CN101540180B - Media player with instant play capability - Google Patents
Media player with instant play capability Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CN101540180B CN101540180B CN2009101381315A CN200910138131A CN101540180B CN 101540180 B CN101540180 B CN 101540180B CN 2009101381315 A CN2009101381315 A CN 2009101381315A CN 200910138131 A CN200910138131 A CN 200910138131A CN 101540180 B CN101540180 B CN 101540180B
- Authority
- CN
- China
- Prior art keywords
- data
- media
- carrier store
- remainder
- based semiconductor
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Images
Landscapes
- Information Retrieval, Db Structures And Fs Structures Therefor (AREA)
Abstract
A media player and a method for operating a media player are disclosed. A media program is able to substantially immediately begin playing after a media play selection has been made. Through intelligent operation, the media program is able to start playing even before the media program has been substantially or completely loaded from disk storage into semiconductor memory (i. e., cache memory). Additionally, the media program can be loaded into semiconductor memory through use of a background process without disturbing the playing of the media program. Further, if desired, the disk storage is able to be aggressively ''powered off'' when not being accessed, thereby enhancing battery life when being battery-powered.
Description
The application be that October 18, application number in 2002 are 02825938.6 the applying date, denomination of invention divides an application for the application for a patent for invention of " media player with instant play capability ".
Technical field
The present invention relates to media device, and relate more specifically to playing media on media device.
Background technology
Media player becomes more prevalent now.What particularly popularize is portable media player such as MP3 player or DVD player.The media player operation thinks that its user plays the media item that is stored in this media player.Media item is audio items (for example song) the most commonly, but also can be video item (for example DVD).Typically, the MP3 player will be on memory disc the various audio items of storage inside.When the user selects to play the audio items of one of them storage, before audio items begins to be played, in the semiconductor memory (being random access memory) of must at first audio items being packed into.Regrettably, the delay that exists when the sizable file that reads for audio items will make that to be eager to hear that they have selected the user of the audio items of playing dissatisfied.The improvement technology that therefore, need be used for the media player of playing media item.
Summary of the invention
In general, the present invention relates to the method for media player and operation media player.According to an aspect of the present invention, media program can begin to play basically immediately after making the media play selection.By intelligence operation, media program even can be begun before to play by the semiconductor memory of packing into from disk storage (being cache memory) at it.According to a further aspect in the invention, in background process, carry out the broadcast of media program being packed into semiconductor memory and not disturbing media program.Another aspect of the present invention be disk storage can be the time not by access by " outage " on one's own initiative, thereby when the usefulness powered battery time life-span of raising battery.
Can realize the present invention in a lot of modes, comprise, equipment, device or computer-readable medium as method, system.Discuss several embodiments of the present invention below.
Method as playing media item on media player, this media player has memory disc and cache memory, one embodiment of the present of invention comprise these actions at least: reception will be play the indication of a certain media items on media player, and this certain media items is a media item in a plurality of media item that are stored on the memory disc of media player; And on media player, play this certain media items.The broadcast of this certain media items comprises these actions at least: from the beginning media data part of this this certain media items of memory disc retrieval; Use this to begin the beginning part that media data is partly play this certain media items; At least one residue media data of this certain media items part from the memory disc cache memory of packing into; And after this play this residue media data part from this certain media items of cache memory.
Will be as retrieval by the method for the media data of media player play, this media player has a memory disc and a cache memory, and one embodiment of the present of invention comprise these actions at least: the media item that identification will be play on media player; Whether the media data of determining this media item is stored in the cache memory; When the media data of determining this media item is not stored in the cache memory, retrieve a part of media data of this media item from memory disc; When the media data of determining this media item is stored in the cache memory, from a part of media data of this this media item of cache retrieval; And partly repeat such action for the media data subsequently of this media item.
Will be as retrieval by the method for the media data of media player play, this media player has a memory disc and a cache memory, and one embodiment of the present of invention comprise these actions at least: the media item that identification will be play on media player; Whether the media data of determining this media item is stored in the cache memory; When the media data of determining this media item is not stored in the cache memory, retrieve a part of media data of this media item from memory disc; And start at least the remainder of this media data from pack into the processing of cache memory of memory disc.
As consumption electronic product, one embodiment of the present of invention comprise at least: memory disc, store a plurality of media item; User input device makes the user of this consumption electronic product can select a specific media item at least from these a plurality of media item; Cache memory, at least one in can media item; And processor, be operably connected to memory disc, user input device and cache memory.This processor makes consumption electronic product play this certain media items basically immediately after the user is to the selection of this certain media items, and the media data of not considering this certain media items resides in the cache memory or on the memory disc.
Method as playing media item in battery powered media player, described battery powered media player has based on the data-carrier store of dish and the data-carrier store of based semiconductor, the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor had than the described fast access time of data-carrier store based on dish, and it is wherein said based on the many power of the data-carrier store of the described based semiconductor of data-carrier store consumption rate that coils, one embodiment of the present of invention comprise at least: from described first based on the media data of the media item discerned of retrieval the data-carrier store of dish, the described media data of the wherein said media item of having discerned comprises described first and remainder, and described remainder is different from and does not comprise described first; Play described first, rather than at first store the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor into; Be sent to the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor from described data-carrier store based on dish to the described remainder of the described media data of major general; And after having transmitted described remainder, deactivation is described based on the data-carrier store that coils, thereby reduces the power consumption of described media player.
As the method that in portable media player, optionally activates based on the data-carrier store of dish, described portable media player has described based on the data-carrier store of dish and the data-carrier store of based semiconductor, one embodiment of the present of invention comprise at least: the receiving media item is selected, wherein the media data of selected media item comprises a plurality of data divisions, described a plurality of data division comprises first and remainder, and described remainder is different from and does not comprise described first; Activate described data-carrier store and the described first of access at least based on dish; Broadcast based on the described first that retrieves the data-carrier store of dish, rather than is at first stored the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor into from described; With play described first side by side is sent to described remainder described based semiconductor from described data-carrier store based on dish data-carrier store; And after described remainder was transmitted, deactivation was described based on the data-carrier store that coils, thereby reduced the power consumption of described media player.
Equipment as playing media item in battery powered media player, described battery powered media player has based on the data-carrier store of dish and the data-carrier store of based semiconductor, the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor had than the described fast access time of data-carrier store based on dish, and it is wherein said based on the many power of the data-carrier store of the described based semiconductor of data-carrier store consumption rate that coils, one embodiment of the present of invention comprise at least: be used for from the device of the first of the media data of the described media item of having discerned based on the data-carrier store retrieval of dish, the described media data of the wherein said media item of having discerned comprises described first and remainder, and described remainder is different from and does not comprise described first; The device that is used to play described first rather than at first stores the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor into; Be used for being sent to from described data-carrier store the device of the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor based on dish to the described remainder of the described media data of major general; And be used for the described data-carrier store of deactivation after having transmitted described remainder, thereby reduce the device of the power consumption of described media player based on dish.。
As the equipment that in portable media player, optionally activates based on the data-carrier store of dish, described portable media player has described based on the data-carrier store of dish and the data-carrier store of based semiconductor, one embodiment of the present of invention comprise at least: be used for the device that the receiving media item is selected, wherein the media data of selected media item comprises a plurality of data divisions, described a plurality of data division comprises first and remainder, and described remainder is different from and does not comprise described first; Be used to activate described based on the data-carrier store of dish and the device of the described first of access at least; Be used for playing from described described first that retrieves based on the data-carrier store of dish rather than the device that at first stores the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor into; Be used for side by side described remainder being sent to from described data-carrier store based on dish the device of the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor with the described first of broadcast; And be used for the described data-carrier store of deactivation after described remainder is transmitted, thereby reduce the device of the power consumption of described media player based on dish.
From becoming obviously below in conjunction with other aspects and advantages of the present invention the detailed description of accompanying drawing, it has illustrated principle of the present invention by example.
Description of drawings
To easily understand the present invention by the detailed description below in conjunction with accompanying drawing, identical reference number is indicated identical structural detail among the figure, and wherein:
Fig. 1 is the block diagram of media player according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 2 is the process flow diagram handled of media play according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 3 is the process flow diagram of media data retrieval process according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 4 is the process flow diagram handled of cache load device according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 5 is the process flow diagram handled of data access according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 6 is the process flow diagram handled of cache load device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Embodiment
The present invention relates to the method for media player and operation media player.According to an aspect of the present invention, media program can begin to play basically immediately after making the media play selection.By intelligence operation, media program even can basically or fully be begun before to play at it by the semiconductor memory of packing into from disk storage (being cache memory).According to a further aspect in the invention, in background process, carry out the broadcast of media program being packed into semiconductor memory and not disturbing media program.Another aspect of the present invention be disk storage can be the time not by access by " outage " on one's own initiative, thereby when the usefulness powered battery time life-span of raising battery.The present invention especially is suitable for portable media player.
Discuss the present invention embodiment in this respect below with reference to Fig. 1-6.Yet those skilled in the art will recognize easily that the given detailed description about these figure is for illustrative purpose here, because the present invention can expand to outside these limited embodiment.
Fig. 1 is the block diagram of media player 100 according to an embodiment of the invention.Media player 100 comprises the processor 102 that belongs to microprocessor or controller, is used to control whole operations of media player 100.Media player 100 deposits the media data that belongs to media item in file system 104 and the high-speed cache 106 in.This document system 104 is memory disc or a plurality of dish typically.This document system typically is the storage capacity that media player 100 provides high power capacity.
Yet, since slow relatively to the access time of file system 104, so media player 100 also comprises high-speed cache 106.High-speed cache 106 for example is the random-access memory (ram) that is provided by semiconductor memory.The access time that is compared to file system 104 to relative access time of high-speed cache 106 substantially will lack.Yet high-speed cache 106 does not have the huge memory capacity of file system 104.
In addition, file system 104 is consuming more power supply than high-speed cache 106 when movable.When media player 100 was the portable media player of powering with the battery (not shown), electrical source consumption was particularly important.
In one embodiment, media player 100 is used for a plurality of media item (for example song) are deposited in file system 104.When the user wishes to allow the specific media item of media player play one, just on display 110, show the tabulation of available media items.Then, the user uses user input device 108, can select one of them available media item.One receives the selection to certain media items, and processor 102 just offers encoder/decoder (CODEC) 112 to the media data of this certain media items (for example audio file).CODEC112 produces the analog output signal that is used for loudspeaker 114 then.Loudspeaker 114 can be media player 100 inner or outside loudspeakers.For example, head-telephone or the earphone that is connected on the media player 100 can be regarded as external loudspeaker.
According to the present invention, the broadcast of processor 102 control certain media items is so that one receive the selection of user to certain media items, processor 102 is with regard to immediate access file system 104 or high-speed cache 106, so that the beginning part of retrieval media data, and it is offered CODEC 112, thereby begin to play this media item.When this media item is not present in the high-speed cache 106 at the beginning (this is a kind of typical situation), just this begins part from file system 104 retrievals.Yet, because the access speed of file system 104 is slow relatively than the required access speed of the broadcast of media item, and because file system 104 consumes the power supply of the significant media player 100 of quantity, therefore the media data of media item is packed in the high-speed cache 106 so that in case media data is packed in the high-speed cache 106, just from high-speed cache 106, retrieve the remainder of the media data of this certain media items.Thereby, after user's selection, just almost play this media item basically immediately, this is because the beginning part is obtained from file system 104 immediately, obtains part subsequently then from high-speed cache 106.Here, when media data began the retrieval of part or plays generation, high-speed cache 106 was loaded.
Further, in case the media data of the certain media items high-speed cache 106 of packing into, file system 104 just can not be activated (for example, being placed in low electric source modes) so that save electrical source consumptions for media player 100.Suppose that media player 100 is battery powered apparatus (making the formula equipment of taking), then by deactivation file system by this way 104, the battery life of media player 100 can be significantly improved.
In one embodiment, media player is to be exclusively used in processing such as audio frequency, and the formula computing equipment is taken in making of the medium of video or image.For example, media player 100 can be music player (for example, the MP3 player), game machine, video machines.Video recorder, camera, image viewer (image viewer) or the like.These equipment generally are battery powered and are very portable so that no matter where this user travels and allow the user to listen to the music, play games or put video recording, record a video or take pictures.In one realized, media player was a handheld device, and it is made to the pocket that can put into the user or the size in the hand.Owing to hand, media player is less relatively and be easy to be handled and used by its user.Owing to make the pocket size, the user needn't directly carry this equipment, not thereby this equipment (for example, the same with the situation of pocket computer, the user can not be subjected to carrying huge and usually be the restriction of heavy equipment) Anywhere that can be brought to that almost the user travelled.In addition, can operate this equipment by user's hand, need be such as the reference field of desktop.
Fig. 2 is that media play is handled 200 process flow diagram according to an embodiment of the invention.Media play is handled 200 and is for example carried out by media player illustrated in fig. 1 100.
Media play handles 200 at first from judging 202, judges that 202 determine whether to make the broadcast selection.When judgement 202 determined not make as yet the broadcast selection, media play was handled 200 and is just waited for a such selection.In other words, when making the broadcast selection, media play is handled 200 and is just called effectively.In either case, in case judge that 202 determine to have made and play when selecting, judge that 204 just determine that this plays media data of selecting whether in a high-speed cache (for example high-speed cache 106 of Fig. 1).When judging that 204 definite media datas are not in high-speed cache, just retrieve this media data from file system (for example file system 104 of Fig. 1) 206.Replacedly, when judging that 204 definite media datas are in high-speed cache, just retrieve media data from this high-speed cache 208.Here, preferably retrieve media data, because its access time is shorter than the access time of file system basically from high-speed cache.In addition, in the time of in media data is present in high-speed cache, file system generally no longer is required, and therefore can place it low electric source modes to reduce power consumption.
After operation 206 or 208, media play handles 200 in 210 broadcasts that start the media data that is retrieved.Here, the media data that is retrieved can be directed being play so that media player produces multimedia output (for example audio frequency) for its user.Yet, have to a part of media data at first, thereby judge that next 212 determined whether that more data will be retrieved.When judging 212 when defining the data that more are associated with the media item that just is being played and will be retrieved, media play processing 200 is just returned and is repeated to judge 204 and subsequent operation, so that other media data can be retrieved and play.
With the operation of 206-212 simultaneously, when judging 204 when determining that media datas are not in high-speed cache, just can call other and handle the media data high-speed cache of packing into.Especially, according to an embodiment, carry out this processing by an independent process (for example thread) that runs in the media player.According to this processing, judge that 214 determine whether file system is movable.When judging that 214 definite file system are not movable, just activate file system 216.Here, activation refers to file system is placed its normal mode of operation, and the file system that does not activate refers to power-saving working mode.After operation 216, and judging after 214, when file system when being movable, at the media data of 218 certain media items high-speed cache of packing into.Here, occur in 218 pack into this process, other operation simultaneously just another in-process be performed with retrieval and play this media data begin part (operation 206-212) at least.In case, then can stop the activity of file system to reduce power consumption 220 218 the media data high-speed cache of packing into.Typically, in a period of time, no longer need this document system about the duration that media item is played at least greatly, this is because the media data of volume residual is present in the high-speed cache now.After operation 220, finish and finish the high-speed cache loading process.In addition, in case the high-speed cache loading process is finished, media play is handled 200 and is just carried out judgement 204 next time, and the result will be that all media datas subsequently of this certain media items will be retrieved from high-speed cache in operation 208.
Fig. 3 is the process flow diagram of media data retrieval process 300 according to an embodiment of the invention.Media data retrieval process 300 is for example by media device, and all media devices as shown in Figure 1 100 are carried out.In one embodiment, carry out or control media data retrieval process 300 by the processor 102 of media device shown in Figure 1 100.
Media data retrieval process 300 is from need judging whether the judgement 302 of more media data.Therefore, judge that 302 is for example relevant with CODEC 112, CODEC 112 requires to belong to the media data of the media item that will be play by media device 100.Typically, CODEC112 operation with of short duration broadcasts period of buffering media data also thereby periodically from the data-carrier store that media device 100 is provided, ask additional data.Therefore, when judging 302 when determining not need more media data, media data retrieval process 300 is in fact just waited for needs of multi-medium data (or request) more.
In case judge 302 when determine needing more media data, judge that 304 just determine whether media datas are present in the cache memory.For example, this cache memory can be a high-speed cache 106 illustrated in fig. 1.When judging 304 when determining that media datas are present in the cache memory, retrieves data blocks from this cache memory just.Here, the next required part that belongs to the media data that is associated with this media item in 306 data blocks that are retrieved.
On the other hand, when judgement 304 determines that media datas are not in cache memory, just carry out and handle to retrieve media data from file system.This document system for example is a file system 104 illustrated in fig. 1.More specifically, send the read request of read block 308 to file system.Read request makes file system 104 (memory disc) prepare for read.For example, if file system 104 is in non-activity (low-power) state, then read request can turn back to active state with file system 104.Typically, memory disc when being in active state be spin and be ready for read.
Then, judge that 310 determine whether the cache load device is moving.Here to refer to the cache load device be movable in the process of cache memory that media data is packed into to the " RUN " of cache load device.When judging that 310 determine that the cache load devices are also during off-duty, just at 312 these cache load devices of activation.Replacedly, when judging that 310 definite cache load devices have moved, with regard to workaround 312.After operation 312, and when the cache load device has moved, judging after 310,314 from file system (memory disc) retrieves data blocks.Here, to remain little in the size of 314 data blocks that are retrieved so that still lack (for example several milliseconds) relatively from the retrieval time of file system retrieval, and make (such as what undertaken) can not be subjected to bigger obstruction used retrieval time, thereby can be carried out in timely mode for other parallel access of file system by the cache load device.As an example, data block can have quite little size, such as a size in the scope of 32-256 kilobyte, and is one of 32,64,128 or 256 kilobyte probably.The operation 306 and 314 after, media data retrieval process 300 return repeat to judge 302 and operation subsequently so that can obtain other media data in the same way.
Fig. 4 is that the cache load device is handled 400 process flow diagram according to an embodiment of the invention.It for example is the processing of being carried out by the cache load device that the cache load device handles 400, and this loading bin is activated in the illustrated operation 312 of Fig. 3.
The cache load device handles 400 from determining whether memory disc " opens " judgement 402 of (activity).Here, memory disc (being hard disk drive) belongs to the disk storage of the file system system-data that file system 104 just illustrated in fig. 1 is provided.In general, judge whether 402 can the indication file system be movable.In either case, when judging that 402 definite memory discs are not " opening ", just open this memory disc 404.This also is called " screwing on (spinning-up) " memory disc.When memory disc is not also opened (spin), to access time of this memory disc slowly much more." screw on " memory disc and be condition precedent from the memory disc access data.Therefore, when also not opening, operation 402 and 404 makes memory disc be opened 404.
After this, 406 from file system retrieves data blocks.Here, for example, retrieve a blocks of data that belongs to certain media items from file system 104 (memory disc) 406.Deposit cache memory 408 data blocks that retrieve then.For example, this cache memory can be a high-speed cache 106 illustrated in fig. 1.
Then, judge that 410 determine whether to retrieve all data blocks of file (being media item).When judging 410 when determining all not retrieve all data blocks of file as yet, the cache load device is handled 400 and is just returned repetitive operation 406 and operation subsequently and can be retrieved out and deposited in cache memory 408 406 so that belong to the other data block of this document (being media item).In case judge when all data blocks of 410 definite files have been retrieved out, just at 412 deactivation cache load devices.This cache load device is to carry out the cache load device to handle 400 process, thereby when 412 during by deactivation, this process of carrying out cache load device processing 400 can be closed.In addition, turn-off memory disc 414 afterwards.When 414 turn-off these memory discs, media device can be preserved energy or power supply, and it uses these energy or power supply keeps memory disc being opened on the contrary.
The present invention is suitable for adopting such as the realization by a plurality of execution threads that programmed environment provided of multithreading fully.For example, the enough independent threads of energy are realized media data retrieval process 300 and the cache load device processing 400 of Fig. 3.Processing shown in following Fig. 5 and 6 also can belong to other execution thread.
Fig. 5 is that data access is handled 500 process flow diagram according to an embodiment of the invention.Data access handles 500 for example by the operation 314 of media data retrieval process 300 shown in Figure 3, or handles 400 operation 406 by the illustrated cache load device of Fig. 4 and carry out.In either case, data access is handled 500 operations to be used for an access lock of accessing file system in 502 acquisitions.Suppose that a plurality of different execution threads may search the same access lock that is used for file system, so these different thread contention obtaining to access lock.Therefore, hold at present at another thread under the situation of this access lock, data access is handled 500 and can be delayed.However, to each program or realize design, may just utilize each thread of this access lock only (to be approximately Millisecond) in the time and do like this in transient continuous.Therefore, any delay that causes when waiting for access lock all can be managed.Behind 502 acquisition access locks, 504 document location is set, document location is represented the starting point in the file, data will be read from this starting point.Therefore, after 504 are provided with document location, 506 this document in being stored in file system, read the data of predetermined number byte.Here, this predetermined number byte is also got up by management so that the data block that is read quite little (for example, 32,64,128 or 256 kilobyte), and makes that access lock is not unavailable at the time durations that prolongs.506 read the data of predetermined number byte after, discharge access locks 508, because finished access at that point to file system.Therefore, 508 discharged access lock after, data access is handled 500 and is finished and finish.
Fig. 6 is that the cache load device is handled 600 process flow diagram according to another embodiment of the present invention.The cache load device is handled 600 and is had the feature that is similar to the illustrated cache load device processing 400 of Fig. 4.But, the cache load device being handled 600 is designed to provide the effective utilization to memory disc in the situation of the file that will be loaded into cache memory (being media item) above the active volume of this cache memory.
The judgement 602 whether cache load device processing 600 " opens " from definite memory disc (for example hard disk drive).When judging that 602 definite memory discs " are not opened ", just memory disc is opened 604.Replacedly, when judging that 602 definite memory discs " have been opened ", with regard to workaround 604.In either case, afterwards 606 from file system retrieves data blocks.As an example, can handle 500 retrievals of carrying out in 606 data block about data access that Fig. 5 discussed according to top.In case from file system, retrieve data block, just deposit the data block that retrieves in cache memory 608.Then, judge that 610 determine whether to retrieve all data blocks of reading file (being media item).When judgement 610 is determined not retrieve all data blocks of this document as yet, judge that 612 just determine whether cache memories are useful on the free space of another data block.When judging that 612 definite cache memories have the free space that is used for another data block, the cache load device handles 600 just can return repetitive operation 602 and operation subsequently, so that at least one other data block of this document (being media item) can be retrieved and deposit in this cache memory.On the other hand, when judging 612 when determining that cache memories do not have the free space that is used for any other data block, just at 614 shutoff memory discs.By turn-offing hard drives, media device can be preserved energy when temporarily not needing file system.Then, judge that 616 determine whether also not it's time to the raising speed cache memory of resetting.When judging that 616 determine also not to the filling cache memory when time, time is more suitably just waited in cache load device processing 600.In other words, judge that 616 cause a delay in the process of cache load device processing 600.This delay can be a predetermined delay, perhaps can be notified with signal according to the amount of available space in the cache memory or the remaining data amount that will be played before the other data of needs.Therefore, no matter what applied specific criteria is, in the time of when judgement 616 has been determined to refitting raising speed cache memory, the cache load device is handled 600 and is just returned and repeat to judge 602 and operation subsequently, so that one or more other data blocks can be come out by retrieval from file system and be deposited cache memory in, and make that data are obtainable in this cache memory when being needed by other thread, to be used for zero access.
On the other hand, when judgement 610 is determined to have retrieved all data blocks of this document (being media item), just turn-off memory discs 618.Here, turn-offing memory disc 618 is because this document (being media item) is retrieved fully from file system, thereby just no longer needs memory disc for this media item.Certainly, if another thread needs this document system, then memory disc will be held " opening " and and carry out other data access.In either case, afterwards at 620 deactivation cache load devices, this is because this document (being media item) is obtained and deposit in cache memory fully.After operation 620, cache load device processing 600 is finished and is finished.
Above-mentioned various aspects of the present invention or feature can be used alone or be used in combination with various.
Although the media item of being emphasized in above-mentioned several embodiment is audio items (for example, audio file or song), media item is not limited to audio items.For example, replacedly, media item can belong to video (for example film) or image (for example, photo).
Preferably realize the present invention, but also can in the combination of hardware or hardware and software, realize the present invention with software.The present invention can also be presented as the computer-readable code on the computer-readable medium.This computer-readable medium is any data storage device that can store data, and these data after this can be by computer system reads.The example of computer-readable medium comprises ROM (read-only memory), random access memory, CD-ROM, DVD, tape, light data storage device and carrier wave.Computer-readable medium can also be distributed on the computer system of networking so that with distribution mode storage and computer readable code executed.
Advantage of the present invention is numerous.Different embodiment or realization can produce following one or more advantages.An advantage of the invention is, after having asked one to play selection, almost can come the playing media item by media device immediately.Therefore, often less anxiety of user and less disappointment are because the delay of being forced before beginning to play can be reduced basically.Another advantage of the present invention is that media data (for example, for voice playing) can be come out by retrieval from high-speed cache or file system and other system unit or software are had only small change.Another advantage of the present invention is by data being transferred to cache memory and deactivation file system, can reduce electrical source consumption.
Can many feature and advantage obviously of the present invention from the instructions that this is write, thereby attempt to cover all these feature and advantage of the present invention with subsidiary claims.In addition, because many modifications and change all will be expected by those skilled in the art easily, so the present invention will be not limited to as described those accurate structure and operations with description.Therefore, in falling into the scope of the invention, all modification and equivalents that are fit to all may be sought to protect.
Claims (34)
1. the method for a playing media item in battery powered media player, described battery powered media player has based on the data-carrier store of dish and the data-carrier store of based semiconductor, the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor had than the described fast access time of data-carrier store based on dish, and wherein said based on the many power of the data-carrier store of the described based semiconductor of data-carrier store consumption rate that coils, described method comprises:
From described first based on the media data of the media item discerned of retrieval the data-carrier store of dish, the described media data of the wherein said media item of having discerned comprises described first and remainder, and described remainder is different from and does not comprise described first;
Play described first, rather than at first store the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor into;
Be sent to the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor from described data-carrier store based on dish to the described remainder of the described media data of major general; And
After having transmitted described remainder, deactivation is described based on the data-carrier store that coils, thereby reduces the power consumption of described media player.
2. the method for claim 1 also comprises:
The described remainder of the described media data that broadcast retrieves from the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor.
3. method as claimed in claim 2, the step of the described remainder of wherein said broadcast comprises:
Determine when need be except described first other media data;
When described determining step determine to need described other media data from the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor at least one in the described remainder of the described media data of retrieval; And
Described at least one remainder of the described media data that broadcast retrieves from the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor.
4. the method for claim 1, wherein said first and described remainder have the size in the scope from 32 kilobyte to 256 kilobyte.
5. the method for claim 1, wherein said media player is the equipment of pocket size.
6. the method for claim 1, wherein said media player is the hand-held music player.
7. the method for claim 1, the described data-carrier store based on dish of wherein said media player is stored a plurality of media item, and described media player comprises in audio player, video machines and the image viewer at least one, and
Wherein said media item comprises at least one in the image file of the video file of audio file, video of song and image.
8. the method for claim 1 also comprises:
Receive with the corresponding media item of the described media item of having discerned and select;
Determine whether the described media data relevant with the described media item of having discerned is stored in the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor;
If the described media data relevant with the described media item of having discerned is not stored in the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor, activate described data-carrier store based on dish; And
The described first of described media data is sent to the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor from described data-carrier store based on dish.
9. method of data-carrier store that in portable media player, optionally activates based on dish, described portable media player has described based on the data-carrier store of dish and the data-carrier store of based semiconductor, and described method comprises:
The receiving media item is selected, and wherein the media data of selected media item comprises a plurality of data divisions, and described a plurality of data divisions comprise first and remainder, and described remainder is different from and does not comprise described first;
Activate described data-carrier store and the described first of access at least based on dish;
Broadcast based on the described first that retrieves the data-carrier store of dish, rather than is at first stored the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor into from described;
With play described first side by side is sent to described remainder described based semiconductor from described data-carrier store based on dish data-carrier store; And
After described remainder was transmitted, deactivation was described based on the data-carrier store that coils, thereby reduced the power consumption of described media player.
10. method as claimed in claim 9 also comprises:
The described remainder that broadcast retrieves from the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor.
11. method as claimed in claim 9 if wherein the described media data of described selected media item is stored in the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor, is then play described selected media item, and does not activate described data-carrier store based on dish.
12. method as claimed in claim 10, the step of the described remainder of wherein said broadcast comprises:
Determine when need be except described first other media data;
When described determining step determine to need described other media data from the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor at least one in the described remainder of the described media data of retrieval; And
Described at least one remainder of the described media data that broadcast retrieves from the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor.
13. method as claimed in claim 9, wherein said first and described remainder have the size in the scope from 32 kilobyte to 256 kilobyte.
14. method as claimed in claim 9, wherein said media player are the equipment of pocket size.
15. method as claimed in claim 9, wherein said media player are the hand-held music players.
16. method as claimed in claim 9, the described data-carrier store based on dish of wherein said media player is stored a plurality of media item, and described media player comprises in audio player, video machines and the image viewer at least one, and
Wherein said media item comprises at least one in the image file of the video file of audio file, video of song and image.
17. method as claimed in claim 9 also comprises:
Receive with the corresponding media item of the media item of having discerned and select;
Determine whether the described media data relevant with the described media item of having discerned is stored in the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor;
If the described media data relevant with the described media item of having discerned is not stored in the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor, activate described data-carrier store based on dish; And
The described first of described media data is sent to the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor from described data-carrier store based on dish.
18. the equipment of a playing media item in battery powered media player, described battery powered media player has based on the data-carrier store of dish and the data-carrier store of based semiconductor, the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor had than the described fast access time of data-carrier store based on dish, and wherein said based on the many power of the data-carrier store of the described based semiconductor of data-carrier store consumption rate that coils, described equipment comprises:
Be used for from the device of the first of the media data of the described media item of having discerned based on the data-carrier store retrieval of dish, the described media data of the wherein said media item of having discerned comprises described first and remainder, and described remainder is different from and does not comprise described first;
The device that is used to play described first rather than at first stores the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor into;
Be used for being sent to from described data-carrier store the device of the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor based on dish to the described remainder of the described media data of major general; And
Be used for the described data-carrier store of deactivation after having transmitted described remainder, thereby reduce the device of the power consumption of described media player based on dish.
19. equipment as claimed in claim 18 also comprises:
Be used for playing the device of the described remainder of the described media data that retrieves from the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor.
20. equipment as claimed in claim 19, the wherein said device that is used for playing the described remainder of the described media data that retrieves from the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor comprises:
Being used to determine when need be except the device of other media data the described first;
Be used for when described at least one the device of retrieving the described remainder of described media data from the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor that is used for determining when to determine described other media data of needs except the device of other media data the described first time; And
Be used for playing the device of described at least one remainder of the described media data that retrieves from the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor.
21. equipment as claimed in claim 18, wherein said first and described remainder have the size in the scope from 32 kilobyte to 256 kilobyte.
22. equipment as claimed in claim 18, wherein said media player are the equipment of pocket size.
23. equipment as claimed in claim 18, wherein said media player are the hand-held music players.
24. equipment as claimed in claim 18, the described data-carrier store based on dish of wherein said media player is stored a plurality of media item, and described media player comprises in audio player, video machines and the image viewer at least one, and
Wherein said media item comprises at least one in the image file of the video file of audio file, video of song and image.
25. equipment as claimed in claim 18 also comprises:
Be used to receive the device of selecting with the corresponding media item of the described media item of having discerned;
Be used for determining whether the described media data relevant with the described media item of having discerned is stored in the device of the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor;
Be used for when the described media data relevant with the described media item of having discerned is not stored in the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor, activating described device based on the data-carrier store that coils; And
Be used for the described first of described media data is sent to from described data-carrier store based on dish the device of the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor.
26. an equipment that optionally activates in portable media player based on the data-carrier store of dish, described portable media player have described based on the data-carrier store of dish and the data-carrier store of based semiconductor, described equipment comprises:
Be used for the device that the receiving media item is selected, wherein the media data of selected media item comprises a plurality of data divisions, and described a plurality of data divisions comprise first and remainder, and described remainder is different from and does not comprise described first;
Be used to activate described based on the data-carrier store of dish and the device of the described first of access at least;
Be used for playing from described described first that retrieves based on the data-carrier store of dish rather than the device that at first stores the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor into;
Be used for side by side described remainder being sent to from described data-carrier store based on dish the device of the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor with the described first of broadcast; And
Be used for the described data-carrier store of deactivation after described remainder is transmitted, thereby reduce the device of the power consumption of described media player based on dish.
27. equipment as claimed in claim 26 also comprises:
Be used for playing the device of the described remainder that retrieves from the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor.
28. equipment as claimed in claim 26 also comprises:
Be used for playing described selected media item when described media data in described selected media item is stored in the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor and do not activate the device of described data-carrier store based on dish.
29. equipment as claimed in claim 27, the wherein said device that is used for playing the described remainder that retrieves from the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor comprises:
Being used to determine when need be except the device of other media data the described first;
Be used for when described at least one the device of retrieving the described remainder of described media data from the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor that is used for determining when to determine described other media data of needs except the device of other media data the described first time; And
Be used for playing the device of described at least one remainder of the described media data that retrieves from the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor.
30. equipment as claimed in claim 26, wherein said first and described remainder have the size in the scope from 32 kilobyte to 256 kilobyte.
31. equipment as claimed in claim 26, wherein said media player are the equipment of pocket size.
32. equipment as claimed in claim 26, wherein said media player are the hand-held music players.
33. equipment as claimed in claim 26, the described data-carrier store based on dish of wherein said media player is stored a plurality of media item, and described media player comprises in audio player, video machines and the image viewer at least one, and
Wherein said media item comprises at least one in the image file of the video file of audio file, video of song and image.
34. equipment as claimed in claim 26 also comprises:
The device that the corresponding media item of the media item that is used to receive and has discerned is selected;
Be used for determining whether the described media data relevant with the described media item of having discerned is stored in the device of the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor;
Be used for when the described media data relevant with the described media item of having discerned is not stored in the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor, activating described device based on the data-carrier store that coils; And
Be used for the described first of described media data is sent to from described data-carrier store based on dish the device of the data-carrier store of described based semiconductor.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US34623601P | 2001-10-22 | 2001-10-22 | |
| US60/346,236 | 2001-10-22 | ||
| US10/118,217 | 2002-04-05 | ||
| US10/118,217 US6934812B1 (en) | 2001-10-22 | 2002-04-05 | Media player with instant play capability |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNB028259386A Division CN100492272C (en) | 2001-10-22 | 2002-10-18 | Media player with instant play capability |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN101540180A CN101540180A (en) | 2009-09-23 |
| CN101540180B true CN101540180B (en) | 2011-11-02 |
Family
ID=41123324
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN200910138132XA Expired - Fee Related CN101540181B (en) | 2001-10-22 | 2002-10-18 | Media player with instant play capability |
| CN2009101381315A Expired - Fee Related CN101540180B (en) | 2001-10-22 | 2002-10-18 | Media player with instant play capability |
Family Applications Before (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN200910138132XA Expired - Fee Related CN101540181B (en) | 2001-10-22 | 2002-10-18 | Media player with instant play capability |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CN (2) | CN101540181B (en) |
Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5740143A (en) * | 1993-06-18 | 1998-04-14 | Sony Corporation | Disc reproducing apparatus |
| US5822288A (en) * | 1992-07-09 | 1998-10-13 | Sony Corporation | Power saving method and apparatus for intermittently reading reproduction apparatus |
| EP1028425A2 (en) * | 1999-02-12 | 2000-08-16 | Compaq Computer Corporation | Low power system and method for playing compressed audio data |
Family Cites Families (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TW279228B (en) * | 1994-12-16 | 1996-06-21 | Detutsche Thomson Brandt Gmbh |
-
2002
- 2002-10-18 CN CN200910138132XA patent/CN101540181B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2002-10-18 CN CN2009101381315A patent/CN101540180B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5822288A (en) * | 1992-07-09 | 1998-10-13 | Sony Corporation | Power saving method and apparatus for intermittently reading reproduction apparatus |
| US5740143A (en) * | 1993-06-18 | 1998-04-14 | Sony Corporation | Disc reproducing apparatus |
| EP1028425A2 (en) * | 1999-02-12 | 2000-08-16 | Compaq Computer Corporation | Low power system and method for playing compressed audio data |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CN101540180A (en) | 2009-09-23 |
| CN101540181A (en) | 2009-09-23 |
| CN101540181B (en) | 2012-10-24 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CN100492272C (en) | Media player with instant play capability | |
| US6629000B1 (en) | MPEG portable sound reproducing system and a reproducing method thereof | |
| US6377530B1 (en) | System and method for playing compressed audio data | |
| JP2005507131A5 (en) | ||
| US8688928B2 (en) | Media device with intelligent cache utilization | |
| US20070157268A1 (en) | Portable media device with improved video acceleration capabilities | |
| US20020089774A1 (en) | System for managing power in a portable music player | |
| US8015212B2 (en) | Reproduction method, reproduction apparatus, and recording medium | |
| CN101833423A (en) | Record and reproducer and record and reproducting method | |
| CN101540180B (en) | Media player with instant play capability | |
| US6931556B2 (en) | Background transfer of optical disk to hard disk | |
| US20060059533A1 (en) | Method of and device for caching digital content data | |
| WO2006097903A2 (en) | Method of synchronization in a mobile system | |
| US20030067847A1 (en) | Reducing power consumption of rotating disk storage devices | |
| US20070091736A1 (en) | System and method for storing and managing digital content | |
| TW200950526A (en) | Method for playing streaming data, electronic device for performing the same and information storage media for storing the same | |
| CN201188314Y (en) | Data storage apparatus | |
| JP2001283524A (en) | Method and device for reproducing contents |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| C06 | Publication | ||
| PB01 | Publication | ||
| C10 | Entry into substantive examination | ||
| SE01 | Entry into force of request for substantive examination | ||
| C14 | Grant of patent or utility model | ||
| GR01 | Patent grant | ||
| CF01 | Termination of patent right due to non-payment of annual fee |
Granted publication date: 20111102 Termination date: 20181018 |
|
| CF01 | Termination of patent right due to non-payment of annual fee |