Background of the Invention Currently, digital video and audio is recorded on compact discs using compression technology created by the Moving Picture Experts Group (hereinafter referred to as"MPEG"). This working group was formed by the International Standards Organization and the International Electrotechnical Commission (hereinafter referred to as"ISO/IEC") to ensure interoperability between different manufacturer's CD players and the many titles from content producers. The resulting standard is officially known as ISO/IEC, Coded Representation of Picture, Audio and Multimedia/hypermedia Information, ISO 1172. More commonly known as MPEG-1. MPEG-1 focuses on the delivery of video within the constraints of the compact disc, 1/416 megabits per second. By using MPEG-1 technology, a full motion image and audio that is about 74 minutes long can be stored on a 12 cm diameter compact disc.

The MPEG-1 information stored on a video compact disc (hereinafter referred to as"VCD") can then be decompressed to produce a video signal and audio signal on a VCD player.

As is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, Fig. 1 displays standard components of a VCD player. Motor Drivers 130 are used to rotate the VCD 120 so that the MPEG-1 encoded information stored on the VCD can be accessed in order to produce audio and video on a display 1300.

An optical pickup 140 reads the MPEG-1 information off of the VCD 120. The Servo 150 controls the motor drivers 130, via line 115, to provide a constant stream of digital information 100 through line 101. A Digital signal processor ("DSP") 160 receives the digital information 100 through line 103 and further processes the signal providing a digitally processed signal 104 to the MPEG audio/video decoder 190, through line 107. The MPEG audio/video decoder 190 decompresses the digitally processed signal 104, and produces an audio signal 102 and a video signal 106. The audio signal 102 is sent to the speaker 180a and/or the audio output ports 180b, through line 105.

A video amplifier 1000 receives the video signal 106 from the MPEG audio/video decoder 190 via line 109. The video amplifier 1000 converts the video signal 106 and provides an analog signal 108 to the video signal processor 1200 through line 111. This analog signal 108 is converted into a digital display signal 110 which is provided to a display panel 1300 through line 113. A switching power supply 1100 provides power through line 119 to the video signal processor 1200. A backlight module 1400 is used to illuminate the display panel 1300 through line 117 to enable viewing of the information.

Fig. 2 illustrates an expanded view of 190,1000,1100,1200,1300 and 1400 and their interconnections as illustrated in Fig. 1. The MPEG audio/video decoder 190 provides a composite video bit stream 106a and a S- video bit stream 106b on lines 109a and 109b respectively. A video amplifier 1000 converts the signals provided from the MPEG audio/video processor 190 and provides an analog R signal, G signal, B signal, C synchronization signal, X synchronization signal, and Y synchronization signal on lines 111 R, 111 G, 111B, 111C, 111X, and 111Y. An A/D converter 220, located within the video signal decoder 1200, receives the R signal, G signal, and B signal and produces a 6 bit data stream 202 which is sent to the control IC 230, through

line 201. The control IC 230 receives the data stream 202, the C synchronization signal, X synchronization signal, and Y synchronization signal via lines 201, 111C, 11 IX, and 111Y respectively. The control IC 230 produces a Y driver control signal 204, a X driver control signal 206, and a data stream 208. These display signals are sent to the X driver 250a and Y driver 250b via lines 203,205, and 207, respectively. A switching power supply 1100 provides a Vr on line 119a and a Vee on line 119b to a power supply circuit 240 contained within the video signal processor 1200. The power supply circuit provides the necessary power to the X driver 250a and the Y driver 250b, through lines 209, and 211, in order to power the corresponding pixels on the screen 260. The X driver 250a, the Y driver 250b and the screen 260 are all located on display panel 1300. A backlight module 1400 is used to provide illumination to the screen 260 to enable viewing of the information, through line 117.

There are a number of disadvantages with the current VCD player.

First, the design is complex. In the current VCD player the digital decoded signal 106 from the MPEG audio/video decoder 190 cannot be sent directly to the display. Therefore the digital signal 106 must be further processed to an analog signal 111 which requires more power thereby limiting the amount of play time when using a DC power source. Second, the extra conversion and processing of the signal read from the VCD degrades picture/sound quality.

Third, the large number of semiconductor devices necessary to operate the current VCD player add to the overall size of the device. Fourth, the connections between these extra semiconductor devices emits unwanted electromagnetic radiation which is regulated by the FCC and must be kept at a minimum. Fifth, the amount of power being used by the backlight which will reduce the play life of the device when using DC power is not controlled.

Sixth, current VCD players do not have a way of decoding VCD's which are

copy protected. Seventh, the cost of the current VCD player is high due to the large number of semiconductor devices and expensive components.

Therefore, it is desirable to produce a VCD player which solves the above disadvantages and to present an inexpensive VCD player that enables extended battery life and produces a minimum of electromagnetic radiation.

Also, a VCD player which also plays either audio CD's or decodes copy protected VCD's is desirable.

SLMNLARY OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus capable of playing either audio compact discs or VCD's. Furthermore the apparatus has been configured to minimize the amount of semiconductor devices used and the distance between them, thereby making the apparatus portable, inexpensive and extending the life of the power supply.

An embodiment of the inventive apparatus includes a motor for rotating the compact disc, a digital read path for obtaining a digital signal from the compact disc and a display device for outputting the video portion of the digital signal. The digital read path includes, among other things, an optical pickup for obtaining a readout signal from the compact disc, a system control for determining whether the readout signal supplied from the optical pickup contains MPEG-1 audio/video and for selecting the destination of the readout signal. A digital signal processor processes the readout signal supplied from the optical pickup and provides an audio signal and a video signal. A MPEG audio/video decoder processes the video signal supplied from the digital signal processor. A digital control circuit is coupled to the MPEG audio/video decoder and supplies a digital signal to the display. A

backlight module is connected to the display for controlling the amount of power sent to the display.

The inventive apparatus thus provides a reduced number of semiconductor devices to perform the desired result of displaying a full motion picture onto a display screen. This reduction in the number of semiconductor devices reduces the overall size of the apparatus and limits the amount of connections between devices. Reducing the amount of connections between semiconductor devices limits the amount of unwanted electromagnetic radiation, which must be kept at a minimum as required by the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC"). Not only does the reduction in the number of devices reduce the overall size and limit unwanted radiation it further improves the quality and desirability of the operation of the device by both limiting the amount of power needed to drive the device and improving the quality of the audio/video signal. By using a smaller number of semiconductor devices to process the signal you further limit the unwanted introduction of white noise that is generated during signal modification and amplification. By limiting the noise you can produce a more accurate and clearer audio/video signal.

The power to the device is conserved in at least three ways. First, the power needed to drive the device is reduced due to the reduction of the semiconductor devices used to process the signal. Secondly, the power is conserved by the use of the backlight sensor. The backlight sensor detects whether the apparatus is using AC or DC power. If the device is using DC power the backlight sensor will limit the amount of power that is provided to the display to approximately 2/3 of the maximum output. This reduction in backlight will have a minimal effect on the display quality and conserve battery life. Power is also conserved by the use of a sensor which monitors power source and disables the DC power (batteries) when AC power is available. By selecting the AC power over DC this conserves battery life by only drawing DC power when necessary.

Brief Description of the Figures These features and embodiments of the present invention will become clear from the following description taken in conjunction with the preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings throughout which like parts are designated by like reference numerals, and in which: Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a typical VCD player in accordance with the prior art.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a typical analog video interface in accordance with the prior art.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram of a VCD player in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a block diagram of a VCD player having an encryption decoder in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a block diagram of a digital video interface in an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a schematic of a VCD player providing the dimensions in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to Fig. 3, an embodiment of an apparatus for reproducing information obtained from a compact disc is shown. In particular, Fig. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a video compact disc player 600 according to an

embodiment of the present invention. A compact disc (not shown) 12cm in diameter, which contains either audio or encoded MPEG-1 audio/video is rotated by the motor drivers 130. As is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the motor drivers comprise a spindle motor for rotating a compact disc, and a traverse motor for positioning the optical pickup 140 in relation to the disc to read off digital information 100. The servo 150 controls the operation of the motor drivers 130, via line 115, to provide a constant stream of digital information 100 through line 101. In an embodiment the servo 150 is a Sony CXD 2585 + CXA 2549, available from Sony Electronics, Inc. of North America, or BA6392, available from Burr-Brown Corporation, Tuscon, Arizona.

A system control 170 determines the type of information 100 that is being read from the disc via line 303 and selects the destination of the information 100. If the information 100 is only audio, the system control 170 disables the remainder of the apparatus via line 301 and directs the audio data through the digital signal processing section 160 via line 107 to the speaker 180a or the audio output ports 180b, via line 304. This is done by sending a control signal 302a to the digital signal processing ("DSP") section 160 through line 301.

In an embodiment the alternative audio output ports 180b has at least two outputs which can be used to plug in headphones (not shown) or external speakers (not shown). When any or all of the alternative output ports are being used the speaker 180a is disabled and the audio signal is sent to the output port 180b that is in use.

If the information 100 is encoded MPEG-1 audio/video, the system control 170 sends a control signal 302b to the digital signal processing section 160 through line 301 which activates the system. The information 100 is sent to the digital signal processing section 160 via line 107. In an embodiment

the system controller 170 is a W78E54 Host Microcontroller, supplied by Winbond Electronics Corporation of America, San Jose, California.

The digital signal processor 160 further processes the information and provides an encoded MPEG-1 audio signal 306a and an encoded MPEG-1 video signal 306b to the system control 170 through line 305.

A MPEG audio/video decoder 190 receives the information from the system control 170 via line 307 and decodes the encoded MPEG-1 audio signal 306a and the encoded MPEG-1 video signal 306b by use of an encryption decoder software contained within the MPEG audio/video processor 190 at DSP 100. It further restore-processes the decoded MPEG-1 audio signal 306a and the decoded MPEG-1 video signal 306b, and provides a digital decoded/-decompressed audio signal 102 and video signal 106. In an embodiment, MPEG decoder includes a digital-to-analog converter ("DAC") for connecting the digital audio signal to an analog signal on line 105. In an embodiment the MPEG audio/video decoder 190 is a C-Cube CL484 MPEG-1 Decoder, available from C-Cube Micro-systems, Milpitas, California.

The decoded/decompressed audio signal 102 is sent to either the speaker 180a, or the alternative audio output ports 180b via line 105. The decoded/decompressed video signal 106 is sent to the control circuit board 320 through line 109. The control circuit board 320 provides a display signal 251 from the decoded/decompressed video signal on line 113 which is reproduced on the screen 260. The screen 260 is illuminated by a backlight module 1400 via line 117.

Fig. 5, illustrates an expanded view of 190,260,320,1100 and their interconnections as shown in Fig. 3. The MPEG audio/video decoder 190 provides the control circuit board 320 with a 8 bit data signal 106D, a horizontal synchronization signal 106H and a vertical synchronization signal 106V, through lines 109D, 109H, and 109V, respectively. The control IC

230 receives the data signal 106D, the vertical synchronization signal 106V and the horizontal synchronization signal 106H from the MPEG audio/video processor 190. The control IC 230 provides a X driver control signal 206 to the X driver 250a, a Y driver control signal 204 to the Y driver 250b, and a data signal 208 to the X driver 250a, through lines 205,203 and 207 respectively. The control IC 230, X driver 250a, and the Y driver 250b are located on the control circuit board 320.

A switching power supply 1100 provides power to player 600 including screen 260. In particular, switching power supply 1100 provides a Vr through line 119a and a Vee through line 119b to the power supply circuit 240. The power supply circuit 240 powers the X driver 250a and the Y driver 250b through lines 211 and 209, respectively.

The X driver 250a and the Y driver 250b power the corresponding pixels on the screen 260 via lines 251X and 251Y, respectively. This powering is done in response to the data signal 208, the X control signal 206 and the Y control signal 204. In an embodiment, the screen 260 is an Epson Liquid Crystal Display ("LCD") LB39ME supplied by Epson Hong Kong Limited, Wanchai, Hong Kong.

The screen 260 is illuminated by a backlight module 1400 which selects the amount of power supplied to the backlight thereby conserving battery life. The backlight module 1400 comprises a lamp 290 an illumination plate 2000 and is powered by a backlight inverter 270 through lines 280a and 280b. If the VCD player is using AC power the backlight module 1400 allows full power to the illumination plate 2000. If the VCD player is using DC (battery) power the output to the illumination plate 2000 is limited to approximately 2/3 maximum power. This is done by the use of a sensor which monitors the power source to determine whether the power source is AC or DC and adjust the backlight power accordingly. In an embodiment, a

mechanical switch is coupled to the AC input jack. The mechanical switch is also coupled to system control 170. If the switch is closed upon insertion of an AC plug, a signal is generated to system control 170. Switching power supply 1100 then receives a signal from system control 170 for selecting AC power input and disables DC power input. This switching of power input sources further saves battery life. The backlight module also includes a brightness dial for adjusting the illumination provided to the display device form the illumination plate. When the brightness dial is turned all the way up the illumination will still be limited to 2/3 maximum power if the VCD player is using DC power.

Fig. 4 has similar components as illustrated in Fig. 3 as discussed above. Fig. 4 illustrates an embodiment of an encryption decoder device 400 and a VCD player 600 for reading copy protected VCD's.

The encryption decoder device 400 decodes the encoded MPEG-1 audio/video signal 100 and provides a decoded MPEG-1 audio/video signal 404 to the digital signal processing section 160 through line 407. In an embodiment the encryption decoder device 400 is a Video Output &PCM1717 Audio DAC Output supplied by Burr-Brown, Tucson, Arizona.

Fig. 6 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a portable VCD player 600 with the positioning of the speaker 180a, the audio output ports 180b, the display 260 and the backlight module 1400. In an embodiment of the current invention the VCD player 600, in its closed position, is approximately 14.85cm x approximately 13.00cm x approximately 3.9cm.

As can be seen, an embodiment of the present invention eliminates semiconductor devices and/or circuits used in a typical VCD player. For example the VCD player 222 shown in Fig. 2 includes a video amp 1000 and an A/D converter 220. By eliminating the video amp 1000 and the A/D

converter 220 there is no longer a need to convert the digital information supplied from the VCD to an analog signal, as is currently done in a typical VCD player. This elimination further helps in reducing the overall cost in producing the VCD player.

Another advantage of an embodiment of the current invention is incorporating the X driver 250a and the Y driver 250b into the control circuit board 320, as seen in Fig. 5. This reduces the overall size of the device and the distance between semiconductor devices. As discussed previously the reduction in distance between devices reduces the amount of unwanted electromagnet radiation emitting from the VCD player 600.

Although the present invention has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications are apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims unless they depart therefrom.