Apparatus, method, and computer program for an alarm system Number:7,522,039 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) owispatent An alarm monitor includes memory that stores an actuator schedule. An input circuit receives a sensor signal that indicates an alarm condition, the sensor signal originating from a sensor that is remote from the alarm monitor. A processor generates digital data based on the sensor signal and generates a first control signal to control an actuator based on the actuator schedule. An interface wirelessly transmits a report signal to a remote master unit based on the digital data and transmits the first control signal to the actuator.<H Apparatus, computer, Apparatus, metho, 7522039.html, Patent, pto, 7522039

Title: Apparatus, method, and computer program for an alarm system

Abstract: An alarm monitor includes memory that stores an actuator schedule. An input circuit receives a sensor signal that indicates an alarm condition, the sensor signal originating from a sensor that is remote from the alarm monitor. A processor generates digital data based on the sensor signal and generates a first control signal to control an actuator based on the actuator schedule. An interface wirelessly transmits a report signal to a remote master unit based on the digital data and transmits the first control signal to the actuator.

Patent Number: 7,522,039 Issued on 04/21/2009 to Sutardja, et al.

Inventors: Sutardja; Sehat (Los Altos, CA), Rainnie; Hedley (Santa Clara, CA), Janofsky; Eric (Sunnyvale, CA)
Assignee: Marvel International Ltd. (Hamilton, BM)

Appl. No.: 11/981,729

Filed: October 31, 2007

Related U.S. Patent Documents


Application Number	Filing Date	Patent Number	Issue Date
10703034	Nov., 2003	7298252
10184505	Jun., 2002
10184302	Jun., 2002
10184299	Jun., 2002	7315764
09659693	Sep., 2000
60211874	Jun., 2000

Current U.S. Class: 340/539.1 ; 340/539.17; 340/539.22; 340/539.26; 700/20; 700/3; 700/84; 700/9

Current International Class: G08B 1/08 (20060101); G05B 11/01 (20060101); G05B 15/00 (20060101); G05B 15/02 (20060101); G05B 19/18 (20060101)

Field of Search: 340/539.1,539.17,539.19,539.22,539.25,539.26,539.27,539.28 700/1-27,80,84,299,300

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Primary Examiner: Wu; Daniel
Assistant Examiner: Tang; Son M

Parent Case Text

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/703,034, filed Nov. 5, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,298,252, which application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 09/659,693 entitled "Apparatus And Method For Recording And Reproducing Digital Data," filed Sep. 11, 2000, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/211,874, entitled "Method and Apparatus For Recording And Reproducing Digital Data," filed Jun. 14, 2000, the disclosures thereof incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 10/184,505 entitled "Apparatus And Method For Recording And Reproducing Digital Data," filed Jun. 26, 2002, the disclosure thereof incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 10/184,302 entitled "Apparatus And Method For Recording And Reproducing Digital Data," filed Jun. 26, 2002, the disclosure thereof incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 10/184,299 entitled "Apparatus And Method For Recording And Reproducing Digital Data," filed Jun. 26, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,315,764, the disclosure thereof incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An alarm monitor comprising: memory that stores an actuator schedule; an input circuit that receives a sensor signal that indicates an alarm condition, the sensor signal originating from a sensor that is remote from the alarm monitor; a processor that generates digital data based on said sensor signal and that generates a first control signal to control an actuator based on said actuator schedule; and an interface that wirelessly transmits a report signal to a remote master unit based on said digital data and that transmits said first control signal to said actuator.

2. The alarm monitor of claim 1 wherein said processor actuates a part of at least one of a window and a door via said actuator.

3. The alarm monitor of claim 2 wherein said part includes one of blinds, windowpanes, a sash, a sash cable, and a door panel.

4. The alarm monitor of claim 1 wherein said processor wirelessly transmits said first control signal to said actuator via said interface.

5. The alarm monitor of claim 1 wherein said processor at least one of opens, closes and obscures a physical portal based on said report signal via said actuator.

6. The alarm monitor of claim 1 wherein said processor signals said interface to transmit said report signal when said sensor signal is equal to a predetermined value.

7. The alarm monitor of claim 1 further comprising a receiver that receives a sensor calibration signal from said remote master unit, wherein said processor calibrates an alarm sensor based on said sensor calibration signal.

8. The alarm monitor of claim 1 further comprising a media access controller that generates said report signal based on said digital data.

9. The alarm monitor of claim 8 wherein said media access controller generates an electronic mail (email) message comprising said digital data, and wherein said interface transmits said email message to at least one of a personal computer and a portable device.

10. The alarm monitor of claim 8 further comprising a receiver that receives another signal comprising a destination address, wherein said media access controller directs said email message to said destination address.

11. The alarm monitor of claim 1 wherein said processor is in a sleep mode when said sensor signal is equal to a predetermined value for a predetermined interval, and wherein said processor transitions to an active mode and transmits said report signal via said interface when said sensor signal is no longer equal to said predetermined value.

12. The alarm monitor of claim 1 wherein said processor actuates a device that is connected to a physical portal based on said actuator schedule and independent of said digital data.

13. An alarm system comprising the alarm monitor of claim 2 and further comprising an alarm sensor that generates an alarm signal, wherein said processor generates said digital data based on said alarm signal.

14. The alarm system of claim 13 wherein said alarm sensor comprises a camera, and wherein said alarm signal comprises an image captured by said camera.

15. The alarm system of claim 13 wherein said alarm sensor comprises at least one of a seismometer, a barometer, a thermometer, a motion detector, a smoke detector, a carbon monoxide detector, and a glass breakage detector.

16. An alarm system comprising the alarm monitor and said remote master unit of claim 1, wherein said remote master unit generates a second control signal to control said actuator based on said report signal.

17. The alarm system of claim 16 wherein said remote master unit includes a network appliance.

18. The alarm system of claim 16 comprising a plurality of said alarm monitors that are in communication with said remote master unit.

19. The alarm system of claim 16 further comprising an intruder sensor that generates said sensor signal.

20. The alarm system of claim 16 further comprising a weather sensor that generates said sensor signal.

21. The alarm system of claim 16 further comprising: a receiver that receives a sensor calibration signal, wherein said processor calibrates said sensor based on said sensor calibration signal.

22. A controller comprising: an input circuit that receives a sensor signal that indicates an alarm condition, the sensor signal originating from an alarm sensor that is remote from the controller and that receives a sensor calibration signal that is associated with said alarm sensor from a remote master unit; a processor that generates digital data based on said sensor signal; and a transmitter that wirelessly transmits a report signal to said remote master unit based on said digital data, wherein said processor remotely calibrates said alarm sensor via said transmitter based on said sensor calibration signal.

23. The controller of claim 22 further comprising a media access controller that generates said report signal based on said digital data.

24. The controller of claim 23 wherein said media access controller generates an electronic mail (email) message comprising said digital data, and wherein said transmitter transmits said email message to at least one of a personal computer and a portable device.

25. The controller of claim 24 wherein said receiver receives another signal comprising a destination address, and wherein said media access controller directs said email message to said destination address.

26. The controller of claim 22 wherein said processor transmits said report signal when said sensor signal is equal to a predetermined value.

27. The controller of claim 22 wherein said processor is in a sleep mode when said sensor signal is equal to a predetermined value for a predetermined interval, and wherein said processor is in an active mode and transmits said report signal via said transmitter when said sensor signal is no longer equal to said predetermined value.

28. The controller of claim 22 wherein said alarm sensor includes at least one of a camera, a seismometer, a barometer, a thermometer, a motion detector, a smoke detector, a carbon monoxide detector, and a glass breakage detector.

29. The controller of claim 22 wherein said processor actuates a part of at least one of a window and a door via said actuator.

30. The controller of claim 29 wherein said part includes one of blinds, windowpanes, a sash, a sash cable, and a door panel.

31. The controller of claim 22 wherein said processor wirelessly transmits said first control signal to an actuator.

32. The controller of claim 22 wherein said processor at least one of opens, closes and obscures a physical portal based on said report signal.

33. The controller of claim 32 further comprising an output circuit that generates a second control signal based on said first control signal to at least one of open, close and obscure said physical portal.

34. The controller of claim 22 wherein said processor is in a sleep mode when said sensor signal is equal to a predetermined value for a predetermined interval, and wherein said processor transitions to an active mode and transmits said report signal via said transmitter when said sensor signal is no longer equal to said predetermined value.

35. The alarm system of claim 22 wherein said processor actuates a device that is connected to a physical portal based on an actuator schedule and independent of said digital data.

36. A monitor comprising: an input circuit that receives a sensor signal originated from a remote sensor selected from at least one of a sunlight detector, a seismometer, a barometer, a wind detector and a moisture detector; a processor that generates digital data based on said sensor signal and that generates a first control signal to control an mechanical actuator based on said digital data; and an interface that wirelessly transmits a report signal to a remote master unit based on said digital data and that transmits said first control signal to said actuator.

37. The monitor of claim 36 wherein said processor actuates a part of at least one of a window and a door via said actuator.

38. The monitor of claim 37 wherein said part includes one of blinds, windowpanes, a sash, a sash cable, and a door panel.

39. The monitor of claim 36 wherein said processor wirelessly transmits said first control signal to said actuator via said interface.

40. The monitor of claim 36 wherein said processor at least one of opens, closes and obscures a physical portal based on said control signal via said actuator.

41. The monitor of claim 36 wherein said processor signals said interface to transmit said report signal when said sensor signal is equal to a predetermined value.

42. The monitor of claim 36 further comprising a receiver that receives a sensor calibration signal from said remote master unit, wherein said processor calibrates said remote sensor based on said sensor calibration signal.

43. The monitor of claim 36 further comprising a media access controller that generates said report signal based on said digital data.

44. The monitor of claim 43 wherein said media access controller generates an electronic mail (email) message comprising said digital data, and wherein said interface transmits said email message to at least one of a personal computer and a portable device.

45. The monitor of claim 43 further comprising a receiver that receives another signal comprising a destination address, wherein said media access controller directs said email message to said destination address.

46. The monitor of claim 36 wherein said processor is in a sleep mode when said sensor signal is equal to a predetermined value for a predetermined interval, and wherein said processor transitions to an active mode and transmits said report signal via said interface when said sensor signal is no longer equal to said predetermined value.

47. The monitor of claim 36 wherein said processor actuates a device that is connected to a physical portal based on an actuator schedule and independent of said digital data.

48. A system comprising the controller of claim 36 and further comprising an alarm sensor that generates an alarm signal, wherein said processor generates said digital data based on said alarm signal.

49. The system of claim 48 wherein said alarm sensor comprises a camera, and wherein said alarm signal comprises an image captured by said camera.

50. A system comprising the monitor and said remote master unit of claim 36, wherein said remote master unit generates a second control signal to control said actuator based on said report signal.

51. The system of claim 50 wherein said remote master unit includes a network appliance.

52. The system of claim 50 comprising a plurality of said monitors that are in communication with said remote master unit.

53. The monitor of claim 36 further comprising: a receiver that receives a sensor calibration signal, wherein said processor calibrates said remote sensor based on said sensor calibration signal.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to alarm systems.

FIG. 1 is an example of a conventional MP3 player. MP3 player includes an interface 106, nonvolatile solid state memory 102, a decoder 110, a digital-to-analog (D/A) converter 147, an audio output 116, a key pad 108, a display 112, a controller 104, RAM 144 and ROM 145.

Controller 104 controls the operation of the MP3 player in accordance with a set of programmed instructions. Programmed instructions for controller 104 are stored in nonvolatile memory or ROM 145, and RAM 144 is provided as the working memory for controller 104

Typically, MP3 data, which is a digital compressed format representing music data, is initially stored on a personal computer 50 and is subsequently transferred to the MP3 player via interface 106, under control of controller 104. The MP3 data is stored in nonvolatile solid state memory 102. Interface 50 can implemented by a standard parallel port, serial port, USB and the like. Nonvolatile solid state memory 102 may be implemented as flash memory. Generally, for a music quality recording, a nonvolatile solid state memory having 64 Mbytes can store about 1 hour of music. Flash memory provides the capability of retaining the stored digital data even when the MP3 player is powered down. Once the digital data has been transferred to the MP3 player, it no longer needs to be connected to personal computer 50, and the MP3 player can play back the MP3 data autonomously from personal computer 50.

Decoder 110 functions to decode and decompress the MP3 data file stored in nonvolatile solid state memory 102. Decoder 110 decompresses the MP3 music file in accordance controller 104 according to the MP3 format, and decodes the decompressed music file into a bit stream form. The bit stream is then converted into analog form by digital to analog converter 147 for connection to a speaker, earphone and the like. A decoding program for the MP3 decoder function is stored in the ROM 145 and loaded to RAM 144 by controller 104 as required.

The MP3 player comprises a keypad 108 for allowing user control and interaction with the MP3 player. Such control may include power on/power off, music selection and volume. The MP3 also comprises a display 112 for displaying characters or graphics, such as a battery indicator, a play mode indicator, a volume indicator, available memory size and the title of the music being played.

SUMMARY

In general, in one aspect, the invention features a method, apparatus, and computer program for an alarm system. It comprises a master unit; and an alarm monitor comprising an alarm sensor to provide a sensor signal representing alarm conditions; a processor to produce digital data based on the alarm signal; and a media access controller to generate a report signal comprising the digital data; and a transmitter to transmit the report signal to the master unit.

Particular implementations can include one or more of the following features. The processor is further to cause the transmitter to transmit the report signal when the sensor signal meets a predetermined condition. The alarm sensor comprises a camera; and the sensor signal comprises an image captured by the camera. The media access controller is further to generate a packet comprising the digital data; and the transmitter is further to transmit the packet. The media access controller is further to generate an electronic mail message comprising the digital data; and the transmitter is further to transmit the electronic mail message. The alarm monitor further comprises a receiver to receive a further signal comprising a destination address; wherein the media access controller directs the electronic mail message to the destination address. The processor is further to enter a sleep mode when the sensor signal meets a predetermined condition for a predetermined interval; and, when the sensor signal no longer meets the predetermined condition, the processor is further to leave the sleep mode and to cause the transmitter to transmit the report signal. The alarm sensor comprises at least one of the group comprising a seismometer; a barometer; a thermometer; a motion detector; a smoke detector; a carbon monoxide detector; and a glass breakage detector. Implementations comprise a receiver to receive a further signal representing sensor calibration information from the master unit; wherein the media access controller is further to obtain the sensor calibration information from the further signal; and wherein the processor is further to calibrate the alarm sensor in accordance with the sensor calibration information. The alarm system complies with a standard selected from the group consisting of IEEE 802.11; IEEE 802.11a; IEEE 802.11b; IEEE 802.11g; IEEE 802.11h; and IEEE 802.11i. The processor and the media access controller are implemented together as a single integrated circuit. The alarm sensor, the processor and the media access controller are implemented together as a single integrated circuit.

In general, in one aspect, the invention features a method, apparatus, and computer program for an alarm system. It comprises receiving a signal representing digital data; obtaining the digital data from the signal representing the digital data; and producing a control signal based on the digital data; and providing the control signal to an actuator to manipulate a physical portal in response to the control signal.

Particular implementations can include one or more of the following features. It comprises manipulating the physical portal in response to the control signal. Manipulating the physical portal is selected from the group consisting of opening the physical portal; closing the physical portal; locking the physical portal; and obscuring the physical portal. The physical portal is selected from the group consisting of a window; and a door. It comprises receiving a sensor signal provided by one or more sensors; and providing the control signal based on the digital data and the sensor signal. The one or more sensors comprise at least one of the group comprising a thermometer; a light detector; a moisture detector; a wind detector; a barometer; a motion detector; a smoke detector; a gas detector; and a glass breakage detector. It comprises providing a keypad control signal in response to operation of a keypad; and providing the control signal based on the digital data and the keypad control signal. It comprises displaying a status of the apparatus. It comprises transmitting a report signal representing a status of the apparatus. It comprises storing an actuator schedule; and producing the control signal based on the actuator schedule. It comprises producing the control signal based on the actuator schedule when the signal representing the digital data is unavailable.

In general, in one aspect, the invention features a physical portal comprising a processor to produce digital data based on a sensor signal provided by a sensor; a media access controller to generate a report signal comprising the digital data; and a transmitter to transmit the report signal.

Particular implementations can include one or more of the following features. The physical portal is selected from the group consisting of a window; and a door. The processor is further to cause the transmitter to transmit the report signal when the sensor signal meets a predetermined condition. The sensor comprises a camera; and wherein the sensor signal comprises an image captured by the camera. The media access controller is further to generate a packet comprising the digital data; and wherein the transmitter is further to transmit the packet. The media access controller is further to generate an electronic mail message comprising the digital data; and wherein the transmitter is further to transmit the electronic mail message. The physical portal further comprises a receiver to receive a further signal comprising a destination address; wherein the media access controller directs the electronic mail message to the destination address. The processor is further to enter a sleep mode when the sensor signal meets a predetermined condition for a predetermined interval; and wherein, when the sensor signal no longer meets the predetermined condition, the processor is further to leave the sleep mode and to cause the transmitter to transmit the report signal. The physical portal further comprises the sensor. The sensor comprises at least one of the group comprising a thermometer; a light detector; a moisture detector; a wind detector; a barometer; a motion detector; a smoke detector; a gas detector; and a glass breakage detector. The sensor, the processor and the media access controller are implemented together as a single integrated circuit. The physical portal further comprises a receiver to receive a further signal representing sensor calibration information; wherein the media access controller is further to obtain the sensor calibration information from the further signal; and wherein the processor is further to calibrate the sensor in accordance with the sensor calibration information. The transmitter complies with a standard selected from the group consisting of IEEE 802.11; IEEE 802.11a; IEEE 802.11b; IEEE 802.11g; IEEE 802.11h; and IEEE 802.11i. The processor and the media access controller are implemented together as a single integrated circuit. The physical portal further comprises a receiver to receive a signal representing digital data; wherein the media access controller is further to obtain the digital data from the signal representing the digital data; wherein the processor is further to produce a control signal based on the digital data obtained by the media access controller; and an output circuit to provide the control signal to an actuator to manipulate the physical portal in response to the control signal. The physical portal further comprises the actuator. The actuator is selected from the group consisting of a device to open the physical portal; a device to close the physical portal; a device to lock the physical portal; and a device to obscure the physical portal. The processor is further to provide the control signal based on the digital data obtained by the media access controller and the sensor signal. The physical portal further comprises a keypad to provide a keypad control signal in response to operation of the keypad; wherein the processor is further to provide the control signal based on the digital data obtained by the media access controller and the keypad control signal. The physical portal further comprises a display to display a status of the physical portal. The receiver is a wireless receiver. The receiver complies with a standard selected from the group consisting of IEEE 802.11; IEEE 802.11a; IEEE 802.11b; IEEE 802.11g; IEEE 802.11h; and IEEE 802.11i. The physical portal further comprises a memory to store an actuator schedule; and wherein the processor is further to produce the control signal based on the actuator schedule. The processor is further to produce the control signal based on the actuator schedule stored in the memory when the signal representing the digital data is unavailable. The memory is non-volatile.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a conventional MP3 player.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of a media player/recorder in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a more detailed block diagram of a first embodiment of the media player/recorder of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of a media player/recorder in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a more detailed block diagram of the media player/recorder of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary data format of a magnetic disk having a plurality of concentric tracks comprised of a plurality of user data sectors and embedded servo data sectors.

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of memory 202.

FIG. 8 is a memory map of memory 202.

FIG. 9 is flow chart of an energization/deenergization procedure according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is flow chart of an energization/deenergization procedure according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is flow chart of an energization/deenergization procedure according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is flow chart of an operating procedure according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows a variation of the first embodiment of the media player/recorder of FIG. 2.

FIG. 14 shows a variation of the second embodiment of the media player/recorder of FIG. 2.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a third embodiment of a media player/recorder in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a fourth embodiment of a media player/recorder in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates a mode of some implementations referred to as "local radio mode."

FIG. 18 shows an implementation where a media player/recorder is implemented within a digital camera.

FIG. 19 shows automobiles equipped with a media player/recorder in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 20 shows an implementation where a media player/recorder communicates with a biometric sensor over a cable.

FIG. 21 show a biometric sensor worn on a finger and transmitting biometric data over a cable.

FIG. 22 shows a process for a media player/recorder to acquire shared media.

FIG. 23 shows a process for a media player/recorder to share media.

FIG. 24 shows a process for a media player/recorder to match items of interest.

FIG. 25 shows an alarm system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 shows a controller according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 shows a process that can be performed by the controller of FIG. 26 according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 28 shows a window according to one embodiment.

FIG. 29 shows a process that can be performed by the window of FIG. 28 according to one embodiment.

The leading digit(s) of each reference numeral used in this specification indicates the number of the drawing in which the reference numeral first appears. Like reference numerals refer to like parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an alarm system that transmits digital data representing alarm conditions such as weather conditions, motion, gas content, sounds, and so on. The digital data can be encoded, compressed or both, and can be transmitted wirelessly or by wire, cable, or the like.

Referring to FIG. 2 there is shown the first embodiment of media player/recorder of the present invention. The media player/recorder includes a wired interface 206, a wireless interface 210, memory 202, a processor 300, an output 216, a keypad 208, a display 212, a storage device (the storage device may utilize, for example, a magnetic media (such as a hard disk drive), magneto-optical media, an optical media (such as a CD ROM, CDR, CDRW or the like), and the like) such as, a disk drive 230, a preamp 232 and a voice coil motor (VCM) 234. Wireless interface 210 includes a wireless transmitter 209 and a wireless receiver 211.

The operation of the media player/recorder is as follows. Operation of the media player/recorder is controlled by the user through keypad 208. Status of the media player/recorder is provided to the user by display 212.

Media data, which was previously digitized, may be obtained (downloaded) from a personal computer, network appliance, local area network, Internet 50 and the like, including wireless networks with infrastructure, such as a designated access point, peer-to-peer wireless networks, and the like. Such external devices communicate with the media player/recorder via wired interface 206 and wireless interface 210, which are controlled by processor 300. Wired interface 206 may be implemented, for example, as a parallel interface, serial interface, USB, Ethernet connection, IEEE 1394 (a.k.a. Firewire), and the like. Wireless interface 210 may be implemented, for example, as an infrared interface, IEEE 802.15, IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth.TM. and the like. Again the present invention is independent of the interface selected. Media data is then stored on the storage device such as, disk drive 230 in accordance with processor 300. Disk drive 230 is preferably a miniature drive with a capacity of 1 Gbyte of data storage, which is particularly suitable for a portable device. Of course, any other appropriate sized disk drive may be employed.

Alternatively, media data may be obtained directly from an external analog source, such as a microphone or video camera, connected to input 214. Input 214 takes the input signal from external device and sets the analog signal to an appropriate level. The analog signal is then converted to a digital signal and compressed using a selected format by processor 300, as will be described herein below. The compressed digital data is similarly stored on disk drive 230.

When the user chooses a selection of media data to be played back with keypad 208, processor 300 powers up disk drive 230 and retrieves the selected data which is then transferred to memory 202. It is noted that the powering up of the device is done in a sequential manner so as to minimize energy consumption of the device. A more detailed description is provided below.

Memory 202 comprises a solid state memory, such as, for example dynamic random access memory (solid state memory), flash memory, EEPROM, or the like. It is not necessary for memory 202 to be nonvolatile since the media data is stored in a nonvolatile manner on storage device or disk drive 230. The quantity of solid state memory required is less than is required in a conventional MP3 player. The quantity of solid state memory contemplate is about 2 Mbytes, which is sufficient to store about 2 minutes of MP3 data. Of course, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, when dealing with video data, more solid state memory may be required. The amount of solid state memory supplied is selected to minimize energy consumption.

After the selected data is stored in memory 202, disk drive 230 is then powered down. In this manner, during playback disk drive 230 is powered up only during the transfer of the selected media data from disk drive 230 to memory 202, which results in lower energy consumption. A more detailed description of the powering down of disk drive 230 is provided herein below. The media data is retrieved from memory 202. Processor 300 determines the format of data compression from the retrieved data. Disk drive 230, also stores the data compression/decompression algorithms. The data is decompressed in accordance with the determined format and converted to an analog signal by processor 300. The analog signal is set to an appropriate level by output circuit 216. If the analog signal contains audio data, output circuit 216 is connected to a speaker, headphone and the like for playback, and if the analog signal contains video data, output circuit 216 is connected to a display device for playback.

Additionally, media data recorded on disk drive 230 or stored in memory 202 may be transferred (uploaded) to a personal computer, network appliance, local area network, internet 50 or another media player/recorder through interfaces 206 and 210 under the control of processor 300.

FIG. 3 is a detailed block diagram of processor 300. Processor 300 is preferably implemented as a single integrated circuit. A media playback/recorder apparatus having a processor implemented as a single integrated circuit can be fabricated at lower cost and have lower energy consumption. Alternatively, processor 300 may be implemented by discrete components. Processor 300 comprises a read channel 341, storage controller or hard disk controller 342, digital signal processor/microprocessor unit (DSP/MPU) 343, random access memory (RAM) 344, a non volatile memory such as read only memory (ROM) 345, digital to analog converter (DAC) 346 and analog to digital converter (ADC) 347. DSP/MPU 343 comprises servo controller 349 and Codec 348. In a preferred embodiment, DSP/MPU 343 is implemented as a single integrated circuit. In another embodiment, MPU may be implemented as one integrated circuit and the DSP may be implemented as another integrated circuit.

It is noted that DSP/MPU 343 may comprise a microprocessor unit, a digital signal processor, or any combination thereof. ROM 345 stores programmed instructions for processor 300 and DSP/MPU 343 to control the operation of both the disk drive 230 (and associated circuitry) and the signal processing of the media data. RAM 345 is provided as a working memory for DSP/MPU 343. For each of the various compression formats discussed above, the decompression and compression algorithms for Codec 348 are stored on disk drive 230. Storing the decompression and compression algorithms on disk drive 230 minimizes the size of ROM 345 and its energy consumption. Additionally, this feature allows future compression and decompressions formats to be easily implemented for the media player/recorder.

In the implementation of FIG. 3, wireless interface 210 is implemented separately from processor 300, and includes an antenna 356, a wireless unit 354, a baseband processor 352, and a media access controller (MAC) 350. Antenna 356 is a conventional antenna for receiving and transmitting wireless signals. Wireless unit 354 converts wireless signals received by antenna 356 to analog baseband signals, and converts analog baseband signals received from baseband processor 352 to wireless signals for transmission by antenna 356. Baseband processor 352 converts analog baseband signals received from wireless unit 354 to a digital bitstream, and converts a digital bitstream received from MAC 350 to analog baseband signals, both according to well-known methods. MAC 350 frames the digital bitstream produced by baseband processor 352, and filters the frames to select the frames addressed to processor 300, both according to well-known methods. MAC 350 also converts frames received from processor 300 to a digital bitstream for baseband processor 352, also according to well-known methods. In some implementations, MAC 350 includes an embedded microprocessor.

Prior to discussing the operation of processor 300, reference is made to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 shows an exemplary data format of a magnetic media used in disk drive 230, comprising a series of concentric data tracks 13 wherein each data track 13 comprises a plurality of sectors 15 with embedded servo wedges 17. Servo controller 349 processes the servo data in servo wedges 17 and, in response thereto, positions the read/write head over a desired track. Additionally, servo controller 349 processes servo bursts within servo wedges 17 to keep a disk head of disk drive 230 aligned over a centerline of the desired track while writing and reading data. Servo wedges 17 may be detected by the discrete time sequence detector implemented in DSP/MPU 343. It is important to note that DSP/MPU 343 is utilized only during the time period for detecting servo wedges 17; during other periods DSP/MPU 343 is available to perform other functions as described below, such as signal processing for media data playback and recording. By using only one DSP rather than two, the cost of fabrication and the amount of energy consumption can be reduced.

As described above, the powering up of the device is done in a sequential manner so as to minimize energy consumption of the device. More specifically, the mechanical or motor portions of the storage device are energized first. After the motor reaches operating speed, VCM 234 is energized, followed by the energization of read channel 341 and HDC 342.