JP2000267685A - Music reproducing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the power consumption and to provide a long usable time even in the case of assembling music reproducing a function which remarkably consumes power, in a portable terminal equipment. SOLUTION: In a music reproducing processing only in a player mode for not parallelly activating an application corresponding to the other operation mode such as a scheduler mode, a flag F for enabling the state of display OFF is set. When the reproduction of a music file selected on a music selecting screen G3 is started by the operation of a play button 13e, in the case that the number of selective musics is one, a display-off instruction is immediately outputted, the drive of a liquid crystal display part 12 and the backlight 12a is stopped and operation screen display for music reproduction is turned off. Also, even in the case that the number of the selected musics is plural, after the operation screen display for the music reproduction is maintained only for a fixed time from the reproduction start of the selected respective music files, similarly, the display OFF instruction is outputted and the drive of the liquid crystal display part 12 and its backlight 12a is stopped.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a music reproducing device such as a portable terminal device having a music reproducing function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional digital music reproducing apparatus includes a CD player and an MD player. Recently, with the improvement of data compression technology, music data can be compressed and recorded (stored). Music playback can be performed on a dedicated device in which a program for restoring and playing back a music file stored in advance and a personal computer in which similar music playback software is installed, can be performed.

For example, as existing digital music compression techniques, MPEG2 audio, Twin-VQ, R
There are various types such as eal Audio, Liquid Audio, and the like.

[0004] The data-compressed music file is stored in a semiconductor memory such as a RAM, and is stored in a PDA (Personal
al Digital Assistants), it is conceivable to incorporate the music playback software into a small portable terminal device and easily play and enjoy the music.

[0005]

In recent years, it has become possible for a PDA to incorporate a variety of application software and perform a plurality of functions in parallel as a multitask.
In order to realize different screen display and input operation for each function with a small apparatus main body, a liquid crystal display section having a touch panel mounted on substantially the entire surface of the apparatus main body is provided.

However, driving the liquid crystal display unit having a large screen requires high power consumption. In particular, in the case of a PDA using a rechargeable battery or a dry battery as a power source, such a power consumption as described above is required. If the music playback function of remarkable is incorporated, if the power consumption is not reduced, the usable time by one charge or one battery change becomes very short,
There is a problem that is not practical.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide a music reproducing apparatus capable of reducing power consumption and obtaining a long usable time.

[0008]

That is, a music reproducing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention stores a display means for displaying information necessary for an operation and music data in accordance with execution of a music reproducing program. Music data storage means, music reproduction means for reproducing music signals corresponding to music data read from the music data storage means, and a display operation by the display means during reproduction of music signals by the music reproduction means. Display stopping means for stopping.

In the music reproducing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the display operation by the display means is stopped while the music signal is being reproduced by the music reproducing means. Power can be achieved.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of a portable terminal device having a music reproducing function according to an embodiment of the music reproducing device of the present invention.

This portable terminal device comprises a device main body 11 of a size and lightness which can be sufficiently grasped by a user with one hand, and a liquid crystal display section 12 is provided on substantially the entire front surface of the device main body 11, On the display screen of the liquid crystal display section 12, a transparent touch panel 13 is provided so as to overlap.

An ON key 14a and an OFF key 14b for turning on / off the power are provided in an area below the liquid crystal display section 12 in front of the apparatus main body 11, and the apparatus stores the keys. A MENU key 14c for displaying a menu screen for selecting various operation modes executed by the application program is provided.

The operation modes include a scheduler mode for inputting schedule data and managing search and display, a player mode for reproducing music,
Memo mode for inputting memo data and managing search and display, mail mode for creating and sending and receiving mail data, browser mode for searching and displaying Internet home pages, recording and playback of voice memos, etc. It has a voice recorder mode for performing.

Further, on the left side of the apparatus main body 11,
A cursor key 14d for moving the cursor pointer on the display screen and an ESC (escape) key 14e for switching the display on and off during music playback are provided. An earphone jack 16 for reproducing the recorded sound is provided, and an earphone 17 is connected to the earphone jack 16 as necessary.

A music playback indicator (LED) 15 illuminated and displayed during the music playback operation is provided at the upper front of the apparatus main body 11.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic circuit of the portable terminal device having the music reproducing function.

This portable terminal device includes a CPU 21 serving as a control unit of the electronic circuit.

The CPU 21 has a key input unit 22 (14
a to 14e: refer to FIG. 1)) and a system program stored in the ROM 23 in advance in response to a key input signal from the touch panel 13 provided on the liquid crystal display unit 12 and a touch position signal from the touch panel 13. The operation of each part of the circuit is controlled as a work memory.

The CPU 21 includes the liquid crystal display unit 12
And its backlight 12a, touch panel 13, key input unit 22, music playback indicator (LED) 15, RO
M23 and RAM 24 are connected, an earphone interface 26 is connected via a sound processing unit 25, and a power control unit 27 is connected.

The backlight 12a of the liquid crystal display unit 12
Are controlled to be turned on as the display is turned on, and are turned off as the display is turned off.

In the ROM 23, a system program for controlling the entire operation of the portable terminal device is stored in advance, and various control programs for individually controlling each part of the circuit are provided. Application programs respectively corresponding to a plurality of operation modes (scheduler mode, player mode, memo mode, mail mode, browser mode, voice recorder mode) are stored in advance.

The CPU 21 is capable of multitask processing, and can execute processing according to a plurality of operation modes in parallel.

In the RAM 24, in addition to a key input buffer and a display buffer, necessary data memories such as a schedule data memory, a memo data memory, a mail data memory, a voice data memory, and a music file memory are secured according to various operation modes. The display-off permission flag memory 24a (F) stores a display-off enabled state, in which a flag is set when the operation is started in the music playback mode and a flag is reset when the operation is started in other modes. A timer data memory or the like for storing time count data is provided.

The music file data stored in the music file memory in the RAM 24 is, for example, an MPE.
Music data compressed by G2 audio is stored.

When music is played in the player mode, the sound processing unit 25 restores the compressed music data selectively read from the music file memory in the RAM 24 and converts it into a music playback signal. When sound is reproduced in the voice recorder mode, the sound data stored in the sound data memory in the RAM 24 is converted into a sound reproduction signal. The signal and the audio reproduction signal are output from the earphone jack 16 via the earphone interface (I / F) 26 and reproduced and output by the earphone 17.

The power control section 27 checks the remaining amount of power supplied from a battery power section (not shown) and controls the supply and cutoff of power to each section of the electronic circuit. , A rechargeable battery or a dry battery is used.

Next, the operation of the portable terminal device having the music reproducing function according to the above configuration will be described.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a display control process in the portable terminal device having the music reproducing function.

In various operation modes, the liquid crystal display 1
2 and the control of driving / stopping the display of the backlight 12a are performed in accordance with the display control processing.

That is, when the power-on (ON) is instructed by the ON key 14a provided as the key input unit 22, or when the display ON command is issued in accordance with the execution of the process in any operation mode. The liquid crystal display unit 12 and its backlight 12a are driven, and the data to be displayed written in the display buffer in the RAM 24 is read and displayed (step A1 → A3 or A2 → A3).

Further, an O provided as a key input unit 22
When the power-off (off) is instructed by the FF key 14b, the driving of the liquid crystal display unit 12 and its backlight 12a is stopped (step A4 → A5).

On the other hand, when a display-off command is issued along with execution of processing in any operation mode, the change in display is controlled by a flag, and a flag F is set in a display-off permission flag memory 24a in the RAM 24. If so, the driving of the liquid crystal display unit 12 and its backlight 12a is stopped (steps A6 → A7 → A5).

However, even if the display-off command is issued, if the flag F is not set in the display-off permission flag memory 24a, the display-off command becomes invalid and the liquid crystal display unit 12 and its back The display state by driving the light 12a is maintained as it is (Step A6 → A7 → Return).

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flag management process in the portable terminal device having the music reproducing function.

The setting / resetting of the flag F for setting the display-off permission flag memory 24a in the RAM 24 to a state in which the display can be turned off is performed according to the flag management processing.

That is, the flag management processing program is executed when application software corresponding to various operation modes is started. First, the operation mode of the portable terminal device is selected and set to the player mode, and music is set. When the application software for reproduction (see FIG. 5) is started, it is determined in parallel whether or not another application is being executed at that time. Is set to the display off permission flag memory 24a (step B1 → B2).
→ B3).

On the other hand, even when the music playback application is started, if it is determined that another application such as a memo mode is being executed at the same time, the application according to the running application is executed. The flag F is not set in the display-off permission flag memory 24a so that the display processing is not stopped (step B1 → B2 → return).

When the application software corresponding to another operation mode, such as the scheduler mode, is activated instead of the music reproduction application software corresponding to the player mode, the display off permission flag memory 24a in the RAM 24 is displayed. It is determined whether or not the flag F to be set to a state that can be turned off is set. If it is determined that the flag F is set, the display processing according to the application corresponding to the other activated operation mode is normal. The flag F for setting the display off state set in the display off permission flag memory 24a is reset (step B4 → B5 → B6).

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a player mode process in the portable terminal device having the music reproducing function.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an operation display state accompanying the player mode processing of the portable terminal device having the music reproduction function. FIG. 6A is a diagram showing an operation display state on the menu display screen G1. (B) shows the operation display state on the reproduction setting screen G2, and (C) shows the music selection screen G3.
FIG. 3D is a diagram showing an operation display state on the playing screen G4.

Menu provided as key input unit 22
When the key 14c is operated, as shown in FIG.
The operation mode of this portable terminal device is a scheduler mode,
A menu display screen G1 for selecting and setting any one of the player mode, the memo mode, the mail mode, the browser mode, and the voice recorder mode is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 12.

In the menu display screen G1, the icon of "player" is designated by touch operation, and when the player mode is selected, the player mode processing application software shown in FIG.
Displays a reproduction operation screen (see FIGS. 6B to 6D) in which various buttons for reproduction operation are arranged.

Here, in order to set the display driving state and the music reproducing state in the player mode, FIG.
As shown in (B), when the "playback setting" menu 13a displayed on the liquid crystal display section 12 is touch-operated, a display-off function during music playback, a continuous playback function for a plurality of songs, and a repeat playback function for the same song are performed. A reproduction setting screen G2 for arbitrarily setting is displayed.

In the reproduction setting screen G2, in order to stop the driving of the display during the music reproduction and reduce unnecessary power consumption and to prevent erroneous input via the touch panel 13, the item of [display off] is touched. When the check display is performed by the operation, the display off function is set according to the set state of the display off permission flag F (step S).
1). Hereinafter, the setting state of the display off function will be described.

Then, as shown in FIG. 6 (C), when a [File] menu 13b displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 12 is touched to select a desired tune, a music file memory in the RAM 24 is displayed. Are listed as a song selection screen G3. On the song selection screen G3, an arbitrary song that the user wants to listen to is, for example, "BBB", "CC".
When the touch operation is performed as the two songs of "C", the song that has been touched is checked and selected (step S2).

When an arbitrary song name is selected and designated in this way, as shown in FIG. 6D, the liquid crystal display section 12 displays a volume control button 13c, a stop button 13d, a play button 13e, a pause button 13f, a fast forward button. Button 13
g, on the playback operation screen in which the fast-reverse button 13h is arranged, the title (file name) 31a (the first song),
The number of songs 31b (current number of songs / the number of all songs), the playback time 31c (00:00 before play), and the volume indicator 31d are displayed.

When the play button 13e is touched, the first music file selected on the music selection screen G3 is read from the music file memory in the RAM 24 and converted into a music signal via the sound processing section 25. Is output to the earphone jack 16 via the earphone interface (I / F) 26,
, A music playback indicator (LED) 15 for notifying that music is being played is displayed (steps S3 → S4).

If the number of songs selected on the song selection screen G3 is one, a display-off command is output immediately (steps S5 → S6). In this case, the flag F that enables the display-off state is set in the display-off permission flag memory 24a in the RAM 24 when the application software in the player mode is activated by the flag management processing in FIG. (Steps B1 to B3) When the display-off command is output,
By the display control processing in FIG.
, The driving of the backlight 12a and the driving of the touch panel 13 are stopped, the entire display including the screen G4 during reproduction in FIG. 6D is turned off, and power consumption is suppressed (step A6). → A7 → A5).

When the display drive is stopped, the displayed operation keys cannot be touched, and erroneous operation due to careless pressing of the touch panel 13 can be prevented.

Then, the reproduction of the selected music file is continuously performed until the end of one music piece is completed (steps S8 to S11 → S8).

On the other hand, in the reproduction setting screen G2, while the continuous reproduction function is set, the music selection screen G3
In the case where there are two or more (plural) pieces of music selected in the above, the time count for a fixed time (for example, 10 seconds) is started in the timer data memory in the RAM 24, and the reproduction screen G4 in FIG. The selected music file is reproduced and output while the title (file name) 31a, the number of songs 31b, and the reproduction time 31c are displayed (steps S5 → S7, S8-S11 → S).
8).

Then, the count of the fixed time in the timer data memory in the RAM 24 has timed out,
When it is determined that 10 seconds have elapsed from the start of the playback output while the music playback output while the playback screen G4 is being displayed, a display-off command is output, and the display-off process based on step S6 is performed. The display driving of the liquid crystal display unit 12 and the lighting driving of the backlight 12a thereof are stopped, and the entire display including the reproducing screen G4 in FIG. 6D is turned off, thereby suppressing power consumption (step S9 →).
S12).

Thereafter, the output of the selected music file is continuously performed with the display turned off until the one music piece is completed (steps S8 to S11 → S).
8).

As described above, during the reproduction and output of the selected music file with the display turned off (step S
8 to S11 → S8), when the ESC key 14e provided on the left side of the apparatus main body 11 is operated, it is determined that the display is currently in the OFF state, and the display ON command is output, and the display control in FIG. In accordance with the processing from step A2 to A3 in the processing, the display driving of the liquid crystal display unit 12 and the lighting driving of the backlight 12a thereof are restarted, and the entire display including the reproducing screen G4 in FIG. 6D is turned on ( Steps S11 → S13 → S14).

As a result, the user can check the name of the music being played back as necessary, and can perform various playback operations such as stop, fast return, and volume adjustment during music playback. (Step S15).

When the ESC key 14e is operated again, it is determined that the display is currently on, and a display off command is output.
Is stopped again, and the entire display including the reproducing screen G4 in FIG. 6D is turned off again to reduce power consumption (steps S11 → S13 →). S16).

Further, during the reproduction and output of the selected music file with the display turned off (step S
8 to S11 → S8) When the reproduction of one music file being reproduced is completed, the continuous reproduction function or the repeat reproduction function is set by the setting operation on the reproduction setting screen G2. It is determined whether or not there is a music file to be played, and if it is determined that there is a next music to be played, a display-on command is output.
And the lighting drive of the backlight 12a is restarted, and the entire display including the reproducing screen G4 in FIG. 6D is turned on (steps S10 → S17 → S1).
8). At this point, the user can confirm the next reproduced music piece or the like.

Then, for the music file corresponding to the selected tune to be reproduced next, the processing after step S7 is repeatedly executed, music reproduction of the next tune is started, and 10 minutes from the start of reproduction. After the display-on state of displaying the reproducing screen G4 for only seconds is maintained,
The display is again turned off and only the music reproduction is continued (steps S7 to S12).

Thereafter, when it is determined that there is no music file to be reproduced next when the reproduction of one music file currently being reproduced is completed, a music reproduction indicator (L
ED) 15 is stopped, all the functions of the music reproduction and the reproduction operation display are stopped, and the music reproduction process in the player mode is terminated (step S10).
→ S17 → S19).

Therefore, according to the display control function in the player (music reproduction) mode in the portable terminal device having the music reproduction function having the above-described configuration, application software corresponding to another operation mode such as the scheduler mode is not started in parallel. In the music reproduction process only in the player mode, the display off permission flag memory 24 in the RAM 24
When a flag F that enables the display-off state is set for a, and the music file selected on the music selection screen G3 is reproduced by operating the play button 13e,
If the number of selected songs is one, a display-off command is immediately output, the driving of the liquid crystal display unit 12 and its backlight 12a is stopped, the operation screen display for music playback is turned off, and Even if there are a plurality of music files, after the operation screen display for the music reproduction is maintained for a certain period of time from the start of reproduction of each music file selected, a display-off command is output and the liquid crystal display 12 and its backlight 12a are stopped, so that the display driving is stopped as much as possible during the music reproduction to reduce power consumption and save power. It is possible to greatly extend the usable time by one charge or battery replacement. In addition, since the input from the touch panel 13 is invalidated by performing the control for stopping the display drive during the reproduction of the music file, the touch panel 13 is used while the portable terminal device is in the pocket or the back while the music reproduction is being used. It is possible to prevent an erroneous operation input in the case of contact with.

According to the display control function in the player (music reproduction) mode in the portable terminal device having the music reproduction function having the above-described configuration, during the reproduction of the selected music file, the music reproduction is performed. Since the music playback indicator (LED) 15 to be notified is lit and displayed, even if the liquid crystal display unit 12 and its backlight 12a are stopped for power saving, the music file is being played back. Can be easily confirmed.

Further, according to the display control function in the player (music reproduction) mode of the portable terminal device having the music reproduction function having the above-described configuration, when an application corresponding to another operation mode is started in parallel, Since the display-off permission flag memory 24a is not set with the flag F for enabling the display-off state, the display driving is stopped and the power is saved only during the music reproduction operation that does not need to display data. Can be achieved.

The display off control according to the display off command in the above embodiment is performed by stopping the driving of the liquid crystal display unit 12 and its backlight 12a. The brightness may be controlled to decrease, or only the driving of the backlight 12a may be stopped to save power.

[0065]

As described above, according to the music reproducing apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, the display operation by the display means is stopped while the music signal is being reproduced by the music reproducing means.
Power can be saved during music reproduction that does not require information display.

Therefore, for example, in a PDA powered by a rechargeable battery or a dry battery, even if a music playback function that consumes a large amount of power is incorporated, it is possible to reduce the power consumption and obtain a long usable time. .

Since the display of the operation keys disappears,
Touching the operation key (display key) carelessly also has an effect of preventing execution of an undesired operation.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exemplary view showing an external configuration of a portable terminal device having a music reproducing function according to an embodiment of a music reproducing device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic circuit of the portable terminal device having the music reproduction function.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a display control process in the portable terminal device having the music reproduction function.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flag management process in the portable terminal device having the music reproduction function.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing player mode processing in the portable terminal device having the music reproduction function.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an operation display state accompanying a player mode process of the portable terminal device having the music reproduction function;
FIG. 7A shows an operation display state on the menu display screen G1, FIG. 8B shows an operation display state on the reproduction setting screen G2, and FIG. 8C shows an operation display state on the music selection screen G3. FIG. 4D is a diagram showing an operation display state on a playing screen G4.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11 ... device main body, 12 ... liquid crystal display, 12a ... backlight, 13 ... touch panel, 13a ... "playback setting" menu, 13b ... "file" menu, 13c ... volume control button, 13d ... stop button, 13e ... play button , 13f: Pause button, 13g: Fast forward button, 13h: Fast reverse button, 14a: ON key, 14b: OFF key, 14c: MENU key, 14d: Cursor key, 14e: ESC key, 15: Music playback indicator (LED) , 16 ... earphone jack, 17 ... earphone, 21 ... CPU (control unit), 22 ... key input unit, 23 ... ROM, 24 ... RAM, 24 a ... display off permission flag memory, 25 ... sound processing unit, 26 ... earphone interface (I / F), 27 ... power supply controller, 31a Title (file name) display, 31b ... number of songs display, 31c ... playback time display, 31d ... volume indicator, G1 ... menu display screen, G2 ... Playback Settings screen, G3 ... song selection screen, G4 ... playback screen.

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A display means for displaying information necessary for an operation accompanying execution of a music reproduction program; a music data storage means for storing music data; and a music data read from the music data storage means. A music reproducing apparatus comprising: a music reproducing unit that reproduces a corresponding music signal; and a display stopping unit that stops a display operation by the display unit while the music signal is being reproduced by the music reproducing unit. 2. The music reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a lighting display unit that is lit only during reproduction of a music signal by said music reproducing unit. 3. The display stopping means according to claim 1, wherein said display stopping means stops display operation by said display means when a music signal is being reproduced by said music reproducing means and another application program is not being executed. The music playback device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein 4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit includes a liquid crystal display screen having a backlight, and the display operation of the display stop unit is stopped by stopping the driving of the backlight. The music reproducing device according to claim 3.