CA2225910A1 - Audio recording and playback system - Google Patents
Audio recording and playback system Download PDFInfo
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- CA2225910A1 CA2225910A1 CA 2225910 CA2225910A CA2225910A1 CA 2225910 A1 CA2225910 A1 CA 2225910A1 CA 2225910 CA2225910 CA 2225910 CA 2225910 A CA2225910 A CA 2225910A CA 2225910 A1 CA2225910 A1 CA 2225910A1
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- audio signal
- length
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- segment
- stored
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Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
- H04M3/22—Arrangements for supervision, monitoring or testing
- H04M3/36—Statistical metering, e.g. recording occasions when traffic exceeds capacity of trunks
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/64—Automatic arrangements for answering calls; Automatic arrangements for recording messages for absent subscribers; Arrangements for recording conversations
- H04M1/65—Recording arrangements for recording a message from the calling party
- H04M1/656—Recording arrangements for recording a message from the calling party for recording conversations
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M2201/00—Electronic components, circuits, software, systems or apparatus used in telephone systems
- H04M2201/36—Memories
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
- H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
- H04M3/50—Centralised arrangements for answering calls; Centralised arrangements for recording messages for absent or busy subscribers ; Centralised arrangements for recording messages
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Signal Processing For Digital Recording And Reproducing (AREA)
Abstract
An audio recording and playback system includes an apparatus and method for receiving an audio signal and continuously recording the most recent portion of the signal. Upon receiving input from an input device, typically operated by a user, the most recent portion of the signal is stored for later retrieval.
The subsequent audio signal, or a portion thereof, may also be stored for later retrieval.
The subsequent audio signal, or a portion thereof, may also be stored for later retrieval.
Description
CA 0222~910 1997-12-24 AUDIO RECORDING AND PLAYBACK SYSTEM
Field of Invention This invention relates generally to the storage and retrieval of audio signals.
Background of the Invention Recording and playback devices for audio signals, such as tape recorders, telephone answering machines and voice mail boxes, have existed in various forms for quite sometime, and are now widely used.
The typical use of such devices in recording applications is to start the recording of the audio stream only when the user knows that the incoming signal contains information that is desired to be stored or recorded. Examples of apparatus used in this way are telephone answering machines and other voice mail systems, home tape recorders and recording studio equipment. One disadvantage of such recording and playback devices is that, when information worth recording is not recorded, the information must be repeated to permit its recording. Unfortunately, such repeating of information is not always possible (for example, radio broadcasts).
CA 0222~910 1997-12-24 Other recording applications continuously record in the hope that the information recorded is valuable (for example, police interrogations, monitoring systems and the like). Typically, the valuable information, if any, must be extracted from the recording medium at a later time.
Summary of the Invention An object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus that will enable a user to store a segment of an audio stream (without repeating the audio stream) for later retrieval, such storage taking place after the segment has been heard by the user and judged to be worth storing.
The invention provides an apparatus and method for receiving an audio signal and continuously recording the most recent portion of the signal. Upon receiving input from an input device, typically operated by a user, the most recent portion of the signal is stored for later retrieval. The subsequent audio signal, or a portion thereof, may also be stored for later retrieval.
According to the invention, there is provided a method for monitoring an incoming audio signal and for recording a portion thereof, comprising the steps of: temporarily storing a length CA 0222~910 1997-12-24 of the most recent portion of the incoming audio signal; storing the length of audio signal; and retrieving the stored length of audio signal.
According to the invention, there is further provided an apparatus for monitoring an incoming audio signal and for recording a portion thereof, comprising: a buffer for temporarily storing a length of the most recent portion of the incoming audio signal; a memory area for storing the length of audio signal; and means for retrieving the stored length of audio signal.
Other advantages, objects and features of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from a review of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.
Brief Description of the Drawings The embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1, "Audio Buffer Block Diagram," shows a top level block diagram of the invention.
CA 0222~910 1997-12-24 Figure 2, "Circular Audio Buffer Application," shows an embodiment of the invention for either a digital source (such as a PCS phone) or an analog source (such as a car radio).
Figure 3, "Linear Audio Buffer Application," shows a further embodiment of the invention for either a digital source (such as a PCS phone) or an analog source (such as an analog phone).
Similar references are used in different figures to denote similar components.
Detailed Description of the Invention Referring to Figures 1 to 3, an audio recording and playback system 1 includes a memory area 25, a multiplexer (MUX) 10, a processor 30 with software and input/output devices 35. The audio source 5, the digital to analog converter (DAC) 40 which is necessary in digital audio systems, the amplifier 15 and the sound reproducing devices 20 are not part of this invention.
The memory area 25, which may be either digital or analog depending on the source, may be configured as a circular buffer 50 (see Figure 2) or linear buffer 70 (see Figure 3), and as a segment storage area 55.
CA 0222~910 1997-12-24 The multiplexer 10 is a switching device which allows the audio output to be selected between incoming audio signal 5 or pre-recorded segment of audio signal. The multiplexer 10 is controlled by the processor 30 which has software to handle the various requests of the user.
The processor 30 and its associated software can be either dedicated to the functions performed by this invention, or can be an available, resident to the target system processor with enough capability to perform the required functions. The processor 30 is responsible for managing the memory area 25 and for interfacing with the user through the input/output device block 35.
The input/output device block 35 may include keys, buttons, and the like, and displays such as LCD, LEDs, monitor, and the like.
Audio information is typically received from the external source 5 in a continuous fashion. Typically, this information is processed, amplified by an audio amplifier 15 and then sent to a sound reproduction device 20.
CA 0222~910 1997-12-24 Referring to Figure 2, the audio recording system 1 monitors the audio signal 5 in its analog or digital form and stores it in an analog or digital circular buffer memory 50.
The circular buffer 50 operates like a FIFO type memory, where each location, starting with the first 60, is written into memory in a sequential manner until the last location is filled.
Any further information written to the buffer will start overwriting previously stored information, with the first location 60, and continue on, overwriting the second, third, and fourth locations, until the end of the buffer 50 is again reached. This process is repeated continuously while an audio signal 5 is sent to the sound reproduction device 20, constantly updating the circular memory 50.
The input/output device block 35 is a means by which the user manages the audio information being monitored. Through the input/output device block 35, a user requests that audio information stored in the circular buffer 50 be transferred to the audio segments storage 55. A request can also be made to play back a pre-recorded segment of audio, or that one or all audio segments in the segment storage 55 be cleared or compressed by the compression block 45. An indication of the status of the segments storage 55 memory is returned to the input/output device block 35 to provide feedback to the user.
CA 0222~910 1997-12-24 The audio segments storage memory 55 is partitioned into segments. Each segment is used to store a segment of the audio information previously stored in the circular buffer memory 50.
Upon reception of a request for storing a segment of the audio information held in the circular buffer memory 50, the processor can, depending on the hardware implementation, either designate parts of the circular buffer memory 50 as segment storage 55 or transfer the data to a separate segment storage entity 55.
In the former case, where segments are either designated as circular buffer 50 or as segment storage 55, the circular buffer 50 becomes progressively smaller as segments are designated as segment storage 55 for later playback. The processor 30 keeps track of the location of the captured segments and effectively jumps over them when managing the circular buffer 50.
As a background activity, or upon request from the user, the processor 30 can apply compression with the compression block 45 on the segments to maximize the size of circular buffer 50. The audio source 5 can also be compressed by the real-time compression block 80 before it is stored in the circular buffer 50.
CA 0222~910 1997-12-24 Captured segments that have been compressed are decompressed by the decompression block 75 when playback is requested. The action of erasing segments frees up segments for re-inclusion in the circular buffer 50. As captured sequences are kept, they can be fragmented in the memory space 25. Thus, the processor 30, when idle, performs the task of defragmenting the sequences.
Segment management is under the control of processor 30 and is accessed through the input/output device block 35.
In the latter case, where circular buffer 50 and segment storage 55 are in two distinct memory spaces, the processor 30 generates the necessary address and control signals that are sent to the circular buffer memory 50 and audio segment storage 55 to store a segment of audio information. These signals together will orchestrate the transfer of audio information from the circular buffer memory 50 to the audio segment storage 55. Audio segments are initially stored in a sequential manner starting with segment #1 65 until all segments are used. Later, after being played back, segments can be erased if it is desired to free up space for new segments.
As a background activity, or upon request from the user, the processor 30 can apply compression with the compression block 45 on the segments to maximize the size of segment storage 55. The audio source 5 can also be compressed by the real-time CA 0222~910 1997-12-24 compression block 80 before it is stored in the circular buffer 50.
Captured segments that have been compressed are decompressed by the decompression block 75 when playback is requested. Segment management is under the control of processor 30 and is accessed through the input/output device block 35.
The system operates in three basic modes: recording mode, playback mode and idle mode. The following is an explanation of the three modes.
The system is in recording mode whenever there is an audio stream 5 directed to the sound reproduction device 20. When in recording mode, the circular buffer 50 is active and constantly being refreshed by the audio stream 5. Upon a request from the user, a segment is put in segment storage 55. The length of the sequence is controlled by the user through the input/output device block 35. The user also has the choice of forward recording a segment as in conventional recorders.
- The system can be put in playback mode whenever it is in idle mode for segment playback, compression/decompression and erase. When in playback mode, the user input 35 directs the processor 30 to switch the multiplexer 10 to the segment storage CA 0222~910 1997-12-24 memory 55, to select the segment which needs to be played back and to perform management functions on the segments (such as compression, erasing, and the like).
The system is in idle mode whenever it is not in either playback or record mode. When in idle mode the system can perform management tasks such as defragmentation of sequences or compression of segments if it is configured to do so.
Referring to Figure 3, the audio recording system 1 monitors the audio signal 5 in its analog or digital form and stores it in an analog or digital linear buffer memory 70. The linear buffer memory 70 lends itself well to applications such as cellular phones where the audio signal 5 is of short duration compared to the capacity of the linear buffer 70.
The linear buffer 70 operates like a sequential memory, where each location starting with the first 60 is written into memory in a sequential manner until the last location is filled.
In the event that the linear buffer 70 fills up, the user ls notified through the input/output device block 35 and can again through the input/output device block 35 reset the linear buffer 70 to start overwriting each location starting with the first 60.
CA 0222~910 1997-12-24 The input/output device block 35 is a means by which the user manages the audio information being monitored. Through the input/output device block 35, a user requests that audio information stored in the linear buffer 70 be transferred to the audio segments storage 55. A request can also be made to play back a pre-recorded segment of audio or that one or all audio segments in the segment storage 55 be cleared or compressed by the compression block 45. An indication of the status of the segments storage memory 55 is returned to the input/output device block 35 to provide feedback to the user.
The audio segments storage memory 55 is partitioned into segments. Each segment is used to store a segment of the audio information previously stored in the linear buffer memory 70.
Upon reception of a request for storing a segment of the audio information held in the linear buffer memory 70, the processor 30 can, depending on the hardware implementation either designate parts of the linear buffer memory 70 as segment storage 55 or transfer the data to a separate segment storage entity 55.
In the former case, where segments are either designated as linear buffer 70 or as segment storage 55, the linear buffer 70 becomes progressively smaller as segments are designated as segment storage 55 for later playback. The processor 30 keeps CA 0222~910 1997-12-24 track of the location of the captured segments and effectively jumps over them when managing the linear buffer 70.
As a background activity, or upon request from the user, the processor 30 can apply compression with the compression block 45 on the segments to maximize the size of linear buffer 70. The audio source 5 can also be compressed by the real-time compression block 80 before it is stored in the linear buffer 70.
Captured segments that have been compressed are decompressed by the decompression block 75 when playback is requested. The action of erasing segments frees up segments for re-inclusion in the linear buffer 70. Captured sequences can be fragmented in the memory space 25. Thus, the processor 30, when idle, performs the task of defragmenting the sequences. Segment management is under the control of processor 30 and is accessed through the input/output device block 35.
In the latter case, where linear buffer 70 and segment storage 55 are in two distinct memory spaces, the processor 30 generates the necessary address and control signals that are sent to the linear buffer memory 70 and audio segment storage 55 to store a segment of audio information. These signals together will orchestrate the transfer of audio information from the linear buffer memory 70 to the audio segment storage 55. Audio segments CA 0222~910 1997-12-24 are initially stored in a sequential manner starting with segment #1 65 until all segments are used. Later, after being played back, segments can be erased if it is desired to free up space for new segments.
As a background activity or upon request from the user, the processor 30 can apply compression with the compression block 45 on the segments to maximize the size of segment storage 55. The audio source 5 can also be compressed by the real-time compression block 80 before it is stored in the linear buffer 70.
Captured segments that have been compressed are decompressed by the decompression block 75 when playback is requested. Segment management is under the control of processor 30 and is accessed through the I/O device block 35.
The system again operates in three basic modes: recording mode, playback mode and idle mode. The following is an explanation of the three mode.
The system is in recording mode whenever there is an audio stream 5 directed to the sound reproduction device 20. When in recording mode, the linear buffer 70 is active and if necessary, being refreshed by the audio stream 5 upon a request from the user. Upon a store request from the user, a segment is put in CA 0222~910 1997-12-24 segment storage 55. The length of the sequence is controlled by the user through the input/output device block 35. The user also has the choice of forward recording a segment as in conventional recorders.
The system can be put in playback mode whenever it is in idle mode for segment playback, compression/decompression and erase. When in playback mode, the user input 35 directs the processor 30 to switch the multiplexer 10 to the segment storage memory 55, to select the segment which needs to be played back and to perform management functions on the segments (such as compression, erasing, and the like).
The system is in idle mode whenever it is not in either playback or record mode. When in idle mode the system can perform management tasks such as defragmentation of sequences or compression of segments if it is configured to do so.
Generally, as a system, the invention also provides to the user full control of recording and playback parameters, such as length of a selected segment to be recorded (i.e. how long back in time the segment starts from the moment the user selects it), quality of the stored segments (note that in digital systems, memory space can be extended by using fewer bits to store the audio signal), background or real-time compression on the stored CA 0222~910 1997-12-24 segments, and recording mode (note that the system can also operate in forward/conventional recording mode).
Numerous modifications, variations and adaptations may be made to the particular embodiments of the invention described above without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the claims.
Field of Invention This invention relates generally to the storage and retrieval of audio signals.
Background of the Invention Recording and playback devices for audio signals, such as tape recorders, telephone answering machines and voice mail boxes, have existed in various forms for quite sometime, and are now widely used.
The typical use of such devices in recording applications is to start the recording of the audio stream only when the user knows that the incoming signal contains information that is desired to be stored or recorded. Examples of apparatus used in this way are telephone answering machines and other voice mail systems, home tape recorders and recording studio equipment. One disadvantage of such recording and playback devices is that, when information worth recording is not recorded, the information must be repeated to permit its recording. Unfortunately, such repeating of information is not always possible (for example, radio broadcasts).
CA 0222~910 1997-12-24 Other recording applications continuously record in the hope that the information recorded is valuable (for example, police interrogations, monitoring systems and the like). Typically, the valuable information, if any, must be extracted from the recording medium at a later time.
Summary of the Invention An object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus that will enable a user to store a segment of an audio stream (without repeating the audio stream) for later retrieval, such storage taking place after the segment has been heard by the user and judged to be worth storing.
The invention provides an apparatus and method for receiving an audio signal and continuously recording the most recent portion of the signal. Upon receiving input from an input device, typically operated by a user, the most recent portion of the signal is stored for later retrieval. The subsequent audio signal, or a portion thereof, may also be stored for later retrieval.
According to the invention, there is provided a method for monitoring an incoming audio signal and for recording a portion thereof, comprising the steps of: temporarily storing a length CA 0222~910 1997-12-24 of the most recent portion of the incoming audio signal; storing the length of audio signal; and retrieving the stored length of audio signal.
According to the invention, there is further provided an apparatus for monitoring an incoming audio signal and for recording a portion thereof, comprising: a buffer for temporarily storing a length of the most recent portion of the incoming audio signal; a memory area for storing the length of audio signal; and means for retrieving the stored length of audio signal.
Other advantages, objects and features of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from a review of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.
Brief Description of the Drawings The embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1, "Audio Buffer Block Diagram," shows a top level block diagram of the invention.
CA 0222~910 1997-12-24 Figure 2, "Circular Audio Buffer Application," shows an embodiment of the invention for either a digital source (such as a PCS phone) or an analog source (such as a car radio).
Figure 3, "Linear Audio Buffer Application," shows a further embodiment of the invention for either a digital source (such as a PCS phone) or an analog source (such as an analog phone).
Similar references are used in different figures to denote similar components.
Detailed Description of the Invention Referring to Figures 1 to 3, an audio recording and playback system 1 includes a memory area 25, a multiplexer (MUX) 10, a processor 30 with software and input/output devices 35. The audio source 5, the digital to analog converter (DAC) 40 which is necessary in digital audio systems, the amplifier 15 and the sound reproducing devices 20 are not part of this invention.
The memory area 25, which may be either digital or analog depending on the source, may be configured as a circular buffer 50 (see Figure 2) or linear buffer 70 (see Figure 3), and as a segment storage area 55.
CA 0222~910 1997-12-24 The multiplexer 10 is a switching device which allows the audio output to be selected between incoming audio signal 5 or pre-recorded segment of audio signal. The multiplexer 10 is controlled by the processor 30 which has software to handle the various requests of the user.
The processor 30 and its associated software can be either dedicated to the functions performed by this invention, or can be an available, resident to the target system processor with enough capability to perform the required functions. The processor 30 is responsible for managing the memory area 25 and for interfacing with the user through the input/output device block 35.
The input/output device block 35 may include keys, buttons, and the like, and displays such as LCD, LEDs, monitor, and the like.
Audio information is typically received from the external source 5 in a continuous fashion. Typically, this information is processed, amplified by an audio amplifier 15 and then sent to a sound reproduction device 20.
CA 0222~910 1997-12-24 Referring to Figure 2, the audio recording system 1 monitors the audio signal 5 in its analog or digital form and stores it in an analog or digital circular buffer memory 50.
The circular buffer 50 operates like a FIFO type memory, where each location, starting with the first 60, is written into memory in a sequential manner until the last location is filled.
Any further information written to the buffer will start overwriting previously stored information, with the first location 60, and continue on, overwriting the second, third, and fourth locations, until the end of the buffer 50 is again reached. This process is repeated continuously while an audio signal 5 is sent to the sound reproduction device 20, constantly updating the circular memory 50.
The input/output device block 35 is a means by which the user manages the audio information being monitored. Through the input/output device block 35, a user requests that audio information stored in the circular buffer 50 be transferred to the audio segments storage 55. A request can also be made to play back a pre-recorded segment of audio, or that one or all audio segments in the segment storage 55 be cleared or compressed by the compression block 45. An indication of the status of the segments storage 55 memory is returned to the input/output device block 35 to provide feedback to the user.
CA 0222~910 1997-12-24 The audio segments storage memory 55 is partitioned into segments. Each segment is used to store a segment of the audio information previously stored in the circular buffer memory 50.
Upon reception of a request for storing a segment of the audio information held in the circular buffer memory 50, the processor can, depending on the hardware implementation, either designate parts of the circular buffer memory 50 as segment storage 55 or transfer the data to a separate segment storage entity 55.
In the former case, where segments are either designated as circular buffer 50 or as segment storage 55, the circular buffer 50 becomes progressively smaller as segments are designated as segment storage 55 for later playback. The processor 30 keeps track of the location of the captured segments and effectively jumps over them when managing the circular buffer 50.
As a background activity, or upon request from the user, the processor 30 can apply compression with the compression block 45 on the segments to maximize the size of circular buffer 50. The audio source 5 can also be compressed by the real-time compression block 80 before it is stored in the circular buffer 50.
CA 0222~910 1997-12-24 Captured segments that have been compressed are decompressed by the decompression block 75 when playback is requested. The action of erasing segments frees up segments for re-inclusion in the circular buffer 50. As captured sequences are kept, they can be fragmented in the memory space 25. Thus, the processor 30, when idle, performs the task of defragmenting the sequences.
Segment management is under the control of processor 30 and is accessed through the input/output device block 35.
In the latter case, where circular buffer 50 and segment storage 55 are in two distinct memory spaces, the processor 30 generates the necessary address and control signals that are sent to the circular buffer memory 50 and audio segment storage 55 to store a segment of audio information. These signals together will orchestrate the transfer of audio information from the circular buffer memory 50 to the audio segment storage 55. Audio segments are initially stored in a sequential manner starting with segment #1 65 until all segments are used. Later, after being played back, segments can be erased if it is desired to free up space for new segments.
As a background activity, or upon request from the user, the processor 30 can apply compression with the compression block 45 on the segments to maximize the size of segment storage 55. The audio source 5 can also be compressed by the real-time CA 0222~910 1997-12-24 compression block 80 before it is stored in the circular buffer 50.
Captured segments that have been compressed are decompressed by the decompression block 75 when playback is requested. Segment management is under the control of processor 30 and is accessed through the input/output device block 35.
The system operates in three basic modes: recording mode, playback mode and idle mode. The following is an explanation of the three modes.
The system is in recording mode whenever there is an audio stream 5 directed to the sound reproduction device 20. When in recording mode, the circular buffer 50 is active and constantly being refreshed by the audio stream 5. Upon a request from the user, a segment is put in segment storage 55. The length of the sequence is controlled by the user through the input/output device block 35. The user also has the choice of forward recording a segment as in conventional recorders.
- The system can be put in playback mode whenever it is in idle mode for segment playback, compression/decompression and erase. When in playback mode, the user input 35 directs the processor 30 to switch the multiplexer 10 to the segment storage CA 0222~910 1997-12-24 memory 55, to select the segment which needs to be played back and to perform management functions on the segments (such as compression, erasing, and the like).
The system is in idle mode whenever it is not in either playback or record mode. When in idle mode the system can perform management tasks such as defragmentation of sequences or compression of segments if it is configured to do so.
Referring to Figure 3, the audio recording system 1 monitors the audio signal 5 in its analog or digital form and stores it in an analog or digital linear buffer memory 70. The linear buffer memory 70 lends itself well to applications such as cellular phones where the audio signal 5 is of short duration compared to the capacity of the linear buffer 70.
The linear buffer 70 operates like a sequential memory, where each location starting with the first 60 is written into memory in a sequential manner until the last location is filled.
In the event that the linear buffer 70 fills up, the user ls notified through the input/output device block 35 and can again through the input/output device block 35 reset the linear buffer 70 to start overwriting each location starting with the first 60.
CA 0222~910 1997-12-24 The input/output device block 35 is a means by which the user manages the audio information being monitored. Through the input/output device block 35, a user requests that audio information stored in the linear buffer 70 be transferred to the audio segments storage 55. A request can also be made to play back a pre-recorded segment of audio or that one or all audio segments in the segment storage 55 be cleared or compressed by the compression block 45. An indication of the status of the segments storage memory 55 is returned to the input/output device block 35 to provide feedback to the user.
The audio segments storage memory 55 is partitioned into segments. Each segment is used to store a segment of the audio information previously stored in the linear buffer memory 70.
Upon reception of a request for storing a segment of the audio information held in the linear buffer memory 70, the processor 30 can, depending on the hardware implementation either designate parts of the linear buffer memory 70 as segment storage 55 or transfer the data to a separate segment storage entity 55.
In the former case, where segments are either designated as linear buffer 70 or as segment storage 55, the linear buffer 70 becomes progressively smaller as segments are designated as segment storage 55 for later playback. The processor 30 keeps CA 0222~910 1997-12-24 track of the location of the captured segments and effectively jumps over them when managing the linear buffer 70.
As a background activity, or upon request from the user, the processor 30 can apply compression with the compression block 45 on the segments to maximize the size of linear buffer 70. The audio source 5 can also be compressed by the real-time compression block 80 before it is stored in the linear buffer 70.
Captured segments that have been compressed are decompressed by the decompression block 75 when playback is requested. The action of erasing segments frees up segments for re-inclusion in the linear buffer 70. Captured sequences can be fragmented in the memory space 25. Thus, the processor 30, when idle, performs the task of defragmenting the sequences. Segment management is under the control of processor 30 and is accessed through the input/output device block 35.
In the latter case, where linear buffer 70 and segment storage 55 are in two distinct memory spaces, the processor 30 generates the necessary address and control signals that are sent to the linear buffer memory 70 and audio segment storage 55 to store a segment of audio information. These signals together will orchestrate the transfer of audio information from the linear buffer memory 70 to the audio segment storage 55. Audio segments CA 0222~910 1997-12-24 are initially stored in a sequential manner starting with segment #1 65 until all segments are used. Later, after being played back, segments can be erased if it is desired to free up space for new segments.
As a background activity or upon request from the user, the processor 30 can apply compression with the compression block 45 on the segments to maximize the size of segment storage 55. The audio source 5 can also be compressed by the real-time compression block 80 before it is stored in the linear buffer 70.
Captured segments that have been compressed are decompressed by the decompression block 75 when playback is requested. Segment management is under the control of processor 30 and is accessed through the I/O device block 35.
The system again operates in three basic modes: recording mode, playback mode and idle mode. The following is an explanation of the three mode.
The system is in recording mode whenever there is an audio stream 5 directed to the sound reproduction device 20. When in recording mode, the linear buffer 70 is active and if necessary, being refreshed by the audio stream 5 upon a request from the user. Upon a store request from the user, a segment is put in CA 0222~910 1997-12-24 segment storage 55. The length of the sequence is controlled by the user through the input/output device block 35. The user also has the choice of forward recording a segment as in conventional recorders.
The system can be put in playback mode whenever it is in idle mode for segment playback, compression/decompression and erase. When in playback mode, the user input 35 directs the processor 30 to switch the multiplexer 10 to the segment storage memory 55, to select the segment which needs to be played back and to perform management functions on the segments (such as compression, erasing, and the like).
The system is in idle mode whenever it is not in either playback or record mode. When in idle mode the system can perform management tasks such as defragmentation of sequences or compression of segments if it is configured to do so.
Generally, as a system, the invention also provides to the user full control of recording and playback parameters, such as length of a selected segment to be recorded (i.e. how long back in time the segment starts from the moment the user selects it), quality of the stored segments (note that in digital systems, memory space can be extended by using fewer bits to store the audio signal), background or real-time compression on the stored CA 0222~910 1997-12-24 segments, and recording mode (note that the system can also operate in forward/conventional recording mode).
Numerous modifications, variations and adaptations may be made to the particular embodiments of the invention described above without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the claims.
Claims (14)
1. A method for monitoring an incoming audio signal and for recording a portion thereof, comprising the steps of:
a. temporarily storing a length of the most recent portion of the incoming audio signal;
b. storing the length of audio signal; and c. retrieving the stored length of audio signal.
a. temporarily storing a length of the most recent portion of the incoming audio signal;
b. storing the length of audio signal; and c. retrieving the stored length of audio signal.
2. A method as defined in claim 1, comprising the steps of:
a. temporarily storing a length of the most recent portion of the incoming audio signal;
b. storing the length of audio signal;
c. storing the portion of the incoming audio signal subsequent to the length of audio signal; and d. retrieving the stored length and the stored subsequent portion of audio signal.
a. temporarily storing a length of the most recent portion of the incoming audio signal;
b. storing the length of audio signal;
c. storing the portion of the incoming audio signal subsequent to the length of audio signal; and d. retrieving the stored length and the stored subsequent portion of audio signal.
3. A method as defined in claim 1, comprising the steps of:
a. temporarily storing a length of the most recent portion of the incoming audio signal;
b. selecting a segment of the length of audio signal;
c. storing the selected segment of audio signal; and d. retrieving the stored segment of audio signal.
a. temporarily storing a length of the most recent portion of the incoming audio signal;
b. selecting a segment of the length of audio signal;
c. storing the selected segment of audio signal; and d. retrieving the stored segment of audio signal.
4. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein step (a) comprises the step of:
a. circularly storing a length of the most recent portion of the incoming audio signal.
a. circularly storing a length of the most recent portion of the incoming audio signal.
5. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein step (a) comprises the step of:
a. temporarily linearly storing a length of the most recent portion of the incoming audio signal.
a. temporarily linearly storing a length of the most recent portion of the incoming audio signal.
6. A method as defined in claim 1, comprising the steps of:
a. compressing the incoming audio signal;
b. temporarily storing a length of the most recent portion of compressed audio signal;
c. storing the length of audio signal;
d. retrieving the stored length of audio signal; and e. decompressing the retrieved length audio signal.
a. compressing the incoming audio signal;
b. temporarily storing a length of the most recent portion of compressed audio signal;
c. storing the length of audio signal;
d. retrieving the stored length of audio signal; and e. decompressing the retrieved length audio signal.
7. A method as defined in claim 1, comprising the steps of:
a. temporarily storing a length of the most recent portion of the incoming audio signal;
b. compressing the length of audio signal;
c. storing the compressed length of audio signal;
d. retrieving the stored length of audio signal; and e. decompressing the retrieved length of audio signal.
a. temporarily storing a length of the most recent portion of the incoming audio signal;
b. compressing the length of audio signal;
c. storing the compressed length of audio signal;
d. retrieving the stored length of audio signal; and e. decompressing the retrieved length of audio signal.
8. An apparatus for monitoring an incoming audio signal and for recording a portion thereof, comprising:
a buffer for temporarily storing a length of the most recent portion of the incoming audio signal;
a memory area for storing the length of audio signal; and means for retrieving the stored length of audio signal.
a buffer for temporarily storing a length of the most recent portion of the incoming audio signal;
a memory area for storing the length of audio signal; and means for retrieving the stored length of audio signal.
9. An apparatus as defined in claim 8, comprising:
a buffer for temporarily storing a length of the most recent portion of the incoming audio signal;
a memory area for storing the length of audio signal;
a memory area for storing the portion of the incoming audio signal subsequent to the length of audio signal; and means for retrieving the stored length and the stored subsequent portion of audio signal.
a buffer for temporarily storing a length of the most recent portion of the incoming audio signal;
a memory area for storing the length of audio signal;
a memory area for storing the portion of the incoming audio signal subsequent to the length of audio signal; and means for retrieving the stored length and the stored subsequent portion of audio signal.
10. An apparatus as defined in claim 8, comprising:
a buffer for temporarily storing a length of the most recent portion of the incoming audio signal;
means for selecting a segment of the temporarily stored length of audio signal;
a memory area for storing the selected segment of audio signal; and means for retrieving the stored segment of audio signal.
a buffer for temporarily storing a length of the most recent portion of the incoming audio signal;
means for selecting a segment of the temporarily stored length of audio signal;
a memory area for storing the selected segment of audio signal; and means for retrieving the stored segment of audio signal.
11. An apparatus as defined in claim 8, wherein the buffer is a circular buffer.
12. An apparatus as defined in claim 8, wherein the buffer is a linear buffer.
13. An apparatus as defined in claim 8, comprising:
means for compressing the incoming audio signal;
a buffer for temporarily storing a length of the most recent portion of the compressed incoming audio signal;
a memory area for storing the length of audio signal;
means for retrieving the stored length of audio signal; and means for decompressing the retrieved length of audio signal.
means for compressing the incoming audio signal;
a buffer for temporarily storing a length of the most recent portion of the compressed incoming audio signal;
a memory area for storing the length of audio signal;
means for retrieving the stored length of audio signal; and means for decompressing the retrieved length of audio signal.
14. An apparatus as defined in claim 8, comprising:
a buffer for temporarily storing a length of the most recent portion of the incoming audio signal;
means for compressing the length of audio signal;
a memory area for storing the compressed length of audio signal;
means for retrieving the stored length of audio signal; and means for decompressing the retrieved length of audio signal.
a buffer for temporarily storing a length of the most recent portion of the incoming audio signal;
means for compressing the length of audio signal;
a memory area for storing the compressed length of audio signal;
means for retrieving the stored length of audio signal; and means for decompressing the retrieved length of audio signal.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2225910 CA2225910A1 (en) | 1997-12-24 | 1997-12-24 | Audio recording and playback system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2225910 CA2225910A1 (en) | 1997-12-24 | 1997-12-24 | Audio recording and playback system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2225910A1 true CA2225910A1 (en) | 1999-06-24 |
Family
ID=29408995
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2225910 Abandoned CA2225910A1 (en) | 1997-12-24 | 1997-12-24 | Audio recording and playback system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2225910A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7778595B2 (en) | 2000-03-28 | 2010-08-17 | Affinity Labs Of Texas, Llc | Method for managing media |
| US8892465B2 (en) | 2001-06-27 | 2014-11-18 | Skky Incorporated | Media delivery platform |
-
1997
- 1997-12-24 CA CA 2225910 patent/CA2225910A1/en not_active Abandoned
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| US8359007B2 (en) | 2000-03-28 | 2013-01-22 | Affinity Labs Of Texas, Llc | System and method for communicating media center |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |