JPH10312631A - Sound reproducing device and information processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automatically make a shift to the normal operation state even when a sound circuit is in the state of stopping supply of a power source or in the power saving state by inputting a sound and hence to start up inputted sound processing and sound processing and moreover to prevent the inputted sound from being cut off in its head part. SOLUTION: In the sound reproducing device and the information processing device, a sound input detecting circuit 2 is provided in the front stage of a sound input part 1, at the time of a power saving operation mode, the sound input detecting circuit 2 and an operation control circuit 3 are operated in the normal state, and the power supply to the sound circuit 4 having a D/A converter part, a mixer part and an amplifier part is stopped or set in the state of power saving operation, so that the power supply to the sound circuit 4 can be started up or shifted to the normal operation state by detecting an input of a sound by a sound input detecting circuit 2. Then, an A/D converter part 5 of the sound input part 1 is provided with a FIFO(first-in first-out) memory as a head cut-off preventing mechanism of the inputted sound during the time of shifting to the normal mode.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a power-saving audio reproducing apparatus and an information processing apparatus, and more particularly to a power-saving audio reproducing apparatus and an information processing apparatus used for an information input / output apparatus of an electronic apparatus. Related to the device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional audio reproducing apparatus and an information processing apparatus including the audio reproducing apparatus, in which portability is regarded as important, it is necessary to suppress power consumption as much as possible in order to extend battery life as much as possible. For this purpose, a method is used in which a power saving operation mode is set for the entire apparatus, and power supply to a microphone, a line input, a CD playback, a sound circuit connected to a speaker or the like is stopped or a power saving operation state is set. I was When this power saving mode is set, no sound is output even if a voice input is given, and no voice-related processing is performed. It was necessary to shift to the normal operation mode.

[0003] Further, with respect to an apparatus having a mechanism capable of detecting an audio input even when the sound circuit is in a power saving operation state, the start of power supply to the sound circuit or the transition to a normal operation state is detected by the detection of the audio input. Input sound processing from the time when the transition of the sound circuit to the normal operation state is completed.

[0004]

However, when the entire sound circuit is in a power-supply stop state or a power saving operation state, no processing is performed even if sound is input to the sound circuit, and the input sound is processed. In order to do so, it is necessary to shift to a normal operation state in advance by a user's operation, and a troublesome operation is required.

[0005] Further, in a device having a mechanism capable of detecting a sound input even when the sound circuit is in a power saving operation state, the transition of the sound circuit to a normal operation state after the sound input is detected is completed. However, there is a problem in that the processing is not performed on the sound input until the time until the start of the sound, and the beginning of the sound is cut off.

It is an object of the present invention to automatically shift to a normal operation state by inputting a sound even when the sound circuit is in a power supply stop state or a power saving state, and to start processing of input sound and sound processing. It is still another object of the present invention to provide an audio reproducing apparatus and an information processing apparatus main body which can prevent the input audio from being cut off in this case.

[0007]

The audio reproducing apparatus and the information processing apparatus main body of the present invention are provided with an audio input detecting circuit (analog) at a stage preceding the audio input section. The power supply to the sound circuit other than the operation control circuit is stopped or set to a power saving operation state, and the power supply to the entire sound circuit is automatically started or normal operation is performed by detecting a voice input by the voice input detection circuit. It is characterized in that it can be shifted to a state.

A voice input detection circuit (digital) is provided in the A / D conversion section of the voice input section, and other than the voice input section (including the A / D conversion section and the voice input detection circuit) and the operation control circuit in the power saving operation mode. The power supply of the sound circuit is stopped or set to the power saving operation state, and the sound input detection circuit detects the input of the sound, thereby automatically starting the power supply of the entire sound circuit or shifting to the normal operation state. It is characterized by being able to.

[0009] In the case where the sound is prevented from being interrupted, the A / D converter has a FIFO in which the sound circuit operates even in the power supply stop state or the power saving state.

[Operation] Even when the sound circuit is in the power supply stop mode or the power saving operation mode, when a sound input is detected, the sound circuit automatically shifts to a normal operation state and performs processing of input sound and sound processing. Can be. Also,
By providing the A / D converter with a FIFO, it is possible to prevent the beginning of the sound from being cut off at the time of transition from the power saving operation mode to the normal operation mode due to the detection of the input sound.

[0011]

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The power supply stop state and the power saving operation state are collectively referred to as a power saving state, and the other state in which power is supplied and in a normal operation state is referred to as a normal state.

The voice input includes voice input by a microphone, voice input from a CD-ROM drive, and Line input.
It indicates any voice input mode such as voice input from the -in terminal.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 illustrates in detail a first embodiment of a power saving reproduction apparatus according to the present invention.
The first embodiment includes a voice input unit 1, a voice input detection unit (analog) 2, an operation control unit 3, and another voice processing unit 4. Here, the voice input unit 1 is disposed after the voice input detection unit (analog) 2, and includes a microphone, a CD-ROM, and the like.
The audio signal from the drive and the Line-in terminal is switched, amplified to a predetermined level, and subjected to various processes such as correction of frequency characteristics, and is converted into a digital signal by the built-in A / D converter 5. In addition, the audio processing circuit 4 includes a D / A conversion unit for converting a digital signal into an analog signal, a bus I / F unit for transmitting and receiving data in a bus configuration with an external information processing unit, and an audio signal converted to an analog signal. And a mixer section for mixing the audio signal of the external information processing section and a plurality of input audio signals, and an amplifier section for power-amplifying the analog signal and amplifying the audio input signal to a predetermined level. It shall include a sound circuit. The operation control unit 3 includes a timer 6 and includes switching means for switching between a power saving operation mode and a normal operation mode. The power supply of the audio input unit 1 and the other audio processing unit 4 is switched according to the mode. The input detector 2 can also include a timer 7.

When the reproduction apparatus is set to the normal operation mode, the entire sound circuit of the other audio processing circuit 4 is always in the normal state. For example, the power supply voltage is maintained at a voltage for exerting the normal operation of each section. Or maintain the power supply current as required for normal operation. Here, the sound input detection unit 2 may be in a normal state, or may be in a power saving state if an analog signal of the input sound is passed through.

FIG. 2 is an operation flow chart when the power-saving operation mode is set by a user operation as a reproducing apparatus. When the operation signal is input to the operation control unit 3, the normal operation state mode in the operation control unit 3 is switched by the switching unit from the normal operation state mode to the power saving operation mode by the switching unit, and the operation control unit 3 is set to the power saving operation mode (step S1). The sound circuit also shifts from the normal mode to the power saving mode (step S2). At this time, the power supply voltage of the sound circuit such as the D / A conversion unit, the bus I / F unit, the mixer unit, and the amplifier unit is set to zero, or the supplied current is made smaller than usual to save power.

When the transition to the power saving mode is completed, the voice input detecting section 2 and the operation control section 3 are in the normal state, and the voice input section 1 and the other voice processing section 4 are in the power saving state (step S1). S3). Here, the voice input detection unit 2 monitors the presence or absence of an input voice signal (analog) (step S4).

The voice input detection unit 2 detects the input of a voice signal having a level equal to or higher than a predetermined value, and issues a voice input detection signal to the operation control unit 3 when determining that a voice input has been made (step S5). For detection of an audio signal input, for example, a diode detection circuit is provided for each of a plurality of audio inputs, and when a rectified output is compared with a reference voltage and a voltage higher than the reference voltage is detected, the audio signal is included in the input signal. Judge as input.

When the operation control unit 3 receives the voice input detection signal, it switches the switching means from the power saving mode to the normal operation mode, and starts the transition from the power saving mode to the normal operation mode (step S6). ).

The processing of the input sound and the processing of other sound functions can be started from the time when the transition to the normal state is completed (step S7).

After the start of the normal operation, when it is detected by the timer 6 that there is no voice input for a certain period of time and that there is no processing in another sound circuit for a certain period of time (step S).
8) The transition from the normal state to the power saving state is performed again (step S2). Here, a timer 7 may be provided in the voice input detection unit 2 so that the voice input detection unit 2 detects that there is no voice input for a certain period of time, and the timer 6 is stopped.

By performing the operation according to the above flow chart, even if the sound circuit is in the power saving state, the sound circuit is automatically shifted to the normal state by the input of the voice so that the sound function can be used. Become.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the power-saving reproduction apparatus of the present invention. This embodiment includes a voice input unit 1, an operation control unit 3, and a voice processing unit 4. Here, the audio input unit 1 has an A / D conversion unit 5,
The audio processing circuit 4 includes a sound input detection unit (digital) 2, and the sound processing circuit 4 includes all sound circuits such as a D / A conversion unit, a bus I / F unit, a mixer unit, and an amplifier unit. The operation control unit 3 includes a timer 6, and the voice input detection circuit 2 includes a timer 7 depending on the configuration.

When the reproducing apparatus is in the normal operation mode, the entire sound circuit is always supplied with the normal power supply voltage and the normal current, and performs the normal operation. The audio input detection unit (digital) 2 detects the presence or absence of an audio input for the digital signal from the A / D conversion unit 5.

FIG. 4 is an operation flowchart when the apparatus is set to the power saving operation mode. When the playback device is set to the power saving operation mode (step S1), the sound circuit also shifts from the normal state to the power saving state (step S2).

When the transition to the power saving state is completed, the sound input unit 1 (including the sound input detecting unit 2) and the operation control unit 3 are in the normal state, and the other sound processing unit 4 is in the power saving state. (Step S3).

Here, the audio input detection unit 2 monitors whether or not an input audio signal (digital) has been input (step S).
4).

The voice input detection unit 2 detects the input of a voice signal having a level equal to or higher than a predetermined value and, when determining that a voice input has been made, issues a voice input detection signal to the operation control unit 3 (step S5).

When receiving the voice input detection signal, the operation control section 3 starts shifting from the power saving state to the normal state (step S6).

The processing of the input sound and the processing of other sound functions can be started from the point in time when the transition to the normal state is completed (step S7).

After the start of the normal operation, when it is detected by the timer 6 that there is no voice input for a certain period of time and that there is no processing in another sound circuit for a certain period of time (step S).
8) The transition from the normal state to the power saving state is performed again (step S2). Here, a timer 7 may be provided in the voice input detection unit 2 to detect the absence of voice input for a certain period of time by using a voice input detection signal.

With the above configuration, even if the sound circuit is in the power saving state, the sound circuit automatically shifts to the normal state by inputting a sound, and the sound function can be used.

[Third Embodiment] FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment of the power-saving reproduction apparatus of the present invention. This embodiment includes a voice input unit 1, an operation control unit 3, and a voice processing unit 4. Here, the audio input unit 1 has an A / D conversion unit 5,
Including a voice input detection unit (digital) 2 and a FIFO unit 8;
Other audio processing circuits 4 include a D / A converter, a bus I / F,
It is assumed that all sound circuits such as a mixer section and an amplifier section are included. The operation control unit 3 includes a timer 6, and the voice input detection circuit 2 includes a timer 7 depending on the configuration.

When the power-saving reproducing apparatus is in the normal operation mode, the entire sound circuit always performs a normal operation. The FIFO unit 8 includes a voice input detection unit (digita
l) The voice input detection unit (d
igital) 2 may be stored, or a normal operation may be performed at all times even in the power saving mode, and the voice signal may be stored and output sequentially. In the present embodiment, the former example is used. Is shown. However, the voice input detector (digita
l) The detection of the audio signal in 2 is stored in the FIFO unit 8 when an audio signal higher than the reference voltage is input, so that any example is acceptable.

FIG. 6 is an operation flow chart when the power saving operation mode is set as the audio reproducing apparatus. The power saving operation mode is set as the power saving playback device (step S
At 1), the sound circuit also shifts from the normal state to the power saving state (step S2).

When the transition to the power saving state is completed, the sound input unit 1 (including the sound input detecting unit 2) and the operation control unit 3 are in the normal state, and the other sound processing unit 4 is in the power saving state. (Step S3).

Here, the audio input detection unit 2 monitors whether or not an input audio signal (digital) of a digital signal has been input (step S4).

The voice input detection unit 2 detects the input of a voice signal having a level equal to or higher than a predetermined value, and issues a voice input detection signal to the operation control unit 3 when determining that a voice input has occurred. The input voice at this time is stored in the input voice FIFO unit 8 (step S5).

When the operation control unit 3 receives the voice input detection signal, it starts shifting from the power saving state to the normal state (step S6).

The processing is started after the transition to the normal state is completed. The input audio to be processed is started from the audio data stored in the FIFO unit 8. (Step S7).

After the start of the normal operation, when it is detected by the timer 6 that there is no voice input for a certain period of time and that there is no processing in another sound circuit for a certain period of time (step S).
8) The transition from the normal state to the power saving state is performed again (step S2). Here, a timer 7 may be provided in the voice input detection unit 2 to detect the absence of voice input for a certain period of time by using a voice input detection signal.

With the above-described embodiment, even if the sound circuit is in the power saving state, the sound circuit automatically shifts to the normal state by inputting a sound, and the sound function can be used. Here, in the first and second embodiments, the input audio data corresponding to the time required for the transition from the power saving state to the normal state could not be processed. It is possible to process audio data or previous audio data.

As an application form of the power-saving reproduction apparatus of the present invention, there is a form in which an audio input detection signal is output to a system other than the sound circuit, and the system uses the audio input detection signal to define an operation. is there. With this configuration, it is possible to start various processes other than the sound by using the voice input as a trigger. For example, it can be used with a video circuit. Particularly, in a digital television in which a recent personal computer and a television broadcast receiver are combined, a video processing unit is provided in parallel with the other audio processing unit 4 of the above-described embodiment, and the video processing unit is also provided in the normal operation mode. Normal operation is set, and in the power saving operation mode, the video processing unit also reduces the power supply voltage or makes it zero, or reduces the supply current to save power as in the other audio processing units 4. Of course, the switching between the two modes can be performed by the operation control unit 3.

[Fourth Embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. A sound input detection circuit 2 is provided in the sound circuit (or chip), and the operation (normal operation state / power saving state) of the sound circuit is controlled by the detection signal. Here, the voice input detection circuit is always operated.

Thus, even when the sound circuit is in the power saving state, when the sound is input, the entire sound circuit automatically shifts to the normal operation state, and the sound output and other processing can be performed. If no voice input is detected for a certain period of time, the sound circuit (excluding the voice input detection circuit) is again shifted to the power saving state by the timer 6.

Depending on the configuration, it is also possible to prevent the beginning of the voice from being interrupted at the time of transition to the normal operation, and to use the voice input detection signal for control in a system other than the sound.

The audio input detection circuit 2 is provided by utilizing the digital output signal of the A / D converter 5. When a voice input is detected, the sound circuit (excluding the A / D converter) is shifted to a normal operation state.

The voice input detection circuit 2 monitors the digital output signal of the A / D converter 5 even during the normal operation of the sound circuit,
If no voice input is detected for a certain period of time, the sound circuit (excluding the A / D converter) is shifted to a power saving state.

Here, if the digital output signal of the A / D conversion section 5 is provided with a FIFO 8, it is possible to minimize the interruption of the audio input. Further, if the audio input detection signal is output outside the sound circuit, a system other than the sound circuit can be controlled.

With the above configuration, even if the sound circuit (excluding the A / D converter) is in the power saving state, the operation is shifted to the normal operation state according to the voice input, and the automatic operation is performed if the state without the voice input continues. It can be shifted to the power saving state.

[0050]

As described above, the power-saving sound reproducing apparatus of the present invention operates only the sound input detecting section even when the sound circuit is in the power-saving state. Since the sound circuit is automatically shifted from the power saving state to the normal state, when the device is in the power saving mode, the sound circuit is also set to the power saving state, and audio input is performed in this state. Is detected, the sound circuit is automatically activated and processing can be started.

Also, timers are provided for voice input detection and sound processing, respectively, so that no voice input for more than a fixed time and no sound processing can be detected. Therefore, during normal operation of the sound circuit, voice input for a certain time or more is performed. If no sound is detected and sound processing is not performed for a certain period of time, the sound circuit is automatically shifted from the normal state to the power saving state, and power consumption can be reduced.

Further, the A / D conversion section of the voice input section is
The FO is provided, and the voice data at the time when the voice input is detected is stored in the FIFO, and the voice data at the moment of the voice input detection stored in the FIFO is stored in the FIFO even in the processing after the transition from the power saving state to the normal state. Thus, it is possible to prevent the input sound from being cut off due to the time required to shift from the power saving state to the normal state due to voice input.

Also, in order to output the audio input detection signal to a system other than the sound circuit, the system can start processing by using the audio input as a trigger.
That is, it is possible to start processing of a system other than the sound function by using a voice input as a trigger.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of a power-saving audio playback device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the first embodiment of the power-saving audio playback device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of the power-saving audio playback device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a second embodiment of the power-saving audio playback device of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a third embodiment of the power-saving audio reproduction device of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a third embodiment of the power-saving audio reproduction device of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a fourth embodiment of the power-saving audio reproduction device of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 voice input unit 2 voice input detection unit 3 operation control unit 4 other voice processing unit 5 A / D conversion unit 6 timer 7 timer (only for voice input detection) 8 FIFO unit for input voice

Claims (8)

[Claims] An audio input detection circuit is provided in a stage preceding an audio input unit. In a power saving operation mode, the audio input detection circuit and the operation control circuit are operated in a normal state, and a D / A conversion unit, a mixer unit and an amplifier unit are operated. The power supply of the sound circuit having the above can be stopped or set to a power saving operation state, and the power supply of the sound circuit can be started or shifted to a normal operation state by detecting a sound input by the sound input detection circuit. An audio reproduction device characterized by the above-mentioned. 2. An information processing apparatus for performing audio signal processing and calculation processing, wherein an audio input detection circuit and a switching unit for switching between a power saving operation mode and a normal operation state mode are provided at a stage preceding the audio input unit. In the power operation mode, the sound input detection circuit and the operation control circuit are operated in the normal state, and the power supply to the sound circuit including the D / A conversion unit, the mixer unit, and the amplifier unit for processing the sound signal is stopped or the power saving operation state is set. The information processing apparatus is capable of starting power supply to the sound circuit or shifting to a normal operation state mode by detecting a sound input by the sound input detection circuit. 3. An A / D converter and an audio input detection circuit of an audio input unit, and switching means for switching between a power saving operation mode and a normal operation state mode, wherein the A / D conversion is performed in the power saving operation mode. D / A processing unit and audio signal
The power supply to the sound circuit including the conversion unit, the mixer unit, and the amplifier unit is stopped or set to a power saving operation state, and the power supply to the entire sound circuit is started by detecting a voice input by the voice input detection circuit or An audio reproducing device capable of shifting to a normal operation mode. 4. An information processing apparatus for performing audio signal processing and calculation processing, comprising: an A / D converter and an audio input detection circuit of an audio input unit; and switching means for switching between a power saving operation mode and a normal operation state mode. And a D / A for processing the A / D converter and the audio signal in the power saving operation mode.
The power supply to the sound circuit including the conversion unit, the mixer unit, and the amplifier unit is stopped or set to a power saving operation state, and the power supply to the entire sound circuit is started by detecting a voice input by the voice input detection circuit or An information processing apparatus capable of shifting to the normal operation state mode. 5. An A / D converter of the audio input unit
4. The apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising an IFO, wherein, when the mode shifts to the normal operation state mode upon detection of an audio input, the beginning of the input audio during the shift time is output as the recording data of the FIFO. Audio playback device. 6. An A / D converter of the voice input unit
5. The apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising an IFO, wherein, when the mode shifts to the normal operation mode upon detection of an audio input, the beginning of the input audio during the shift time is output as the recording data of the FIFO. Information processing device. 7. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a mechanism for outputting the audio input detection signal to a system external to the sound circuit, and controlling the external system of the sound circuit by an audio input. 6. The audio reproduction device according to 3 or 5. 8. The system according to claim 2, further comprising a mechanism for outputting the audio input detection signal to a system external to the sound circuit, and controlling the external system of the sound circuit by an audio input. 7. The information processing device according to 4 or 6.