.
  • the media player may include one or more integrated circuits ("IC").
  • an IC may include a digital media decoder logic segment adapted to convert content bearing (e.g.
  • the decoder logic may be hardcoded rather than being a set of commands executed on a general purpose processor.
  • the decoder may be a part of a general purpose processor.
  • the decoder may be adapted to decode data stored in a proprietary encoding format. While, according to other embodiments of the present invention, the decoder may be adapted to decode data stored in a standardized format (e.g. MP3, MP4, MPEG, etc.).
  • the media player may include one or more ICs including a non-volatile memory (“NVM”) array functionally associated with an NVM controller.
  • NVM non-volatile memory
  • the NVM array and controller may be fabricated and operated according to any methodology and technology (e.g. CMOS, floating gate, NROM, SONOS, TONOS, MLC, etc.) known today or to be devised in the future.
  • the NVM Array may be fabricated using SONOS, NROM, TONOS, floating gate or any other NVM fabrication technique.
  • the logic and analog circuits of the IC may be fabricated using CMOS fabrication techniques.
  • a portion of the NVM array may be a read only memory (“ROM”) portion, where the data bearing content is "burned" or imprinted on the array during fabrication and/sorting of the media player. Any method of fabricating, sorting, imprinting data on a NVM/ROM known today or to be devised in the future may be applicable to the present invention.
  • ROM read only memory
  • the NVM array may be adapted to store content bearing digital data (e.g. dedicated audio/video content).
  • the NVM controller may provide the decoder logic, or other segments of the media player associated with content playback, read access to the NVM array of the IC.
  • the controller may also restrict read access of the secure portion of the memory (e.g. NVM array) for media player segments not associated with playback, such that digital data on the NVM array may not be copied.
  • the NVM controller may also provide for substantially restricted access to a secure portion of NVM array, such that data bearing content may only be written to a secure portion of the array during a production/sorting phase of the media player.
  • a user of the media player may be restricted from copying, erasing or overwriting the content bearing data in the secure portion of the memory.
  • the secure portion may be a fraction or all of the NVM array's data storage area. In those embodiments where the secure portion of the NVM array is less than the full array, the remaining portion of the NVM array may be a shared memory portion to which a user may read and write digital data.
  • the output interface module may include both analog signal outputs and digital signal outputs.
  • the controller may be adapted to restrict the output signals of data stored on the secure memory portion to analog outputs only, thereby, restricting a user of the media player from copying data stored in the secure memory portion.
  • a device user may write content bearing data to a secure portion of the memory (e.g. NVM array), after which the user written content bearing data may not be read back, but only played through playback circuitry of the device.
  • a secure portion of the memory e.g. NVM array
  • a user may write content bearing data to a shared portion of the memory (e.g. NVM array) with a designation or marker/flag notifying the memory controller that the user written data my only be played back and not copied.
  • the device may include a secure content load module.
  • the secure content load module may be integral with or functionally associated with the media player control logic and may be adapted to regulate the store of content bearing data in the memory.
  • the load module may determine whether content bearing data is copyright protected and may cause the data to be stored in a portion of memory from which it may only be played back and not copied.
  • the load module may identify copyrighted content by detecting digital a signature and/or digital watermarks associated with copyrighted content.
  • the load module may identify copyrighted content according to any method known today or to be devised in the future.
  • a secure data load module may be adapted to: (1) receive secure data (i.e. Secure Digital (“SD”) card, Secure Digital High Capacity (“SDHC”) card), (2) restrict access to the secure data in a substantially similar mode of operation as if it was stored on the secure memory portion.
  • secure data i.e. Secure Digital (“SD”) card, Secure Digital High Capacity (“SDHC”) card
  • the NVM controller may either include or may be functionally associated with an encryption/decryption engine.
  • the encryption/decryption engine may be used when content bearing data is to be stored on the NVM in an encrypted manner.
  • the encryption/decryption engine may either be dedicate logic circuitry (i.e. state machine) or may be a set of instructions running on a processor.
  • the device may include interface circuitry adapted to connect with an external NVM device or array (e.g. USB, FireWire).
  • the external NVM device/array may be part of a complete NVM data storage solution (packaged NVM chip) or may be on a bare die connected with the media player control logic IC in a Chip-on-Board ("COB") package.
  • COB Chip-on-Board
  • user interface circuitry on the device may receive user inputs in the form of electrical signals from user input devices such as buttons and other touch based sensors.
  • the user interface circuitry may condition or convert the signal(s) from the input devices/sensors such that media player control logic may receive the input signal and may respond accordingly.
  • the media player control logic may either be dedicate control logic (i.e. state machine) or may be a set of instructions running on a processor.
  • Analog audio/video output circuitry on the device may include one or more digital to analog converters adapted to convert content bearing data into an analog signal usable by an audio transducer or an analog based video receiver.
  • Optional video display drive circuitry on the device may convert video bearing data into signals suitable to drive a digital video display such as an Liquid Crystal Display (“LCD”) functionally associated with the device.
  • LCD Liquid Crystal Display
  • the device may include external interface circuitry adapted to receive and transmit data.
  • the external interface circuitry may include: (1) interfaces to external memory, (2) interfaces allowing regulated uploading of content bearing data to the NVM, and (3) wireless media streaming circuitry such as WiFi and Bluetooth transceivers.
  • access to the data stored on the secure memory portion may be limited using: (1) a proprietary CODEC (or standard CODEC with modifications), (2) separating the secure memory area from the shared memory area and (3) using an encryption or scrambling technique.
  • some or all of the digital circuits e.g.
  • decoders, encoders, control logic, interface circuits, drivers, etc. may be implemented as code running on a processor.
  • some or all of the digital circuits e.g. decoders, encoders, control logic, interface circuits, drivers, etc.
  • ASIC Application Specific Integrated Circuit
  • Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating functional blocks of an exemplary Media Player according to some embodiments of the present invention
  • Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating functional blocks of another exemplary Media Player according to some embodiments of the present invention
  • Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating functional blocks of yet a further exemplary
  • FIG. 4 is a symbolic block diagram of a Media Player according to some embodiments of the present invention, wherein a secure portion of a memory module includes preloaded and "fixed" content;
  • Fig. 5 is a symbolic block diagram of a Media Player according to some embodiments of the present invention, wherein a memory module includes several partitions of shared memory;
  • FIG. 6 shows an exemplary memory partitioning structure usable in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention
  • FIG. 7 shows a symbolic diagram of memory partitioning and lists five exemplary methods by which memory may be portioned in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention
  • FIGs. 8A through 8C show symbolic diagrams of physical layer memory partitioning
  • FIGs. 9A through 11 show flowcharts including steps of exemplary methods of storing content bearing data according to some embodiments of the present invention.
  • Embodiments of the present invention may include devices for performing the operations herein.
  • This device may be specially constructed for the desired purposes, or it may comprise a general purpose computer selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computer.
  • a computer program may be stored in a computer readable storage medium, such as, but is not limited to, any type of disk including floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, magnetic-optical disks, readonly memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs) electrically programmable read-only memories (EPROMs), electrically erasable and programmable read only memories (EEPROMs), magnetic or optical cards, or any other type of media suitable for storing electronic instructions, and capable of being coupled to a computer system bus.
  • the present invention is a digital media player circuit, device and method.
  • a digital media player may include one or more digital data storage modules, wherein at least one of the digital data storage modules may include a memory portion to which a user of the media player may write content bearing data ("shared memory” portion), and wherein at least one of the digital memory modules may include a memory portion to which a user of the media player does not have write access (“secure memory” portion).
  • the media player may include only a single digital memory module, wherein the single digital memory module may have both secure and shared memory portions.
  • the device may include (1) a controller, (2) an input/user interface module, (3) an output/external interface module, (4) a data storage module ,(5) a secure data load module.
  • the media player may include an external interface adapted to connect with an external digital memory device such as a USB storage device, a FireWire storage device etc.
  • the media player may include one or more integrated circuits ("IC").
  • an IC may include a digital media decoder logic segment adapted to convert content bearing (e.g.
  • the decoder logic may be hardcoded rather than being a set of commands executed on a general purpose processor.
  • the decoder may be a part of a general purpose processor.
  • the decoder may be adapted to decode data stored in a proprietary encoding format. While, according to other embodiments of the present invention, the decoder may be adapted to decode data stored in a standardized format (e.g. MP3, MP4, MPEG, etc.).
  • the media player may include one or more ICs including a non-volatile memory (“NVM”) array functionally associated with an NVM controller.
  • NVM non-volatile memory
  • the NVM array and controller may be fabricated and operated according to any methodology and technology (e.g. CMOS, floating gate, NROM, SONOS, TONOS, MLC, etc.) known today or to be devised in the future.
  • the NVM Array may be fabricated using SONOS, NROM, TONOS, floating gate or any other NVM fabrication technique.
  • the logic and analog circuits of the IC may be fabricated using CMOS fabrication techniques.
  • a portion of the NVM array may be a read only memory (“ROM”) portion, where the data bearing content is "burned" or imprinted on the array during fabrication and/sorting of the media player. Any method of fabricating, sorting, imprinting data on a NVM/ROM known today or to be devised in the future may be applicable to the present invention.
  • ROM read only memory
  • the NVM array may be adapted to store content bearing digital data (e.g. dedicated audio/video content).
  • the NVM controller may provide the decoder logic, or other segments of the media player associated with content playback, read access to the NVM array of the IC.
  • the controller may also restrict read access of the secure portion of the memory (e.g. NVM array) for media player segments not associated with playback, such that digital data on the NVM array may not be copied.
  • the NVM controller may also provide for substantially restricted access to a secure portion of NVM array, such that data bearing content may only be written to a secure portion of the array during a production/sorting phase of the media player.
  • a user of the media player may be restricted from copying, erasing or overwriting the content bearing data in the secure portion of the memory.
  • the secure portion may be a fraction or all of the NVM array's data storage area. In those embodiments where the secure portion of the NVM array is less than the full array, the remaining portion of the NVM array may be a shared memory portion to which a user may read and write digital data.
  • the output interface module may include both analog signal outputs and digital signal outputs.
  • the controller may be adapted to restrict the output signals of data stored on the secure memory portion to analog outputs only, thereby, restricting a user of the media player from copying data stored in the secure memory portion.
  • a device user may write content bearing data to a secure portion of the memory (e.g. NVM array), after which the user written content bearing data may not be read back, but only played through playback circuitry of the device.
  • a secure portion of the memory e.g. NVM array
  • a user may write content bearing data to a shared portion of the memory (e.g. NVM array) with a designation or marker/flag notifying the memory controller that the user written data my only be played back and not copied.
  • a shared portion of the memory e.g. NVM array
  • the device may include a secure content load module.
  • the secure content load module may be integral with or functionally associated with the media player control logic and may be adapted to regulate the store of content bearing data in the memory.
  • the load module may determine whether content bearing data is copyright protected and may cause the data to be stored in a portion of memory from which it may only be played back and not copied.
  • the load module may identify copyrighted content by detecting digital a signature and/or digital watermarks associated with copyrighted content.
  • the load module may identify copyrighted content according to any method known today or to be devised in the future.
  • a secure data load module may be adapted to: (1) receive secure data (i.e. Secure Digital (“SD”) card, Secure Digital High Capacity (“SDHC”) card), (2) restrict access to the secure data in a substantially similar mode of operation as if it was stored on the secure memory portion.
  • secure data i.e. Secure Digital (“SD”) card, Secure Digital High Capacity (“SDHC”) card
  • the NVM controller may either include or may be functionally associated with an encryption/decryption engine.
  • the encryption/decryption engine may be used when content bearing data is to be stored on the NVM in an encrypted manner.
  • the encryption/decryption engine may either be dedicate logic circuitry (i.e. state machine) or may be a set of instructions running on a processor.
  • the device may include interface circuitry adapted to connect with an external NVM device or array (e.g. USB, FireWire).
  • the external NVM device/array may be part of a complete NVM data storage solution (packaged NVM chip) or may be on a bare die connected with the media player control logic IC in a Chip-on-Board ("COB") package.
  • COB Chip-on-Board
  • user interface circuitry on the device may receive user inputs in the form of electrical signals from user input devices such as buttons and other touch based sensors.
  • the user interface circuitry may condition or convert the signal(s) from the input devices/sensors such that media player control logic may receive the input signal and may respond accordingly.
  • the media player control logic may either be dedicate control logic (i.e. state machine) or may be a set of instructions running on a processor.
  • Analog audio/video output circuitry on the device may include one or more digital to analog converters adapted to convert content bearing data into an analog signal usable by an audio transducer or an analog based video receiver.
  • Optional video display drive circuitry on the device may convert video bearing data into signals suitable to drive a digital video display such as an Liquid Crystal Display (“LCD”) functionally associated with the device.
  • LCD Liquid Crystal Display
  • the device may include external interface circuitry adapted to receive and transmit data.
  • the external interface circuitry may include: (1) interfaces to external memory, (2) interfaces allowing regulated uploading of content bearing data to the NVM, and (3) wireless media streaming circuitry such as WiFi and Bluetooth transceivers.
  • access to the data stored on the secure memory portion may be limited using: (1) a proprietary CODEC
  • some or all of the digital circuits may be implemented as code running on a processor.
  • some or all of the digital circuits may be implemented using specially designed dedicated logic circuitry or using one or more customized Application Specific Integrated Circuits
  • the Media Player device may include (1) a controller 1200, (2) an input/user interface module 1300, (3) a user output interface module 1600, (4) a data storage module(s) 1100, (5) an external device interface module 1500 and (6) a secure data load module 1400.
  • the exemplary Media Player may include a digital media decoder logic segment adapted to convert content bearing (e.g. sound, video, text, etc) digital data from an encoded or compressed format into data of a usable format (i.e. audio and/or video renderable).
  • the decoder logic may be hardcoded rather than being a set of commands executed on a general purpose processor.
  • the decoder may be a part of a general purpose processor.
  • the MP decoder may be adapted to decode data stored in a proprietary encoding format. While, according to other embodiments of the present invention, the decoder may be adapted to decode data stored in a standardized format (e.g. MP3, MP4, MPEG, etc.).
  • a standardized format e.g. MP3, MP4, MPEG, etc.
  • the MP may include a non-volatile memory (“NVM”) array functionally associated with an NVM controller.
  • NVM non-volatile memory
  • the NVM array and controller may be fabricated according to any methodology and technology (e.g. CMOS, floating gate, NROM, SONOS, TONOS, MLC, etc..) known today or to be devised in the future.
  • the NVM Array may be fabricated using SONOS, NROM, TONOS, floating gate or any other NVM fabrication technique.
  • the logic and analog circuits of the MP may be fabricated using CMOS fabrication techniques.
  • the NVM array may be adapted to store content bearing digital data (e.g. dedicated audio/video content).
  • the NVM controller may provide the decoder logic, or other segments of the MP associated with content playback, read access to the NVM array of the MP.
  • the controller may also restrict read access of the NVM array for MP segments not associated with playback, such that data on the NVM array may not be copied.
  • the NVM controller may also provide for substantially restricted access to the NVM array, such that data bearing content may only be written to some predefined portion of the array during a production phase of the MP or of the device using the MP.
  • a user of the media player incorporating the may be restricted from erasing or overwriting the content bearing data in the predefined portion.
  • the predefined portion may be a fraction or all of the NVM array's data storage area. In those embodiments where the predefined portion of the NVM array is less than the full array, the undefined portion of the NVM array may be written to by a device user.
  • the NVM controller may either include or may be functionally associated with an encryption/decryption engine.
  • the encryption/decryption engine may be used when content bearing data is to be stored on the NVM in an encrypted manner.
  • the encryption/decryption engine may either be dedicate logic circuitry (i.e. state machine) or may be a set of instructions running on a processor.
  • the MP may include interface circuitry adapted to connect with an external NVM array.
  • the external NVM array may be part of a complete NVM data storage solution (packaged NVM chip) or may be on a bare die connected with the IC in a Chip-on-Board ("COB") package.
  • COB Chip-on-Board
  • user interface circuitry on the MP may receive user inputs in the form of electrical signals from user input devices such as buttons and other touch based sensors.
  • the user interface circuitry may condition or convert the signal(s) from the input devices/sensors such that media player control logic on the MP may receive the input signal and may respond accordingly.
  • the media player control logic may either be dedicate control logic (i.e.
  • Analog audio/video output circuitry on the MP may include one or more digital to analog converters adapted to convert content bearing data into an analog signal usable by an audio transducer or an analog based video receiver.
  • Optional video display drive circuitry on the MP may convert video bearing data into signals suitable to drive a digital video display such as an Liquid Crystal Display (“LCD”) functionally associated with the MP.
  • LCD Liquid Crystal Display
  • the MP may include external interface circuitry adapted to receive and transmit data.
  • the external interface circuitry may include: (1) interfaces to external memory, (2) interfaces allowing regulated uploading of content bearing data to the NVM, and (3) wireless media streaming circuitry such as WiFi and Bluetooth transceivers.
  • some or all of the digital circuits e.g. decoders, encoders, control logic, interface circuits, drivers, etc.
  • some or all of the digital circuits e.g. decoders, encoders, control logic, interface circuits, drivers, etc.
  • Solution on chip herein denotes any integrated software and hardware solution based on a semiconductor wafer piece
  • recorded digital content denotes any audio and/or video material in digital format, at least a portion of which may have been recorded from real aural and/or visual sources;
  • embedded pre-recorded digital content with respect to a commercially-available device denotes recorded digital content that is embedded (also denoted as “pre-loaded") into that device prior to the delivery of the device to a user or customer; according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the embedding of the recorded digital content into the device may be performed during the manufacture of the device; according to another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the embedding of the recorded digital content into the device may be performed after the manufacture of the device during a configuration operation prior to delivery of the device to the user or customer. Both these cases are herein denoted by the term “substantially at the time of manufacture";
  • real aural source denotes any physical phenomenon which can be heard by the aided or unaided human ear, including, but not limited to: speech; music; sounds produced by nature; and sound effects;
  • real visual source denotes any object or physical phenomenon which can be seen by the aided or unaided human eye.
  • digital format with respect to recordings and recording processes herein denotes any digital data in a format suitable for the recording of transcribed physical aural and/or visual phenomenon.
  • video recording and “recorded digital video content” herein denote any recording, at least a portion of which is a recording of a real visual source, containing at least one image, which may be static (e.g., "graphics", “still picture") or dynamic (e.g., "motion picture”).
  • player herein denotes a device which can play back recorded digital content. Players can play back recorded audio material and/or recorded video material.
  • the present invention is of a Media Player that may serve as a core engine for any dedicated player application as a medium for distribution of music and video content.
  • a device may include a single legal copy of a music/video set of tracks (similar to a music CD content) for a lifetime of replays.
  • a Player may be connected directly to headphones, earphones, or to any other presentation device. Player output is analog and does not permit a digital copy of the content to be made.
  • a device For playing of video content, a device according to the present invention can be connected directly to a television and/or to an amplifying audio system.
  • the analog output may be transmitted wirelessly to one or more presentation devices, by means including, but not limited to: Bluetooth, infrared; and radio frequency, such as FM radio.
  • An MP may be termed a Solution on Chip.
  • the MP may be packaged using common Pin TSOP packages, BGA (Ball Grid Array), TQFP 1 Dice, CFP 1 flip chip and other wafer packaging methods.
  • a ROM/non-volatile memory chip with the embedded prerecorded content may be connected externally thru a dedicated interface, or according to other embodiment of the present invention, the NVM may be integral with the MP.
  • Peripheral components which may be connected to the MP include controls, audio/video connectors, D/A converters, optional screen for display, and an optional description mechanism. Some of these peripherals, such as the D/A may also be integral with the MP.
  • the MP may include one or combination of the following functional circuit blocks: (a) dedicated player decoding logic (hardcoded or software) based on either a proprietary or standard efficient CODEC; (b) a controller for retrieving the recorded digital content from memory; (c) a player application logic or program with simple SDK ready for extensions and customizations; (d) a memory interface for supporting connectivity to NAND/NOR flash memory components, OTP/Mask ROM memory, SPI (optional) and other memory common interfaces; (e) an audio amplifier supporting earphones volume and volume control; (f) a USB or other fast interface to enable fast memory loading ( could be with limited access to the memory in order to prevent hackers access); (g) UART for debugging purposes; (h) DC to DC converters; (i) dedicated filters and equalizers; and (j) optional elements such as: (j.i .)digital-to-
  • Fig 3 there are shown components which may be integrated in the DP SOC.
  • the components are:
  • Audio Decoder unlike common MP3 player's ICs/SOCs/other solutions, which intend to support several popular standard CODECs (e.g. MP3, WAV, AAC, WMA, OGG, RN) on the same chip and supporting high range of frequencies, in the dedicated player solution there is no need to support more than one CODEC and it would be even preferable to choose a proprietary CODEC or at least an improved flavor of a royalty-free (or low royalty) CODEC. There is no need to support wide range of frequencies as the preloaded content is going to be processed in "off-line" methods from a reliable master copy of the art.
  • CODEC e.g. MP3, WAV, AAC, WMA, OGG, RN
  • VBR Variable Bit Rate
  • Memory interfaces for saving the high cost of cost special IO (In Out) interfaces using additional processors.
  • Basic support should be for a NAND flash memory but due to the high fluctuation of the memory world market, it would be recommended to support also OTP memories, which is much more stable one.
  • Another option is supporting memory cards interfaces such as: SD Card memory for replaceable option.
  • DC to DC power converters since most of those applications are for portable devices and based on a low power battery power, it would be significant cost saver if those relatively expensive components would be integrated in the DP SOC circuit as it suggested in the present invention.
  • External power converters could be always applied but having at least 1-3 DC to DC components in the DP SOC itself would eliminate the need for external power converters for the major part of the dedicated player applications. Integrating power converters in the DP SOC itself could also overcome noise problems that often occur when using low cost external Dc to DC components.
  • Optional functions are: repeat, balance, bass and treble, equalizer modes, wireless control (whenever using the wireless transmitter internally).
  • Audio amplifier assuming that most of the dedicated applications would be for a portable player that supposes to use standard stereo earphones, it would be essential to have an audio amplifier or preamplifier with volume control capability
  • Filters and equalizers - dedicated filters and equalizers could adjust the sound quality to the played content.
  • the dedicated player application may play only limited set of music/audio, which was preloaded to the player and was authored by the offline tools to achieve best quality in a relatively low bit rate thus save unnecessary memory cost. Therefore, it would be highly efficient to include a set of pre-tuned equalizing and audio filtering tools that would enable final adjustment to the sound quality after loading the music to the player.
  • the digital content is video.
  • the block diagram of Figure 3 also applies for video, as previously noted.
  • the main difference is that in addition to audio playing capability, this embodiment of the present invention is designed to also play a visual content, such as video or other visual digital data.
  • Embodiments of the present invention for video use are typically more complicated and costly than those for audio use only. Typically, there is a larger capacity for memory (roughly comparable to the ratio of CD storage capacity to DVD storage capacity), a more powerful processor for the video decoder and player, and video interfaces.
  • an effective compression technique may be used.
  • Such algorithm/software could be based on an improved version of one of the currently commercially available formats (e.g. MP3,
  • WMA WMA
  • AAC for Audio compression
  • WMV WMV
  • MPEG-4 AVC video compression
  • FIG. 4 there is shown a symbolic block diagram of a
  • a Media Player may include control logic (e.g. microprocessor) having a virtual layer adapted to provide user access to one or more shared memory portions associate with one or more memory modules.
  • control logic e.g. microprocessor
  • FIG. 5 there is shown a symbolic block diagram of a
  • a memory module includes several partitions of shared memory and wherein the virtual layer is adapted to access and facilitate playback of content bearing data from each of the partitions.
  • FIG. 6 there is shown an exemplary memory partitioning structure usable in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
  • Logical memory partitioning including directory structures may include both shared and secured/fixed directories.
  • FIG. 7 there is shown a symbolic diagram of memory partitioning and lists five exemplary methods by which memory may be portioned in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figs. 8A through 8C show symbolic diagrams of physical layer memory partitioning techniques. Partitioning may be achieved via memory address discrimination. According for further embodiments, as shown in Fig. 8C 1 memory partitioning may be achieved through data line discrimination.
  • Figs. 9A through 10B show flowcharts including steps of exemplary methods of storing content bearing data according to some embodiments of the present invention.
  • Various methods of operating a media player according to the present invention may include restricting all or partial access to a secured portion of memory and providing unrestricted access to a shared portion of memory. Read access to secure memory may be limited to playback circuitry. According to further embodiments of the present invention, write access to secure memory may be available to a user.
  • access to shared memory may be regulated, such that data written to shared memory may be designated readable only to playback circuitry.
  • Fig. 11 there is shown a flowchart including the steps of a method of storing content bearing data to a partitioned memory of a media player according to some embodiments of the present invention.
  • the method may be executed by a loader module according to some embodiments of the present invention.
  • it may be determined whether the data includes copyright protected content, in which event the data may be stored to a secure portion of the memory.
  • the data may be stored to a shared portion of the memory.
  • a user may designate data stored to a shared portion of the memory readable only to playback circuits of the media player.

Abstract

Disclosed is a media player including control logic adapted to regulate access to secure and shared memory portions of one or more memory modules functionally associated with the player.

Description

A Digital Media Player Circuit Device and Method
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates generally to the field of data storage and playback. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and device for storing and playing both secure and non-secure content.
BACKGROUND
[002] There is an increasing need to be able to distribute proprietary digital content (such as copyrighted material) in a safe and secure manner, free of the risk of unauthorized copying. Unauthorized copying is a serious problem in the distribution of digital media having openly-readable content (e.g., optical disks). Openly-readable content is generally vulnerable to being copied without authorization, in violation of the copyright.
[003] Known solutions must comply with the emergence of the huge market of digital players (e.g. portable Mp3 players, mp4 players) and portable storage devices (e.g. USB sticks, memory cards). The success of this group of portable storage devices and aural/visual media players has proved the need for the end user in the variety of such portable applications, which are based on the functionalities of storage and playback of shared data.
[004] Various solutions to the security problem have been proposed for digital media, including embedded cryptographic capabilities, such as found in the "Secure Digital" (SD) replaceable media solution. Unfortunately, while those solutions are ideal for shared content data, solutions such as SD are complex and expensive to implement self contained digital players due to the dedicated SD interface, which is required in order to support such common serial interface, and due to the lack of internal playback capability.
[005] In order to enable mass production and mass distribution of such dedicated player for large number of application like: Music albums, Audio books, Health care guides, language translators and other Audio based applications, there is a mandatory requirement to provide an efficient method for a dedicated media player that could be in-expensive, reliable, sustainable and robust, and on the same time could bridge the gap between the needs of the end-user as it has been reflected in the various portable storage and media players applications and the rights protection and digital distribution needs of the authors/copyright's owners. An effective solution such as proposed in this application could pave the way to a new stream of media players that would combine to different worlds into one piece of digital media. [006] Target of cost of the goods for the basic dedicated player core engine should target the cost of a CD or a DVD in order to have high chances reaching a mass market like this of the common media today (CD, DVD).
[007] There is thus a need for, and it would be highly advantageous to have an device and technology method to produce an inexpensive and secure digital media that protects the content therein without requiring the user to purchase separate special playback device, that enables the end user to add its own shared data and/or playable to the same unit, and enables the copyright's owner or the distributor to add a shared information and data for a free distribution/duplication by the user. Such applications could not reach large distribution due to the current high price of the existing common technology core components (e.g. MP3 players' SOCs and ICs, common flash memory ICs), hence, there is a need to develop a dedicated technology solution that could encapsulate the relevant features in a non-expensive package and so enable the production of such integrated applications. This goal is achieved by the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[008] The present invention is a digital media player circuit, device and method. According to some embodiments of the present invention, a digital media player may include one or more digital data storage modules, wherein at least one of the digital data storage modules may include a memory portion to which a user of the media player may write content bearing data ("shared memory" portion), and wherein at least one of the digital memory modules may include a memory portion to which a user of the media player does not have write access ("secure memory" portion). According to some embodiments of the present invention, the media player may include only a single digital memory module, wherein the single digital memory module may have both secure and shared memory portions. [009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the device may include (1) a controller, (2) an input/user interface module, (3) an output/external interface module, (4) a data storage module ,(5) a secure data load module. [0010] According to further embodiments of the present invention, the media player may include an external interface adapted to connect with an external digital memory device such as a USB storage device, a FireWire storage device etc. [0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the media player may include one or more integrated circuits ("IC"). According to some embodiments of the present invention, an IC may include a digital media decoder logic segment adapted to convert content bearing (e.g. sound, video, text, etc.) digital data from an encoded or compressed format into data of a usable format (i.e. audio and/or video renderable). According to some embodiments, the decoder logic may be hardcoded rather than being a set of commands executed on a general purpose processor. According to other embodiments, the decoder may be a part of a general purpose processor. According to yet further embodiments of the present invention, the decoder may be adapted to decode data stored in a proprietary encoding format. While, according to other embodiments of the present invention, the decoder may be adapted to decode data stored in a standardized format (e.g. MP3, MP4, MPEG, etc.). [0012] According to further embodiments of the present invention, the media player may include one or more ICs including a non-volatile memory ("NVM") array functionally associated with an NVM controller. The NVM array and controller may be fabricated and operated according to any methodology and technology (e.g. CMOS, floating gate, NROM, SONOS, TONOS, MLC, etc.) known today or to be devised in the future. The NVM Array may be fabricated using SONOS, NROM, TONOS, floating gate or any other NVM fabrication technique. The logic and analog circuits of the IC may be fabricated using CMOS fabrication techniques. U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 20060068551 , incorporated herein by references, teaches a method by which to combine NROM and CMOS elements on the single die using a single process. Any method of combing NVM elements and logic elements using a single process, known today or to be devised in the future, may be applicable to the present invention. [0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a portion of the NVM array (e.g. secure memory portion) may be a read only memory ("ROM") portion, where the data bearing content is "burned" or imprinted on the array during fabrication and/sorting of the media player. Any method of fabricating, sorting, imprinting data on a NVM/ROM known today or to be devised in the future may be applicable to the present invention.
[0014] The NVM array may be adapted to store content bearing digital data (e.g. dedicated audio/video content). The NVM controller may provide the decoder logic, or other segments of the media player associated with content playback, read access to the NVM array of the IC. The controller may also restrict read access of the secure portion of the memory (e.g. NVM array) for media player segments not associated with playback, such that digital data on the NVM array may not be copied.
[0015] The NVM controller may also provide for substantially restricted access to a secure portion of NVM array, such that data bearing content may only be written to a secure portion of the array during a production/sorting phase of the media player. A user of the media player may be restricted from copying, erasing or overwriting the content bearing data in the secure portion of the memory. The secure portion may be a fraction or all of the NVM array's data storage area. In those embodiments where the secure portion of the NVM array is less than the full array, the remaining portion of the NVM array may be a shared memory portion to which a user may read and write digital data.
[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the output interface module may include both analog signal outputs and digital signal outputs.
[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the controller may be adapted to restrict the output signals of data stored on the secure memory portion to analog outputs only, thereby, restricting a user of the media player from copying data stored in the secure memory portion.
[0018] According to alternative embodiments of the present invention, a device user may write content bearing data to a secure portion of the memory (e.g. NVM array), after which the user written content bearing data may not be read back, but only played through playback circuitry of the device.
[0019] According to yet further embodiments of the present invention, a user may write content bearing data to a shared portion of the memory (e.g. NVM array) with a designation or marker/flag notifying the memory controller that the user written data my only be played back and not copied. [0020] According to further embodiments of the present invention, the device may include a secure content load module. The secure content load module may be integral with or functionally associated with the media player control logic and may be adapted to regulate the store of content bearing data in the memory. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the load module may determine whether content bearing data is copyright protected and may cause the data to be stored in a portion of memory from which it may only be played back and not copied. The load module may identify copyrighted content by detecting digital a signature and/or digital watermarks associated with copyrighted content. The load module may identify copyrighted content according to any method known today or to be devised in the future.
[0021] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a secure data load module may be adapted to: (1) receive secure data (i.e. Secure Digital ("SD") card, Secure Digital High Capacity ("SDHC") card), (2) restrict access to the secure data in a substantially similar mode of operation as if it was stored on the secure memory portion.
[0022] The NVM controller may either include or may be functionally associated with an encryption/decryption engine. The encryption/decryption engine may be used when content bearing data is to be stored on the NVM in an encrypted manner. The encryption/decryption engine may either be dedicate logic circuitry (i.e. state machine) or may be a set of instructions running on a processor.
[0023] According to further embodiments of the present invention, the device may include interface circuitry adapted to connect with an external NVM device or array (e.g. USB, FireWire). The external NVM device/array may be part of a complete NVM data storage solution (packaged NVM chip) or may be on a bare die connected with the media player control logic IC in a Chip-on-Board ("COB") package. [0024] According to further embodiments of the present invention, user interface circuitry on the device may receive user inputs in the form of electrical signals from user input devices such as buttons and other touch based sensors. The user interface circuitry may condition or convert the signal(s) from the input devices/sensors such that media player control logic may receive the input signal and may respond accordingly. The media player control logic may either be dedicate control logic (i.e. state machine) or may be a set of instructions running on a processor. [0025] Analog audio/video output circuitry on the device may include one or more digital to analog converters adapted to convert content bearing data into an analog signal usable by an audio transducer or an analog based video receiver. Optional video display drive circuitry on the device may convert video bearing data into signals suitable to drive a digital video display such as an Liquid Crystal Display ("LCD") functionally associated with the device.
[0026] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the device may include external interface circuitry adapted to receive and transmit data. The external interface circuitry may include: (1) interfaces to external memory, (2) interfaces allowing regulated uploading of content bearing data to the NVM, and (3) wireless media streaming circuitry such as WiFi and Bluetooth transceivers. [0027] According to some embodiments of the present invention, access to the data stored on the secure memory portion may be limited using: (1) a proprietary CODEC (or standard CODEC with modifications), (2) separating the secure memory area from the shared memory area and (3) using an encryption or scrambling technique. [0028] According to some embodiments of the present invention, some or all of the digital circuits (e.g. decoders, encoders, control logic, interface circuits, drivers, etc.) may be implemented as code running on a processor. In an alternative embodiment, some or all of the digital circuits (e.g. decoders, encoders, control logic, interface circuits, drivers, etc.) may be implemented using specially designed dedicated logic circuitry or using one or more customized Application Specific Integrated Circuits ("ASIC").
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which: [0030] Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating functional blocks of an exemplary Media Player according to some embodiments of the present invention; [0031] Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating functional blocks of another exemplary Media Player according to some embodiments of the present invention; [0032] Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating functional blocks of yet a further exemplary
Media Player according to some embodiments of the present invention;
[0033] Fig. 4 is a symbolic block diagram of a Media Player according to some embodiments of the present invention, wherein a secure portion of a memory module includes preloaded and "fixed" content;
[0034] Fig. 5 is a symbolic block diagram of a Media Player according to some embodiments of the present invention, wherein a memory module includes several partitions of shared memory;
[0035] Fig. 6 shows an exemplary memory partitioning structure usable in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;
[0036] Fig. 7 shows a symbolic diagram of memory partitioning and lists five exemplary methods by which memory may be portioned in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;
[0037] Figs. 8A through 8C show symbolic diagrams of physical layer memory partitioning; and
[0038] Figs. 9A through 11 show flowcharts including steps of exemplary methods of storing content bearing data according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0039] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components and circuits have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention.
[0041] Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the specification discussions utilizing terms such as "processing", "computing", "calculating", "determining", or the like, refer to the action and/or processes of a computer or computing system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulate and/or transform data represented as physical, such as electronic, quantities within the computing system's registers and/or memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computing system's memories, registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.
[0042] Embodiments of the present invention may include devices for performing the operations herein. This device may be specially constructed for the desired purposes, or it may comprise a general purpose computer selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computer. Such a computer program may be stored in a computer readable storage medium, such as, but is not limited to, any type of disk including floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, magnetic-optical disks, readonly memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs) electrically programmable read-only memories (EPROMs), electrically erasable and programmable read only memories (EEPROMs), magnetic or optical cards, or any other type of media suitable for storing electronic instructions, and capable of being coupled to a computer system bus.
[0043] The processes and displays presented herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other device. Various general purpose systems may be used with programs in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may prove convenient to construct a more specialized device to perform the desired method. The desired structure for a variety of these systems will appear from the description below. In addition, embodiments of the present invention are not described with reference to any particular programming language. It will be appreciated that a variety of programming languages may be used to implement the teachings of the inventions as described herein.
[0044] The present invention is a digital media player circuit, device and method. According to some embodiments of the present invention, a digital media player may include one or more digital data storage modules, wherein at least one of the digital data storage modules may include a memory portion to which a user of the media player may write content bearing data ("shared memory" portion), and wherein at least one of the digital memory modules may include a memory portion to which a user of the media player does not have write access ("secure memory" portion). According to some embodiments of the present invention, the media player may include only a single digital memory module, wherein the single digital memory module may have both secure and shared memory portions.
[0045] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the device may include (1) a controller, (2) an input/user interface module, (3) an output/external interface module, (4) a data storage module ,(5) a secure data load module. [0046] According to further embodiments of the present invention, the media player may include an external interface adapted to connect with an external digital memory device such as a USB storage device, a FireWire storage device etc. [0047] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the media player may include one or more integrated circuits ("IC"). According to some embodiments of the present invention, an IC may include a digital media decoder logic segment adapted to convert content bearing (e.g. sound, video, text, etc.) digital data from an encoded or compressed format into data of a usable format (i.e. audio and/or video renderable). According to some embodiments, the decoder logic may be hardcoded rather than being a set of commands executed on a general purpose processor. According to other embodiments, the decoder may be a part of a general purpose processor. According to yet further embodiments of the present invention, the decoder may be adapted to decode data stored in a proprietary encoding format. While, according to other embodiments of the present invention, the decoder may be adapted to decode data stored in a standardized format (e.g. MP3, MP4, MPEG, etc.). [0048] According to further embodiments of the present invention, the media player may include one or more ICs including a non-volatile memory ("NVM") array functionally associated with an NVM controller. The NVM array and controller may be fabricated and operated according to any methodology and technology (e.g. CMOS, floating gate, NROM, SONOS, TONOS, MLC, etc.) known today or to be devised in the future. The NVM Array may be fabricated using SONOS, NROM, TONOS, floating gate or any other NVM fabrication technique. The logic and analog circuits of the IC may be fabricated using CMOS fabrication techniques. U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 20060068551, incorporated herein by references, teaches a method by which to combine NROM and CMOS elements on the single die using a single process. Any method of combing NVM elements and logic elements using a single process, known today or to be devised in the future, may be applicable to the present invention. [0049] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a portion of the NVM array (e.g. secure memory portion) may be a read only memory ("ROM") portion, where the data bearing content is "burned" or imprinted on the array during fabrication and/sorting of the media player. Any method of fabricating, sorting, imprinting data on a NVM/ROM known today or to be devised in the future may be applicable to the present invention.
[0050] The NVM array may be adapted to store content bearing digital data (e.g. dedicated audio/video content). The NVM controller may provide the decoder logic, or other segments of the media player associated with content playback, read access to the NVM array of the IC. The controller may also restrict read access of the secure portion of the memory (e.g. NVM array) for media player segments not associated with playback, such that digital data on the NVM array may not be copied.
[0051] The NVM controller may also provide for substantially restricted access to a secure portion of NVM array, such that data bearing content may only be written to a secure portion of the array during a production/sorting phase of the media player. A user of the media player may be restricted from copying, erasing or overwriting the content bearing data in the secure portion of the memory. The secure portion may be a fraction or all of the NVM array's data storage area. In those embodiments where the secure portion of the NVM array is less than the full array, the remaining portion of the NVM array may be a shared memory portion to which a user may read and write digital data.
[0052] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the output interface module may include both analog signal outputs and digital signal outputs.
[0053] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the controller may be adapted to restrict the output signals of data stored on the secure memory portion to analog outputs only, thereby, restricting a user of the media player from copying data stored in the secure memory portion.
[0054] According to alternative embodiments of the present invention, a device user may write content bearing data to a secure portion of the memory (e.g. NVM array), after which the user written content bearing data may not be read back, but only played through playback circuitry of the device.
[0055] According to yet further embodiments of the present invention, a user may write content bearing data to a shared portion of the memory (e.g. NVM array) with a designation or marker/flag notifying the memory controller that the user written data my only be played back and not copied.
[0056] According to further embodiments of the present invention, the device may include a secure content load module. The secure content load module may be integral with or functionally associated with the media player control logic and may be adapted to regulate the store of content bearing data in the memory. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the load module may determine whether content bearing data is copyright protected and may cause the data to be stored in a portion of memory from which it may only be played back and not copied. The load module may identify copyrighted content by detecting digital a signature and/or digital watermarks associated with copyrighted content. The load module may identify copyrighted content according to any method known today or to be devised in the future.
[0057] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a secure data load module may be adapted to: (1) receive secure data (i.e. Secure Digital ("SD") card, Secure Digital High Capacity ("SDHC") card), (2) restrict access to the secure data in a substantially similar mode of operation as if it was stored on the secure memory portion.
[0058] The NVM controller may either include or may be functionally associated with an encryption/decryption engine. The encryption/decryption engine may be used when content bearing data is to be stored on the NVM in an encrypted manner. The encryption/decryption engine may either be dedicate logic circuitry (i.e. state machine) or may be a set of instructions running on a processor.
[0059] According to further embodiments of the present invention, the device may include interface circuitry adapted to connect with an external NVM device or array (e.g. USB, FireWire). The external NVM device/array may be part of a complete NVM data storage solution (packaged NVM chip) or may be on a bare die connected with the media player control logic IC in a Chip-on-Board ("COB") package. [0060] According to further embodiments of the present invention, user interface circuitry on the device may receive user inputs in the form of electrical signals from user input devices such as buttons and other touch based sensors. The user interface circuitry may condition or convert the signal(s) from the input devices/sensors such that media player control logic may receive the input signal and may respond accordingly. The media player control logic may either be dedicate control logic (i.e. state machine) or may be a set of instructions running on a processor.
[0061] Analog audio/video output circuitry on the device may include one or more digital to analog converters adapted to convert content bearing data into an analog signal usable by an audio transducer or an analog based video receiver. Optional video display drive circuitry on the device may convert video bearing data into signals suitable to drive a digital video display such as an Liquid Crystal Display ("LCD") functionally associated with the device.
[0062] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the device may include external interface circuitry adapted to receive and transmit data. The external interface circuitry may include: (1) interfaces to external memory, (2) interfaces allowing regulated uploading of content bearing data to the NVM, and (3) wireless media streaming circuitry such as WiFi and Bluetooth transceivers.
[0063] According to some embodiments of the present invention, access to the data stored on the secure memory portion may be limited using: (1) a proprietary CODEC
(or standard CODEC with modifications), (2) separating the secure memory area from the shared memory area and (3) using an encryption or scrambling technique.
[0064] According to some embodiments of the present invention, some or all of the digital circuits (e.g. decoders, encoders, control logic, interface circuits, drivers, etc.) may be implemented as code running on a processor. In an alternative embodiment, some or all of the digital circuits (e.g. decoders, encoders, control logic, interface circuits, drivers, etc.) may be implemented using specially designed dedicated logic circuitry or using one or more customized Application Specific Integrated Circuits
("ASIC").
[0065] Turning now to Fig. 1 there is shown a block diagram illustrating the functional blocks of an exemplary Media Player according to some embodiments of the present invention. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the Media Player device may include (1) a controller 1200, (2) an input/user interface module 1300, (3) a user output interface module 1600, (4) a data storage module(s) 1100, (5) an external device interface module 1500 and (6) a secure data load module 1400.
[0066]
[0067] Turning now to Fig. 2, there is shown a block diagram illustrating the functional blocks of an exemplary Media Player ("MP") according to some embodiments of the present invention. The exemplary Media Player may include a digital media decoder logic segment adapted to convert content bearing (e.g. sound, video, text, etc) digital data from an encoded or compressed format into data of a usable format (i.e. audio and/or video renderable). According to some embodiments, the decoder logic may be hardcoded rather than being a set of commands executed on a general purpose processor. According to other embodiments, the decoder may be a part of a general purpose processor. According to yet further embodiments of the present invention, the MP decoder may be adapted to decode data stored in a proprietary encoding format. While, according to other embodiments of the present invention, the decoder may be adapted to decode data stored in a standardized format (e.g. MP3, MP4, MPEG, etc.).
[0068] According to further embodiments of the present invention, the MP may include a non-volatile memory ("NVM") array functionally associated with an NVM controller. The NVM array and controller may be fabricated according to any methodology and technology (e.g. CMOS, floating gate, NROM, SONOS, TONOS, MLC, etc..) known today or to be devised in the future. The NVM Array may be fabricated using SONOS, NROM, TONOS, floating gate or any other NVM fabrication technique. The logic and analog circuits of the MP may be fabricated using CMOS fabrication techniques. U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 20060068551, incorporated herein by references, teaches a method by which to combine NROM and CMOS elements on the single die using a single process. Any method of combing NVM elements and logic elements using a single process, known today or to be devised in the future, may be applicable to the present invention.
[0069] The NVM array may be adapted to store content bearing digital data (e.g. dedicated audio/video content). The NVM controller may provide the decoder logic, or other segments of the MP associated with content playback, read access to the NVM array of the MP. The controller may also restrict read access of the NVM array for MP segments not associated with playback, such that data on the NVM array may not be copied.
[0070] The NVM controller may also provide for substantially restricted access to the NVM array, such that data bearing content may only be written to some predefined portion of the array during a production phase of the MP or of the device using the MP. A user of the media player incorporating the may be restricted from erasing or overwriting the content bearing data in the predefined portion. The predefined portion may be a fraction or all of the NVM array's data storage area. In those embodiments where the predefined portion of the NVM array is less than the full array, the undefined portion of the NVM array may be written to by a device user.
[0071] The NVM controller may either include or may be functionally associated with an encryption/decryption engine. The encryption/decryption engine may be used when content bearing data is to be stored on the NVM in an encrypted manner. The encryption/decryption engine may either be dedicate logic circuitry (i.e. state machine) or may be a set of instructions running on a processor.
[0072] According to further embodiments of the present invention, the MP may include interface circuitry adapted to connect with an external NVM array. The external NVM array may be part of a complete NVM data storage solution (packaged NVM chip) or may be on a bare die connected with the IC in a Chip-on-Board ("COB") package. [0073] According to further embodiments of the present invention, user interface circuitry on the MP may receive user inputs in the form of electrical signals from user input devices such as buttons and other touch based sensors. The user interface circuitry may condition or convert the signal(s) from the input devices/sensors such that media player control logic on the MP may receive the input signal and may respond accordingly. The media player control logic may either be dedicate control logic (i.e. state machine) or may be a set of instructions running on a processor. [0074] Analog audio/video output circuitry on the MP may include one or more digital to analog converters adapted to convert content bearing data into an analog signal usable by an audio transducer or an analog based video receiver. Optional video display drive circuitry on the MP may convert video bearing data into signals suitable to drive a digital video display such as an Liquid Crystal Display ("LCD") functionally associated with the MP.
[0075] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the MP may include external interface circuitry adapted to receive and transmit data. The external interface circuitry may include: (1) interfaces to external memory, (2) interfaces allowing regulated uploading of content bearing data to the NVM, and (3) wireless media streaming circuitry such as WiFi and Bluetooth transceivers. [0076] According to some embodiments of the present invention, some or all of the digital circuits (e.g. decoders, encoders, control logic, interface circuits, drivers, etc.) may be implemented as code running on a processors. In an alternative embodiment, some or all of the digital circuits (e.g. decoders, encoders, control logic, interface circuits, drivers, etc.) may be implemented using specially designed dedicated logic circuitry or using one or more customized Application Specific Integrated Circuits
("ASIC").
[0077] Definition of Terms:
[0078] 1. The term "Solution on chip" herein denotes any integrated software and hardware solution based on a semiconductor wafer piece;
[0079] 2. The term "recorded digital content" herein denotes any audio and/or video material in digital format, at least a portion of which may have been recorded from real aural and/or visual sources;
[0080] 3. The term "embedded pre-recorded digital content" with respect to a commercially-available device denotes recorded digital content that is embedded (also denoted as "pre-loaded") into that device prior to the delivery of the device to a user or customer; according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the embedding of the recorded digital content into the device may be performed during the manufacture of the device; according to another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the embedding of the recorded digital content into the device may be performed after the manufacture of the device during a configuration operation prior to delivery of the device to the user or customer. Both these cases are herein denoted by the term "substantially at the time of manufacture";
[0081] 4. The term "real aural source" herein denotes any physical phenomenon which can be heard by the aided or unaided human ear, including, but not limited to: speech; music; sounds produced by nature; and sound effects;
[0082] 5. The term "real visual source" herein denotes any object or physical phenomenon which can be seen by the aided or unaided human eye.
[0083] 6. The terms "record", "recorded", and "recording" herein respectively denote the processing, result, and product of transcribing physical aural and/or visual phenomenon from source into a form suitable for playback thereof.
[0084] 7. The term "digital format" with respect to recordings and recording processes herein denotes any digital data in a format suitable for the recording of transcribed physical aural and/or visual phenomenon. [0085] 8. The terms "video recording" and "recorded digital video content" herein denote any recording, at least a portion of which is a recording of a real visual source, containing at least one image, which may be static (e.g., "graphics", "still picture") or dynamic (e.g., "motion picture").
[0086] 9. The term "player" herein denotes a device which can play back recorded digital content. Players can play back recorded audio material and/or recorded video material.
[0087] The present invention is of a Media Player that may serve as a core engine for any dedicated player application as a medium for distribution of music and video content. Instead of having two components in order to play the music or video (e.g. CD + CD player) or illegal copy of music/video files to players devices (e.g. MP3 players), a device according to embodiments of the present invention manufacturers may include a single legal copy of a music/video set of tracks (similar to a music CD content) for a lifetime of replays. A Player according to some embodiments of the present invention may be connected directly to headphones, earphones, or to any other presentation device. Player output is analog and does not permit a digital copy of the content to be made. For playing of video content, a device according to the present invention can be connected directly to a television and/or to an amplifying audio system. In another embodiment of the present invention, the analog output may be transmitted wirelessly to one or more presentation devices, by means including, but not limited to: Bluetooth, infrared; and radio frequency, such as FM radio. [0088] Technical Overview:
[0089] An MP according to some embodiments of the present invention may be termed a Solution on Chip. The MP may be packaged using common Pin TSOP packages, BGA (Ball Grid Array), TQFP1 Dice, CFP1 flip chip and other wafer packaging methods. A ROM/non-volatile memory chip with the embedded prerecorded content may be connected externally thru a dedicated interface, or according to other embodiment of the present invention, the NVM may be integral with the MP. [0090] Peripheral components which may be connected to the MP include controls, audio/video connectors, D/A converters, optional screen for display, and an optional description mechanism. Some of these peripherals, such as the D/A may also be integral with the MP. [0091] Therefore, according to the present invention there is provided a solution on chip for storing and playing embedded pre-recorded digital content, the MP may include one or combination of the following functional circuit blocks: (a) dedicated player decoding logic (hardcoded or software) based on either a proprietary or standard efficient CODEC; (b) a controller for retrieving the recorded digital content from memory; (c) a player application logic or program with simple SDK ready for extensions and customizations; (d) a memory interface for supporting connectivity to NAND/NOR flash memory components, OTP/Mask ROM memory, SPI (optional) and other memory common interfaces; (e) an audio amplifier supporting earphones volume and volume control; (f) a USB or other fast interface to enable fast memory loading ( could be with limited access to the memory in order to prevent hackers access); (g) UART for debugging purposes; (h) DC to DC converters; (i) dedicated filters and equalizers; and (j) optional elements such as: (j.i .)digital-to-analog converter for converting the playable digital signal to an analog output for playing (j.2.) a simple LCD support (at least for counter display) (j.3.) a support for MLC type memory (j.4.) a wireless transmitter such as: FM modulator, Bluetooth, Infra-red or similar interface that could enable easy connectivity to external devices (e.g. Hi-Fi systems , car stereo systems, PC).
[0092] Turning now to Fig 3, there are shown components which may be integrated in the DP SOC. The components are:
[0093] Audio Decoder - unlike common MP3 player's ICs/SOCs/other solutions, which intend to support several popular standard CODECs (e.g. MP3, WAV, AAC, WMA, OGG, RN) on the same chip and supporting high range of frequencies, in the dedicated player solution there is no need to support more than one CODEC and it would be even preferable to choose a proprietary CODEC or at least an improved flavor of a royalty-free (or low royalty) CODEC. There is no need to support wide range of frequencies as the preloaded content is going to be processed in "off-line" methods from a reliable master copy of the art. A method of Variable Bit Rate (VBR) is recommended to be adopted due to the nature of the preloaded player that plays a single compressed file thus could efficiently handles sudden complexities in compression. VBR compression techniques allow high bit rate peaks and on the other hand efficient compression on the other parts of the Audio/Video data. [0094] Embedded encryption - Assuming that the CODEC is not standard one and could not be played by common MP3 players, a relatively simple encryption method is required for securing the copyrights. Such encryption method could be embedded in the CODEC format itself.
[0095] Memory interfaces - for saving the high cost of cost special IO (In Out) interfaces using additional processors. Basic support should be for a NAND flash memory but due to the high fluctuation of the memory world market, it would be recommended to support also OTP memories, which is much more stable one.
Another option is supporting memory cards interfaces such as: SD Card memory for replaceable option.
[0096] DC to DC power converters - since most of those applications are for portable devices and based on a low power battery power, it would be significant cost saver if those relatively expensive components would be integrated in the DP SOC circuit as it suggested in the present invention. External power converters could be always applied but having at least 1-3 DC to DC components in the DP SOC itself would eliminate the need for external power converters for the major part of the dedicated player applications. Integrating power converters in the DP SOC itself could also overcome noise problems that often occur when using low cost external Dc to DC components.
[0097] Basic Player application - significant cost saving could be achieved by supporting the basic player functions in the DP SOC itself thus eliminate the need of external and relatively expensive processing unit (e.g. IC, MCU, DSP) to execute those management functions. Taking into account that most of the dedicated player applications would not require a sophisticated management interface, it would be sufficient to embed the following player functions as part of the DP SOC software:
[0098] On/Off - soft turn on / turn off function
[0099] Play- normal play of the audio/video
[00100] Pause/Stop - temporary or permanent halt of the player
[00101] Next/Back - skip to next track or last track
[00102] Fast forward / Rewind - nevigate internally in a certain track in both directions
[00103] Volume up/down [00104] Auto bookmark - remember the last position of the player before shutdown
[00105] Auto shutdown - turn off automatically when the player is on Stop/Pause mode for more than a fixed time (battery saving function)
[00106] Optional functions, but not limited to, are: repeat, balance, bass and treble, equalizer modes, wireless control (whenever using the wireless transmitter internally).
[00107] For customized extensions a common interface would be applied to the solution enabling the application's developers to tailor the control functions according to their special needs (e.g. book marking..).
[00108] Additional important goal achieved by embedding the basic player application in the dedicated player SOC is the reduction of complexity for application developers when adopting the present DP SOC in their electronic circuit. Having the basic management functions embedded in the DP SOC itself makes it much simpler for the device manufacturers and saves debugging and integrations time, cost and efforts.
[00109] Audio amplifier - assuming that most of the dedicated applications would be for a portable player that supposes to use standard stereo earphones, it would be essential to have an audio amplifier or preamplifier with volume control capability
[00110] Filters and equalizers - dedicated filters and equalizers could adjust the sound quality to the played content. Unlike common audio players (e.g. Mp3 players), the dedicated player application may play only limited set of music/audio, which was preloaded to the player and was authored by the offline tools to achieve best quality in a relatively low bit rate thus save unnecessary memory cost. Therefore, it would be highly efficient to include a set of pre-tuned equalizing and audio filtering tools that would enable final adjustment to the sound quality after loading the music to the player.
[00111] Video Application
[00112] In another embodiment of the present invention, the digital content is video. The block diagram of Figure 3 also applies for video, as previously noted. The main difference is that in addition to audio playing capability, this embodiment of the present invention is designed to also play a visual content, such as video or other visual digital data. [00113] Embodiments of the present invention for video use are typically more complicated and costly than those for audio use only. Typically, there is a larger capacity for memory (roughly comparable to the ratio of CD storage capacity to DVD storage capacity), a more powerful processor for the video decoder and player, and video interfaces.
[00114] Audio/Video CODEC
[00115] To save memory space, keep costs low, to achieve high audio/video quality in embodiments according to the present invention, an effective compression technique (CODEC) may be used. Such algorithm/software could be based on an improved version of one of the currently commercially available formats (e.g. MP3,
WMA, AAC for Audio compression, WMV, MPEG-4 AVC for video compression). In another embodiment of the present invention, a proprietary compression algorithm
(lossless or lossy) may offer superior data compression and fidelity.
[00116] Turning now to Fig. 4, there is shown a symbolic block diagram of a
Media Player according to some embodiments of the present invention, wherein a secure portion of a memory module includes preloaded and "fixed" content. As shown in Fig. 4, a Media Player according to some embodiments of the present invention may include control logic (e.g. microprocessor) having a virtual layer adapted to provide user access to one or more shared memory portions associate with one or more memory modules.
[00117] Turning now to Fig. 5, there is shown a symbolic block diagram of a
Media Player according to some embodiments of the present invention, wherein a memory module includes several partitions of shared memory and wherein the virtual layer is adapted to access and facilitate playback of content bearing data from each of the partitions.
[00118] Turning now to Fig. 6, there is shown an exemplary memory partitioning structure usable in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
Logical memory partitioning, including directory structures may include both shared and secured/fixed directories.
[00119] Turning now to Fig. 7, there is shown a symbolic diagram of memory partitioning and lists five exemplary methods by which memory may be portioned in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. Figs. 8A through 8C show symbolic diagrams of physical layer memory partitioning techniques. Partitioning may be achieved via memory address discrimination. According for further embodiments, as shown in Fig. 8C1 memory partitioning may be achieved through data line discrimination.
[00120] Figs. 9A through 10B show flowcharts including steps of exemplary methods of storing content bearing data according to some embodiments of the present invention. Various methods of operating a media player according to the present invention may include restricting all or partial access to a secured portion of memory and providing unrestricted access to a shared portion of memory. Read access to secure memory may be limited to playback circuitry. According to further embodiments of the present invention, write access to secure memory may be available to a user.
[00121] According to further embodiments of the present invention, access to shared memory may be regulated, such that data written to shared memory may be designated readable only to playback circuitry.
[00122] Turning now to Fig. 11, there is shown a flowchart including the steps of a method of storing content bearing data to a partitioned memory of a media player according to some embodiments of the present invention. The method may be executed by a loader module according to some embodiments of the present invention. As part of the method, it may be determined whether the data includes copyright protected content, in which event the data may be stored to a secure portion of the memory. In the event the data is not determined to include copyrighted content, the data may be stored to a shared portion of the memory. A user may designate data stored to a shared portion of the memory readable only to playback circuits of the media player.
[00123] While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed:
1. A media player comprising: control logic adapted to regulate access to content bearing data stored on secure and shared memory portions of one or more memory modules functionally associated with said player.
2. The player according to claim 1 , further comprising one or more memory modules, wherein at least one memory module has a secure memory portion and wherein at least one memory module has a shared memory portion.
3. The player according to claim 1 , further comprising a memory module including secure memory and external device interface circuitry for connecting to an external memory device.
4. The player according to claim 3, wherein the external memory device may be of a memory device type selected from the group consisting of Secure Data Device ("SD"), Universal Serial Bus and FireWire.
5. The player according to claim 1 , wherein said control logic restricts read access to content bearing data stored in secure memory.
6. The player according to claim 5, wherein said control logic permits playback circuitry read access to secure memory.
7. The player according to claim 6, wherein said player further includes playback circuitry adapted to output analog signals correlated to read content bearing data.
8. A circuit comprising: control logic adapted to regulate access to content bearing data stored on secure and shared memory portions of one or more memory modules functionally associated with a media player.
9. The circuit according to claim 8, further comprising one or more memory modules, wherein at least one memory module has a secure memory portion and wherein at least one memory module has a shared memory portion.
10. A method of operating a media player comprising: regulating access to content bearing data stored on secure and shared memory portions of one or more memory modules functionally associated with said player.
PCT/IL2007/001209 2006-09-28 2007-10-07 A digital media player circuit device and method WO2008038290A2 (en)

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US60/847,676 2006-09-28
ILPCT/IL2007/000841 2007-07-05
PCT/IL2007/000841 WO2008004235A2 (en) 2006-07-05 2007-07-05 A media player an integrated circuit for a media player and a method of producing both

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Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6647496B1 (en) * 1999-05-28 2003-11-11 Matsushita Electrical Industrial Co., Ltd. Semiconductor memory card

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6647496B1 (en) * 1999-05-28 2003-11-11 Matsushita Electrical Industrial Co., Ltd. Semiconductor memory card

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