JP2006209846A - Audio information recording apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an audio information recording apparatus for recording corrected music data to a built-in HDD, wherein the recording level of the corrected music data is corrected to a prescribed level, with respect to the music data of a plurality of music items ripped from a CD or the like, and having recording levels that differ from each other. <P>SOLUTION: The audio information recording apparatus for recording music data to the built-in HDD is provided with a temporary buffer section B for temporarily storing the captured music data; and a correction section K for correcting the average audio signal level of the music data read from the temporary buffer section, and the music data which are arranged at a prescribed level by the correction section are recorded in the HDD. When the music data recorded in the HDD are reproduced, the music data of each music can be provided to a reproduction system, under identical sound volume condition. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an audio information recording apparatus, and in particular, a recording medium such as a hard disk is built in, and audio information such as music can be recorded on the recording medium, and a desired one is selected from recorded audio information as needed. The present invention relates to an audio information recording apparatus that can be read out and supplied to audio reproduction processing.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a recording / reproducing apparatus in which, for example, music data of a large number of music pieces is recorded as an audio information file on a recording medium built in the apparatus, and the music data can be easily searched is widely used. ing.

  Conventionally, a so-called CD changer has been put into practical use in which a large number of compact discs (CDs) are stored and a CD can be automatically reproduced. In this CD changer, several tens to several hundreds of CDs are stored in one casing, and the CD selected by a predetermined operation is automatically reproduced. CD reproduction can be performed for each CD, or a plurality of CDs can be selected, and random reproduction can be performed in units of CDs or recorded songs. This CD changer is mainly used in a fixed manner, that is, installed in a room.

  In this CD changer, it is difficult to realize continuous reproduction because the CD exchange time occurs even during automatic reproduction. Also, a CD changer that stores 100 or 200 CDs has a large and heavy casing, which is very inconvenient to carry and install.

  In order to solve this problem, an audio information recording apparatus using a recording medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) having a relatively small size and a large recording capacity has been proposed. An example of the system configuration of the proposed audio information recording apparatus is shown in FIG. The system configuration shown in the figure is a case where the audio information recording apparatus is incorporated in a stereo reproduction system installed in the interior of an automobile.

  The stereo reproduction system shown in FIG. 13 is configured to acoustically drive four speakers installed in a vehicle cabin based on audio information ripped from an audio information source. For example, among the four speakers, the speakers FSP1 and FSP2 are respectively attached to the lower portions of the left and right front doors, and the speakers RSP1 and RSP2 are respectively installed on the left and right of the back of the rear seat. A stereo reproduction system for driving these four speakers includes an A / D converter 1, a digital interface receiver (DIR) 2, a digital signal processor (DSP) 3, a D / A converter 4, and a volume control. A unit 5 and a power amplifier unit 6 are provided.

  In general, a stereo reproduction system mounted on an automobile can be connected to a number of various audio information sources such as an analog cassette deck, a CD player, an MD player, a satellite TV broadcast reception tuner, and an FM / AM broadcast reception tuner. . When the user selects a desired audio information source, an audio signal input from the desired audio information source is selected and converted into a predetermined digital audio signal format that can be processed by the DSP 3 for controlling the sound field, for example. Are input to the DSP 3.

  When any one of the analog cassette deck, the satellite TV broadcast reception tuner, and the FM / AM broadcast reception tuner is selected, the audio signal captured from the analog cassette deck is converted into a digital signal by the A / D conversion unit 1 and is converted into the DSP 3. Entered. When a CD player or an MD player is selected, the audio signal ripped therefrom is input to the DSP 3 via the DIR2.

  In the DSP 3, for example, the digital audio signal subjected to the sound field processing is DA-converted for each channel in the D / A conversion unit 4 in order to acoustically drive the front speakers FSP1 and FSP2, the rear speakers RSP1 and RSP2, and the like. The sound is input to the power amplifier 6 through the volume controller 5. The volume control unit 5 controls the sound level emitted from the four speakers to a desired sound level set by the user.

  On the other hand, an audio information recording apparatus incorporated in an audio reproduction system generally includes an audio control unit 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, compression encoder / decoder unit 14, display control unit 15, display unit 16, HDD control unit 17, and A hard disk drive (HDD) 18 is provided, which is connected to a bus 19 for transmitting data and communicating with each other.

  The audio control unit 11 having a CPU controls the entire audio information recording apparatus according to a program stored in the ROM 12 while using the RAM 13 as an operation area memory of the program. The display control unit 15 includes a display driver, and drives the display unit 16 such as a liquid crystal display in accordance with instructions from the audio control unit 11. The display unit 16 displays audio related information, recording operation information, and the like.

  The HDD control unit 17 includes an HDD / I / F driver and an HDD microcomputer, and controls recording of the audio information file to the HDD 18 and reading of the audio information file from the HDD 18. The compression encoder / decoder unit 14 compresses the audio information file when recording the audio information on the HDD 18 according to the instruction of the HDD control unit 17, and compresses and encodes the audio information file when the audio information is recorded on the HDD 18. When code processing is performed and the audio information file is read from the HDD 18, the audio information file is compressed and decoded.

  In the audio information recording apparatus configured as described above, for example, an audio information file recorded on a CD is extracted, and the extracted audio information file is compressed and encoded by a predetermined method, and recorded and stored in the HDD 18. By using an HDD having a recording capacity of about 6 GB, music data of about 1000 songs can be recorded. In the audio information recording apparatus, unlike the above-described CD changer, since there is no need to replace the CD, continuous playback is easy and a large number of audio information files can be recorded on one HDD. There is an advantage that the body can be miniaturized.

  By the way, in such an audio information recording apparatus, audio information files reproduced from an audio information source, for example, a plurality of CDs, are recorded on the HDD 18. Since the CD editing conditions are not necessarily the same, each CD is different. In the conventional audio information recording apparatus, a CD or the like is inserted into the input means, and at the same time, an audio information file recorded on the CD or the like is ripped and recorded on the HDD. Therefore, the audio information files of a plurality of CDs recorded in the audio information recording device have different volume levels. The volume level is usually the level of the sound signal of music that changes from moment to moment. Here, the volume level refers to the average value of the sound signal related to the audio information file within a predetermined time.

  Therefore, when a plurality of desired songs are randomly selected from a plurality of CDs having different volume levels and reproduced, the volume level at the time of reproduction varies depending on the song, so that the volume increases or decreases. For this reason, in order to maintain a desired sound volume, the user had to perform the volume control of the sound volume control unit 5 frequently. In addition, when a song copied from a plurality of CDs recorded on the HDD 18 is designated and recorded on another medium such as an MD to create an original album, the volume level is set for each song when the created medium is played back. Will be different.

  For this reason, an audio information recording apparatus has been proposed in which a plurality of music pieces recorded at different volume levels are recorded on the HDD in the audio information recording apparatus and played back at a constant volume level. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  In this proposed audio information recording apparatus, when a plurality of audio information sources recorded at different volume levels are recorded and reproduced in the apparatus, the reproduced sound may be louder or smaller depending on the music, causing the user to feel uncomfortable. In order to solve the problem, level detection means for detecting the volume level of a signal input from the audio information input means is provided, and when the input audio information file is recorded on the HDD, the volume level information is added as additional information. Recording is performed, and at the time of reproduction, the level of reproduced sound related to the audio information is controlled using the recorded volume level information.

JP 2003-162883 A

  In this proposed audio information recording apparatus, when an audio information file ripped from a CD is recorded on the HDD, playback and recording to the HDD of the designated music is performed until the end of the music is detected from the TOC information. repeat. When the end point of the music is detected, the CD playback operation is stopped and the file information of the music recorded in the HDD is registered in the HDD. The playback data output from the CD playback system and being recorded on the HDD is also input to the level detection circuit, and the volume level of the playback data is detected.

  For the volume level data detected by the level detection circuit, an average value for a predetermined time is calculated for each song, read as volume level information, and when recording of the designated song to the HDD is completed, the volume level information Is recorded in the HDD as additional information of the recorded music.

  Next, in the case of playing music recorded on the HDD, when a desired music is specified by the user, the music data of the audio information file recorded on the HDD is read, and the music data is compressed and encoded. If it has been processed, it is compressed and decoded and input to the level conversion circuit. The level conversion circuit multiplies the multiplication coefficient based on the volume level information related to the music recorded as additional information in the HDD and the volume level of the music data read from the HDD. The music data whose volume level has been converted by this multiplication is output to the D / A converter.

  In this way, in the proposed audio information recording apparatus, volume level information is recorded as additional information for each music data recorded in the HDD, and this additional information is used when reproducing the music data. Thus, the volume level of the read music data is corrected to be constant. Thereby, even if the volume levels of the recorded music are different, audio playback comfortable for the user is realized.

  In the proposed audio information recording apparatus, even when music data of a plurality of CDs recorded at different volume levels are copied to the HDD, and the copied music is randomly selected and reproduced, the same volume is obtained. Since reproduction at a level becomes possible, the user does not have to bother to adjust the volume according to the difference in volume level.

  However, although this audio information recording apparatus can adjust the volume level at the time of reproduction of music data recorded in the built-in HDD, the volume level information is always added as additional information to the audio information file. If this volume level information does not exist, the volume level cannot be corrected to a fixed level when music data in the audio information file is played back. There is a problem that it is not freed from the annoyance of.

  Therefore, the present invention has a high recording level by recording, on the HDD, music whose volume level is corrected to a predetermined level for music ripped from a plurality of CDs recorded at different recording levels. When a song with a low recording level is played after a song, or when a song with a high recording level is played after a song with a low recording level, the user has the trouble of adjusting the volume each time. An object of the present invention is to provide an audio information recording apparatus that eliminates the need to provide a special function for fixing the volume level on the stereo reproduction system side.

  In order to solve the above problems, in the present invention, in an audio information recording apparatus for recording captured audio information on a recording medium, a temporary buffer unit for temporarily storing the captured audio information, and the temporary buffer unit And a recording unit that corrects an average sound signal level of the sound signal included in the audio information read out from the audio information and records the audio information including the corrected sound signal on the recording medium.

  The captured audio information is stored in the temporary buffer unit for each audio information file.

  The storage unit includes a correction unit, and the correction unit detects an average sound signal level for each audio information file stored in the temporary buffer unit, and executes the correction based on the average sound signal level. It was decided to.

  Further, the correction unit reads the audio information file stored in the temporary buffer unit, and detects the average sound signal level for the sound signal data of the audio information file with an arbitrarily set reference sound. The correction to match the signal level was executed.

  The correction unit reads the audio information file stored in the temporary buffer unit, and detects the detected average sound signal level with respect to the sound signal data of the audio information file, and sets a set standard reference sound signal level. It was decided to execute a correction to match the above.

  The correction unit reads an audio information file that is initially stored in the temporary buffer unit, sets an average sound signal level detected from the audio information file as a reference sound signal level, and is stored in the temporary buffer unit thereafter. Correction is performed on the sound signal data of the audio information file so that each average sound signal level of the audio information file matches the reference sound signal level.

  The correction unit obtains a correction coefficient based on the average sound signal level and the reference sound signal level related to the audio information file, and multiplies the sound signal included in the audio information by the correction coefficient to obtain a sound signal level. It was decided to execute the correction.

  The storage unit stores and manages the correction coefficient in a table associated with the audio information file, or stores the correction coefficient together with the audio information file in the storage medium.

  The correction unit can correct an average sound signal level of a sound signal included in the audio information file recorded on the recording medium to a reference sound signal level designated by a user, and a plurality of audio signals can be recorded on the recording medium. When the information file is recorded, the average sound signal level of each audio information file can be corrected collectively.

  The correction unit performs the correction on the audio information file in accordance with a prohibition or permission setting by a user.

  When the reference sound signal level exceeds the maximum sound signal level of the average sound signal level related to the audio information file stored in the temporary buffer unit, the correction unit is based on the maximum sound signal level. Thus, the correction coefficient for the sound signal data included in the audio information file is obtained.

  The recording unit, when the correction unit performs the correction on the sound signal data of the audio information file read from the temporary buffer unit, when clipping occurs during recording of the sound signal, Clipping notification information related to recording of the audio information file on the recording medium is output.

  The recording unit is configured to output the clipping notification information in accordance with a user output setting.

  The recording unit causes the correction unit to perform the correction on the sound signal data of the audio information file when the user selects the permission to generate clipping at the time of correction, and prohibits the occurrence of clipping at the time of correction by the user. Is selected, the correction unit is caused to execute the correction on the sound signal of the audio information in accordance with the reference sound signal level set by the user.

  When the user sets the reference sound signal level, the recording unit applies the correction according to the reference sound signal level to the correction unit for the sound signal data of the audio information file recorded on the recording medium. It was decided to execute.

  The recording unit prevents the correction unit from executing the correction on the sound signal data of the audio information file when the user selects the prohibition of the occurrence of clipping at the time of correction, or the recording medium of the audio information We decided to stop recording.

  The recording unit monitors the warning information so that the power is not cut off while the correction unit performs the correction on the sound signal data of the audio information file and records the audio information on the recording medium. I decided to output it.

  In the audio information recording apparatus of the present invention, the recording medium is a storage means that can be written to and read from, the temporary buffer unit is a part of the recording medium, and the recording unit is corrected. After the audio information including the sound signal is recorded on the recording medium, the audio information temporarily stored in the temporary buffer unit is deleted.

  As described above, according to the present invention, in an audio information recording apparatus that records captured audio information on a recording medium, the captured audio information is temporarily stored in a temporary buffer unit and read from the temporary buffer unit. Since the average sound signal level of the sound signal included in the audio information is corrected and the audio information including the corrected sound signal is recorded on the recording medium, the audio information recorded on the recording medium is reproduced. There is no variation in the output level of the audio information read out at times, and the average sound signal level of the output is aligned to a predetermined level regardless of which audio information is selected.

  Further, if the audio reproduction system has a function of copying to another recording medium such as an MD, when the audio information recording apparatus of the present invention is incorporated, a recording medium having a uniform average sound signal level can be created. User convenience can be improved. Furthermore, by temporarily allocating the temporary buffer unit in the recording medium, it is not necessary to separately provide a large-capacity buffer memory, and the cost can be reduced.

  In addition, according to the audio information recording apparatus of the present invention, audio information captured from various recording media recorded at different recording levels can be automatically recorded at a predetermined level desired by the user. Recording can be performed while correction is performed, or even if a predetermined level desired by the user is not set, it is automatically corrected to a predetermined level set in advance.

  Furthermore, according to the audio information recording apparatus of the present invention, when the average sound signal level of the sound signal included in the audio information is corrected, the maximum sound signal level of the music included in the audio information is taken into account. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of clipping in the sound signal of the audio information recorded on the recording medium.

  When recording audio information to the internal recording medium, when clipping occurs in the audio signal of the audio information recorded on the recording medium built-in recording medium, a clipping occurrence alert is displayed. It is possible to know that clipping has occurred in the audio information to be recorded, and it is possible to select recording in a state in which clipping has occurred or in a state in which clipping has not occurred, thereby improving user convenience.

  Next, an embodiment of an audio information recording apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing the basic concept of an audio information recording apparatus according to the present invention.

  The basic conceptual configuration of the audio information recording apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is based on the system configuration of the audio information recording apparatus shown in FIG. 13, but the basic conceptual configuration of FIG. The difference is that a temporary buffer unit B and a correction unit K are provided. As shown in FIG. 13, the ripping unit R corresponds to an A / D conversion unit 1 to which an analog input signal is input and a DIR2 to which a digital input signal is input.

  Since only the basic concept is shown in FIG. 1, audio data, for example, music data that is a sound signal of an audio information file ripped from a CD or the like is recorded in the HDD 18, or the music data is recorded from the HDD 18. Illustration of details of the system configuration to be read out is omitted. In the following embodiments, a description will be given of a case where an HDD is used as a recording medium built in the audio information recording apparatus. A type of recording medium can be used.

  In the audio information recording apparatus of FIG. 13, the music data that is the sound signal of the audio information file captured from the CD by the ripping unit R is recorded directly on the built-in HDD 18 via the HDD control unit 17. This state is indicated by a dashed arrow in FIG. In this recording method, the recording level of the music data is still captured by the ripping unit R in the HDD 18.

  Therefore, in the embodiment of the audio information recording apparatus of the present invention, before recording the music data captured from the CD by the ripping unit R onto the HDD 18, the recording level of the music data is corrected to a predetermined level, and the recording level is The corrected music data is recorded on the HDD 18.

  In order to realize this correction, as shown in FIG. 1, music data relating to a plurality of pieces of music taken from the CD by the ripping unit R is temporarily stored in the temporary buffer unit B. Next, an average sound signal level related to the sound signal level of the music data is obtained for each music piece. In the correction unit K, the average sound signal level is corrected by multiplying the music data by a correction coefficient so that the average sound signal level matches a predetermined level. Each music data whose average sound signal level is corrected is recorded in the HDD 18.

  By this correction, the music data recorded on the HDD 18 are all recorded in a state where they are aligned at a predetermined level. For example, even if music data having different recording levels are taken in by the ripping unit R due to different recording levels between CDs, music data having an average sound signal level unified to a predetermined level is recorded in the HDD 18. The

  When music data recorded on the HDD 18 is selected and read out, the recording level of any music data is the same. Therefore, when the music data is supplied to the audio playback system and the music is played back, the music with a low recording level is played after the music with a high recording level, or after the music with a low recording level, When playing a musical piece with a high recording level, the trouble of the user adjusting the volume each time is eliminated.

  In the audio information recording apparatus shown in FIG. 1, each piece of music data taken in by the ripping unit R is temporarily stored in the temporary buffer unit B. This temporary buffer unit B is shown in FIG. The RAM 13 shown can be used, or it can be another buffer memory connected to the bus 19. In addition, the above-described correction process is executed by the audio control unit 11 according to a correction process program stored in the ROM 12.

  Next, before describing the correction processing executed in the above-described embodiment and the correction processing in recording the music data whose recording level is corrected to the HDD, the correction processing in the audio information recording apparatus according to the present embodiment. The input settings related to are described. In the present embodiment, the display of the display unit 16 connected to the apparatus is configured with a touch panel, and a user setting input operation can be performed on the display screen. An example of the user setting screen is shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 2, a setting input screen related to correction processing is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 16, and “level automatic correction”, “user level correction”, “HDD recording level”, “clipping” and Input setting icons for setting each function of “clipping alert display” are arranged.

  The “level automatic correction” function setting column is provided with “ON” and “OFF” buttons, and when the user records music data on the HDD 18, the level automatic correction can be turned on / off. ing. When the “OFF” button is pressed, the automatic level correction is canceled. When the user desires to record in the HDD 18 while maintaining the recording level, the level automatic correction is set to off. For example, when a sine wave test signal of 1 dB steps from 0 dB to -6 dB is intentionally recorded on the HDD 18, all signals are corrected to the same level without the level automatic correction off function, so that the user expects Will not be able to record. In order to avoid this, a level automatic correction off function is required.

  “User level setting” selects that the recording level of music recorded in the HDD 18 is corrected to a predetermined level desired by the user in addition to the standard predetermined level initially set in the apparatus. It is a function. When the “ON” button is pressed, the user can select and input a desired level value in the “HDD recording level” input field, and the recording level of the music data recorded on the HDD 18 is set. It is corrected to the predetermined level. When the “NO” button is pressed, the level correction is initially set in the apparatus, for example, set to a standard predetermined level recommended by the manufacturer.

  FIG. 3 shows a processing flow of the audio control unit 11 regarding the user level setting. When the “ON” button of “user level setting” is pressed, the input field of “HDD recording level” is validated and the user can input the recording level value (step S1).

  In addition, “clipping” may result in the sound signal of the music data being clipped depending on the level as a result of correcting the recording level of the music data recorded on the HDD 18 to a predetermined level. Since this clipping gives distortion as music, it can be recorded on the HDD 18 with the sound signal level in the ripped state without intentional level correction. In this case, the “prohibit” button is pressed and level correction is performed so as not to perform clipping. When the “Allow” button is pressed, priority is given to the execution of level correction with the knowledge that clipping may occur.

  FIG. 4 shows a processing flow of the audio control unit 11 regarding the prohibition or permission setting of clipping. When the “Allow” button of “Clipping” is pressed, execution of level correction based on the specified level is set regardless of the occurrence of clipping, and when “Prohibit” button is pressed, clipping does not occur Is set to execute level correction (step S2).

  “Clipping alert display” informs the user that clipping has occurred as a result of performing level correction on ripped music data when the “Allow” button for “Clipping” is pressed. You can choose to do. When the “ON” button is pressed, for example, “There are 8 clipping points in this TRACK. Consider reviewing the HDD recording level. Is displayed as a clipping alert. In particular, even if clipping occurs, if you do not care, you can press the “OFF” button to prevent the alert from being displayed.

  FIG. 5 shows a processing flow of the audio control unit 11 regarding the ON / OFF setting of the clipping alert display. When the “ON” button of “Clipping / Alert Display” is pressed, an alert is displayed when clipping occurs. When the “OFF” button is pressed, no alert is displayed even if clipping occurs. (Step S3).

  As described above, the audio information recording apparatus of the present embodiment is provided with a function for performing user settings related to level correction using the display screen of the display unit 16 as shown in FIG. Considering user convenience.

  Next, according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, the processing operation in the audio information recording apparatus of the present embodiment when recording an audio information file in the internal HDD will be described. First, in order to record the music data of the music recorded on the CD in the HDD 18, when a single CD is inserted in the input means of the audio playback system, the music recorded on the CD is recorded by the ripping unit B. The data is ripped (step S11).

  Next, every time ripping of music data for one song is completed, the correction unit K of the audio control unit 11 calculates an average sound signal level for the music data for one song (step S12). Then, the audio control unit 11 stores the music data for which the average sound signal is calculated in the temporary buffer unit B (step S13).

  Here, the setting state of the “level automatic correction” function is determined on the user setting screen shown in FIG. 3 (step S14). If “ON” is set (ON in step S14), the setting state of the “user level setting” function is determined (step S15).

  At this time, if the user level setting “ON” button is pressed and the predetermined level desired by the user is set (YES in step S15), the music data can be recorded on the HDD 18 at the predetermined level set by the user. As described above, in the correction unit K, the correction coefficient k is calculated based on the average sound signal level calculated in step S12 and the predetermined level (step S16).

  Also, in step S15, if the “OFF” button for user level setting is pressed and the user does not want to record at a predetermined level (NO in step S15), the manufacturer recommended initial setting in the apparatus is recommended. It is determined whether or not to correct at the standard level (step S17).

  When correction is set at this standard level (YES in step S17), the correction unit K calculates the average calculated in step S12 so that music data can be recorded on the HDD 18 at the standard level recommended by the manufacturer. A correction coefficient k is calculated based on the sound signal level and the predetermined level (step S18).

  On the other hand, if correction at the standard level is not set in step S17 (NO in step S17), there is no standard for level correction when recording music data on the HDD 18, so that the HDD 18 In order to make the recording level of the recorded music data uniform, the recording level of the first ripped music data, that is, the average sound signal level of the music data calculated in step 12 is used as a reference. Accordingly, the correction unit K calculates the correction coefficient k based on the average sound signal level of the first ripped music data calculated in step S12 (step S19).

  Here, FIG. 7 shows an example of level correction based on the average sound signal level of the first ripped music data. The ripped music is represented by the HDD storage number, and in the example of FIG. 7, 5 music is ripped. The average level before correction indicates the average sound signal level of the music data of each music calculated in step 12, and the average level after correction indicates the recording level of each music when the level is corrected and recorded in the HDD. Yes. The column of the average level before correction shows how the recording levels for the ripped music are different from each other.

  In this example, no. No. 1 indicates that the first piece of music was ripped by the ripping unit R. The average sound signal level of one piece of music is calculated as -3 dB. The average sound signal level is set to No. 2-No. This is a level correction standard for the on-school data of each piece of music. In the table of FIG. 7, the reference average sound signal level is indicated by a bold frame.

  The level correction method for each music is as follows. No. Since the music of 1 is set to the reference level of level correction of −3 dB, the average level after correction remains at −3 dB. The following No. Since the recording level of music No. 2 is -2 dB, the recording level is reduced by -1 dB and corrected to -3 dB. No. The same correction processing is performed for the third and subsequent music pieces, and the recording level of any music piece is adjusted to −3 dB as the corrected average level.

  In this way, the music data of all the ripped music pieces are level-corrected based on the average sound signal level of the music data of the first ripped music pieces, and are aligned at a predetermined level of −3 dB. To be recorded.

  Next, in step S16, step S18, and step S19, the correction coefficient k is calculated for all cases when level correction is performed when music data is recorded on the HDD 18, so the correction unit K is ripped. Music data is multiplied by the correction coefficient k to create music recording data for recording on the HDD 18 (step S20). Then, the HDD control unit 17 stores the recording data in the HDD 18 (step S21).

  This completes the music data recording process in the audio information recording apparatus when level correction is set. Recording is completed in the HDD 18 in a state where the recording levels of the music data of all the songs ripped by the ripping unit R are corrected and the recording levels of the respective songs are aligned at a predetermined level.

  On the other hand, in step S14, regarding the “level automatic correction” function, when the “OFF” button is pressed and it is set not to perform level correction on the ripped music data (OFF in step S14). ) Music data of all the music pieces ripped by the ripping unit R are recorded directly on the HDD 18 as indicated by the dashed arrows shown in FIG.

  By the way, in the audio information recording apparatus of the present embodiment, the average sound signal level of the music data is calculated when ripping of the music data of one song is completed, and the level is corrected for the average sound signal level of each song. Therefore, if the user accidentally turns off the audio information recording device while recording the music data on the HDD, the music data recording process is interrupted and the ripped music data is lost, The data will remain in an incomplete form.

  Therefore, in order to prevent the user from turning off the power during the recording process, an alert is displayed while the apparatus is executing the recording process. For example, on the display screen of the display unit 16, “Ripping data is being corrected! Do not turn off the power. Alert display with a message such as

  FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of processing in the audio control unit related to the alert display. The audio control unit 11 recognizes that the ripped music data is recorded on the HDD, and determines whether the HDD recording data is being created (step S31).

  At this time, if HDD recording data has not been created (NO in step 31), there is no problem even if the apparatus is turned off, and the process ends without displaying an alert, but HDD recording data has been created. If yes (YES in step 31), a warning by alert display is performed (step S32). As the warning means, the warning message as described above is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 16.

  After displaying the alert, the timer process is executed (step S33), and the process returns to step S31 every time a fixed time elapses to continue monitoring whether the HDD recording data is being created. The alert display is maintained until the creation of the HDD recording data is completed. By displaying this alert, it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally turning off the apparatus.

  In the above, the processing in the case of recording music data ripped from a CD or the like on the HDD according to the flowchart relating to the operation of the audio information recording apparatus shown in FIG. 6 has been described. Next, it may be necessary to change the recording level of the music data of each piece of music data already recorded in the HDD built in the audio information recording apparatus.

  In order to collectively change the recording level for the recorded data of the already recorded music, for example, a recording level batch change correction menu is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 16, and an icon for the “level recorrection” function is displayed. Is provided. The “ON” button and the “OFF” button are used to select whether or not the level of music data recorded in the HDD can be re-corrected. In preparation for the case where the “ON” button is pressed, it is convenient to provide an input field for selecting and specifying the storage number of the music recorded in the HDD, or to provide a full selection button.

  In such a “level recorrection” function, when the user presses the “ON” button and a music piece to be subjected to level recorrection is selected and designated, the audio control unit 11 sets the recording level of the music data already recorded in the HDD 18. Change or recorrection processing is executed. In the processing shown in FIG. 6, the music data captured from the CD or the like by the ripping unit R is stored in the temporary buffer unit B. However, in the case of recording level change or recorrection processing. The music data recorded in the HDD 18 is stored in the temporary buffer unit B. Then, the recording level of the music data stored in the temporary buffer unit B is changed or recorrected to a predetermined level by the correcting unit K.

  FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of processing relating to the level correction for changing or re-correcting the recording level of the recording data of the music already recorded in the HDD. First, when the level correction function for changing the recording level of the recorded music is selected by the user, the audio control unit 11 confirms the number of recorded data of the music recorded in the HDD 18 (step S41).

  At this time, it is determined how many correction processes are required (step S42). If the required number is not 0 (NO in step S42), level correction is required for the recording data, so that the recording The average sound signal level of the data is detected (step S43).

  Here, when recording data of music is recorded in the HDD 18, permission or prohibition is set for re-correction of the recording level of the recording data. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the recording data level correction is permitted for the recording data (step S44).

  If level recorrection of the recording level is permitted (YES in step S44), the correction unit K calculates a recorrection coefficient k1 based on a predetermined level set by the user (step S45). Then, by multiplying the recorrection coefficient k1 by the recording data, the HDD recording data whose level is recorrected is created (step S46). At this time, “Are you sure you want to change? If a confirmation message “” is displayed and the user is asked to confirm with the “YES” or “NO” button, an undesired level change can be eliminated.

  If the “YES” button is pressed, this level recorrected recording data is recorded in the HDD 18 (step S47). Next, after the necessary number of correction processes is decremented (step S48), the process returns to step S42, and level recorrection processing is performed on the remaining recording data.

  On the other hand, if prohibition of level recorrection is set for the recording data in step S44 (NO in step S44), the recording data is moved to the HDD 18 without calculating a recorrection coefficient. (Step S49). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S48, the required number of correction processes is decremented, and the process returns to step S42 to execute level re-correction processing for the remaining recording data.

  As described above, the level re-correction processing for the necessary number confirmed in step S41 is executed, and the record data of the music recorded in the HDD 18 is changed to the predetermined level set by the user and re-recorded. become.

  Note that the additional information for determining whether the level re-correction is prohibited or permitted may be given as attribute information to each piece of music data recorded in the HDD 18. Alternatively, this additional information may be stored in a separate table format in the HDD 18 and associated with the HDD recording data to form a database for centralized management.

  In the level correction process described so far, the average sound signal level of the music data is level-corrected based on a predetermined level. During this level correction, the average sound signal level of the music data may be overcorrected depending on the level of the predetermined level. For example, when the recording level is corrected by setting the predetermined level to 0 dB, if the calculated average sound signal level is −4 dB, the music data is subjected to level correction of 4 dB up. . In such a case, there is a possibility that the music data will be too high.

  In order to prevent this level correction from being excessively increased, the maximum level value is obtained by extracting the music data of the plurality of music pieces for which the level correction is to be executed this time and having the highest average sound signal level. . Therefore, when a predetermined level set as a standard or set by the user exceeds the maximum level value, level correction is executed based on the maximum level value. If the maximum level value is −2 dB, the average sound signal level may be increased by 2 dB for music data of −4 dB, and excessive increase in level correction can be reduced.

  FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of the processing for level correction in the case where excessive increase in level correction is prevented. The processing procedure of the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 can be incorporated in the processing of the correction unit K when calculating the correction coefficient in step S16, step S18 and step S19 in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, when calculating the correction coefficient for correcting the level, the correction unit K determines whether or not the maximum level value regarding the average sound signal level of the music is set to be considered (step S51). At this time, when it is set not to consider the maximum level value (NO in step S51), a correction coefficient according to a predetermined level set by the user or a predetermined level set by the standard is calculated, and the correction coefficient is Level correction is executed as the final correction coefficient k1 (step S54).

  On the other hand, if the maximum level value is set in consideration (YES in step S51), whether the maximum level value becomes the upper limit value with reference to the predetermined level set by the user or the predetermined level set by the standard setting Is determined (step S52).

  When these predetermined levels exceed the maximum level value, the final correction coefficient k1 is calculated based on the maximum level value. When the maximum level value exceeds the predetermined level, the final correction is performed based on the predetermined level. A coefficient k1 is calculated (step S53). The subsequent generation of music data whose level has been corrected and the recording of the music data in the HDD 18 are executed by the same processing as in steps S20 and S21 shown in FIG.

  By the way, as described in relation to the sound level setting screen example of FIG. 2, as a result of correcting the recording level of the music recorded in the HDD 18 to a predetermined level, the sound signal of the music data is clipped depending on the level. It can be done. Therefore, it is possible to set whether to permit or prohibit the occurrence of clipping at the time of level correction. Therefore, the processing procedure for dealing with the occurrence of clipping due to level correction is shown in the flowchart of FIG. This processing procedure is incorporated in the processing of step S20 in the flowchart of FIG.

  First, it is determined whether or not clipping is permitted during level correction (step S61). In the setting screen shown in FIG. 2, when the “permitted” or “prohibited” button of the “clipping” function is set and “prohibited” of the occurrence of clipping is set (NO in step S61), clipping by level correction The level correction is executed by changing the predetermined level so as not to occur (step S66). At this time, if the change to lower the predetermined level is selected, there is a possibility that the level balance with the music data of other music recorded on the HDD 18 may be out of order. It is good to execute together.

  On the other hand, if “permitted” for occurrence of clipping is set (YES in step S61), it is determined whether or not clipping has occurred in the music data recorded on the HDD 18 (step S62). At this time, if clipping has occurred in the music data to be recorded (YES in step S62), it is determined by the user whether or not the display of the occurrence of clipping is set on (step S63).

  When the display of the occurrence of clipping is set to ON (step S63 is ON), an alert display for the occurrence of clipping is performed (step S64). Next, HDD recording data level-corrected in the clipped state is created (step S65).

  On the other hand, if no clipping has occurred in step S62, or if the display of clipping occurrence is set to OFF in step S63, no alert for the occurrence of clipping is displayed, and the process proceeds to step S65. Then, HDD recording data whose level is corrected in a clipped state is created.

  As described above, in the audio information recording apparatus of the present embodiment, the music data of a plurality of songs taken from a CD or the like by the ripping unit R is temporarily stored in the temporary buffer unit, and the music data of the music data is stored in units of songs. An average sound signal level related to the sound signal level is obtained, and the correction unit multiplies the sound signal by a correction coefficient so that the average sound signal level matches a predetermined level, and corrects the average sound signal level. Then, the music data of each musical piece whose average sound signal level is corrected is recorded in the HDD 18.

  As a result of this correction, the music data recorded on the HDD 18 is recorded in a state where all of the music data are aligned at a predetermined level. For example, the recording level differs between CDs or the recording level between different types of recording media. As a result, even if music data of different recording levels are taken in by the ripping unit, music data having an average sound signal level unified to a predetermined level is recorded on the HDD. Therefore, when the audio information recording apparatus of the present embodiment is combined with the stereo reproduction system and the music data read from the HDD is reproduced, the volume level is the same between songs, and the volume adjustment by the user is complicated. Can be improved.

  In the audio information recording apparatus of the present invention described above, as shown in FIG. 1, the temporary buffer unit B is an HDD that is a recording medium for audio information as a place where audio information is temporarily stored. Was provided as a separate storage. The temporary buffer unit B is not necessarily provided separately from the HDD, and a part of the HDD can be used.

  FIG. 12 shows an outline of the audio information recording apparatus in this case as a modification of the audio information recording apparatus shown in FIG. In the audio information recording device of FIG. 1, the audio information captured by the ripping unit R is temporarily stored in the temporary buffer unit B. However, in the audio information recording device shown in FIG. The audio information thus stored is stored in a location temporarily allocated as a temporary buffer of the HDD 18. At this time, the level of the music data of the audio information is not adjusted.

  In the process of correcting the average sound signal level relating to the stored audio information, the correction unit K reads the music data from the temporary buffer in the HDD 18, calculates the average signal level, and executes level adjustment. The procedure according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 2 to 11 is applied to the level adjustment process.

  After the level adjustment process is performed on the music data read from the temporary buffer in the HDD 18, the level-adjusted music data is stored and recorded in a location different from the temporary buffer in the HDD 18. Then, after the music data is recorded on the HDD 18, the correction unit K erases the original music data stored in the temporary buffer in the HDD 18.

  As described above, by temporarily using a part of the HDD, which is one of the recording media, as a temporary buffer unit, it is not necessary to separately provide a large-capacity buffer memory, and the cost can be reduced. .

  Although the case where the level of the audio signal is adjusted has been described above, the application of the present invention is not limited to this case, and can be applied to the case where the dynamic range is adjusted. If the average level of the sound signal is adjusted in the same way for an average song whose signal level does not change significantly throughout the song and a song whose signal level changes partially, However, in the latter song, there is a problem that the volume of the low sound part is too low and difficult to hear, and the loud sound part is too loud and feels loud.

  Therefore, if this embodiment is applied when adjusting the dynamic range of the sound signal, the level difference between the low sound part and the high sound part is compressed to average the change in the sound volume so that the whole sound is easy to hear. Can be adjusted. The average level of the sound signal may be further adjusted after adjusting the dynamic range of the sound signal.

  As another modification, the frequency characteristics of the audio signal can be adjusted. In the case of an on-vehicle acoustic device, reproduced sound is output in a narrow space such as the interior of a vehicle, so that depending on the music, it may be difficult to hear the high-frequency part and the low-frequency part. In this case, it is necessary for the user to adjust the level of the treble part and the bass part by operating an equalizer or the like for each piece of music, which is troublesome. Therefore, this troublesomeness can be eliminated by adjusting the frequency characteristics of the audio signal.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the song data is once recorded in the temporary buffer, the frequency characteristics are analyzed, and if it is determined that the high frequency part or the low frequency part needs to be emphasized, the predetermined frequency characteristic is obtained. After performing the filtering process of FIG. In this way, since all songs are recorded in the HDD 18 with frequency characteristics that are easy to listen to in advance, the user does not have to operate the equalizer for each song, and convenience is improved. Of course, the adjustment of the frequency characteristic can be combined with the above-described level adjustment and dynamic range adjustment.

  The frequency characteristics may be adjusted not only by emphasizing the treble and bass parts described above, but also by attenuating the treble and bass parts, or by emphasizing and attenuating only the vocal part. What is necessary is just to adjust to the aspect which is easy to listen according to a state. Alternatively, a suitable frequency characteristic suitable for the vehicle compartment may be preset and the frequency characteristic of the music may be adjusted accordingly.

  In this case, the preferred frequency characteristics to be preset are stored in advance as a table in the HDD 18 or ROM 12 for each vehicle type (sedan, minivan, light vehicle, etc.) or for each individual vehicle type, and the user can You may make it select according to a vehicle. Further, using a navigation device with a communication function or the like, the frequency characteristics suitable for the vehicle type used by the user may be downloaded from the communication destination server.

  Further, as the processing unit for adjusting the dynamic range and the frequency characteristics, the processing unit for level correction provided in the audio information recording apparatus shown in FIG. 1 can be used as it is. If a DSP is used for the signal processing of this processing unit, it is possible to adjust the signal level, adjust the dynamic range, and adjust the frequency characteristics by simply changing the software related to the DSP signal processing. Can be matched.

It is a figure explaining the basic operation | movement in the audio information recording device by this invention. It is a figure explaining the example of the sound level setting related menu displayed on the display part with which the audio information recording device was equipped. It is a flowchart explaining the process which sets the recording level in the case of recording music on internal HDD. 12 is a flowchart for explaining processing when setting prohibition or permission for occurrence of clipping when an audio information file is recorded in an internal HDD. It is a flowchart explaining the process in the case of displaying the alert with respect to generation | occurrence | production of clipping when recording an audio information file in internal HDD. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of the processing operation in the audio information recording device of this embodiment in the case of recording an audio information file in a built-in HDD. It is a figure explaining the example of the method of a level setting at the time of recording an audio information file in internal HDD. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of power supply monitoring when an audio information file is recorded in a built-in HDD. It is a flowchart explaining the process in the case of changing the recording level which concerns on the audio information file recorded on internal HDD. It is a flowchart explaining the process in the case of determining the upper limit of the correction coefficient with respect to an average sound signal level based on the maximum music level. It is a flowchart explaining the process in the case of dealing with the clipping with respect to the sound signal generated when recording an audio information file in the internal HDD. It is a figure explaining the operation | movement in the modification of the audio information recording device by this invention. It is the figure which showed the system outline | summary of the audio information recording device which can record an audio information file in internal HDD with a block structure.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 A / D conversion part 2 Digital interface receiver 3 Digital signal processing part 4 D / A conversion part 5 Volume control part 6 Power amplifier part 11 Audio control part 12 ROM
13 RAM
14 compression encoder / decoder unit 15 display control unit 16 display unit 17 HDD control unit 18 hard disk drive (HDD)
19 Bus FSP1, FSP2 Front speaker RSP1, FSP2 Rear speaker R Ripping part B Temporary buffer part K Correction part

Claims (23)

In an audio information recording apparatus for recording captured audio information on a recording medium,
A temporary buffer unit for temporarily storing the captured audio information;
A recording unit that corrects a sound signal level of a sound signal included in the audio information read from the temporary buffer unit, and records the audio information including the corrected sound signal on the recording medium;
An audio information recording apparatus comprising:   The audio information recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the captured audio information is stored in the temporary buffer unit for each audio information file.   The recording unit includes a correction unit that detects an average sound signal level for each audio information file stored in the temporary buffer unit and executes the correction based on the average sound signal level. Item 3. The audio information recording apparatus according to Item 2.   The correction unit reads the audio information file stored in the temporary buffer unit, and the detected average sound signal level is set to an arbitrarily set reference sound signal level with respect to sound signal data of the audio information file. The audio information recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a correction for matching is performed.   The correction unit reads the audio information file stored in the temporary buffer unit, and detects the detected average sound signal level with respect to the sound signal data of the audio information file, and sets a set standard reference sound signal level. The audio information recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a correction for matching is performed.   The correction unit reads the audio information file first stored in the temporary buffer unit, sets the average sound signal level detected from the audio information file as a reference sound signal level, and is stored in the temporary buffer unit thereafter. 4. The audio information recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein correction is performed on the sound signal data of the audio information file so that each average sound signal level of the audio information file matches the reference sound signal level.   The correction unit obtains a correction coefficient based on the average sound signal level and the reference sound signal level related to the audio information file, and multiplies the sound signal data included in the audio information file by the correction coefficient to generate a sound signal. The audio information recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein level correction is executed.   The audio information recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the storage unit stores and manages the correction coefficient in a table associated with the audio information file.   The audio information recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the storage unit stores the correction coefficient together with the audio information file in the storage medium.   The said correction | amendment part can correct | amend the average sound signal level of the sound signal data contained in the said audio information file recorded on the said recording medium to the reference | standard sound signal level designated by the user. The audio information recording device according to claim 1.   11. The audio information recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein when the plurality of audio information files are recorded on the recording medium, the correction unit can collectively correct an average sound signal level of each audio information file. .   The audio information recording apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the correction unit performs the correction on the audio information file in accordance with a prohibition or permission setting by a user.   When the reference sound signal level exceeds the maximum sound signal level among the average sound signal levels related to the audio information file stored in the temporary buffer unit, the correction unit is based on the maximum sound signal level. The audio information recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the correction coefficient for the sound signal data of the audio information file is obtained.   The recording unit, when the correction unit performs the correction on the sound signal data of the audio information file read from the temporary buffer unit, when clipping occurs during recording of the sound signal, 14. The audio information recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein clipping notification information related to recording of the audio information on the recording medium is output.   The audio information recording apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the recording unit outputs the clipping notification information according to a user output setting.   15. The audio according to claim 14, wherein the recording unit causes the correction unit to perform the correction on the sound signal data of the audio information file when the user selects permission to generate clipping at the time of correction. Information recording device.   The recording unit causes the correction unit to perform the correction on the sound signal data of the audio information file in accordance with a reference sound signal level set by the user when the prohibition of the occurrence of clipping at the time of correction is selected by the user. The audio information recording apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the apparatus is an audio information recording apparatus.   When the user sets the reference sound signal level, the recording unit applies the correction according to the reference sound signal level to the correction unit for the sound signal data of the audio information file recorded on the recording medium. The audio information recording apparatus according to claim 17, wherein:   15. The audio according to claim 14, wherein the recording unit does not cause the correction unit to perform the correction on the sound signal data of the audio information file when the user selects prohibition of occurrence of clipping at the time of correction. Information recording device.   15. The audio information recording apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the recording unit stops recording the audio information file on the recording medium when the user selects prohibition of occurrence of clipping at the time of correction.   The recording unit monitors the power supply so as not to be cut off while the correction unit performs the correction on the sound signal data of the audio information file and records the audio information file on the recording medium. The audio information recording device according to claim 1, wherein The recording medium is a storage means that can be written and read freely,
The audio information recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the temporary buffer unit is a part of the recording medium.   23. The recording unit according to claim 22, wherein the recording unit erases the audio information temporarily stored in the temporary buffer unit after recording the audio information including the corrected sound signal on the recording medium. The audio information recording device described in 1.

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