WO2008117001A1

WO2008117001A1 - Media storage case or box

Info

Publication number: WO2008117001A1
Application number: PCT/GB2007/001078
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dominic Martinez
Original assignee: Hayward, Mark
Priority date: 2007-03-23
Filing date: 2007-03-23
Publication date: 2008-10-02

Abstract

The invention, from a first aspect, provides a jewel case for disk media comprising a printed insert having pictures, photographs or other artwork printed thereon, the jewel case being arranged to permit the artwork to be seen from outside the case, the case being characterised by further comprising one or more lighting elements for generating light and arranged with respect to the printed insert to light up one or more predetermined aspects of the printed artwork. Other aspects are also described, however, such as including an audio reproduction means in the case, together with a power supply, which may comprise one or more solar cells. Additionally, a lighted screen may also be included, which may provide light only, or be used to display images.

Description

Media Storage Case or Box

The present invention relates to a media storage case or box, such as, for example, a jewel case for disc media.

Jewel cases for disc media such as CDs and DVDs are well known in the art. A CD jewel case is commonly formed from transparent plastic material, and is of a size such that it is of comparable dimensions to the size of the disc which it has to contain. In contrast, a DVD jewel case is commonly formed from non- transparent plastic material, and is of larger dimensions than a disc, and especially in the vertical dimension. Such CD and DVD jewel cases are well known in the art.

Disc media is also known to be provided in other packaging, and in particular in the form of cardboard boxes. This is particularly prevalent where the disc media stores a computer program such as a PC game, where much documentation must be provided with the disc. With such packaging it has been known to provide lighting elements in the form of LEDs to light up aspects of the art work printed on the box, and an example of such an arrangement is the packaging for the computer game "Earth 2160", published by Deep Silver, hi particular, the packaging includes an LED on the front surface thereof, arranged to light up a picture of a star field printed on the front of the box. However, such concepts have not yet been applied to jewel cases for disc media, such as CD or DVD jewel cases.

In view of the above, from a first aspect the present invention provides a jewel case for disk media comprising a printed insert having pictures, photographs or other artwork printed thereon, the jewel case being arranged to permit the artwork to be seen from outside the case, the case being characterised by further comprising one or more lighting elements for generating light and arranged with respect to the printed insert to light up one or more predetermined aspects of the printed artwork. Thus, a jewel case for disc media is provided having lighting elements which can light up art work on the printed insert, thus rendering the CD case more attractive to a consumer.

From another aspect, the present invention provides a media storage case or box for storing disk media, characterised by comprising an audio signal reproduction means arranged to reproduce an audio signal, and an audio signal output.

Preferably, the audio signal reproduction means may be a radio receiver, such as, in particular embodiments, an FM receiver for receiving FM radio signals. In other embodiments, the audio signal reproduction means preferably comprises a digital storage medium for storing digitally encoded audio signals, and at least an audio decoder for decoding the encoded audio signals, and a digital to analogue converter for producing an analogue audio output signal from the decoded audio signals. Preferably, in this embodiment the digitally encoded audio signals are encoded using any one or more of MP3, WMA, WMA lossless, or any other known audio coding standard. Ia this respect, the media storage case or box may have integrated therein an audio player to play digitally encoded audio music. Preferably, the digitally encoded audio signals stored in the digital storage medium correspond, at least in part, to the audio signals which are stored on the disc contained within the media storage case or box.

From another aspect, there is provided a media storage case or box for storing disk media, characterised by comprising a lighted panel on a major surface thereof.

In a preferred embodiment of this aspect, the lighted panel comprises a diffuser sheet and a plurality of lighting elements arranged to provide light through said diffuser sheet. In another embodiment, the lighted panel comprises an LCD screen, there being further provided an LCD control means arranged to control the LCD screen to display images.

From a further aspect, the invention also provides a media storage case or box being characterised by further comprising an active display panel for the display of information. Preferably, the display panel displays time information, and further preferably is one of an LCD or LED display panel.

From a yet further aspect, the present invention also provides a media storage case or box provided with at least one electrical device integrated therein and requiring an electrical power supply, and being further provided with one or more solar cells to thereby act as said power supply.

From another aspect, there is provided by the present invention a media storage case or box provided with at least one electrical device integrated therein and requiring an electrical power supply, and being further provided with at least one rechargeable battery, said case or box further comprising a power input socket arranged to receive an electrical signal for re-charging the battery.

From yet another aspect, the present invention provides a media storage case or box provided with at least one electrical device integrated therein and requiring an electrical power supply, said case or box further comprising a power input socket arranged to receive an electrical power supply signal.

From another aspect, the present invention provides a media storage case or box comprising a transparent or translucent insert upon which pictures, photographs or other artwork can be printed. The media storage case or box further comprises a diffuser sheet and a plurality of lighting elements arranged to provide light through said diffuser sheet. The diffuser sheet and plurality of lighting elements is arranged with respect to the transparent or translucent insert so that said transparent or translucent insert is lit up and can be seen from outside the case. The photographs or other artwork may themselves be either transparent or translucent. Alternatively, the photographs or other artwork may be opaque.

The pictures, photographs or other artwork on the insert may be mass produced pictures, photographs or other artwork. Alternatively, the pictures, photographs or other artwork may be customised. For example, it is possible for the user of the case or box to place a personal photo on the insert. Therefore, the insert within the case or box can be swapped with an alternative insert. This allows the user to choose an insert to be place in the box or case from multiple different inserts depending on the users mood and preference.

The pictures, photographs or other artwork can be incorporated onto the insert in any suitable manner. The pictures, photographs or other artwork can be printed directly onto the insert, for example, by photocopying a picture onto an acetate sheet. Alternatively, the pictures, photographs or other artwork can be part of the insert, for example, as a photographic negative or slide. Other ways of incorporating the pictures, photographs or other artwork onto the insert are well known to those skilled in the art.

The media storage case or box may be any suitable case or box for storing audio and/or video media (whether bearing recorded information or not) or software. For example, the media storage case or box may be for CDs, DVDs, minidiscs, floppy discs, audio and video cassettes, etc. The media storage case may be larger in size than a CD or DVD case or box. The media storage case may be made from any suitable material. Preferably, it is made of a strong, hard-wearing material, for example, a strong plastic, reinforced glass or metal. Further, the media storage case or box may have rounded comers to improve the aesthetic appeal of the case or box.

In a preferred embodiment of this aspect, the media storage case or box further comprises a control circuit which controls the plurality of lighting elements. This control circuit allows the lighting elements to fade, change colour, cycle through illumination levels and cycle through colours, amongst other things. The lighting elements can be controlled individually or as a whole.

In an alternative embodiment of this aspect, the photographs or other artwork may be printed directly onto the media storage case or box whilst still being capable of being lit up and being seen from outside the case or box. In a further embodiment of this aspect, the photographs or other artwork may be printed on the sheet of material which forms the diffuser sheet so that they can be seen from outside the case or box.

Finally, from yet another aspect, the present invention provides a media storage case or box which is capable of projecting an image. This is provided using the media storage case or box of the previous aspect which further comprises a lens to focus the emitted light. This lens may be built into one side of the media storage case or box such that the lens may be arranged with respect to the photographs or other artwork, the diffuser sheet and the plurality of lighting elements so that the photographs or other artwork may be projected onto a screen or other such surface. Light passing through the photographs or other artwork passes through the lens and is focused by the lens so that an image of the photographs or other artwork can be projected onto a screen.

The lens may be any suitable lens for projecting the photograph or other artwork onto a screen. Preferably, the lens is bi-convex, plano-convex or meniscus shaped so that the photograph or other artwork is reproduced in the form that appears on the insert. Alternatively, the lens may be non-uniform so that the image that is projected is distorted relative to the photograph or other artwork that appears on the insert. The lens may be mounted within the box or case so that it can be rotated.

In an alternative embodiment of this aspect, there are multiple lens mounted in the box or case. These may be mounted so that they can be rotated individually. Each lens may be uniform or non-uniform. Each lens may be different so that some may have a distorting effect on the photograph or other artwork while others may not. Alternatively, all of the lens may have an individual distorting effect independent of the others.

Further features and aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments thereof, presented by way of example only, and by reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts, and wherein: - Figure 1 is a drawing of a jewel case according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a drawing of a media storage case or box according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a drawing of a media storage case or box according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a drawing of a media storage case or box according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a drawing of a media storage case or box according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a drawing of a media storage case or box according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 is a drawing of a media storage case or box according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 8 is a drawing of a media storage case or box according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 is a drawing of a media storage case or box according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 is a drawing of a media storage case or box according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the present invention. Here, a CD or DVD jewel case 10 is provided having a printed insert 102 inserted inside the front face thereof, as is conventionally known. The printed insert 102 has artwork 104 printed thereon, and is inserted into the jewel case 10 such that the artwork is visible from outside the case. Thus far, therefore, the jewel case 10, and printed insert are entirely conventional.

hi accordance with the first embodiment of the invention, however, the printed insert 102 has formed therein cut out portions 106, corresponding to, or next to, particular features of the artwork which are to be highlighted. Lighting elements 108 are then provided behind the insert (or, where the insert is multiple pages, within the insert behind the sheet provided with the cut outs), and arranged to direct light through the cut out portions 106. The lighting elements 108 are powered by a power supply 110, preferably contained within the spine of the case, although the power supply can be located anywhere that is convenient. The lighting elements 108 are envisaged to be low power LEDs, and the power supply 110 to be a low cost battery. Preferably, incorporated with the power supply 110 is a lighting control circuit, which controls the power supply to the lighting elements 108, so as to cause the lighting elements, for example, to light up periodically, or randomly. For example, the control circuit may be an astable multi-vibrator circuit, arranged to cause the lighting elements to flash.

Within the first embodiment of the invention, therefore, the lighting elements 108 are provided which act to light up aspects of the artwork, preferably through the cut out portions 106. However, it should be noted that the cut out portions 106 are optional, and need not be included, in which case the lighting elements 108 may shine through the sheet of the printed insert, to provide the desired lighting. Concerning the location of the lighting elements 108, these should preferably be placed with respect to the artwork printed on the insert, so as to highlight the aspects of the artwork desired. By "highlighting" aspects of the artwork, we mean that light may be transmitted through a particular region of the artwork, either via a cut out portion, or directly through the sheet of the printed insert, to obtain an improved aesthetic effect of the artwork. Thus, for example, as shown where the artwork comprises a picture or photograph of a human face, lighting elements 108 may be provided to light up the eyes of the face, as well as other elements, such as items of clothing, jewellery, or the like. Preferably, the artwork 104 is chosen or designed to allow the lighting of particular elements thereof by the lighting elements 108.

A second embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 2. Here, a media storage case or box, which is preferably, althotigh not exclusively, a jewel case for a CD or DVD, 20, is provided. The storage case or box 20 is provided with a printed insert 102, having artwork 104, as in the first embodiment. Alternatively, depending on the material chosen for the storage case or box 20, the artwork 104 may be printed directly thereon. In the second embodiment, the storage case or box 20 is provided with an audio signal reproducing means 204, for reproducing an audio signal for output. The audio signal reproducing means 204 is provided with control buttons 206, to control the audio signal reproducing means. A power supply 202 is provided, which is preferably in the form of a rechargeable battery. The power supply 202 has an input socket 218, arranged to receive a power supply input jack 210, from a conventional DC power supply 212. Advantageously, the DC power supply 212 may preferably be a DC power supply such as are commonly provided with mobile phones, to allow for reusability. That is, nowadays many people have acquired numerous DC power supplies each time they obtain a new mobile telephone, and hence such power supplies are readily available.

The audio reproducing means 204 outputs its audio signal to an output drive circuit 208, which in this embodiment is arranged to supply an output signal via a headphone socket 220. The headphone socket 220 is arranged to receive an input plug 214 of a pair of headphones 216. In use, a user can use the headphones 216 to listen to the audio signal output from the audio signal reproducing means 204.

Concerning the precise form of the reproducing means 204, in one embodiment of Figure 2 the audio signalling reproducing means 204 is a radio receiver, such as an FM receiver, AM receiver, or AM and FM receiver, hi this case, the controls 206 are used to control the tuning of the radio receiver, and the output volume. In another embodiment, however, the audio signal reproducing means 204 preferably comprises a digital storage medium such as solid state memory, for storing digitally encoded audio signals, and at least an audio decoder for decoding the encoded audio signals. Additionally provided is a digital to analogue converter which receives the decoded, but still digital, audio signals, and produces an analogue audio output signal therefrom. Such decoder and DAC arrangements are well known in the art, and form the basis of many portable MP3 players or the like. The digitally encoded audio signals may be encoded using any known standard audio coding format, such as MP3, Windows Media Audio, Windows Media Audio Lossless or the like. In this case, the controls 206 are used to control the audio decoder to select stored digitally encoded audio files to be decoded, and to control output volume, at least. The analogue audio output signal output from the digital to analogue converter contained within the audio signal reproducing means 204 is output to the drive circuit 208, which drives the headphones 216 via the plug 214 when inserted in the socket 220.

Preferably, where the audio signal reproduction means includes the digital storage medium and stores digitally encoded audio files, the audio files stored therein can be, at least in part, at least some of the audio signals stored on the disc media contained within the media storage case or box. Thus, a user can listen to the audio signals from the digitally encoded versions via the headphones 216, without having to remove the disc from the case or box, or play the disc. Such an arrangement may be advantageous in a retail environment, for example, where such a storage case or box 20 is placed on display in a record shop on the shelves, and a user may browse through the CD cases to find a particular CD which they desire. Then, if a user is interested in listening to the tracks contained on a particular CD, for example, he may plug his own headphones into the headphone socket 220, and control the audio signal reproduction means 204 to reproduce the stored audio signals via the controls 206. In this way, the user can listen to the audio signals which are stored within the digital storage medium as well as on the disc contained within the storage case or box to decide if he wishes to buy the CD. If the user does wish to buy the CD then he can take the box to the service counter, and can, if he is prepared to pay for the enhanced box including the audio signal reproduction means, buy the storage case or box 20, or instead may be given a conventional CD case containing the disc, for the usual retail price. Ia this case, the enhanced storage case or box 20 of the embodiment is then placed back on the shelves, for subsequent use by another user. With such an arrangement, the enhanced storage cases or boxes according to the second embodiment of the invention allow users to browse through CDs and listen to the music tracks contained on an album, without having to take the box to a particular listening station within the music store. Although it is known to provide music listening stations within music stores, only a limited amount of such stations are ever provided, thus leading to prospective purchasers having to queue to listen to the music that they may wish to buy. By using an enhanced storage case or box 20 according to the second embodiment of the invention, users may listen to the music contained on a prospective CD at the actual shelf, without having to queue up at a listening station. Thus, by using the enhanced storage case or box according to the second embodiment, sales may be improved.

Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 3. Here, a storage case or box 30, such as a CD jewel case or the like, is shown. The storage case or box 30 is provided with a power input socket 218, for receiving an input power plug 210 from a power supply 212, in the same manner as previously described in the second embodiment. In this embodiment, however, electrical power is supplied via the input power socket 218 and an enhanced capacity rechargeable battery 302 is preferably located in the spine portion of the CD case. As large a capacity battery 302 as will fit within the CD case allowing room for further control circuit components 304 (to be described) is preferable, to give maximum battery capacity, hi use, an electrical power signal is supplied via the power socket 218 from the power supply 212, to charge the rechargeable battery 302. The rechargeable battery 302 then supplies a control circuit 304.

Additionally provided on the rear major surface of the storage case or box 30 are a plurality of lighting elements 310. Preferably, these lighting elements are high intensity LEDs, of the type which are commonly used to back light LCD screens on mobile telephones. The lighting elements 310 are connected via control lines to a lighting control circuit 304, provided with control input buttons 306. The lighting control circuit 304 receives power from the rechargeable battery 302 and controls the lighting elements 310 to light, via respective lighting element control lines 312. Preferably on top of the lighting elements 310, so as to cover the lighting elements, is a sheet or panel 308, which is preferably formed from optically translucent and diffused material, so as to diffusive, but transmit, light emitted from the lighting elements 310. A thin sheet of translucent plastic is particularly envisaged for this purpose.

In operation, the lighting control circuit 304 is controlled by the control input 306, to cause the lighting elements 310 to light, by supplying power to the individual lighting elements via the respective lighting element control lines 312. The control circuit 304 is arranged to cause various lighting effects of the lighting elements, such as to vary the intensity of the light produced by the lighting elements, and the order and timing of the light produced by each element. For example, the lighting control circuit 304 may control the lighting elements to light up one at a time, with various intensities, or for a subset of the lights to light up simultaneously, or in any other arrangement, to produce an aesthetic effect. Of course, all of the lights 310 can be used simultaneously with maximum intensity, to provide a brightly lit panel, which can then be used for reading, or the like.

hi a variation of the third embodiment, instead of providing the rechargeable battery 302, instead the rechargeable battery 302 may be omitted, and power is supplied directly from the input power socket 218 to the lighting control circuit 304. hi this case, of course, the lighting elements 210 may only be operated when power is supplied to the lighting control circuit 304 direct from the power supply 212.

Another embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to Figure 4. In this fourth embodiment, a media storage case or box 40, such as a jewel case or the like, is provided having a rechargeable battery 302, an input power socket 218, and lighting elements 310, together with control lines 312, as described previously in respect of the third embodiment. The fourth embodiment differs from the third embodiment, however, by the provision of an LCD panel screen 406, placed over the lighting elements 310. Moreover, a lighting element and LCD control circuit 402 is provided, having control input buttons 404, which is arranged to control not only the lighting elements 310, but also the LCD screen 406, via control bus 408. In operation, the lighting elements 310 may be controlled in the same manner as described previously in respect of the third embodiment, but in addition the LCD panel screen 406 may be controlled to display images thereon, in response to control signals sent over the control bus 408 from the LCD control circuit 402. In this respect, the LCD control circuit 402 stores image files containing suitable images to be displayed, and contains LCD screen drive circuitry in order to control the LCD panel screen 406 to display the stored images. Please note that the stored images may be static images, or more preferably, moving images. The provision of an LCD screen 406 provides the advantage that such images may be displayed, and changed at will by the user in dependence on control input through the control buttons 404, and hence the same, static image may not be displayed constantly.

A fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 5. Here, a media storage case or box 50, such as a jewel case or the like, is provided. The media storage case or box has a printed insert 102, having printed artwork 104 thereon. Additionally provided on a spine of the case is an active display panel 506, such as an LCD, or LED panel. A display panel control circuit 502 is also provided, having inputs in the form of control buttons 504. A power supply in the form of a battery is also provided, to supply power to the control circuit 502 and display panel 506. In the fifth embodiment, it is preferred that the active display panel displays time data, such as time from a clock or the like, although other data may also be displayed, such as, for example, the running time of a CD contained within the case, or the number of tracks on the disc media stored within the case. Where the active display panel 506 displays a time, then the time may be set by use of the buttons 504, in conjunction with the active display panel circuit 502.

A sixth embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 6. The sixth embodiment is based on any version of the second embodiment as previously described (i.e. those versions wherein the audio signal reproduction means is either a radio receiver, or a digital decoder), but adds in an integrated speaker element 602. More particularly, a media storage case or box 60, which may be a CD jewel case or the like, in accordance with the sixth embodiment has, in addition to the various elements discussed previously in respect of the second embodiment, an integrated speaker 602 included in the rear panel thereof. The integrated speaker 602 is arranged to receive an output signal from the audio drive circuit 208, and to reproduce the audio signal output thereto. Thus, with the embodiment of Figure 6 it is no longer necessary for a user to use the headphone socket 220 to listen to an audio signal, as an audio output can be generated directly from the integrated speaker 602. Apart from the integrated speaker 602, however, in all other respects the sixth embodiment is identical to any of the variants of the second embodiment described previously.

Figure 7 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment of Figure 7 is based upon any variant of the second embodiment described previously, but provides a media storage case or box 70 further provided with a first solar panel 702, and a second solar panel 704 mounted on the front major surface thereof. The first and second solar panels 702 and 704 are arranged to generate an electrical current when exposed to light, the electrical current being used to charge the battery 202. Alternatively, the electrical current generated by the solar cells can be used to directly power the audio reproduction circuit 204.

The advantage of the provision of the solar cells 702 and 704 is that the rechargeable battery 202 does not require charging as often from the charger 212, and, if sufficient light is available, and dependent upon the device usage, then recharging of the rechargeable battery via the charger 212 may only need to be undertaken infrequently.

An eighth embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 8. This eighth embodiment provides a media storage case or box 80 combining many of the elements of the previous embodiments. That is, the storage case of box 80 is provided with a printed insert 102, having cut out portions 106 with lighted elements 108 therein, as previously described in respect of the first embodiment. Similarly, with respect to any variant of the second embodiment an audio signal reproducing means 204 is provided with control buttons 206 and having a power supply 202 and an output drive circuit 208. The output drive circuit 208 is arranged to feed headphones 216 via an output socket 220; the power supply 202 has an input power socket 218, which may be fed with electrical power via a charger 212. Moreover, as in the fifth embodiment an active display panel 506 can be provided which in this case is arranged to be driven via circuitry in the audio signal reproduction means 204. A speaker 602 can also be provided integrated into the rear panel of the case, as described previously in the sixth embodiment. Moreover, in variants of the eighth embodiment, the rear panel of the case may contain lighted elements 310 together with a diffuser sheet, as in the third embodiment, or lighting elements 310 together with an LCD panel, as in the fourth embodiment. By integrating all of the above described embodiments into a single embodiment, a particularly advantageous and enhanced storage case or box for disc media is obtained.

Of course, various combinations of the features of the various embodiments may be combined in different combinations, to produce other embodiments. For example, the lighted panel on the rear surface of the storage case or box as described in either of the third or fourth embodiments may be combined with any of the first, second, fifth, sixth or seventh embodiments, to produce another embodiment. Likewise the feature of the lighting elements 108 on the artwork may be combined with any of the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh embodiments to produce other embodiments. In a similar manner, the feature of the active display panel of the fifth embodiment may be combined with any of the other embodiments to produce further embodiments.

In further embodiments, and specifically those which include a battery 202, an output power plug is preferably provided, arranged to output an electrical current from the battery 202. The output power plug is preferably of a type suitable for connection to popular mobile telephones, such that power from the battery 202 can be used to provide battery to a mobile telephone, or indeed to any other appliance having a suitable mating electrical power input socket.

Additionally, where the case is provided with an LCD screen as in the fourth embodiment, or other embodiments incorporating the features of the fourth embodiment, preferably the storage case or box is also provided with a video input socket or sockets, arranged to receive a video input signal for display on the screen. The video socket is arranged to provide the video signal to the LCD control circuit 402, such that the control circuit can then control the screen to reproduce the received video signal on the screen. The video input socket may be a single phono or jack socket , and the video signal a composite signal. Alternatively, the video input socket may have multiple electrical inputs (e.g. three), and the video signal may be an RGB or component (YUV) signal.

A ninth embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 9. Here, a media storage case or box, such as a CD jewel case or the like, is shown. The storage case or box 90 is provided with a plurality of lighting elements 910. These lighting elements can be different colours so that various colour effects can be produced. Preferably, these lighting elements are high intensity LEDs, of the type which are commonly used to back light LCD screens on mobile telephones. The lighting elements 910 are connected via control lines to a lighting control circuit 904, provided with control input buttons 906. The lighting control circuit 904 receives power from a battery 902 and controls the lighting elements 910, via respective lighting element control lines 912. On top of the lighting elements 910, so as to cover the lighting elements, is a sheet or panel 908, which is formed from optically translucent and diffused material, so as to diffuse, but transmit, light emitted from the lighting elements 910. A thin sheet of translucent plastic is particularly envisaged for this purpose. A transparent or translucent insert 914 with a photograph or other artwork printed thereon, can be inserted into the storage case or box so that it covers the sheet or panel 908. The transparent or translucent insert can be made of acetate onto which photographs or other artwork can be photocopied.

hi operation, the lighting control circuit 904 is controlled by the control input buttons 906, to cause the lighting elements 910 to light, by supplying power to the individual lighting elements via the respective lighting element control lines 912. The control circuit 904 can be arranged to cause various lighting effects of the lighting elements, such as to vary the intensity of the light produced by the lighting elements and to vary the colour of the lighting by using different coloured lighting elements. For one such effect, all of the lighting elements 910 can be used simultaneously with maximum intensity, to provide a brightly lit panel, which illuminates the whole photograph or other artwork on the transparent or translucent insert 914.

hi Figure 9, the lighting elements 910, the sheet or panel 908 and the insert 914 are positioned on the rear of the CD case. In an alternative embodiment, all of these features can be positioned on the front of the CD case.

A tenth embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 10. This tenth embodiment provides a media storage case or box 100 which is capable of projecting an image. One side of the storage case or box comprises the photograph or other artwork illumination apparatus as shown in Figure 9, namely a plurality of lights 910, a control circuit (not shown), control input buttons (not shown), control lines (not shown), a battery (not shown), a diffuser sheet or panel 908 and a transparent insert 914. The other side of the storage case or box comprises a convex lens 1002 to focus the light emitted from the photograph or other artwork illumination apparatus onto a screen or other such surface, thereby projecting the photograph or other artwork printed on the transparent insert onto the screen or other such surface.

The two sides of the storage case or box are hinged such that the lens can be positioned in front of the transparent insert to allow projection. This is achieved using a double hinge 1004 in Figure 10. Other embodiments that achieve this effect are possible.

hi operation, the lens 1002 is rotated (from the dotted position) about the double hinge 1004 so that it is positioned in front of the transparent insert 914. The control circuit is then activated using the control buttons which illuminates the lighting elements 910 at maximum intensity thereby illuminating the transparent insert 914 with the photograph or other artwork printed thereon. The light emitted through the transparent insert 914 passes through the lens 1002 which focuses the light onto a screen 1006, thereby projecting the photograph or other artwork printed on the transparent insert onto the screen. In an alternative embodiment, the two sides of the storage case or box are not doubly hinged so that the lens cannot move from one side of the insert (i.e. the dotted position) to the other side, as in Figure 10. The storage case or box uses a single hinge and functions in the same way as a normal storage case or box. Instead, there are two possible positions for the transparent insert. In one position, the insert is positioned towards the outside of the box relative to the lighting elements and diffuser sheet or panel so that, in operation, the photographs or other artwork on the insert are illuminated and can be seen from outside the box or case, as in Figure 9. In the other position, the insert is positioned towards the inside of the box relative to the lighting elements and diffuser sheet or panel so that, in operation, the photographs or other artwork on the insert are illuminated and the light passes through the transparent insert and passes through the lens positioned on the other side of the box or case relative to the lighting elements, diffuser sheet or panel and insert. The lens focuses the light onto a screen reproducing the photograph or other artwork positioned on the insert.

It is apparent to the skilled person that it is possible to combine some or all of the different aspects described in this application into one embodiment. For example, it is possible to have an embodiment which comprises a lighted panel which illuminates a transparent or translucent insert upon which pictures, photographs or other artwork are positioned, as in Figure 9, and also have cut out portions in the insert which highlight particular features of the pictures, photographs or other artwork, as in Figure 1. One skilled in the art will appreciate that many other combinations are possible which are intended to be encompassed by the appended claims.

Further features and modifications to the described embodiments will also be apparent to the skilled person to produce further embodiments, which are also intended to be encompassed by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A media storage case or box comprising a lighted panel and a transparent or translucent surface with pictures, photographs or other artwork positioned thereon, wherein the lighted panel is arranged to provide light through the transparent or translucent surface so that the pictures, photographs or other artwork are illuminated and can be seen from outside the case.

2. A media storage case or box comprising a lighted panel, a transparent or translucent surface with pictures, photographs or other artwork positioned thereon, and a lens, wherein the lighted panel is arranged to provide light through the transparent or translucent surface so that the pictures, photographs or other artwork are illuminated and wherein the lens is arranged so that it is capable of focusing the light passing through the transparent or translucent surface onto a screen, thereby projecting the pictures, photographs or other artwork positioned on the transparent or translucent surface onto the screen.

3. A media storage case or box according to claims 1 or 2, wherein said lighted panel comprises a diffuser sheet and a plurality of lighting elements arranged to provide light through said diffuser sheet.

4. A media storage case or box according to claim 3, wherein said transparent or translucent surface is the diffuser sheet so that the pictures, photographs or other artwork are positioned directly on said diffuser sheet.

5. A media storage case or box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the transparent or translucent surface is an insert which can be removable inserted into the case.

6. A media storage case or box according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and further comprising a power supply for the lighted panel or lighting elements, wherein the power supply comprises a battery.

7. A media storage case or box according to any of claims 1 to 6, and further comprising a light control circuit arranged to control the lighting of the lighted panel or lighting elements.

8. A jewel case for disk media comprising a printed insert having pictures, photographs or other artwork printed thereon, the jewel case being arranged to permit the artwork to be seen from outside the case, the case being characterised by further comprising one or more lighting elements for generating light and arranged with respect to the printed insert to light up one or more predetermined aspects of the printed artwork.

9. A jewel case according to claim 8, and further comprising a power supply for the lighting elements, wherein the power supply comprises a battery.

10. A jewel case according to claim 8 or claim 9, and further comprising a power supply for the lighting elements, wherein the power supply comprises one or more solar cells.

11. A jewel case according to any of claims 8 to 10, and further comprising a light control circuit arranged to control the lighting of the lighting elements.

12. A jewel case according to any of claims 8 to 11, being further characterised in that the printed insert comprises cut-out portions relating to the predetermined aspects of the printed artwork to be lit.

13. A media storage case or box for storing disk media, characterised by comprising an audio signal reproduction means arranged to reproduce an audio signal, and an audio signal output.

14. A media storage case or box according to claim 13, wherein the audio signal reproduction means comprises a radio receiver.

15. A media storage case or box according to claims 13 or 14 wherein the audio signal reproduction means comprises a digital storage medium for storing digitally encoded audio signals, and at least an audio decoder for decoding the encoded audio signals, and a digital to analogue converter for producing an analogue audio output signal from the decoded audio signals.

16. A media storage case or box according to claim 15, wherein the digitally encoded audio signals are encoded using any one or more of the following audio coding standards: MP3, WMA, and WMA Lossless.

17. A media storage case or box according to any of claims 13 to 16, and further comprising an integrated speaker for reproducing the output audio signal.

18. A media storage case or box according to any of claims 13 to 17, and further comprising a headphone socket arranged to receive a headphone input, said socket being further arranged to output the audio signal to headphones when connected to the socket.

19. A media storage case or box according to any of claims 13 to 18, and further comprising a battery arranged to supply power to said audio signal reproduction means.

20. A media storage case or box according to claim 19, wherein said battery is rechargeable, and said case or box further comprises a power input socket arranged to receive an electrical signal for re-charging the battery.

21. A media storage case or box according to any of claims 13 to 20, and further comprising one or more solar cells arranged to supply power to said audio signal reproduction means.

22. A media storage case or box according to claim 21 when dependent on claim 19, wherein said solar cells are further arranged to recharge said battery.

23. A media storage case or box according to any of claims 13 to 22, and further comprising a lighted panel on a major surface thereof.

24. A media storage case or box according to claim 23, wherein said lighted panel comprises a diffuser sheet and a plurality of lighting elements arranged to provide light through said diffuser sheet.

25. A media storage case or box according to claim 23, wherein said lighted panel comprises an LCD screen, there being further provided an LCD control means arranged to control the LCD screen to display images.

26. A media storage case or box according to any of claims 13 to 25, having printed artwork reproduced thereon or on an insert, and further comprising one or more lighting elements for generating light and arranged with respect to the printed artwork to light up one or more predetermined aspects of the printed artwork.

27. A media storage case or box according to claim 26, and further comprising a power supply for the lighting elements, wherein the power supply comprises a battery.

28. A media storage case or box according to claim 26, and further comprising a power supply for the lighting elements, wherein the power supply comprises one or more solar cells.

29. A media storage case or box according to any of claims 26 to 28, and further comprising a light control circuit arranged to control the lighting of the lighting elements.

30. A media storage case or box according to any of claims 26 to 29, being further characterised in that the case or box, or printed insert, comprises cut-out portions relating to the predetermined aspects of the printed artwork to be lit.

31. A media storage case or box according to any of claims 13 to 30, and further comprising an active display panel for the display of information.

32. A media storage case or box according to claim 31, wherein the display panel displays time information.

33. A media storage case or box for storing disk media, characterised by comprising a lighted panel on a major surface thereof.

34. A media storage case or box according to claim 33, wherein said lighted panel comprises a diffuser sheet and a plurality of lighting elements arranged to provide light through said diffuser sheet.

35. A media storage case or box according to claim 33, wherein said lighted panel comprises an LCD screen, there being further provided an LCD control means arranged to control the LCD screen to display images.

36. A media storage case or box according to any of claims 33 to 35, and further comprising a power supply, wherein the power supply comprises a battery.

37. A media storage case or box according to any of claims 33 to claim 36, and further comprising a power supply, wherein the power supply comprises one or more solar cells.

38. A media storage case or box according to any of claims 33 to 37, having printed artwork reproduced thereon or on an insert, and further comprising one or more lighting elements for generating light and arranged with respect to the printed artwork to light up one or more predetermined aspects of the printed artwork.

39. A media storage case or box according to claim 37, and further comprising a light control circuit arranged to control the lighting of the lighting elements.

40. A media storage case or box according to any of claims 38 or 39, being further characterised in that the case or box, or printed insert, comprises cut-out portions corresponding to or collocated with the predetermined aspects of the printed artwork to be lit.

41. A media storage case or box according to any of claims 33 to 40, and further comprising an active display panel for the display of information.

42. A media storage case or box according to claim 41, wherein the display panel displays time information.

43. A media storage case or box being characterised by further comprising an active display panel for the display of information.

44. A media storage case or box according to claim 43, wherein the display panel displays time information.

45. A media storage case or box according to claim 43 or 44, wherein the active display panel is one of an LCD or LED display panel.

46. A media storage case or box provided with at least one electrical device integrated therein and requiring an electrical power supply, and being further provided with one or more solar cells to thereby act as said power supply.

47. A media storage case or box provided with at least one electrical device integrated therein and requiring an electrical power supply, and being further provided with at least one rechargeable battery, said case or box further comprising a power input socket arranged to receive an electrical signal for re-charging the battery.

48. A media storage case or box provided with at least one electrical device integrated therein and requiring an electrical power supply, said case or box further comprising a power input socket arranged to receive an electrical power supply signal.

49. A media storage case or box according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the media storage case or box is a jewel case.

50. A media storage case or box substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to any one of the accompanying Figures.