WO2008004235A2

WO2008004235A2 - A media player an integrated circuit for a media player and a method of producing both

Info

Publication number: WO2008004235A2
Application number: PCT/IL2007/000841
Authority: WO
Inventors: Amir Geva; Rafi Mosseri
Original assignee: Musicpump Ltd.
Priority date: 2006-07-05
Filing date: 2007-07-05
Publication date: 2008-01-10
Also published as: WO2008004235A3

Abstract

Disclosed is an integrated circuit and method of producing same. The integrated circuit may include media player control logic, content decoder logic, and in some cases an non-volatile memory array. According to some embodiments of the present invention, there may be included an NVM controller which may be adapted to provide restricted access to the NVM. The NVM controller may restrict read access to content playing segments of the IC. The NVM controller may provide write access during a device production or loading phase and may restrict user write access.

Description

A MEDIA PLAYER AN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT FOR A MEDIA PLAYER AND A METHOD OF PRODUCING

BOTH

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to the field of integrated circuit design and fabrication. More specifically, the present invention relates to an integrated circuit suitable for use in a preloaded or dedicated media-player, a preloaded or dedicated media player, and a method of producing both.

BACKGROUND

[002] In recent decades, electronic technology, including communication technology, has revolutionized our everyday lives. Electronic devices such as Personal Digital Assistants ("PDA's"), cell phones, mobile media players and digital cameras have permeated the lives of almost every person living in the developed world - and quite a number of people living in undeveloped countries. As part of a recent trend in the consumer electronics market, more and more people are using media players which play content (i.e. sound and/or video) stored on non-volatile memory ("NVM") arrays such as flash memory.

[003] Media Players, sometime referred to as MP3 players (MP3 and MP4 are names of popular encoding standards), are produces in many configurations ^'and are even incorporated into other electronic devices such as cell phones. Media Players today, such as MP3 players, play content stored on integrated circuit dies having at least one NVM arrays. The die with the NVM may either be integral with the media player or may be part of a removal memory device such as a memory card, but in either case, the non-volatile memory array die is separate from other dies of the media player which may include circuitry of the media player such as device controller logic, data decoding logic and an digital-to-analog converter. [004] With the proliferation of mobile media players, there is also an increasing need to be able to distribute proprietary digital content (such as copyrighted material) in a safe and secure manner, free of the risk of unauthorized copying. Unauthorized copying is a serious problem in the distribution of digital media having openly-readable content (e.g., optical disks, flash memory cards, etc.). Openly-readable content is generally vulnerable to being copied without authorization, in violation of copyright. [005] Various solutions to the security problem have been proposed for digital media, including embedded cryptographic capabilities, such as found in the "Secure Digital" (SD) replaceable media solution. Unfortunately, solutions such as SD are complex and expensive to implement, and require the development of secure media players to access the encrypted digital content. Moreover, the user has to purchase a special player, which is often expensive. Furthermore, although the separate player is authenticated by the media, the need for a separate device in the playback process increases the vulnerability of the media to attack and compromises the security of the digital content encryption.

[006] One solution to the above mentioned copyright problem for applications like: (1) music albums, (2) audio books, (3) health care guides, (4) language translators, and (4) other audio based applications has been the production and distribution of dedicated media players. The dedicated medial players usually include content which is preloaded in a non-volatile memory integral with the device, which non-volatile memory is not accessible from outside the player once the device has been assembled. [007] Present day dedicated media players are substantially low function versions of the general purpose media players. The design and production of present day dedicated media players does account for and take advantage of the difference between dedicated and general purpose media players. There is thus a need in the field of media players for improved dedicated media players and for improved methods of producing dedicated media players. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[008] The present invention is an integrated circuit ("IC") on a die adapted for use with a media player, a media player incorporating the IC and methods of producing both. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the IC may include a digital media decoder logic segment adapted to convert content bearing (e.g. sound, video, text, etc) digital data from an encoded or compressed format into data of a usable format (i.e. audio and/or video renderable). According to some embodiments, the decoder logic may be hardcoded rather than being a set of commands executed on a general purpose processor. According to other embodiments, the decoder may be a part of a general purpose processor. According to yet further embodiments of the present invention, the IC decoder may be adapted to decode data stored in a proprietary encoding format. While, according to other embodiments of the present invention, the decoder may be adapted to decode data stored in a standardized format (e.g. MP3, MP4, MPEG, etc.).

[009] According to further embodiments of the present invention, the IC may include a non-volatile memory ("NVM") array functionally associated with an NVM controller. The NVM array and controller may be fabricated and operated according to any methodology and technology (e.g. CMOS, floating gate, NROM, SONOS, TONOS, MLC, etc..) known today or to be devised in the future. The NVM Array may be fabricated using SONOS, NROM, TONOS, floating gate or any other NVM fabrication technique. The logic and analog circuits of the IC may be fabricated using CMOS fabrication techniques. U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 20060068551 , incorporated herein by references, teaches a method by which to combine NROM and CMOS elements on the single die using a single process. Any method of combing NVM elements and logic elements using a single process, known today or to be devised in the future, may be applicable to the present invention. [010] According to some embodiments of the present invention the NVM array may be a read only memory ("ROM"), where the data bearing content is "burned" or imprinted on the array during fabrication and/sorting of the IC die. Any method of fabricating, sorting, imprinting data on a ROM known today or to be devised in the future may be applicable to the present invention.

[011] The NVM array may be adapted to store content bearing digital data (e.g. dedicated audio/video content). The NVM controller may provide the decoder logic, or other segments of the IC associated with content playback, read access to the NVM array of the IC. The controller may also restrict read access of the NVM array for IC segments not associated with playback, such that data on the NVM array may not be copied.

[012] The NVM controller may also provide for substantially restricted access to the NVM array, such that data bearing content may only be written to some predefined portion of the array during a production phase of the IC or of the device using the IC. A user of the media player incorporating the IC may be restricted from erasing or overwriting the content bearing data in the predefined portion. The predefined portion may be a fraction or all of the NVM array's data storage area. In those embodiments where the predefined portion of the NVM array is less than the full array, the undefined portion of the NVM array may be written to by a device user.

[013] The NVM controller may either include or may be functionally associated with an encryption/decryption engine. The encryption/decryption engine may be used when content bearing data is to be stored on the NVM in an encrypted manner. The encryption/decryption engine may either be dedicate logic circuitry (i.e. state machine) or may be a set of instructions running on a processor.

[014] According to further embodiments of the present invention, the IC may include interface circuitry adapted to connect with an external NVM array. The external NVM array may be part of a complete NVM data storage solution (packaged NVM chip) or may be on a bare die connected with the IC in a Chip-on-Board ("COB") package. [015] According to further embodiments of the present invention, user interface circuitry on the IC may receive user inputs in the form of electrical signals from user input devices such as buttons and other touch based sensors. The user interface circuitry may condition or convert the signal(s) from the input devices/sensors such that media player control logic on the IC may receive the input signal and may respond accordingly. The media player control logic may either be dedicate control logic (i.e. state machine) or may be a set of instructions running on a processor. [016] Analog audio/video output circuitry on the IC may include one or more digital to analog converters adapted to convert content bearing data into an analog signal usable by an audio transducer or an analog based video receiver. Optional video display drive circuitry on the IC may convert video bearing data into signals suitable to drive a digital video display such as an Liquid Crystal Display ("LCD") functionally associated with the IC.

[017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the IC may include external interface circuitry adapted to receive and transmit data. The external interface circuitry may include: (1) interfaces to external memory, (2) interfaces allowing regulated uploading of content bearing data to the NVM, and (3) wireless media streaming circuitry such as WiFi and Bluetooth transceivers.

[018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, some or all of the digital circuits (e.g. decoders, encoders, control logic, interface circuits, drivers, etc.) may be implemented as code running on a processors. In an alternative embodiment, some or all of the digital circuits (e.g. decoders, encoders, control logic, interface circuits, drivers, etc.) may be implemented using specially designed dedicated logic circuitry or using one or more customized Application Specific Integrated Circuits ("ASIC"). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[019] The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which:

[020] Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the functional block of an exemplary IC according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[021] Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the function block of an exemplary media player according to some embodiments of the present invention using an IC according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[022] Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the functional block of a further exemplary IC according to further embodiments of the present invention; and

[023] Fig. 4 is a general schematic diagram illustrating the block of an exemplary media player according to some embodiments of the present invention using an IC according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[024] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity.

Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

[025]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[026] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components and circuits have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention.

[027] Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the specification discussions utilizing terms such as "processing", "computing", "calculating", "determining", or the like, refer to the action and/or processes of a computer or computing system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulate and/or transform data represented as physical, such as electronic, quantities within the computing system's registers and/or memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computing system's memories, registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices. [028] Embodiments of the present invention may include apparatuses for performing the operations herein. This apparatus may be specially constructed for the desired purposes, or it may comprise a general purpose computer selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computer. Such a computer program may be stored in a computer readable storage medium, such as, but is not limited to, any type of disk including floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, magnetic-optical disks, read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs) electrically programmable read-only memories (EPROMs), electrically erasable and programmable read only memories (EEPROMs), magnetic or optical cards, or any other type of media suitable for storing electronic instructions, and capable of being coupled to a computer system bus.

[029] The processes and displays presented herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus. Various general purpose systems may be used with programs in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may prove convenient to construct a more specialized apparatus to perform the desired method. The desired structure for a variety of these systems will appear from the description below. In addition, embodiments of the present invention are not described with reference to any particular programming language. It will be appreciated that a variety of programming languages may be used to implement the teachings of the inventions as described herein.

[030] Exemplary Embodiment 1 (Relating to Figures 1 & 2)

[031] Turning now to Fig. 1 , there is shown a block diagram illustrating the functional blocks of an exemplary IC according to some embodiments of the present invention. The integrated circuit ("IC") on a die may include a digital media decoder logic segment adapted to convert content bearing (e.g. sound, video, text, etc) digital data from an encoded or compressed format into data of a usable format (i.e. audio and/or video renderable). According to some embodiments, the decoder logic may be hardcoded rather than being a set of commands executed on a general purpose processor. According to other embodiments, the decoder may be a part of a general purpose processor. According to yet further embodiments of the present invention, the IC decoder may be adapted to decode data stored in a proprietary encoding format. While, according to other embodiments of the present invention, the decoder may be adapted to decode data stored in a standardized format (e.g. MP3, MP4, MPEG, etc.). [032] According to further embodiments of the present invention, the IC may include a non-volatile memory ("NVM") array functionally associated with an NVM controller. The NVM array and controller may be fabricated according to any methodology and technology (e.g. CMOS, floating gate, NROM, SONOS, TONOS, MLC, etc..) known today or to be devised in the future. The NVM Array may be fabricated using SONOS, NROM, TONOS, floating gate or any other NVM fabrication technique. The logic and analog circuits of the IC may be fabricated using CMOS fabrication techniques. U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 20060068551, incorporated herein by references, teaches a method by which to combine NROM and CMOS elements on the single die using a single process. Any method of combing NVM elements and logic elements using a single process, known today or to be devised in the future, may be applicable to the present invention.

[033] The NVM array may be adapted to store content bearing digital data (e.g. dedicated audio/video content). The NVM controller may provide the decoder logic, or other segments of the IC associated with content playback, read access to the NVM array of the IC. The controller may also restrict read access of the NVM array for IC segments not associated with playback, such that data on the NVM array may not be copied.

[034] The NVM controller may also provide for substantially restricted access to the

NVM array, such that data bearing content may only be written to some predefined portion of the array during a production phase of the IC or of the device using the IC. A user of the media player incorporating the IC may be restricted from erasing or overwriting the content bearing data in the predefined portion. The predefined portion may be a fraction or all of the NVM array's data storage area. In those embodiments where the predefined portion of the NVM array is less than the full array, the undefined portion of the NVM array may be written to by a device user.

[035] The NVM controller may either include or may be functionally associated with an encryption/decryption engine. The encryption/decryption engine may be used when content bearing data is to be stored on the NVM in an encrypted manner. The encryption/decryption engine may either be dedicate logic circuitry (i.e. state machine) or may be a set of instructions running on a processor.

[036] According to further embodiments of the present invention, the IC may include interface circuitry adapted to connect with an external NVM array. The external NVM array may be part of a complete NVM data storage solution (packaged NVM chip) or may be on a bare die connected with the IC in a Chip-on-Board ("COB") package.

[037] According to further embodiments of the present invention, user interface circuitry on the IC may receive user inputs in the form of electrical signals from user input devices such as buttons and other touch based sensors. The user interface circuitry may condition or convert the signal(s) from the input devices/sensors such that media player control logic on the IC may receive the input signal and may respond accordingly. The media player control logic may either be dedicate control logic (i.e. state machine) or may be a set of instructions running on a processor.

[038] Analog audio/video output circuitry on the IC may include one or more digital to analog converters adapted to convert content bearing data into an analog signal usable by an audio transducer or an analog based video receiver. Optional video display drive circuitry on the IC may convert video bearing data into signals suitable to drive a digital video display such as an Liquid Crystal Display ("LCD") functionally associated with the

IC.

[039] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the IC may include external interface circuitry adapted to receive and transmit data. The external interface circuitry may include: (1) interfaces to external memory, (2) interfaces allowing regulated uploading of content bearing data to the NVM, and (3) wireless media streaming circuitry such as WiFi and Bluetooth transceivers.

[040] According to some embodiments of the present invention, some or all of the digital circuits (e.g. decoders, encoders, control logic, interface circuits, drivers, etc.) may be implemented as code running on a processors. In an alternative embodiment, some or all of the digital circuits (e.g. decoders, encoders, control logic, interface circuits, drivers, etc.) may be implemented using specially designed dedicated logic circuitry or using one or more customized Application Specific Integrated Circuits

("ASIC").

[041] Turning now to Fig. 2, there is shown a block diagram illustrating the function block of an exemplary media player according to some embodiments of the present invention using an IC according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[042] Exemplary Embodiment 2 (Relating to Figures 3 & 4) [043] Definition of Terms:

[044] 1. The term "Solution on chip" herein denotes any integrated software and hardware solution based on a semiconductor wafer piece;

[045] 2. The term "recorded digital content" herein denotes any audio and/or video material in digital format, at least a portion of which may have been recorded from real aural and/or visual sources;

[046] 3. The term "embedded pre-recorded digital content" with respect to a commercially-available device denotes recorded digital content that is embedded (also denoted as "pre-loaded") into that device prior to the delivery of the device to a user or customer; according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the embedding of the recorded digital content into the device may be performed during the manufacture of the device; according to another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the embedding of the recorded digital content into the device may be performed after the manufacture of the device during a configuration operation prior to delivery of the device to the user or customer. Both these cases are herein denoted by the term "substantially at the time of manufacture";

[047] 4. The term "real aural source" herein denotes any physical phenomenon which can be heard by the aided or unaided human ear, including, but not limited to: speech; music; sounds produced by nature; and sound effects;

[048] 5. The term "real visual source" herein denotes any object or physical phenomenon which can be seen by the aided or unaided human eye.

[049] 6. The terms "record", "recorded", and "recording" herein respectively denote the processing, result, and product of transcribing physical aural and/or visual phenomenon from source into a form suitable for playback thereof.

[050] 7. The term "digital format" with respect to recordings and recording processes herein denotes any digital data in a format suitable for the recording of transcribed physical aural and/or visual phenomenon. [051] 8. The terms "video recording" and "recorded digital video content" herein denote any recording, at least a portion of which is a recording of a real visual source, containing at least one image, which may be static (e.g., "graphics", "still picture") or dynamic (e.g., "motion picture").

[052] 9. The term "player" herein denotes a device which can play back recorded digital content. Players can play back recorded audio material and/or recorded video material.

[053] The present invention is of an Integrated Circuit that may serve as a core engine for any dedicated player application as a medium for distribution of music and video content. Instead of having two components in order to play the music or video (e.g. CD + CD player) or illegal copy of music/video files to players devices (e.g. MP3 players), a device according to embodiments of the present invention manufacturers may include a single legal copy of a music/video set of tracks (similar to a music CD content) for a lifetime of replays. A Player according to some embodiments of the present invention may be connected directly to headphones, earphones, or to any other presentation device. Player output is analog and does not permit a digital copy of the content to be made. For playing of video content, a device according to the present invention can be connected directly to a television and/or to an amplifying audio system. In another embodiment of the present invention, the analog output may be transmitted wirelessly to one or more presentation devices, by means including, but not limited to: Bluetooth, infrared; and radio frequency, such as FM radio. [054] Technical Overview:

[055] An IC on a die according to some embodiments of the present invention may be termed a Solution on Chip. The IC may be packaged using common Pin TSOP packages, BGA (Ball Grid Array), TQFP, Dice, CFP, flip chip and other wafer packaging methods. A ROM/non-volatile memory chip with the embedded pre-recorded content may be connected externally thru a dedicated interface, or according to other embodiment of the present invention, the NVM may be integral with the IC. [056] Peripheral components which may be connected to the IC include controls, audio/video connectors, D/A converters, optional screen for display, and an optional description mechanism. Some of these peripherals, such as the D/A may also be integral with the IC.

[057] Therefore, according to the present invention there is provided a solution on chip for storing and playing embedded pre-recorded digital content, the IC may include one or combination of the following functional circuit blocks: (a) dedicated player decoding logic (hardcoded or software) based on either a proprietary or standard efficient CODEC; (b) a controller for retrieving the recorded digital content from memory; (c) a player application logic or program with simple SDK ready for extensions and customizations; (d) a memory interface for supporting connectivity to NAND/NOR flash memory components, OTP/Mask ROM memory, SPI (optional) and other memory common interfaces; (e) an audio amplifier supporting earphones volume and volume control; (f) a USB or other fast interface to enable fast memory loading ( could be with limited access to the memory in order to prevent hackers access); (g) UART for debugging purposes; (h) DC to DC converters; (i) dedicated filters and equalizers; and (j) optional elements such as: (j.L)digital-to-analog converter for converting the playable digital signal to an analog output for playing 0-2.) a simple LCD support (at least for counter display) (j.3.) a support for MLC type memory (j.4.) a wireless transmitter such as: FM modulator, Bluetooth, Infra-red or similar interface that could enable easy connectivity to external devices (e.g. Hi-Fi systems , car stereo systems, PC). [058] Turning now to Fig 3, there are shown components which may be integrated in the DP SOC. The components are:

[059] Audio Decoder - unlike common MP3 player's ICs/SOCs/other solutions, which intend to support several popular standard CODECs (e.g. MP3, WAV, AAC, WMA, OGG, RN) on the same chip and supporting high range of frequencies, in the dedicated player solution there is no need to support more than one CODEC and it would be even preferable to choose a proprietary CODEC or at least an improved flavor of a royalty- free (or low royalty) CODEC. There is no need to support wide range of frequencies as the preloaded content is going to be processed in "off-line" methods from a reliable master copy of the art. A method of Variable Bit Rate (VBR) is recommended to be adopted due to the nature of the preloaded player that plays a single compressed file thus could efficiently handles sudden complexities in compression. VBR compression techniques allow high bit rate peaks and on the other hand efficient compression on the other parts of the Audio/Video data.

[060] Embedded encryption - Assuming that the CODEC is not standard one and could not be played by common MP3 players, a relatively simple encryption method is required for securing the copyrights. Such encryption method could be embedded in the CODEC format itself.

[061] Memory interfaces - for saving the high cost of cost special IO (In Out) interfaces using additional processors. Basic support should be for a NAND flash memory but due to the high fluctuation of the memory world market, it would be recommended to support also OTP memories, which is much more stable one. Another option is supporting memory cards interfaces such as: SD Card memory for replaceable option. [062] DC to DC power converters - since most of those applications are for portable devices and based on a low power battery power, it would be significant cost saver if those relatively expensive components would be integrated in the DP SOC circuit as it suggested in the present invention. External power converters could be always applied but having at least 1-3 DC to DC components in the DP SOC itself would eliminate the need for external power converters for the major part of the dedicated player applications. Integrating power converters in the DP SOC itself could also overcome noise problems that often occur when using low cost external Dc to DC components. [063] Basic Player application - significant cost saving could be achieved by supporting the basic player functions in the DP SOC itself thus eliminate the need of external and relatively expensive processing unit (e.g. IC, MCU, DSP) to execute those management functions. Taking into account that most of the dedicated player applications would not require a sophisticated management interface, it would be sufficient to embed the following player functions as part of the DP SOC software:

[064] On/Off - soft turn on / turn off function

[065] Play- normal play of the audio/video

[066] Pause/Stop - temporary or permanent halt of the player

[067] Next/Back - skip to next track or last track

[068] Fast forward / Rewind - nevigate internally in a certain track in both directions

[069] Volume up/down

[070] Auto bookmark - remember the last position of the player before shutdown

[071] Auto shutdown - turn off automatically when the player is on Stop/Pause mode for more than a fixed time (battery saving function)

[072] Optional functions, but not limited to, are: repeat, balance, bass and treble, equalizer modes, wireless control (whenever using the wireless transmitter internally).

[073] For customized extensions a common interface would be applied to the solution enabling the application's developers to tailor the control functions according to their special needs (e.g. book marking..).

[074] Additional important goal achieved by embedding the basic player application in the dedicated player SOC is the reduction of complexity for application developers when adopting the present DP SOC in their electronic circuit. Having the basic management functions embedded in the DP SOC itself makes it much simpler for the device manufacturers and saves debugging and integrations time, cost and efforts. [075] Audio amplifier - assuming that most of the dedicated applications would be for a portable player that supposes to use standard stereo earphones, it would be essential to have an audio amplifier or preamplifier with volume control capability

[076] Filters and equalizers - dedicated filters and equalizers could adjust the sound quality to the played content. Unlike common audio players (e.g. Mp3 players), the dedicated player application may play only limited set of music/audio, which was preloaded to the player and was authored by the offline tools to achieve best quality in a relatively low bit rate thus save unnecessary memory cost. Therefore, it would be highly efficient to include a set of pre-tuned equalizing and audio filtering tools that would enable final adjustment to the sound quality after loading the music to the player.

[077] Video Application

[078] In another embodiment of the present invention, the digital content is video. The block diagram of Figure 3 also applies for video, as previously noted. The main difference is that in addition to audio playing capability, this embodiment of the present invention is designed to also play a visual content, such as video or other visual digital data.

[079] Embodiments of the present invention for video use are typically more complicated and costly than those for audio use only. Typically, there is a larger capacity for memory (roughly comparable to the ratio of CD storage capacity to DVD storage capacity), a more powerful processor for the video decoder and player, and video interfaces.

[080] Audio/Video CODEC

[081] To save memory space, keep costs low, to achieve high audio/video quality in embodiments according to the present invention, an effective compression technique

(CODEC) may be used. Such algorithm/software could be based on an improved version of one of the currently commercially available formats (e.g. MP3, WMA, AAC for

Audio compression, WMV, MPEG-4 AVC for video compression). In another embodiment of the present invention, a proprietary compression algorithm (lossless or lossy) may offer superior data compression and fidelity.

[082] Turning now to Fig. 4, there is shown a schematic diagram of a media player according to some embodiments of the present invention. The player may use an IC according to some embodiments of the present invention, as described above, and may be produced and operated as follows: [083] Decoding and Playing Process

[084] Pre-recorded or preloaded digital content may be embedded into a dedicated digital media playing device in a compressed format using offline encoding tools, which are not part of the present invention. This process is part of the currently-available production process and must be done only one time per production of a single item. [085] After receiving the user's activation command (e.g. 'Play' command) a real-time process may transform the stored digital content into analog audio/video signals. Such process may preferably include a real-time decoder system and a real time playing system. The compressed file may be read from the external memory in real time and passes to the DP SOC memory interface toward a decompression mechanism for transformation into clear/uncompressed digital data. From the decoding unit, the data may be sent to a real-time player, which is also part of the DP SOC software, for additional processing that turns the digital data into a music/video signal. The output signal may then be converted (could be internal or external process) to an analog signal for playing by an external transducer, non-limiting examples of which include headphones, speakers, amplifier, television, etc. The external transducer may be connected to the device via an analog output connector.

[086] In an embodiment of the present invention, an internal buffering mechanism may enable smooth control of the decoding/playing pace. [087] User interface [088] Some embodiments do of the present invention do not enable the user any loading of audio/video/data tracks to the local memory of the device using the DP SOC control. Furthermore, the set of tracks is typically limited to a couple of dozens at most, and thus, the user interface is simpler than in typical prior art SOC for playing devices that must handle a variety and changeable set of tracks (e.g. MP3 players, DVD/CD players). Embodiments of the present invention feature may support for a very simple and basic screen display; other embodiments of the present invention may omit the screen display altogether. Alternatively, advanced embodiments of the present invention may include additional functions that are operated from the on-screen display.

[089] Advanced Versions

[090] Embodiments of advanced versions of the present invention may include features such as:

[091] Advanced Audio/Video interfaces and control options:

[092] AC3 Audio interface

[093] High definition resolutions

[094] Dolby filters

[095] Equalizer

[096] Remote control support

[097] On screen display support

[098] Data of each track

[099] Bluetooth interface support

[0100] While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed:

1. An integrated circuit ("IC") on a die comprising: a non-volatile memory array ("NVM") adapted to store digital content data; content decoder logic adapted to decode digital content data stored on said memory; and media player control logic adapted to coordinate operation of said decoder logic based on a user input signal.

2. The IC according to claim 1 , further comprising a digital to analog converter circuit ("AJD") adapted to convert digital content data to an analog signal.

3. The IC according to claim 2, further comprising a filter circuit to filter output from said A/D.

4. The IC according to claim 2, further comprising a preamplifier circuit.

5. The IC according to claim 1 , further comprising an NVM controller adapted to provide read access for data stored on the NVM.

6. The IC according to claim 5, wherein said controller NVM is adapted to restrict read access of the NVM array to media playing segments of the IC.

7. The IC according to claim 1 , further comprising an NVM controller adapted to provide substantially restricted write access to the NVM array.

8. The IC according to claim 7, wherein said NVM controller is adapted to provide write access as part of a device production process and to restrict device user write access.

9. A method of producing an integrated circuit ("IC") on a die comprising: fabricating a non-volatile memory array ("NVM") adapted to store digital content data; fabricating content decoder logic adapted to decode digital content data stored on said memory; and fabricating media player control logic adapted to coordinate operation of said decoder logic based on a user input signal.

10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising fabricating a digital to analog converter circuit ("A/D") adapted to convert digital content data to an analog signal.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising fabricating a filter circuit to filter output from said A/D.

12. The method according to claim 10, further comprising fabricating a preamplifier circuit.

13. The method according to claim 9, further comprising fabricating an NVM controller adapted to provide read access for data stored on the NVM.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein said controller NVM is adapted to restrict read access of the NVM array to media playing segments of the IC.

15. The method according to claim 9, further comprising fabricating an NVM controller adapted to provide substantially restricted write access to the NVM array.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein said controller is adapted to provide write access as part of a device production process and to restrict device user write access.

17. A media player comprising: an earphone jack; and an integrated circuit ("IC") on a die comprising a non-volatile memory array ("NVM") adapted to store pre-loaded digital content bearing data, content decoder logic adapted to decode digital content data stored on said memory; and media player control logic adapted to coordinate operation of said decoder logic based on a user input signal.

18. The player according to claim 17, wherein said IC further comprises a digital to analog converter circuit ("A/D") adapted to convert digital content data to an analog signal.

19. The player according to claim 18, wherein said IC further comprises a filter circuit to filter output from said A/D.

20. The player according to claim 18, wherein said IC further comprises a preamplifier circuit.

21. The player according to claim 17, wherein said IC further comprises an NVM controller adapted to provide read access for data stored on the NVM.

22. The player according to claim 21 , wherein said NVM controller is adapted to restrict read access of the NVM array to media playing segments of the IC.

23. The player according to claim 17, wherein said IC further comprises an NVM controller adapted to provide substantially restricted write access to the NVM array.

24. The player according to claim 23, wherein said NVM controller is adapted to provide write access as part of a device production process and to restrict device user write access.